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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!
- Spend three days in Rio de Janeiro
- Visit the gorgeous colonial town of Paraty
- Indulge in delicious, authentic Brazilian cuisine
- Explore the famous Iguazu Falls, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site
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DAY 1: Start of tour in Rio de Janeiro
New York, New York! Welcome to the Big Apple! Today is the first day in New York City and it’s yours to explore as you wish. Check into the accommodation for the next three nights which is located just outside of Times Square, in the heart of the city, making exploring very convenient! Start planning the many adventures to experience over the next two full free days in this exciting city!
Experiences
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
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.
Experiences
Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer Statue entry and visit: 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
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.
On Tour Excursions
Rio+
See Sugarloaf Mountain, the Kobra graffiti wall, São Cristóvão local fair, Samba City and more on this exciting Rio de Janeiro tour!
US$ 160DAY 4: Rio de Janeiro – Paraty
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 then set off on an orientation walking tour with your tour leader which includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed historic centre! Tonight is a free evening to enjoy the local vibe in Paraty.
Experiences
Paraty walking tour: Follow your tour leader on an orientation walking tour of 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
Settle into a free day in Paraty. There is a highly-recommended optional island tour which sets sail on a schooner boat! Enjoy lunch on board and swim in the waters of four stunning beaches surrounding Paraty. 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!
On Tour Excursions
Paraty Island Tour
Set sail on a schooner boat and discover the spectacular island scenery surrounding Paraty! Enjoy lunch on board and stop at four beautiful beaches.
US$ 80DAY 6: Paraty – São Paulo – Flight to Foz do Iguaçu
This morning, leave Paraty behind and travel to São Paulo. Head to the airport and hop aboard an included flight to the beautiful Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu! Look forward to spending the next four nights in this region which is home to one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. After a busy day of travelling, enjoy an included, authentic, all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ dinner at a local home along with drinks, music and dancing!
Experiences
Local Family BBQ Experience: Experience authentic Brazilian hospitality with dinner, drinks and festivities at a local family home. At Victor’s house, tuck into a delicious, all-you-can-eat home-made BBQ along with all-you-can-drink Caipirinhas, beer and soft drinks! You can even try out your bartender skills with a Caipirinha workshop, take a dip in the swimming pool and enjoy traditional music and samba dancing. It’s sure to be a night to remember!DAY 7: Foz do Iguaçu – Iguazu Falls Brazilian side
After breakfast, meet up with an expert local guide and head to the Iguazu Falls (sometimes spelled Iguazú) inside Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park. This massive waterfall system is the largest in the world. Follow your guide to the best vantage points, or follow the pathways to the foot of the falls if you wish. This afternoon offers an exciting optional excursion which is ideal for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Join the Birds of Brazil excursion to visit a renowned bird sanctuary which is home to colourful creatures such as macaws, toucans and butterflies! Later, return to the hotel and be sure to grab some rest – tomorrow is another exciting day!
Experiences 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.
On Tour Excursions
Birds of Brazil
Marvel at the impressive Montmorency Falls in Quebec! Take in the views from the suspension bridge or staircases.
US$ 80DAY 8: Foz do Iguaçu: Free Day
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!
On Tour Excursions
Half-Day Argentinean Falls Trip
See the impressive Iguazú National Park across the border in Argentina and experience the magnificent waterfalls of this region!
US$ 200
Rafain Dinner & Show
Experience traditional Latin American dance, music and food! Enjoy a two-course churrascaria meal along with an exciting performance.
US$ 90DAY 9: Foz do Iguaçu: Free Day
Take another day to explore the Iguazu Falls region at your own pace. You could admire 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. Tonight is free to spend as you wish. Why not get together with your fellow travellers for one last dinner?
On Tour Excursions
Paraguay Day Trip (with local guide)
Tick another country off your list and travel to Paraguay from Foz de Iguaçu. Visit Ciudad del Este, Itaipu Dam, Monday Waterfalls and more!
US$ 120DAY 10: End of tour in Foz do Iguaçu
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!
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Accommodation
- 9 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Meals
- 9 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach
- 1 internal flight
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
16 Experiences!
- Taste Feijoada, Brazil’s national dish
- Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue
- See the colourful Seláron staircase in the Lapa neighbourhood
- Embark on an orientation walking tour of Paraty
- Enjoy a Brazilian BBQ experience at a local family home
- Visit the Iguazu Falls in Iguaçu National Park
DEPARTURE DATES AND RATES
Start Date / End Date Status Price Per Person 26 Oct 2025 – 04 Nov 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,290Now $1,71216 Nov 2025 – 25 Nov 2025 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,290Now $1,71218 Jan 2026 – 27 Jan 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,510Now $2,15519 Feb 2026 – 28 Feb 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,510Now $2,15505 Apr 2026 – 14 Apr 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,510Now $2,15526 Apr 2026 – 05 May 2026 SOLD OUT! 17 May 2026 – 26 May 2026 SOLD OUT! 13 Sep 2026 – 22 Sep 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,510Now $2,15511 Oct 2026 – 20 Oct 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,510Now $2,28515 Nov 2026 – 24 Nov 2026 Book now with low deposit Up To $2,510Now $2,155