Classic Brazil

The Classic Brazil Tour is a private guided tour, offering the chance to see the country in 10 days, taking 3 domestic flights. Tick off the highlights of Brazil, from the iconic sites of Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, to the spectacular national park of Iguazu Falls, the picturesque historic town of Salvador and the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. Enjoy panoramic views from the heights of the mountains around Rio, hike along dozens scenic trails in Foz do Iguazu, visit the exciting bird park, get lost while walking along the historic streets of Salvador and finish off discovering the massive Amazon river in Manaus. This is definitely a sightseeing-packed holiday, exceptionally designed for first-time travellers to Brazil. Starting with the highlights is never a bad idea. Weather you are travelling with children, solo or with friends – this tour can be tailor to your needs. Stay at small boutique hotels and let us take care of the logistics.

10 Days – From £2,880 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Salvador, Manaus

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with breakfast (more hotels HERE)
All the excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers on a private basis
Entrance & guiding fees
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to Brazil)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return flights to Rio or Sao Paulo start from £800 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year.

For families and groups (starting with 5 pax), we can book domestic flights in Brazil, during the high season, and if the trip is part of a more complex itinerary. This is to ensure a seamless travel and no complications.

How to Book

Send us a message on WhatsApp (+44 7 308 449 233) or email us at brazil@boutiquetravelexperts.com to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added. Other hotels can be chosen, according to your liking. You can also combine this trip with other sights in Brazil, like the exciting Amazon rainforest, the fascinating Pantanal or the deep canyons of the south. For more travel inspiration check these itineraries.

When to Visit

Best time to visit:

Rio – year round, avoid November to February because of rain
Iguazu – year round, avoid November to February because of rain
Salvador – year round, avoid April to July because of rain
Manaus – year round, but best June to October

To avoid unpleasant weather surprises, we recommend to check our Brazil Weathe r Guide to plan your trip in the right season. Click on the month you want to travel in and see the tours which are best for each month of the year.

Day 1 - Welcome to Rio de Janeiro

Today you will arrive in Rio. Surrounded by stunning mountains, white sand beaches and tropical rainforest, Rio offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Wherever you go, you’ll enjoy a wonderful view – it has been blessed with an unrivalled landscape. Your driver will greet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. We’ve not planned anything for this afternoon to allow you to recover from your flight. Explore the city under your own steam and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach in Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon. A good idea is to head out to Pedra do Arpoador to watch the sunset. Overnight at Casa Beleza.

Day 2 - Corcovado

This morning start with a delicious Brazilian breakfast, try some exotic fruit and head out to discover the beautiful city. You will be picked up at your hotel after breakfast. We planned a day full of excitement and spectacular viewpoints for you: visit the iconic Statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountains. From the top there are breathtaking views. A rack railway will take you up to the foot of the statue, leaving from Cosme Velho district over Tijuca Forest. Located around the base of Corcovado, the dense forest has many springs and waterfalls. After descending, stop at Maracanã and at Sambódromo. Overnight at Casa Beleza.

Day 3 - Sugarloaf

Today visit Rio’s amazing Botanical Garden with a wide variety of exotic plants and the picturesque neighbourhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa with the famous Selaron Stairs. This area is the heart of art and coffee shops in Rio with a vibrant atmosphere. After lunch continue through the old Urca neighborhood towards the Sugarloaf. Here board a cable-car and climb up Morro da Urca. From here, the cable-car travels high above the rugged green terrain to the Sugarloaf’s summit. Enjoy wonderful panoramic views over Rio de Janeiro from the top, sunsets being particularly spectacular. You can also take a scenic flight over the city. Overnight at Casa Beleza.

Day 4 - Rio to Foz do Iguazu

After breakfast catch a short flight to Foz do Iguazu. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel on the Argentinian side, which is only a short ride away. Welcome to one of the New Wonders of Nature – the Iguazu Falls, a series of 275 waterfalls reaching up to 90 meters high. The natural park with the waterfalls is a meeting point for three countries – Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. We recommend to visit at least the Brazilian and the Argentinian side of the falls. There are many walking trails and paths offering spectacular views. You can even get really close from several viewing decks. Overnight at Hotel das Cataratas.

Day 5 - Iguazu Falls

After breakfast your guide will take you to the national park to experience a different circuit. Spend the time at your own pace. After lunch, visit the Parc das Aves – a unique bird park which is settled in the middle of the remaining Atlantic Forest. There are 180 fascinating species of birds from all over the world, like macaws, toucans, parakeets, parrots and many more as well as butterflies and reptiles! In addition, the best way to understand the real dimensions of the Falls is to take a beautiful helicopter tour offering an aerial view of national park or get really close to the falls with a boat trip, Macuco Safari. Overnight at Hotel das Cataratas.

Day 6 - Iguazu to Salvador

Today fly to Salvador. Welcome to the vibrant capital of Bahia. Discover the old town of Pelourinho, in the historical centre, an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the cultural heritage. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the district is awash with colonial buildings and traditional churches dating from the 17th and 18th century. Particular highlights of Pelourinho include the house of the writer Jorge Amado, São Francisco Church and the Cathedral Basílica, though in truth, merely riding the streets is a fascinating history lesson in itself. In addition to its colonial past, Bahia was an integral part of equality movements in the region and to this day has a strong connection with many of the residents’ Afro-Brazilian roots. Overnight at La Villa Bahia.

Day 7 - Salvador

After breakfast, discover the Bay of All Saints (Baía de Todos os Santos) by traditional boat. The trip will give you a different perspective on the city from the sea. Take a trip from Mercado Modelo to the nearby islands. Learn about history and the discovery journeys of the first Europeans in Brazil on the island of Itaparica. In comparison to the bustling Upper City, the islands are much calmer, with a slow pace. Finish the day watching a splendid sunset over the sea. On your return you have the opportunity to watch a traditional dance and folklore show which runs on specific days of the week. It is truly an wonderful experience. Overnight at La Villa Bahia.

Day 8 - Salvador to Manaus

Today you will fly to Manaus. You will be met on arrival and transferred to hotel. After a refreshing time at the hotel enjoy a city tour with a private guide, passing by downtown for a visit to the Opera House and the Market. The Amazonas Theatre was built in the 19th century during Manaus’ golden rush era, and locals have preserve its beautiful French architecture. Take the guided tour through the Opera House to learn a little bit more about the lifestyle in the 1800s in Manaus. This city is also a great place to try some of the typical Amazonian food, like tacacá or jaraqui. Overnight at Villa Amazonia.

Day 9 - Manaus

After breakfast transfer to the port for a boat tour to the Meeting of the Waters, where the black waters of Rio Negro meets the brown waters of Solimões and run together without mixing for 8 km. At this sight you really grasp the magnitude of the Amazon river. Later on proceed to the Janauari park for lunch at the floating hotel with beautiful views of the forest. After lunch, visit the giant water lilies lake. After the trip return to Manaus and spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Villa Amazonia.

Day 10 - Manaus

After breakfast depart by speed boat to the community of Acajatuba, in the area known as ‘reserva extrativista’. Here learn about the sustainable projects of the local communities to protect the rainforest. Extrativista means collectors of seeds, essences, fruits and local products. Learn from the local guides how to protect and survive in the Amazon. Visit the collector’s centre and the local school. Return to Manaus for lunch. Depending on your onward flight, you will be transferred to the airport in due time.