Brazil & Iguazu Highlights - Tour Rio De Janeiro To Iguazu Falls
Brazil & Iguazu Highlights - Tour Rio De Janeiro To Iguazu Falls
10 Days Starting in Rio de Janeiro and ending in Foz do Iguacu
Visiting: Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, São Paulo, Flight to Foz do Iguaçu, Iguaçu Falls Brazilian side, Foz do Iguaçu, Iguassu Falls, Iguassu Falls Argentinian Side
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LATAM1L
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Kick off this South American adventure with a 3-day exploration of Rio de Janeiro. See all the big-ticket sights and immerse yourself in the local culture. Then, skip down the Costa Verde for a real beach holiday experience in Paraty. It's pure paradise with deserted sandy beaches, crystal clear water and dense tropical forest. For the grand finale, tick off the majestic Iguazu Falls from your travel bucket list. Cruise the water, feel the salty spray and choose to cross borders to Argentina and Paraguay. Ready for a journey that takes you to experience the true heartbeat of South America? Let's go!Â
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Rio; it's the first day of your South America trip! Check in at the hotel and take some time to explore if you arrived with time to spare. Meet up with the group in the hotel foyer this evening before taking a walk to a nearby restaurant to enjoy an authentic Brazilian welcome dinner with all-you-can-eat Feijoada! This flavourful combination of stewed meat and beans is Brazil’s national dish. Get ready for a delicious and unforgettable first night on tour!
Welcome Dinner: Eat local on your first night in Rio de Janeiro! For Brazilians, mealtime is a family event. Your welcome dinner included all-you-can-eat Feijoada. Brazil’s national dish is a flavourful stew of meat (usually pork and beef) and beans, usually served with rice. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
Day 2: Rio De Janeiro City Tour
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set out on a full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro with a local guide! First, travel via tram up to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue! Drink in the breathtaking sea, mountain and city views from the top. Enjoy some free time to grab lunch before visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. This modern building features a unique modern architectural style meant to symbolise the Mayan pyramids. Then, visit the vibrant Lapa neighbourhood and walk up the colourful Selarón Steps to take some memorable pictures. Finally, see the Maracanã Stadium and where the legendary Carnival takes place as you drive back to the hotel. Tonight is free to spend as you wish.
Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer Statue entry and visit:Â Visit the most iconic monument of Rio and Brazil - the statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor). Designed by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, the 125 ft/38m tall Christ the Redeemer statue offers the most breathtaking views from where it stands on top of mount Corcovado, overlooking the city below. Brazil is a religiously diverse nation and considers the arms-open-wide gesture of the statue as one of welcoming and peace.
Visit Lapa and Rio de Janeiro’s tiled staircase: See a different and more quiet side of the cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city), as you meander the streets of the downtown neighbourhood of Lapa. Also see the 125-step Selarón staircase (Escadaria Selarón) made with colourful mosaic tiles and mirrors.
Day 3: Rio De Janeiro: Free Day
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make the most of a free day in Rio. Explore at your own pace or join the Rio+ optional excursion which showcases the city’s top sights! This outing includes a cable car trip up Sugarloaf mountain to enjoy 360-degree views of the city and its nearby beaches! Plus, enjoy a visit to the Kobra graffiti wall, Ipanema beach, São Cristóvão local fair and Samba City - home of the annual Rio Carnival! Alternatively, head into downtown Rio to discover impressive cultural and colonial destinations at your leisure - here you’ll find the Museum of Tomorrow, The Candelária Church and the Sao Bento Monastery.
Day 4: Rio De Janeiro - Paraty
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Paraty
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wave Rio goodbye as the tour continues down Brazil's Costa Verde (Green Coast). Soak up exquisite views of the ocean and surrounding jungles! Arrive in Paraty, a beautiful resort town which is known for its cobbled streets and romantic 17th-century houses. Check in at the hotel and meet up with your local guide for a tour which includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed historic centre! Tonight is a free evening to enjoy the local vibe in Paraty.
Paraty walking tour: Follow a local guide around Paraty and discover why Paraty was so affluent during the gold, coffee and cachaça periods. This gorgeous colonial town is situated in the perfect spot for spectacular views of the surrounding Atlantic ocean and jungle. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts beautifully preserved architecture, cobblestone roads and churches. Cars were banned from the historic core, so you can expect quiet surroundings with welcoming locals.
Day 5: Paraty: Free Day
Location: Paraty
Meals Included: Breakfast
Settle into a free day in Paraty. There is an optional 4x4 Jeep tour which also includes a visit to a local cachaça distillery for a chance to taste and learn more about Brazil’s national drink! Alternatively, choose to explore solo. Head into the steep valleys or mountains that surround Paraty to do some hiking. Or, head to the beach for some time in the sun. Paraty forms part of the Serra da Bocaina National Park so natural beauty abounds! The town itself also features wonderful architecture and cultural destinations. Get ready to be mesmerised!
Day 6: Paraty - São Paulo
Location: Paraty, São Paulo
Meals Included: Breakfast
São Paulo is calling! Travel to this bustling city where the tour will spend one night. Brazil's mega city buzzes with energy. Set out alongside a local guide upon arrival for a city tour. Feel the vitality of the city while exploring the streets! Visit the sprawling Mercadão food market to browse the stalls, pick up local fare and enjoy free time for lunch. Why not tuck into a Mortadella sandwich or other local delicacies? Delicious! Later, settle in at the hotel after a full day of exploring São Paulo.
São Paulo City Tour and Mercadão visit: São Paulo is quite simply enormous. It’s the biggest city in Latin America and the Southern hemisphere. Upon arrival, set out with a local expert to find out more about the history and economy of the city and see the points of interest. Then, stop at the Mercadão, a famous food market, with free time for lunch. This municipal market is the perfect spot if you want to see and taste all kinds of South American foods - from north to south. Look out for the famous Mortadella sandwich, codfish and prawn pastries, and cashew fruit.
Day 7: São Paulo - Flight To Foz Do Iguaçu - Iguazu Falls Brazilian Side
Location: São Paulo, Flight to Foz do Iguaçu, Iguaçu Falls Brazilian side
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Goodbye São Paulo, it’s time to travel to the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu! Board a short inland flight and head to the Iguazu Falls (sometimes spelled Iguazú) inside Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park immediately upon arrival. This massive waterfall system is the largest in the world. Follow your tour leader to the best vantage points, or follow the pathways to the foot of the falls if you wish. Head to the hotel afterwards, check in and freshen up. Next, get ready to tuck into Brazilian barbecue at a group dinner! Return to the hotel and be sure to grab some rest - tomorrow is another exciting day!
Visit the Iguazu Falls in Iguaçu National Park: Foz do Iguaçu is located on the triple borders of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. Depending on the rainfall, there could be between 150 and 300 waterfalls at the time of your visit. This experience gives you a chance to enter the national park and explore.The Iguazu Falls are one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Entry is included.
Brazilian barbecue dinner: Eat local on your first night in Iguazu! Dinner this evening involves a traditional Brazilian barbecue at a local Churrascaria restaurant. As the name states in Portuguese, churrasco involves meat roasted over charcoal, served with a side of grilled vegetables, garnishes, salads and a variety of traditional desserts. In combination with the warm-hearted culture of the locals, it makes for an unforgettable experience.
Day 8: Foz Do Iguaçu: Free Day
Location: Foz do Iguaçu
Meals Included: Breakfast
There are a variety of excursions available in Foz do Iguaçu today! Choose to embark on a guided tour of the Argentinean side of the falls, enjoy a boat ride and views of the Salto Tres Mosqueteros (The Three Musketeers) and the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat waterfalls! Please note, this optional activity is weather-dependent and may be moved to another day if weather conditions are poor. Your tour leader will keep you informed should this be the case. Tonight, the world-famous Rafain show and dinner experience is on offer. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in Latin American dance, music and cuisine!
Day 9: Foz Do Iguaçu: Free Day
Location: Iguassu Falls, Iguassu Falls Argentinian Side
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take another day to explore the Iguazu Falls region at your own pace. You could take a helicopter over the falls or visit the local bird park. Today also offers a day trip to Paraguay. Cross the bridge over Paraná River to enter Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. Browse local shops and markets, encounter the Monday Waterfalls, and visit the Itaipú Dam - the world's most expansive hydroelectric power plant. Please note that this optional excursion may also be rescheduled if weather conditions are poor. Ask your tour leader for more information. After a day filled with outdoor adventures, choose to enjoy an authentic, all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ dinner at a local home along with drinks, music and dancing!
Day 10: End Of Tour In Foz Do Iguaçu
Location: Foz do Iguaçu
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Rio to Iguazu tour comes to an end after breakfast in Foz do Iguaçu this morning. If you would like to extend your stay in Foz do Iguaçu after the tour, please contact us to confirm the hotel. By this point, you will have enjoyed 10 incredible days exploring the very best of Brazil. A true delight!
What's Included
-
Accommodation
9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air conditioned coach
1 internal flight -
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
-
Experiences
Taste Feijoada, Brazil’s national dish
Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue
See the colourful Seláron staircase in the Lapa neighbourhood
Take a walking tour of Paraty
Enjoy a city tour of São Paulo and visit the Mercadão market
Visit the Iguazu Falls in Iguacu National Park
Take part in a traditional Brazilian barbecue
What's Not Included
International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.
Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.Â
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.
Mode of Transport
- Modern air conditioned coach
- 1 internal flight
Accommodation
- 9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Check out our Q&As
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
-
Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
tourhub Discount Available - Sign In
Sunday - Tuesday
Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 29, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."