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Rio & Iguazu Falls

Enjoy the best Brazil has to offer with a comprehensive tour of Rio, Iguazu Falls and the Amazon.

Overview

The Amazon Rainforest, Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls tour is a once in a lifetime experience that will take you deep into the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest before exploring the highlights of the city of Rio and the magic of Iguazu Falls on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. All of the featured excursions, activities, and accommodations can be tailored in accordance with your personal wishes. All are private tours and transport with a private guide, with the exception of the cruise portion, which is on a shared basis with other passengers.

Manaus

Tour the historic jungle city of Manaus and learn about its rise and fall during the rubber boom era. Visit the Amazonas Theater, which is lauded as one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. See the Largo de São Sebastião, one of the city’s main squares, the Provincial Palace and the State of Amazonas Art Gallery. Explore the Municipal Market, the colonial architecture of the city, the floating port area of Manaus, and the Rio Negro Palace.

Your Amazon cruise

Step aboard the Motor Yacht Tucano for an exciting cruise that will take you up the Rio Negro and into the Anavilhanas archipelago, which is one of the world’s largest river island systems. Experience daytime and evening launch excursions through dense flooded forest along the river’s edge, listen out for howler monkeys and keep your eyes peeled for squirrel monkeys and some extraordinarily beautiful birds.

Look for nocturnal creatures such as the caiman, arboreal porcupines, sloths and night birds such as the great potoo. Walk through the rainforest looking for tracks and maybe even some sightings of some of the Amazon’s great mammals. Explore areas rarely visited by anyone else. Witness the extraordinary sight of the two-toned confluence of two massive Amazon tributaries, where the dark waters of the Negro River meet the muddy waters of the Solimões River to form the mighty Amazon. This “Meeting of the Waters” is a natural phenomenon where the two rivers run side by side for more than three miles without mixing.

Rio de Janeiro

In Rio de Janeiro, ride the historic train up to the 2329-foot peak of Corcovado mountain to see the colossal statue of Christ the Redeemer, which not only stands tall as the iconic image of Brazil but is also counted among the seven man-made miracles of the world. Be blown away by the incredible view. Take the exciting cable car ride to the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, which towers over the Guanabara Bay.

Explore Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, stop at the Vista Chinese lookout and later admire the gorgeous Tijuca Waterfall Cascatinha. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the world-famous Selaron Steps. Enjoy a short tour of the traditional Cinelândia Square and its historical buildings; relax and people-watch on both Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach.

Iguazú Falls

Your Amazon Rainforest, Rio and Iguazu Falls tour continues with a trip to the Iguazú Bird Sanctuary which is home to more than 1,300 species of birds, as well as reptiles, butterflies and some incredible plants. Your next two days will be spent marveling at the mighty Iguazú Falls. Brazil can lay claim to about 20 percent of the falls, and Argentina to the other 80 percent.

This means that you get a bigger picture view of the falls from the Brazilian side, looking towards Argentina, but in Argentina you get closer to the falls and there is a larger area to explore. If you’re having the Iguazu Falls Brazil vs Argentina debate, both sides are incredible, and on this trip, you will get to spend a full day exploring each side by foot, by boat and by private vehicle. Hear the falls resonating through the rainforest and revel in the spectacle.

Itinerary & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

8 Day - Rio & Iguazu Falls
itinerary map

Welcome to Iguazu

Upon arrival in Iguazu, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your designated hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure!

For those staying in accommodations on the outskirts of town, we recommend relaxing and enjoying the hotel facilities. Alternatively, you may wish to take a taxi to the town center to stroll down the main avenue of Foz do Iguazu, exploring the local shops and cafes. Tonight, you will rest comfortably in your hotel in anticipation of the spectacular sights that lay ahead!

Meals (X)

Location
Iguazu Falls
Day
1 / 8

The Brazilian side of the Falls

Early this morning, after breakfast, the adventure continues! You will head out to discover a Natural Wonder of the World: Iguazu Falls. Today, you will enjoy a private guided tour of the Brazilian side of the falls, situated within the stunning Iguazu National Park.

Spanning over three kilometers and plunging 80 meters into the river below, these falls are wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara. As you walk along the trail, you will be treated to amazing panoramic views of the waterfalls, often decorated with rainbows from the never-ending spray. The highlight of the day is the frontal view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat)—the most powerful spot in the park.

Meals (B)

Brazil Side Iguazu Falls
Location
Iguazu Falls
Day
2 / 8

The Argentine side of the Falls

Today, the excitement reaches new heights! You will go from Foz do Iguaçu, crossing the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguazu River to arrive at Argentina’s Iguazu National Park.

Upon arrival, you will board a small train to the first stop: the ominously named Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo). Standing at over 262 feet, this is the largest and most impressive waterfall in the complex. Having soaked up the enormity of the Devil’s Throat, your guide will lead you along the wooden walkways of both the Upper and Lower circuits. These trails, built on raised platforms to protect the natural jungle habitat, navigate through the verdant landscape and offer secluded, unimaginable views of the 270 separate waterfalls that make up this Natural Wonder.

But the adventure is not over yet! When the walking tour concludes, prepare to be immersed in the jungle—literally. You will travel by 4-wheel drive vehicle to the Puerto Macuco forestry base. From there, the journey continues by boat, maneuvering up the river to the base of the falls. Surrounded by glowing rainbows and adrenaline, you will get close enough for an unforgettable “waterfall shower”!

Meals (B)

Iguazu Falls south america
Location
Iguazu Falls
Day
3 / 8

Leisure time in Foz do Iguaçu

Today your day is free to spend at leisure.

For those travelers looking to explore the region further, we recommend visiting the impressive Itaipu Dam, the third-largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Alternatively, nature lovers may wish to visit the beautiful Bird Park, home to hundreds of native and exotic species! Tonight, you will spend the night in your hotel in anticipation of the travels that lay ahead.

Meals (B)

Atlantic Rainforest Mountains
Location
Iguazu Falls
Day
4 / 8

Departing Iguazu

At the designated time, you will be transferred to the Foz do Iguaçu airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro! Upon arrival, our local representative will greet you and provide a transfer to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. We recommend strolling along the iconic boulevards of Ipanema and Copacabana to soak up the atmosphere of ‘The Marvelous City.’ For dinner, travelers should try the traditional feijoada carioca paired with a refreshing caipirinha. Tonight, you can relax at your hotel or visit a local samba bar to dance the night away in anticipation of the excitement to come!

Meals (B)

 

Coati good bye
Location
Iguazu to Rio de Janeiro
Day
5 / 8

The Best of Rio

Today, travelers will spend a full day discovering Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic landmarks! The adventure begins with a scenic drive through Tijuca National Park—the world’s largest urban forest—en route to the top of Corcovado Mountain. Here, you will stand before the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue, a New Seven Wonder of the World offering panoramic views of the coastline below.

From there, the exploration continues in the heart of Rio’s historic center. You will stroll among colonial buildings and narrow cobblestone streets as your guide reveals the charm of “old Rio” hidden within the modern metropolis.

The adventure is not over yet! In the afternoon, you will visit the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, where a two-stage cable car ride takes you to the summit for 360-degree views over Guanabara Bay. To complete the day, travelers will take part in an interactive caipirinha-making experience, learning to prepare Brazil’s national cocktail! Tonight, you will rest in your hotel with memories of an unforgettable day in the “Marvelous City.”

Meals: (B)

Location
Rio de Janeiro
Day
6 / 8

Discovering Real Rio

Today, you will discover Rio de Janeiro through the eyes of a local! This immersive tour begins as you meet your guide and head to the metro station to experience the city’s rhythm alongside thousands of daily commuters.

The first stop is the grand Theatro Municipal, an architectural masterpiece inspired by the Paris Opera House. From there, you will hop aboard the charming Bondinho de Santa Teresa. This iconic yellow tram rides over the Arcos da Lapa aqueduct, transporting you to the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, where you will wander among elegant mansions, art studios, and the famous Selarón Steps—a mosaic masterpiece and one of Rio’s most photographed landmarks.

The adventure concludes with a sweet break at the historic Confeitaria Colombo. Listed among the world’s most beautiful coffee houses, this stunning Art Nouveau café is the perfect spot to enjoy a taste of Rio’s elegance! Tonight, you will spend the last night in Rio.

Meals (B)

Location
Rio de Janeiro
Day
7 / 8

Leaving Rio

Sadly, the time has come to bid farewell to the Marvelous City! At the designated time, our local representative will meet travelers at the hotel to provide a transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

As you buckle up for your journey, take a moment to reflect on the incredible sights and sounds of the past few days. Although this specific adventure is coming to a close, the memories of Brazil will surely last a lifetime! We wish you a safe and pleasant flight home!

Meals (B)

Location
Rio de Janeiro
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

Accommodations

Hotel Options

4 Star

Eco-Cataratas

Iguazu Falls
4 Star

Windsor Leme

Rio de Janeiro
View From Windsor Leme
5 Star

Sanma Hotel

Iguazu Falls
5 Star

Miramar by Windsor

Rio de Janeiro
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