Highlights of Brazil

Duration 11 days
Price guide
From
  PP
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Start this luxury exploration of Brazil with the country’s most famous city, Rio de Janeiro, famed for the idyllic Copacabana, the annual carnival and Christ the Redeemer statue. Flying north, spend two nights in Bahia and the enigmatic city of Salvador, the percussive heart of Brazil. Then, you’ll reach the awe-inspiring Iguassu Falls to follow the various wooden walkways through the national park and along the cascading waters. Your final stop is Buzios, the glamorous yet tranquil beachside town, known as the Brazilian Saint Tropez. Here, you can be sure to rejuvenate on its beaches while soaking up the atmosphere in the many different cafes, bars and restaurants.

Trip highlights

  • Venture around the iconic landmarks of Rio de Janeiro
  • Hike to the top of the famous Pedra Bonita
  • Partake in a percussion class in Salvador
  • Visit the magnificent Iguassu Falls
  • Unwind in the idyllic town of Buzios

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Private transfers
  • Private tours and experiences
  • Full support from your travel designer and concierge
  • Help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance
  • Days 1–4 Rio de Janeiro
  • Days 4–6 Salvador
  • Days 6–8 Iguassu Falls
  • Days 8–11 Buzios
Highlights of Brazil
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–4 Rio de Janeiro
  • Days 4–6 Salvador
  • Days 6–8 Iguassu Falls
  • Days 8–11 Buzios

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–4

Three nights in Rio de Janeiro

Spend your days in the ‘Marvellous City’ exploring Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. Brazil’s second-largest city is often mistaken as its capital for the richness of its culture and impactful landmarks. Wander along the colourful streets that host the famous annual carnival and witness the breathtaking views from the top of Corcovado Mountain, just beneath the shade of Christ the Redeemer. Or, stroll the famed Copacabana beach that sets this city apart from any other. With so many diverse sites of significance to visit, such as the stadium of Maracanã and Sugar Loaf Mountain, there’s plenty to fill your time and make your stay in Rio one to remember.

Make it mine

City sites

Forest heights

A private tour of Rio de Janeiro

Your Carioca guide will tailor your city tour to suit your preferences and suggest some of Rio’s most enigmatic highlights. You might visit the neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, often referred to as the Montmartre of Rio, set into the hills close to the centre of town. There’s the historic centre of Rio with narrow 19th-century streets, magnificent Baroque churches and the ruins of the old port. Then, choose between Christ the Redeemer or SugarLoaf Mountain, Rio’s most famous attractions.

Go hiking on Pedra Bonita

Get ready for an adventure to explore one of the most famous landmarks in Rio, Pedra Bonita, well known as the hill where the hand gliders take off in Rio city. Together with your guide, you’ll head towards São Conrado and embark on a trail leading to the top of this mountain, which is 696 metres high. From the top of the Pedra Bonita, you can see the whole Barra da Tijuca shoreline, the Gavea Stone and the Tijuca Forest.

Days 4–6

Two nights in Salvador

Enjoy your days exploring the historic UNESCO Pelourinho Quarter, in what was Brazil’s former capital, Salvador. From private walking tours of the city with your expert guide to strolling through the markets and frequenting its many hotspots, you’ll have a full set of recommendations and advice from us on how best to make the most of the city.

Make it mine

The movement

The sound

Enter a capoeira workshop

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. You’ll visit FICA (the International Federation of Angolan Capoeira) to meet with capoeira group leaders and learn about the history and philosophy of this martial art before trying out some of the basic movements and instruments. There’s a strong philosophy and way of life associated with being a capoeirista and to become a master demands years of dedication.

A private percussion class

Salvador is home to many famous percussion groups, such as the ‘Afro Bloco Filhos de Gandhi’ and Olodum, perhaps the most famous. The ‘afro blocos’ fight against prejudice and discrimination, by valuing the self-esteem of black people and their communities. This morning, you’ll meet with a famous Brazilian percussionist for a musical tour of the rhythms of Bahia, learning how to play instruments as you go.

Days 6–8

Two nights at Iguassu Falls

Enjoy this stunning natural wonder of the world, Iguassu Falls, on a range of exciting tours like boat safaris or hikes through the surrounding national park. You can also experience kayaking trips, canopy zip-line adventures, specialist hiking trails and bird watching.

A full day tour of the falls is essential, and this will take part in Argentina, however, the views of the falls from Brazil are spectacular. You’ll enjoy some free time to walk along the paths, surrounded in lush jungle, to see Falls on the Brazilian side.

Explore Iguassu Falls in Argentina

A private tour of Iguassu Falls with an exhilarating boat trip

Meet your guide and together begin your exploration, mostly on foot, of the Argentine side of the Falls. Your tour will take place on the maze of pathways, bridges, platforms and viewpoints.

One of the most spectacular sights of the falls is the Devil’s Throat, which sees the largest flow of water and is reached by a short train journey. For those who want to stretch their legs, there’s the one kilometre ‘Sendero Verde’ walking trail. The walkway built over the Upper Iguassu River crosses several islands before reaching a strategic and dramatic lookout that rests on the side of the dramatic Devil’s Throat.

Days Days 8–11

Three nights in Buzios

Spend your time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful seaside town of Buzios. Famous for being ‘discovered’ in the 1960s by Bridgette Bardot, Buzios is no longer the sleepy fishing village it once was, with an abundance of restaurants, bars, boutique shops and hotels. Thankfully, development hasn’t been too drastic, and the town still retains much of its charm, often being referred to as the Brazilian Saint Tropez. You’ll have our guide to the best restaurants and beaches so you can make the most of your time here.

Why book with Jacada

Pesonalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

Positive Impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline