A 13-Day Brazil Trip from Colonial City to Amazon Rainforest

Author: Priyanka Saxena on Dec 28,2023

Explore beautiful cities, laid-back beaches, and traditional lifestyles in your Latin America journey in Brazil. This 13-day itinerary designs your trip from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro, rewarding you with delighting Brazilian marvels, from stunning coastlines to wildlife in the wetlands

A tour at a glance

Tour Price

Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Salvador

Set foot in Salvador, the capital state of Bahia and one of Brazils historically rich cities.The city abounds with natural wonders like cliffs and a spectacular bay. Your private guide will settle you in a luxurious hotel, where you rest and anticipate what unfolds around the corner.

Day 2: Guided Tour of Salvador

This morning, start a guided introductory tour of the city. The place boasts prominent 18th-century American architecture. Wander around the Pelourinho area, dotted with centuries-old churches, narrow cobbled streets, and spacious plazas. The decaying mansion surrounds these iconic structures. The natural setting brilliantly overlooks the Todos os Santos Bay. Here, you will witness the influence of African cuisine, people, music, and culture amid Portuguese architecture. This afternoon, explore the place or unwind at the beach.

Day 3: Fly to Manaus, the Amazon Gateway

Your guide takes you to the airport for a flight from Salvador to Manaus, a city nestling in the heart of the Amazon basin on the banks of the Negro River. Experience the urban rush amid the enormous tracts of jungles extending in every direction. Once wealthy and fashionable, the capital Amazonas is now rapidly expanding as a free trade zone. Take rest in your upscale hotel and get ready for the next day.

Day 4: Travel by boat to Amazon Lodge

In the morning, explore Manaus at your pace. Preferably, visit the Opera House. Explore the magnificent renaissance architecture of this historic landmark. In the early afternoon, travel to the port to board a boat and cross the Amazon, viewing the 'Meeting of the Waters' phenomenon en route. Take a speedboat through the channels and creeks of the rainforest to reach your lodge.

Day 5: Enjoy a Night Boat Trip and Jungle Walk in the Amazon Rainforest

Today, you will have a whale of a time in the heart of the rainforest. Fish for Piranhas, visit the local Caboclo community or take a guided hike through the forest. At night, try to spot caimans by flashlight. Enjoy an adventurous night in the Amazonian wilderness.

Day 6: Fly to Cuiaba from Manaus

Return to Manaus to catch a flight with your guide to Cuiaba, where your adventure to Pantanal begins.

Day 7: Drive to the Pantanal Wildlife Reserve

Head out with your private guide to the Pantanal Wildlife Reserve along the Transpantaneira road. You will have your first encounters with the wildlife at the waterholes. Your lodge sits by a river and features a pool where you can unwind and easily access the prolific Latin American Wildlife. Lie in your hammock and enjoy the evening birdsong.

Day 8: Jeep Safari and Boat Ride in Pantanal

Head out with your guide to explore the untamed Pantanal Wildlife on foot and by boat. A jeep safari offers incredible wildlife viewing in all Latin American journeys. You might see jaguars, giant anteaters, caimans, howler monkeys, and other wild creatures. The reserve is also home to varied birdlife like hyacinth macaws, monk parakeets, and more. Spend 7-8 hours spotting the beautiful flora and fauna before you disembark from your boat.

Day 9: Fly to Iguazu Falls

This morning, drive to Cuiaba to catch an afternoon flight to Iguazu. Admire the birds-eye view of expensive Amazonian plains while on your long flight. Take rest before you move to your next destination, Iguazu falls, the highlight of this Latin American venture.

Day 10: Explore the Brazilian Side of the Falls

Today, your private guide will take you to one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world, Iguazu Falls. Land on the Brazilian side of the falls. The Iguazu river plunges over cliffs into a curving amphitheater many miles wide. Besides this spectacle, espy the surroundings adorned with brilliantly plumaged toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, and colorful butterflies. Return to your hotel.

Day 11: Fly to Rio de Janeiro

Today, leave the Iguazu area and fly to Rio de Janeiro, boasting spectacular beaches and mountain backdrops. This afternoon, visit the botanical gardens, which have endured in the city for over 200 years or relish a caipirinha overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This evening, watch the radiant performances at the samba show and experience the sounds and rhythms in the nightlife district of Lapa.

Day 12: Visit Corcovado, Afternoon Rio City Tour

This morning, your guide will arrange a visit to the summit of Corcovado, topped by the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer. Then you go to Sambadrome, which hosts the Rio carnival. You can laze around the beaches before the city tour.

After lunch, your guide will accompany you along the Guanabara Bay coastline embellished with vast lawns and native trees of Parque de Flamengo. Then you will reach the city center to view the stained glass windows of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Later, take a cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain to enjoy Rios photogenic views.

Day 13: International Departure

After breakfast, your Latin American exploration will conclude. Your private guide will transfer you to the airport for an international flight.