10 Days in Brazil - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Brazil Highlights: Rio de Janeiro, Iguaçu Falls & Amazon Rainforest

If you've never been to Brazil, this 10-day highlights tour offers an excellent introduction to the colorful country. You'll explore carnival culture in Rio, marvel at Iguaçu Falls, the world's largest waterfall system, and experience the Amazon jungle in Anavilhanas National Park. 

Start your journey in the cultural hub of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. You'll explore local neighborhoods, sample native food and drinks, and be immersed in the art scene: dance the samba, try on costumes used in Carnival, and learn about the social projects transforming the community. The next day you'll ascend  Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) in a cable car and visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Day 4 brings you to Foz do Iguaçu, where you'll explore the Brazilian side by bicycle and head to the Argentinian side of this natural wonder for a new perspective the next day.

The second half of your trip focuses on the Amazon rainforest. Beginning in the city of Manaus, you'll then take a speed boat ride to your lodge in the jungle. Once at your accommodation, you'll transfer into a canoe where you're encouraged to take a dip and possibly encounter pink dolphins. You'll revel in sunrise excursions, educational hikes into the jungle, swinging hammocks post lunch, and boat rides on the river. Taste local cooking and discover medicinal plants and the Amazonian culture before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Adventure in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, the Amazon & Salvador 

On this 10-day adventure, you'll cover Brazil's highlights, forgoing Iguaçu Falls for three nights in the Afro-Brazilan city of Salvador. You'll go from a tour of Rio's Carnival preparations to Salvador's fantastic food, dance, and beaches. In between, you'll get an up-close look at the Amazon river and jungle and discover Rio's colorful neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and the Tijuca Forest.

Your travel commences in "The Marvelous City" of Rio de Janeiro, where you'll be whisked to Sugarloaf Mountain and Praia Vermelha beach. The next day you're immersed in authentic "Carioca" (a Rio local) culture through walking tours of the city and a visit to a samba school before relaxing with a refreshing caipirinha cocktail. Day 3 brings more culture; the Contemporary Art Museum (MAC) of Niterói and a seafood feast at Mercado São Pedro. On a Jeep tour of Santa Teresa and Tijuca, you may discover monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and other wildlife. 

A transfer to the Amazon takes you deep into the jungle. Enjoy a canoe ride down the river to visit a ribeirinhos (river people) village. Perhaps pirana fishing is in the day's plan or a more relaxed tour of Indigenous customs and cuisine. From there, catch a flight to Salvador, one of the oldest cities in the Americas, where you'll learn about the city's African heritage through a walking tour and an interactive percussion workshop. Finally, explore the markets, indulge in delicious regional cuisine through a cooking demonstration, and enjoy live music and dance before you have to say tchau (goodbye). Learn more

Itinerary #3: Hiking & Beaches in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu & Ilha Grande

Get active as you take in some of Brazil's biggest draws on this 10-day hiking, cycling, and diving trip. You'll bike to and along Rio's beaches, including the famous Copacabana, bike and trek amid the many cascades of Iguaçu Falls, and explore the pristine waters of Ilha Grande on a diving excursion.

Launch into your trip by walking the local neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro and taking a tour of the open-air market. You'll cycle to iconic beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana, ending the day with an applause-worthy sunset. No trip to Rio is complete without a visit to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and a hike and cable car ride to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). On Day 4, you'll experience jaw-dropping sights on a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) hike to Pedra do Telégrafo hilltop. After a flight to Foz do Iguaçu, you'll hike and bike along the 275 cascades of Iguaçu Falls.

After another hike to a different vantage point of the falls, you'll be treated to an offroad adventure and boat excursion to the Iguaçu River Canyon. Then, say hello to island life on the quiet beaches of Ilha Grande. Explore the underwater world on a dive, where you'll see Brazil's diverse marine life. Back on solid ground, a rigorous hike through the rainforest takes you to  Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak). One last trek to the sugar sand and azure waters of Lopes Mendes Beach leaves you with fond memories of your active trip. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Adventures in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu & Jericoacoara 

If you can't get enough of the water, check out this 10-day itinerary, where you'll experience the best of the Brazilian coast. You'll explore the can't-miss city of Rio de Janeiro and its favelas, swim in the inviting emerald-green waters of rustic beach town Jericoacoara, and visit the Argentinian and Brazillian side of impressive Iguaçu Falls.

Your introduction to Brazil begins in Rio de Janeiro. You'll visit famous landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain and local neighborhood favelas like Vidigal. After a flight to Foz do Iguaçu, you'll tour the Brazillian and Argentinian sides of Iguaçu Falls, with up-close treks to the misted pools. You might also be able to see over 180 species of birds at Parque Das Aves. 

The beach paradise of Jericoacoara is your next destination. You'll enjoy the slower pace of life but also get the adrenaline pumping with dune buggy tours of Jericoacoara National Park and Jericoacoara's west coast. The excursions offer plenty of stops at hideaway fresh-water lagoons for swimming, swaying in hammocks, and a choice of zip line, kayak rentals, or paddleboarding. Your final day is free to explore natural rock formations, secluded beaches, or maybe just relax at the hotel pool. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Active Brazil: Trekking & Waterfalls in Chapada Diamantina National Park 

Folks who want to actively see the road less traveled will love this 10-day adventure across the hidden gems of Brazil. Explore diamond prospecting trails in Chapada Diamantina National Park, relax in outdoor cafés in Salvador, scale the Gerais do Vieira mountains, and hike to hidden lagoons and through forests to waterfalls.

Commence your Brazilian journey in the Afro-Brazilian center of Salvador. Known for its culture, architecture, and delicious cuisine, you're free to enjoy the city on your first day. Next, you'll head to Chapada Diamantina National Park to trek the diamond prospecting trails and enjoy the outdoor cafés of Lençóis. On Day 3, you'll hike 11 miles (18 km) to the hidden waterfalls and enticing scenery of Vale do Pati. The next day, you'll soothe your tired muscles with soaks in the lagoons and fun in the sun before a home-cooked meal with a local family.

Head up to the peak of Gerais do Vieira on a 13-mile (22 km) hike, then trek through the forest to Calixto Waterfall to view some of Brazil's most dramatic natural scenery. A shorter trek takes you to Cachoeira dos Funis waterfall. Then, you'll ascend Morro do Pai Inácio for panoramic vistas. A transfer to Salvador will have you dancing the night away to live music in a neighborhood bar. Complete your trip with a flight to the old-world charm, palm-fringed beaches, and vibrant nightlife of Recife. You can choose from catamaran tours, scuba diving, or touring the city before saying goodbye. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Brazil Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Brazil? Check out these other 10-day Brazil itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.