2 Weeks in Brazil - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Brazil: Rio, Iguaçu, the Amazon & Bahia 

Discover the best of Brazil on this 14-day highlights tour. It's great for someone who has never been and wants to hit the best of what Brazil offers. Commence your trip in Rio de Janeiro, hike to Iguaçu Falls, have a jungle adventure in the Amazon, revel in the Afro-Brazilian culture of Bahia, and embark on a whale watching tour before departing.

Welcome to party city Rio de Janeiro, which includes a trip to the granite rock formation of Sugarloaf Mountain, the 98-feet (30-m) tall Christ the Redeemer statue at the summit of Mount Corcovado, and an exploration into the carnival culture of Brazil. Then, transfer to Iguaçu Falls for impressive vantage points of the world's largest waterfalls from hikes, cycling trips, and boat rides. The end of week one brings you to the Amazon River and the town of Manaus for immersive tours of the rainforest and the Indigenous people that live there.

Your next stop is Bahia's food scene, music, and architecture. Engage in the culture through cooking demonstrations, market tours, music workshops, and museums. Take a walking tour to learn more about Salvador's African roots and visit sites such as the Afro-Brazilian Museum (Museu Afro-Brasileiro) and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People. Follow the Coconut Highway to the fishing village of Praia do Forte to set out on a biologist-led whale watching tour. Lastly, a free day allows for time on the beach, sea turtle conservation, or a visit to the 16th-century castle. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Brazil's East Coast: Rio de Janeiro, Paraty & Ilha Grande

Active travelers will enjoy this two-week tour along Brazil's East Coast. You'll split your time between Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, and Ilha Grande. See top highlights such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, admire waterfalls and rainforests in Serra da Bocaina National Park, and relax on the many beaches of Ilha Grande.

Stroll along the beaches of Ipanema or Copacabana, see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado, and take a guided tour of the Vidigal Favela in Rio. Then, experience the culture of the Carioca (residents of Rio) by visiting Cidade do Samba (Samba City) and Pimpolhos. This samba school teaches young people the importance of social interaction and education through Brazil's fascinating Carnival culture. Learn some traditional dance moves and conclude your time in Rio with a delicious caipirinha at the end of the tour.

Transfer to the historic town of Paraty and dedicate the next three days to admiring the sights. Ride through the Amazon rainforests in Serra da Bocaina National Park, frolic in the Poço do Tarzan and Pedra Branca waterfalls, and master the art of making homemade cachaça; a Brazilian spirit made from fermented sugar cane juice. End your time in Brazil with a few days in Ilha Grande and savor the charming beaches of Dois Rios, Aventureiro, and Parnaioca. Trek to the top of Pico do Papagaio (Parrot's Peak), an impressive rock formation with panoramic views from its 3,221 feet (982 m) summit. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Brazil: Rio, Ilha Grande, Chapada Diamantina National Park & Salvador

With so much to see and do, any intrepid adventurer will love this two-week active trip. Begin with the highlights of Rio de Janeiro before heading to the sandy shores of Ilha Grande. Trek to the waterfalls of Cachoeirão, see the caves and lagoons of Cachoeira dos Funis, frolic in the natural pools of Rio Preto and Capão, and ascend Morro do Pai Inácio.

Begin in Rio de Janeiro and visit famous landmarks like Mirante do Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) and Christ the Redeemer, as well as some beloved neighborhood bars, restaurants, and street fairs. Get an authentic Carnaval experience and then appreciate the tranquil beaches of Ilha Grande. Round off your first week with a trip to soak up the Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador, and Chapada Diamantina National Park (Diamond Plateau), where the trails you'll hike to the waterfalls and caves were once used by diamond prospectors.

Week two commences with an excursion through the beautiful scenery of Vale do Pati and ends in Mucugê, where you'll spend the night and have meals with a family. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings of the Cachoeira dos Funis waterfall and the pools of the Cumbuco River. Hike the scenic peak of Gerais do Vieira and spot exotic wildlife in Morro do Pai Inácio. Take in more local culture in Salvador, then join a historical culture tour of Cachoeira's art, architecture, and sculptures. Your final day explores Salvador before saying tchau to Brazil. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Brazil's Nature & Beaches: Manaus, the Amazon, Jericoacoara & Fortaleza

Nature lovers will experience some of Brazil's best beaches, national parks, and cities on this two-week itinerary. See exotic wildlife in Anavilhanas National Park, learn how to dance the samba in Fortaleza, and swim in the beautiful lagoons in Jericoacoara National Park.

Embark on a tour of Manaus to see highlights such as the Black River Palace, Museu do Índio (Indian Museum), and the Amazon Theater. Venture down the Negro River and continue to Parque Ecologico Janauari; an ecological park that sits at a whopping 22,239 acres (9,000 ha). From Manaus, make your way to Anavilhanas National Park to enjoy archery, fishing, wildlife walks, and a boat trip to spot pink river dolphins. Conclude your first week by taking a wildlife tour to see monkeys, macaws, toucans, and giant anteaters, and you may even spot an elusive jaguar roaming through the jungle if you're lucky.

Your second week starts with a flight to Fortaleza and the remote fishing village of Jericoacoara. A dune buggy will take you to Jericoacoara National Park to explore the freshwater lagoons of Lagoa do Paraíso and Lagoa Azul. Days 9 and 10 involve plenty of free time in Jericoacoara. Take part in morning yoga sessions, luxuriate on the shores of Paradise Lagoon, and visit Sunset Dune for golden hour. Drive back to Fortaleza and indulge in the cuisine, participate in traditional samba dancing, or experience the city's nightlife. Take one last day trip to Morro Branco Beach before departing. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Brazil's Rainforest & Beaches: Manaus, the Amazon, Jericoacoara & São Paulo

Traverse through Brazil's abundant rainforest and beaches on this two-week itinerary. Spend time with local Indigenous people, go fishing for piranhas, and see the highlights of São Paulo, one of the biggest cities in the country.

Arrive in Manaus and visit some of the city's top highlights, including the Palace of Justice, the 19th-century Customs House, and the waterfront marketplace of Mercado Adolpho, to pick up some local produce and artisanal crafts. Spend the day on a boat trip around ecological park Parque Ecologico Janauari and then spend some time with an Indigenous tribe. You'll explore Anavilhanas National Park in the next three days, taking a canoe trip along the waterways, spotting pink river dolphins, anteaters, otters, and maybe even rare jaguars. Your base for each night will be an authentic rainforest lodge.

Spend the second half of the trip in Jericoacoara, and you'll explore the many lagoons, ride on a dune buggy, and learn to surf like a pro. Visit Jericoacoara National Park; 21,900 acres (8,850 ha) of beautiful beaches, ample jungle, and bountiful desert. On your free days in Jericoacoara, enjoy more surfing lessons, participate in the fun on the dunes, or simply spend the days relaxing on the beaches and in the lagoons. Your last full day is spent in one of Brazil's largest cities: São Paulo. Here you can explore the main area of Avenida Paulista and its many restaurants, museums, and galleries. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Brazil Itineraries

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