From Rio to the Amazon, get to know the soul of the country on this highlights-packed adventure
Fall in love with Brazil on this culture-packed highlights adventure, which takes us from the rhythms of Rio to the atmospheric Amazon. Guided by our expert tour leader, we get to the soul of the country, climbing up to the Christ the Redeemer statue, marvelling at the majestic Iguaçu Falls (from both Brazil and Argentina), and exploring the jungle-backed colonial town of Paraty. It ends in the Amazon with an immersive stay in a local community – a special opportunity to experience authentic indigenous culture and learn from the people themselves about their lives in the heart of the rainforest.
Highlights
Discover the highlights of Brazil with the help of an expert tour leader
Gaze over Rio from the Christ the Redeemer statue
Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountains for stretching views
See a different side to Brazil in the coastal colonial town of Paraty
Admire the majestic Iguaçu Falls from both Brazil and Argentina
Immerse yourself in indigenous culture with visits to Amazon villages
Key Information
10 Classic nights (hotels)
Travel by minibus, internal flight, boat
Countries visited: Brazil
What's Included
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
All accommodation (see below)
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
Say olá to Rio de Janeiro, where our adventure kicks off.
The excitement builds during our welcome meeting, in which we get to know each other a little, discuss important information about the days ahead and ask any questions you might have. Details on where the welcome meeting is held should be at the hotel reception.
Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to join one of our optional excursions (payable locally), including a one-hour samba class, Brazilian cooking class, or African heritage tour. Alternatively, extend your adventure in Rio by adding a pre-tour hotel stay through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Hotel Windsor Palace (or similar)
Day
2
Hike through the National Park to Christ the Redeemer
Begin our Rio exploration in Tijuca National Park on the outskirts of the city – bring snacks, water, sunscreen and insect repellent in a small backpack. Our adventure begins with a scenic ride on a historic electric tram through Atlantic forest.
Then, we embark on a 2hr 30min hike through the forest to discover key sites, including the Taunay Waterfall, Job de Alcântara Bridge, Mayrink Chapel and visitor centre.
We take trails once used by coffee farms, walk alongside rivers, and summit Cascatinha (1,720ft/525m) for views of the valley, mountain range and Pico da Tijuca. Along the way, learn about Rio’s history, rainforest and wildlife; after, cool down with a swim in the Maracanã River.
It ends with a hike up the steps (elevator and escalator available too) to the Christ the Redeemer statue, where we can enjoy panoramas of Rio.
Accommodation: Hotel Windsor Palace (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain
Our day begins with a scenic three-minute ride on the Sugarloaf cable car, the third oldest working cable car in the world. Along the way, we enjoy panoramic views of Copacabana beach, the Tijuca and Corcovado mountains, downtown Rio, and more; at the top, we take time to admire the incredible views, plus there are exhibits to explore.
Back at ground level, we bid farewell to Rio and take a private transfer (4hr 30min) to the colonial town of Paraty. The setting is magnificent with jungle-cloaked mountains behind and a beautiful bay in front.
Accommodation: Pousada da Marquesa (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
4
Discover the history of Paraty on a boat tour
Embark on a journey through the history of Paraty on a boat tour that begins at the pier. Our journey offers beautiful views of the historic centre and churches, while stopping at beaches and significant historic sites, such as the Defensor Perpétuo Fort, Tapera Fort ruins, and Coqueiro Distillery, which produces the national spirit, cachaça, an alcoholic drink made from sugarcane.
After we explore the 18th-century architecture and history of the town on a guided walk through the historic centre. Visit churches, the museum, House of Culture, and key monuments, while learning about the Paraty’s colonial past.
Accommodation: Pousada da Marquesa (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day
5
Free day to enjoy Paraty
Enjoy a free day in this beautiful coastal town. Take time to walk the streets and admire the colonial architecture, try the treats the local people sell on the street, and sip the Gabriela brand of cachaça, which is made with an infusion with clove and cinnamon.
Accommodation: Pousada da Marquesa (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Fly to Foz do Iguaçu; visit the Iguaçu Falls
Take a transfer (four hours) to São Paulo Airport for our 1hr 45min flight to the city of Foz do Iguaçu. After arrival, we enjoy a three-hour visit to the Iguaçu Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Dividing Brazil and Argentina, it is twice as wide as Niagara Falls and comprises 275 different cascades.
Our walk also passes through the largest remaining stretch of Atlantic forest in southern Brazil, home to diverse wildlife, including capybaras, tree frogs and monkeys.
Accommodation: JL Hotel by Bourbon (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
See Iguaçu Falls from Argentina
We hop over to Argentina today to see the other side of the falls on a train ride. The lower circuit (9,185ft/2,800m) takes us through the jungle for close-up views of the falls – you might get wet!
The upper circuit (11,155ft/3,400m) offers panoramic views of the river. The Argentine side offers a more rustic and immersive experience compared to the Brazilian side.
Accommodation: JL Hotel by Bourbon (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
Flight to Manaus; Amazon village experience
Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu Airport for our flight to Manaus, where our Amazon adventure begins. Upon arrival, we board a boat for a 30-minute ride along the Rio Negro to the Tatuyo indigenous village, where we learn about their history and traditions on a one-hour cultural experience. This immersive experience provides a source of income for the tribe, while also passing on their culture and traditions.
We then continue by boat for another hour to a riverside community, our base for the trip. After a warm welcome and lunch, we enjoy a light trail walk, a refreshing swim in the river, and some relaxation before dinner.
Accommodation: Poranduba Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
9
Tractor tour
Embark on an exclusive 50-minute tractor tour, riding in comfortable sofa-style seating along a scenic trail surrounded by large trees.
After, we return for lunch and some rest, then enjoy a peaceful canoe ride on the river, taking in the stunning sunset.
Accommodation: Poranduba Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
10
Boat tour to a nearby beach
We take a boat tour to one of the nearby beaches today, providing us a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of the region. From September to March, we visit Praia do Iluminado, a white-sand island; from April to August, we head to the sands of Praia Alta, accessible by a 20-minute boat ride.
In the afternoon, interact with the community, relax, or enjoy a swim in the river.
Accommodation: Poranduba Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
11
End in Manaus
Bid farewell to the Amazon after breakfast. We return by speedboat, leaving at 9am, then transfer to Manaus Airport. If you’d like more time to explore Brazil, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Manaus.
Meals included: Breakfast
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Windsor Palace, R. Domingos Ferreira, 6 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22050-010 Phone: +55 21 2195-6600 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for those booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Rio de Janeiro Location end: Manaus
Vaccinations and Health
Brazil
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, rabies, tuberculosis and yellow fever. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic about the need for antimalarials.
Additionally, zika and dengue fevers, which are both spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available; therefore, we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Visa
Brazil
Travellers from the UK and EU do not normally need a visa to enter Brazil.
Food is likely to be a mix of dishes using a lot of local produce. The local fruit is normally very good. Meat is a staple part of the Brazilian diet, but vegetarians can be catered for throughout the trip. Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements, especially since the remote nature of the places we stay means that special supplies can be difficult to obtain without prior arrangement.
Weather
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Hotels
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Reviews
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*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.