Current as of: March 13, 2025 - 19:14
Discover Brazil Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Brazil
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 11 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: ABR
Trip Overview
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 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 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.
At a Glance
- 10 Classic nights (7 hotel, 3 guesthouse)
- Travel by minibus, internal flight, train, boat
Highlights
- Discover the highlights of Brazil with the expertise of our local tour leader
- Gaze over Rio from Christ the Redeemer, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World
- Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain 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 an Amazon community stay
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.
Journeys: There are some long days of travelling, particularly on the two days with internal flights.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Rio de Janeiro
- End City: Manaus
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Say oi (hi) 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.
Want more time to explore? Extend your adventure in Rio by adding a pre-tour hotel stay through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Hotel Windsor Palace (or similar)
Hike through Tijuca 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 and Mayrink Chapel.
We take trails once used by coffee farmers, walk alongside rivers, and reach the Cascatinha summit (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 and stand next to one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
Accommodation: Hotel Windsor Palace (or similar)
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.
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)
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 Paraty’s colonial past.
Accommodation: Pousada da Marquesa (or similar)
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)
Fly to Foz do Iguaçu; visit the Iguaçu Falls (Brazilian side)
Following a very early start, 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)
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)
Flight to Manaus; Amazon village experience
Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu Airport for our flight to Manaus, where our Amazon adventure begins. The journey usually involves a change of plane en route, typically in Sao Paulo. We take a very early morning flight, and the journey should take around eight hours, including the change in plane, though this can vary depending on flight schedules.
Upon arrival, we take a 30-minute boat ride along the Rio Negro to the indigenous village of Tatuyo, where we learn about their history and traditions on a one-hour cultural experience.
We then continue by boat for another hour to Poranduba Lodge, our home in the heart of the Amazon.
Nestled within the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, Poranduba provides an authentic insight into the lives of the riverside communities who live here, including the Tumbira and Santa Helena do Inglês people, whose livelihoods depend on fishing and tourism, and who we meet throughout our stay.
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)
Exclusive tractor tour
Embark on an exclusive 50-minute tractor tour, riding in comfortable sofa-style seating along a scenic trail to appreciate the Amazon forest.
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)
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)
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.
Accommodation
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.
Named accommodation: The itinerary indicates the typical accommodation used on each day; however, these may need to be changed for alternative accommodation of a similar standard.
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.
Single supplement from USD 1327
Food & Drink
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.
Transport
On this trip we use a mixture of private minibus, internal flights, train and boat.
Weather & Seasonality
The regions of southern Brazil that we visit (Rio, Paraty and Iguaçu Falls) have a subtropical climate with hot summers (November to March) and cooler winters (April to October). It can get very hot in summer (more than 40C/104F) with rain most afternoons. Winter has little rain with highs of around 24C (75F) and lows of around 15C (59F) – layers will be useful at this time.
The Amazon has two distinct seasons: wet and dry. In the wet season (January to May), average temperatures are around 22C-31C (72F-88F). During the dry season (June to December), temperatures are 24C-31C (75F-88F) on average, although it can get much hotter.
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
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Lightweight, long-sleeved T-shirt and long bottoms for the Amazon
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Sunhat
- Strong-soled shoes or boots for walking
- Water bottle
- Strong insect repellent
- Swimwear
Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 50lb (23kg).
Practical Information
Visa
Brazil
Travellers from the UK and EU do not normally need a visa to enter Brazil.
From 10 April 2025, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders require an e-visa. It is recommended to apply for your e-visa two months before travel to Brazil. Information on visas can be found here: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-miami/information-about-visas-in-english. The e-visa application site is here: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/.
Vaccinations and Health
A yellow fever vaccination and anti-malaria medication are generally recommended for the Amazon. You may also want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, rabies and tuberculosis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
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.
Local Time
Brazil's time zone: America/Sao_Paulo (UTC -03:00)
Electricity
Brazil's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and N (three round pins) – 127V/220V, 60Hz Brazil is one of the few countries that uses two types of voltage. It is therefore important to find out the local voltage before plugging in your appliance (note: wrong voltage can destroy your appliance).
Money
Brazil's currency: Brazilian real (BRL)
ATM Availability
We recommend taking your spending money for this trip in US dollars, since exchange rates tend to be better and they are easier to change into reais.
It is also possible to obtain Brazilian reais before starting your trip. Most restaurants and shops only accept local currency. There are plenty of ATMs in Rio. Please check with your bank before departure to ensure your cards are accepted by Brazilian banks.
Credit cards are accepted at most medium to large restaurants and shops, but most smaller establishments may only accept cash.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Budget US$10-US$15 for each lunch not included in the itinerary or US$12‐US$20 for each dinner, excluding drinks, although it is easy to spend less than this depending on the standard of restaurant. Beer and local spirits are generally slightly cheaper than in Western Europe and North America, and soft drinks about the same.
Tipping
Although tips are not compulsory, they are very much part of life throughout Latin America, and Brazil is no exception. We recommend each person budgets US$5-US$10 per day for tips.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.