Itinerary #1: Brazil’s Cities, Mountains & Waterfalls: Rio de Janeiro & Iguaçu Falls

Explore the diverse landscapes of Brazil on this nature-focused highlights tour, discovering the cultural hub of Rio de Janeiro and the breathtaking Iguaçu Falls. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and city explorers alike, this itinerary offers a balanced mix of guided city tours, excursions to iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the world’s largest waterfall system. Additional highlights include visiting Parque das Aves (Bird Park) and Rio’s Botanical Gardens.

Begin in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, where you can stroll along Copacabana’s mosaic boardwalk or catch some waves and laze on the sand at Ipanema Beach. On Day 2, embark on a guided tour to major landmarks, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Maracanã Stadium. The following day, take a cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain’s towering peak to enjoy expansive city views. Then, continue to the Santa Teresa neighborhood and Old Rio, where you’ll see the famous Selaron Steps. On your final day in Rio, tour the city’s Botanical Garden before flying to Foz do Iguaçu (Iguaçu Falls).

Stand in awe at Iguaçu Falls, the world’s most extensive waterfall system, from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. You’ll have a day each to explore both sides, starting in Argentine National Park, where you’ll be awestruck by the “Devil’s Mouth” or Garganta do Diablo waterfall. Next, visit the Brazilian side and tour the Parque das Aves (Bird Park), home to over 150 species of birds that you can view at close range amid the lush rainforest before it’s time to catch your outbound flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Discover Salvador: Culture, Cuisine & Music in Brazilian Bahia

This cultural itinerary showcases Salvador’s unique cuisine, music, and architecture. Highlights include rubbing shoulders with locals and visiting botecos in the Bohemian Quarter, exploring the art-rich Pelourinho district, taking a Brazilian cooking class, cruising to “Monk’s Island,” and celebrating the music of a famous local band.

Welcome to Bahia! In the Brazilian city of Salvador, mingle with locals in the lively beach neighborhood of Rio Vermelho. You’ll try local street food, visit a boteco, enjoy live music, and dance along the waterfront. The following day, stroll the colorful colonial streets of Pelourinho, Salvador’s historic downtown, visiting landmarks, museums, and art galleries. Your cultural trip continues by browsing a traditional market in Santo Amaro, experiencing the UNESCO-listed town of Cachoeira, home to a thriving culture grounded in African traditions visible in its local art and sculptures, and touring a cigar company.

On Day 4, wander through Salvador’s largest municipal market, the São Joaquim Fair, followed by a cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn to prepare Bahia’s signature dish, moqueca. During your free afternoon, explore the city’s beaches, such as Costa dos Coqueiros or Costa do Dende, artisan workshops, or cultural events. Day 5 brings a schooner island cruise in Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saint’s Bay), where you’ll enjoy Ilha dos Frades (Monk’s Island) and Ilha de Itaparica. On your final day, witness the performances of the Olodum percussion band or join a music percussion class. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Rio de Janeiro Getaway

Spend all six days immersing yourself in Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty with this getaway. You’ll experience the Carioca lifestyle with a mix of adventurous activities, relaxation experiences, and cultural offerings. Highlights include a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer, a day trip to the stunning beaches of Búzios, a tour of the colorful neighborhood of Santa Teresa, and a unique experience of Rio’s Carnival culture at Samba City. 

Tour Rio de Janeiro’s local sights, including Tijuca National Park, the largest urban park in the world; Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of Samba music; and the Feira de Arte de Ipanema Sunday Market. On Day 2, you’ll board a train to the peak of Corcovado for stunning views of iconic Christ the Redeemer, the largest Art Deco statue ever built. Next, visit the Rio Botanical Garden, which hosts over 7,000 types of plants.

On Day 3, your getaway continues with a walking tour of Santa Teresa, a charming neighborhood known for its beautiful villas, yellow trams, and urban art murals. The following day, embark on a day trip to Búzios, where you can swim, enjoy the beaches, and take a cruise. Day 5 provides a free day to visit Forte de Copacabana, a historic Portuguese colonial fort, or enjoy the views at Arpoador Beach, ending with a Boteco tour to experience the local nightlife. On your final day, tour the historic center of Rio, Samba City, and get a behind-the-scenes look at Brazil’s biggest party, Carnival. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Brazilian Amazon Jungle Experience

This Amazon jungle experience is perfect for intrepid travelers wanting to discover the raw beauty of the Amazon Rainforest. Beginning and ending in Manaus, you’ll stay four nights in a rustic jungle lodge, exploring the unique flora and fauna of the Amazon, canoeing through its ecosystems, and even spending a night under the stars. You’ll also learn about the local Indigenous cultures and the region’s historic rubber industry.

Kick off your adventure in Manaus, the gateway of the Amazon, where you’ll take in the city’s key monuments, including the 20th-century Black River Palace, the Indian Museum, the 19th-century Customs House, the Palace of Justice, and Amazon Theater, an opera house. On Day 2, board a motorized speedboat, stopping to observe the “Meeting of the Waters,” the natural phenomenon where the muddy Rio Solimões meets the black waters of the Rio Negroto. After arriving at your Amazon jungle lodge accommodation, enjoy a nocturnal safari, spotting frogs, sloths, armadillos, and caimans.

On Day 3, delve into the flora and fauna of the Amazon, trekking through the forest and fishing for piranhas in a motorized canoe. Day 4 begins with a peaceful canoe tour along the Amazon, offering the chance to spot exotic species and visit a local Indigenous home to learn about their culture and customs. For a more adventurous option, camp overnight in the jungle and learn about survival techniques. On Day 5, navigate between the igapós and igarapés ecosystems in a traditional dugout canoe and learn to make Indigenous crafts. On your final day, return to Manaus to visit the Museu da Amazônia. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Cuiabá & North Pantanal Wildlife Tour

Nature and animal lovers will enjoy this wildlife-focused tour in Brazil’s expansive North Pantanal, starting and ending in the capital city of Cuiabá. This itinerary features nocturnal wildlife tours, photo safaris, and boat tours where you’ll get a chance to see ocelots, caimans, jaguars, and more. Experience local life by horseback riding with Pantanal cowboys, and cap off your adventure with a scenic hike through the lush Pantanal wetlands.

In Cuiabá, explore the city’s colonial history, visit the Palacio de Instrucao history museum, and marvel at the Senhor Bom Jesus de Cuiabá, a magnificent Art Deco Catholic temple. The following day, journey to the northern Pantanal region, to the outpost of Porto Jofre, located on the Cuiabá River and adjacent to Pantanal Matogrossense National Park. After checking in to your pousada (guesthouse), embark on a nocturnal wildlife tour to spot capybaras, anteaters, foxes, caimans, and possibly even an ocelot.

On Day 3, head out on the water to witness the sun rising over the forested wetlands and the songs of various birds, like jabiru storks and the hyacinth macaw. Continue with a motorboat tour down the Rio Claro, looking for monkeys, exotic birds, tapirs, and river otters. The day ends with a horseback riding experience with a real-life pantaneiro (Pantanal cowboy). Day 4 is dedicated to a full-day wildlife tour to spot jaguars, while Day 5 is for hiking through the Pantanal wetlands, followed by a safari that offers the opportunity to glimpse various land and aerial animals. Learn more

More Great 6-Day Brazil Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Brazil? Check out these other six-day Brazil itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and wildlife tours to hit the nature highlights.