From the vibrant metropolises of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to Brazil’s awe-inspiring natural treasures, this bespoke journey offers an unforgettable tour of South America’s most captivating destinations.
Marvel at the thundering majesty of Iguazú Falls, then delve into the extraordinary biodiversity of the Pantanal – one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves. Your adventure concludes on the unspoilt shores of Bahia’s Discovery Coast (Costa da Descoberta do Brasil), a region of exceptional beauty and historical significance.
As with all our South American itineraries, this experience can be tailored to suit your interests and preferences.

Trip Highlights
- Explore Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado National Park & Christ The Redeemer in vibrant Rio de Janeiro
- View the magnificent Iguazu Waterfalls from the Brazilian and Argentinian sides
- At the massive Pantanal South, discover wetlands, varied wildlife & colourful birds
- Soak in the sun and sea at the idyllic beach town of Trancoso
Start your Journey
Rio de Janeiro
Arrive at the airport. You will be driven to your hotel, accompanied by your guide.
Rio de Janeiro, brimming with colour, life and vitality, is one of Brazil’s most iconic cities. Explore the beauty and energy of this city and take in its major attractions such as Copacabana, Sugar Loaf, the fabulous beaches and of course the magnificent subtropical rainforests. From samba to Caipirinha cocktails, there is so much to experience in vibrant Rio.
Private Tour of Corcovado
Explore the Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the seven modern wonders of the world, on this half-day tour. This iconic Art Deco monument stands 98 ft tall with a 92 ft arm span, perched atop Corcovado Mountain at 2,300 ft above sea level. Completed in 1931, it’s a symbol of both Rio and Brazil.
Your guide will collect you from your hotel. Go on a scenic drive along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. At the mountain’s base, board a small cogwheel train and enjoy the views as you ascend. At the summit, take in the statue up close and soak in the panorama of Rio and Guanabara Bay. Afterwards, return by train and drive back along the coast to your hotel.
Private Tour of Sugar Loaf Mountain
Visit the iconic Pão de Açúcar, or Sugar Loaf Mountain, on this half day tour. The mountain is a cherished symbol of the city and is visited by over a million tourists every year. It rises from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay and it is named for its resemblance to the shape of a loaf of refined sugar.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the first of two cable cars that will take you to the top. Ride up Urca Hill to a height of 705 ft above sea level. Stop to take in the stunning views of the bay and the islands. Then continue upwards to the peak of Sugar Loaf in the second cable car. From a height of 1296 ft, enjoy panoramic views of Rio, including the Botafogo and Copacabana beaches. Finally, descend down the mountain and return to your hotel.
Foz do Iguacu
From Rio de Janeiro fly to Foz do Iguacu. Once you reach, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. Your guide will accompany you.
Foz do Iguacu on the Brazilian side and Puerto Iguazú on the Argentinean side are gateways to the awe inspiring waterfall. They also happen to be the nearest cities to the intersection of the borders of three countries– Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. The main attraction of this region is the National Park, with its magnificent 270 waterfalls and variety of beautiful sub-tropical flora and fauna.
Visit to Brazilian Falls with Adventure Safari
Go on an exciting adventure in the Iguazu National Park. Begin with a walk in the canyon to a viewpoint, offering spectacular sights of the UNESCO-listed Iguazu Falls. Take a glass lift up to a platform for panoramic views of the hundreds of cascading falls.
After, explore the vibrant food and craft stalls at an artisans’ fair. Then, head to the safari entrance to board wagons, pulled by open jeeps, for a scenic ride on a nearly two-mile trail. You can also hike the ancient rock stairway to the picturesque Macuco Falls.
Next, continue to the river dock for a boat tour. Use the waterproof containers provided for your camera and electronics. Cruise upriver through the canyon, passing striking rock formations and dense forest. Finally, approach the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat section of the falls—prepare to get soaked as your pilot steers the boat into the cascading water.
Visit to the Argentine side of Iguazu Waterfalls
Experience the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, recently named one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Three trails offer different views of the falls and the surrounding jungle as you explore the national park.
The lower circuit brings you close to the base of the falls, immersing you in their power and scale. The upper circuit offers a contrasting perspective from above. No visit is complete without seeing Devil’s Throat, where you stand just feet from the thunderous cascade plunging into the depths below.
Sao Paulo
Accompanied by a guide, travel to Foz do Iguacu airport. Take a flight to Sao Paulo. Once you reach, a Portuguese-speaking driver will drive you to your hotel.
As Brazil’s largest city, Sao Paulo is known for its economic importance, ethnic diversity and fast-paced lifestyle. With cultural attractions, great shopping, a vibrant nightlife and outstanding cuisine, there is something for everyone in this metropolitan city.
Personalized Tour of São Paulo City
Discover the best of São Paulo on this guided tour. Begin at the city’s oldest train station, Estação da Luz, then head to the Italy Terrace and the historic Municipal Theatre. Stroll through the city centre and learn about landmarks such as the Sé Cathedral.
Next, visit the Liberdade district, home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan. Continue to São Paulo’s financial hub and drive along Paulista Avenue, lined with modern buildings including the MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art).
Finish at Ibirapuera Park, spanning one million square metres, and visit the museum on the premises, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, before concluding the tour.
Pantanal South
You will be driven to the airport by a Portuguese-speaking driver. Take a flight to Campo Grande. Once you reach, drive from Campo Grande to Pantanal South along with your guide.
The vast, wild Pantanal—the world’s largest wetlands—is often overshadowed by the more famous Amazon in the north. Stretching mainly across Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul, with parts extending into Bolivia and Paraguay, this biodiverse region teems with wildlife.
Home to Parque Nacional do Pantanal Matogrossense and three smaller reserves, the area is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of it remains seasonally flooded, supporting a rich ecosystem of freshwater fish that sustains birds, animals, and local communities.
The waters, dotted with giant lily pads hiding caimans and anacondas, are a haven for water birds like the Jabiru, spoonbills, herons, and cormorants. Along the water’s edge, watch for capybaras, jaguars, and flocks of cobalt-blue hyacinth macaws. With ground travel limited, locals and visitors rely on horses, small planes, and motorboats to get around.
Trancoso / Arraial D'Ajuda
Trancoso is a chic retreat perched on a bluff above Bahia’s unspoilt Discovery Coast, overlooking Nativos and Coqueiros beaches. At its heart lies the Quadrado, a grassy square with a white chapel. Here, you can also watch locals play football as animals graze nearby. You will also find colourful former fishermen’s cottages that are now boutiques, B&Bs, and restaurants.
Nearby, lush forests of banana and torch ginger stretch down to mangroves, where boardwalks lead to white-sand beaches. The laid-back vibe of the rustic town and the protected, pristine coastline draws tourists and celebrities.
In the evenings, elders gather at the ‘Table of the Old’, while live Brazilian music fills cosy bars. During festivals and New Year, Trancoso comes alive as jetsetters visit for moonlight parties and rounds of golf.
On your last day, a Portuguese-speaking chauffeur will drive you from Trancoso to Porto Seguro. This is a nearly hour-and-a-half drive. At Porto Seguro airport, catch your international flight to your next destination.
Plan Your Dream Trip
What To Expect
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Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Excludes
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
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