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Rio, the Amazon & Iguazu Falls

New Tour

9 days

On this 9-day private tour of Brazil and Argentina, start in Rio de Janeiro with visits to Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Selaron Steps. Continue to Manaus for a 3-night stay in the Amazon Rainforest, where you can enjoy canoe tours, jungle treks, piranha fishing, pink dolphin encounters, and so much more. End in Foz do Iguazu, marvelling at Iguazu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, including the iconic Devil’s Throat and lush rainforest trails.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Accommodation Standard

Standard

Tour Overview

Duration

9 days

Starts

Rio de Janeiro

Ends

Foz do Iguacu

Range

Private

Tour Guide

Yes - for included sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max N/A

Minimum age

5 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Daily

Hotel Rating

Standard hotels & Amazon ecolodge (upgrade available)

Countries

Argentina, Brazil

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 8, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 3
Per Person From
R 43,915.00
Deposit From
Final payment
R 10,000.00
R 77,830.00

Accommodation Standard

Standard

Tour Highlights

Rio de Janeiro - Explore the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, visit Maracanã Stadium, Sambadrome, and the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, and admire the vibrant Selarón Steps
Manaus & Amazon - Discover the flooded jungle of Igapó by canoe, experience piranha fishing, visit a traditional Caboclo's house, swim with pink dolphins, and explore Acajatuba Village
Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side) - Walk along the 1 km trail to view the powerful waterfalls, visit viewpoints, and witness the magnificent Devil’s Throat
Iguazu Falls (Argentine Side) - Explore the Upper and Lower Circuits, visit the impressive Devil’s Throat, and discover La Aripuca, a structure made from rescued native tree species

Included

8 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners
8 nights in standard hotels & Amazon ecolodge (upgrade available)
Services of expert bi-lingual (English, Spanish and Portuguese) speaking local guides for included sightseeing
Private airport arrival transfer on day 1 and shared airport departure transfer on day 9
Transportation in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
Guided tour of Rio de Janeiro (7 hours - shared service)
Brazilian Iguazu Falls excursion (3 hours - shared service)
Argentinean Iguazu Falls excursion (5 hours - shared service)
4-day stay at an eco-lodge in the Amazon, with included activities such as canoeing, swimming with dolphins, piranha fishing, guided walks and more

Not Included

International flights and visas
Entrance fees - unless specified in the Inclusions
Domestic flights from Rio de Janeiro - Manaus & Manaus - Iguazu (we can assist with booking these domestic flights)
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Optional activities and excursions

Accommodation Standard

Standard

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Rio de janeiro!

On arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met and transferred to our hotel in the city. Hotel check-in is from 14:00. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore the vibrant city.

Tour Style: This tour includes selected excursions, transportation, and a choice of standard or superior accommodation, with bilingual guides for each activity. Although this is a private tour, some included sightseeing and transfers are shared, meaning you will be joined by other travellers.

Overnight: Rio de Janeiro

Day 2 - Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain

Today, you will enjoy a full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro’s highlights, starting with pick-up at 08:00. You will visit the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You will travel by train through Tijuca Forest to the summit for panoramic views of the city.

Next, you will pass by Maracana Stadium and the Sambadrome, and visit the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, inspired by Central American pyramids. Explore the vibrant Selaron Steps and take photos of this colourful landmark.

After a traditional Brazilian churrascaria lunch, you will ride two cable cars to Sugarloaf Mountain’s summit, stopping at Urca Hill for stunning views.

Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Rio at Leisure

You have a choice today. You can spend the day independently exploring, or you can opt to join a hike to Petra Bonita, a Carnival experience or join a boat tour of Guanabara Bay.

Hiking to Pedra Bonita
Embark on a 3.2km hike (approximately 2 hours) to one of Rio’s best viewpoints! Pedra Bonita, located in the Tijuca Forest National Park, is a popular spot for hang gliders, with a takeoff ramp at 517 meters. Your easy hike will take you to the summit at 695 meters, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Pedra da Gavea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Rocinha Favela, and the Sierra dos Dois Irmãos. To the west, you’ll also see Barra da Tijuca, a modern and rapidly developing neighbourhood. On the way back, stop at the hang gliding ramp to watch adventurers soar through the sky.

Carnival Experience
Experience the vibrant world of Rio Carnival with a behind-the-scenes tour of the City of Samba and the Rio Grande Samba School Factory. Discover how floats and costumes are crafted, meet the people behind the spectacle, and learn about samba’s rich history. Try on authentic costumes, join a samba class, and finish with a traditional Brazilian cocktail.

Boat Tour of Guanabara Bay
Enjoy a 2-hour tour showcasing Rio's natural beauty, stories, and modern architecture. Discover the stunning views of Guanabara Bay, with its sparkling waters and surrounding mountains, offering a unique perspective of the city. This tour is perfect for all ages, allowing you to experience Rio from its famous beaches to its vibrant urban landscapes.

Overnight: Rio de Janeiro
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Manaus & Amazon Exploration

Rio de Janeiro - Manuas. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Manaus. Upon arrival, you will make your way to the pier, where you will board a speedboat for a direct journey to you ecolodge. A welcome drink will be offered upon check-in. The flight to Manaus is not included, we can assist with booking this domestic flight.

Enjoy lunch followed by some free time to relax before you begin exploring the Amazon. At around 15:00, you will begin your excursions with a canoe trip through the Igapo, a flooded jungle. During the journey, you will have the opportunity to try your hand at piranha fishing.

Later, enjoy dinner at your accommodation, the rest of the night is free to relax after a day of adventure.

Overnight: Manaus
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Pink Dolphins & Jungle Communities

Your day begins with breakfast, followed by a jungle adventure to a traditional Caboclo’s house. Here, you’ll learn the fascinating process of preparing manioc flour, an essential part of local culture.

After lunch, enjoy an unforgettable swim alongside pink dolphins before visiting Acajatuba Village. This vibrant community thrives on manioc plantations, fishing, and harvesting exotic fruits like tucuma, cupuacu, and acaí. You’ll also have the chance to admire their beautiful crafts made from natural jungle seeds.

As night falls, dinner is followed by an exciting exploration of the river’s edge. With searchlights in hand, you may spot caiman crocodiles, along with night-hawks, snakes, and frogs.

Overnight: Manaus
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Sunrise Canoe Tour & Final Jungle Adventure

Today begins with a serene sunrise tour and birdwatching from canoes on the Ariau River, offering you a peaceful start as the jungle awakens around you. After breakfast, the morning is yours to swim, relax, or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

After lunch, your adventure continues as you explore deeper into the jungle. You’ll glide through the Igapo, the seasonally flooded forest, in small canoes, with the chance to spot monkeys and sloths in their natural habitat. Later, have another go at piranha fishing while watching the sunset.

The day ends with a farewell dinner, giving you the evening free to reflect on your unforgettable Amazon experience.

Overnight: Manaus
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls & Optional Safari

Manuas - Iguazu Falls - Foz do Iguazu. After breakfast, enjoy some free time before checking out and heading to the airport by speedboat for your flight from Manaus to Iguazu. Upon arrival at Iguazu Airport, you will be greeted and transferred directly to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. The flight to Iguazu is not included, we can assist with booking this domestic flight.

You’ll take a 1 km walk from the Hotel das Cataratas, bringing you up close to one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. The Iguazu River, which travels 1,320 km from the Sierra do Mar, creates around 280 waterfalls, each standing at an impressive 60 metres.

As you explore the lush park, you’ll reach a viewpoint with a breathtaking view of the falls, accompanied by their thunderous roar. Continuing along the trails, you’ll get even closer to the waterfalls, feeling the mist and hearing the powerful rush of water.

Finally, you’ll witness the magnificent Devil’s Throat, the largest waterfall in the system, a true spectacle of nature’s might.

Macuco Safari tour
You can join an optional half-day Macuco Safari tour, where you’ll explore the tropical jungle of Iguazu by jeep, discovering plants like orchids and heart of palm, while tropical birds accompany you. After 3 km, you’ll walk 600 metres to Macuco Falls, nestled in a canyon. At the Iguazu River, you’ll board an inflatable boat to navigate rapids and reach the base of the falls, feeling the power of the water and experiencing an unforgettable thrill.

Overnight: Foz do Iguacu
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Iguazu Falls from the Argentine Side & Optional Activities

Foz do Iguazu - Iguazu Falls (Argentina) - Foz do Iguazu (Brazil). Today, you will explore Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side. Crossing the Iguazu River over the Tancredo Neves Bridge, just 28 km from Foz do Iguazu, you’ll reach the Argentine National Park. After passing through the visitor centre, you’ll take the train to the impressive Devil’s Throat, the largest waterfall in Iguazu, where you’ll experience the raw power of the water.

Your adventure continues on foot along the Upper Circuit, a 1,200-metre trail, and, weather permitting, the Lower Circuit, a 1,750-metre path. Both trails take you through lush forests, accompanied by the constant roar of the falls. Later, you’ll visit 'La Aripuca', a 17-metre structure made from 30 rescued native tree species, inspired by a traditional Guarani trap.

Argentinian Culinary Experience
Later, you’ll have the opportunity to join a unique culinary experience, tasting the best local cuisine in a relaxed setting. The five-course dinner is paired with four exceptional wines from Argentina’s regions.

The evening begins with Patagonian trout tartar and a wine-based cocktail, followed by an Empanada Class. Next, you’ll enjoy a Picada of grilled provolone cheese, chorizo, black sausage, sausage roll, and skirt pork steak. The main course features a 200g tenderloin steak with grilled vegetables. Finally, you’ll take part in a Mate and Alfajor class, tasting Dulce de Leche mousse with red berries and a selection of sweet treats and cheese. Please note: This optional activity does not commence on Mondays.

Latin Dinner & Show at Rafain CataratasAlternatively, later once you have arrived back in Foz do Iguazu. You can also opt to join a 4-hour activity tour in Foz do Iguazu, where you’ll enjoy a folklore show and a traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. You’ll savour a variety of meats and sides while watching a performance that highlights the rich diversity of Brazilian culture.

Overnight: Foz do Iguacu
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Goodbye Foz do Iguazu

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Foz do Iguazu for your onward flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Standard

Standard

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Mirador Hotel
Rio de Janeiro

Housed in a sleek glass tower, this contemporary hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Siqueira Campos metro station, a 9-minute stroll from Copacabana Beach, and 7 km from Sugarloaf Mountain. The straightforward rooms, with simple decor, come equipped with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, safes, and desks. Room service is also available. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet in a laid-back restaurant, relax in the lobby bar, and take advantage of amenities such as a rooftop pool, fitness room, and sauna.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Evolucao Lodge
Manaus

Nestled in the heart of the Amazon, the Amazon Ecopark offers 70 forest-based apartments, including options for guests with special needs. The complex features a pier for boarding, a bar, convenience and craft shops, a restaurant designed like an indigenous maloca, a longhouse with hammocks and sun loungers, natural pools, and a private beach. Visitors can experience diverse bird species, towering trees, exotic orchids, medicinal plants, and much more.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Eco lodge
Hotel Viale Tower
Foz do Iguacu

Situated 3 km from Zoológico Bosque Guarani, this stylish high-rise hotel is 19 km from Monday's Falls and 7 km from the Friendship Bridge, which links Brazil and Paraguay. The unassuming rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, safes, and desks, with room service available. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, while other amenities include a relaxed restaurant, a lobby lounge, and a fitness room, as well as meeting facilities. There's also a bar and a rooftop infinity pool offering panoramic views.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Accommodation Standard

Standard

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
1 Jan - 9 Jan
R 43,915
R 56,685
2 Jan - 10 Jan
R 43,915
R 56,685
3 Jan - 11 Jan
R 43,915
R 56,685
4 Jan - 12 Jan
R 43,915
R 56,685
5 Jan - 13 Jan
R 43,915
R 56,685
6 Jan - 14 Jan
R 43,915
R 56,685
7 Jan - 15 Jan
R 43,915
R 56,685
8 Jan - 16 Jan
R 43,915
R 56,685

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