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Trip Inspiration

12 Days Exploring Southern Brazil

Discover Beautiful Brazil

Get to know Brazil in this fascinating trip of discovery. Explore the sophisticated and iconic city of Rio de Janeiro, and dive into Brazil's rich history in Paraty. Behold the wonders of Brazilian nature as you survey the mighty Iguaçu Falls and the landscapes of Ibiti.

Trip Highlights

Locations

  • 3 nights in Rio de Janeiro at Belmond’s Copacabana Palace
  • 3 nights in historic Paraty at Pousada Literária
  • 3 nights at Ibiti Project
  • 2 nights in Iguaçu Falls at the Belmond Cataratas

Activities

  • Cable car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain
  • Visit Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio de Janeiro
  • Culinary experience aboard a traditional schooner in Paraty
  • Jeep tour into the Atlantic Forest
  • Soak up the culture and nature of Minas Gerais
  • Iguaçu Falls Tours and scenic helicopter flight
What does “Trip Inspiration” mean?

At Travel Beyond, we believe your trip should be designed just for you, not for the masses. Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client, offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. The itinerary below was planned for a past client, but we’re sharing it for travel inspiration and as an example of what a trip to Brazil might look like. Let us know when we can design a trip just for you!

Day 1

 Arrive Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Welcome to Brazil! Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met for your private transfer to the Belmond Copacabana Palace where you will spend three nights, including breakfast daily.

Over its nearly 500 years of history, Rio de Janeiro has been the spring board for Brazil’s principal cultural exports, and the port of entry for everything from major art exhibitions to contemporary music events. Rio’s architecture embraces churches and buildings dating from the 16th through 19th centuries, while seamlessly blending with world renowned designs of the 20th.

This afternoon, you will be met by your private guide and driver for a scenic boat tour departing from Guanabara Bay. Cruise past the historic Urca district, once home to Carmen Miranda and now home to artists like Roberto Carlos and Zélia Duncan, en route to Praia Vermelha, with views of Fort São João, Laje Island, and Praia de Fora. Enjoy a swim in the calm Atlantic waters, with Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain in view. On the ride back, pass the Fort of Santa Cruz and Niterói, and toast the sunset with a glass of sparkling wine.

Following your boat ride, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Belmond Copacabana Palace Meals: Breakfast / Dinner

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Day 2

 

Cable car on its way to Sugarloaf Mountain.

Rio de Janeiro

This morning after breakfast, you will be met by your private guide for a full-day tour of Rio, including a Carnival experience, Santa Teresa, and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Begin with a behind-the-scenes visit to one of Rio’s top samba schools. Rio De Janeiro’s Carnival, the biggest and most famous event in Brazil, has over 90 samba schools and thousands of professionals involved. On your visit, you will learn about the history of samba, try on a traditional costume, enjoy a caipirinha, and practice a few samba steps. Depending on the time of year, you may also see some of the parade floats.

After lunch, visit Santa Teresa, a historic neighborhood known for its 18th-century buildings and French-inspired architecture. It was once home to Rio’s aristocracy and is now a creative hub where many local artists live and exhibit their work, including the colorful Selarón Staircase.

Conclude the day at Sugar Loaf Mountain. Take the cable car for panoramic views of Guanabara Bay, Corcovado, Copacabana, and Niterói.

Belmond Copacabana Palace Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 3

Rio de Janeiro

This morning after breakfast, you will be met by your private guide for a visit to Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain. Recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the statue stands 124 feet tall. Board an eco-friendly electric train, in operation for over a century, that travels through the preserved Atlantic Forest within Tijuca National Park. At the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the city from the base of Cristo Redentor.

Afterward, continue to the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Located at the foot of Corcovado, the garden spans 142 hectares and is part of the Floresta da Tijuca. It features rare plant species from Brazil and beyond, as well as a variety of tropical birds, fish, and mammals.

Belmond Copacabana Palace Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

 

Day 4

Rio de Janeiro to Paraty

This morning after breakfast, you will be met for your private transfer to Paraty and the Pousada Literária Hotel. Enjoy three nights in Paraty, including breakfast daily.

This afternoon, you will be met for your Paraty Walking Tour. Immerse yourself in the beautiful colonial architecture, street design ahead of its time, exiled Portuguese royalty, and the dark past of the slave trade. In the eighteenth century, Paraty was an important port in the transportation of the gold and precious stones that were to be shipped to Portugal. Unfortunately, pirates took refuge in Paraty’s beaches, and their assaults ultimately changed the gold route and left the city in economic isolation. Today, it is a beautiful colonial city, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that has preserved its natural and architectural charm. After your tour, you will return to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Pousada Literária Meals: Breakfast

 

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Day 5

Paraty

This morning after breakfast, you will be met for your private Sea Gourmet Excursion aboard the Maria Panela, a classic schooner that has been adapted and equipped to offer an exclusive gastronomic experience.

The adventure begins with a speedboat ride to the Maria Panela, which will be anchored in the Saco do Mamanguá or a similar place, depending on where the tide is most favorable. Upon boarding, the chef will welcome you with a refreshing drink and some delicious snacks. You can then choose to stay on the schooner, enjoying its comfort and relaxing in the sun, or enjoy some water activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkeling. Later, return to the boat to enjoy a wonderful lunch, centered on caiçara flavors and traditional cuisine.

Upon completion of your tour, you will be returned to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Pousada Literária Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

 

 

Day 6

Paraty

This morning after breakfast, you will set off on an exciting jeep tour through the Atlantic Forest, discovering Serra da Bocaina National Park and its diversity of fauna, flora, and stunning waterfalls.

The first stop will be at the Gold Trail exhibition, where you can learn about the importance of this trail for Paraty’s development. Afterwards, you will hike towards Tobogã Waterfall, famous for offering visitors the chance to slide down it along the stone. From there, continue on a short walk to Tarzan Waterfall, where you can choose to swim.

From there, you will depart for a visit and tasting at a cachaça distillery, where Brazil’s iconic alcoholic beverage is made from the sugar cane. Your morning will conclude with a delicious farm-to-table lunch at Bananal Farm, a historical old mansion surrounded by nature and known for its diversity of bird species.

Following your tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Pousada Literária Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 7

Paraty to Ibiti

Today, you will have a road transfer to the Ibiti Project. Along the way, you will stop in Petropolis for lunch and a tour of the city. Often referred to as the Imperial City, Petropolis was the residence of Brazil’s only two emperors– Pedro I and Pedro II. Tucked away in Serra dos Orgaos National Park, here you will visit the Imperial Museum and the Sao Pedro de Alcantara Cathedral. You will then continue on to Ibiti Project, your home for the next three nights.

Ibiti Project defies description and has been a well guarded secret of the global jetset who seek meaning, connection and transformation in their travels. Ibiti Project is equal parts luxury lodge, sustainability initiative, art gallery, conservation project, wellness retreat, rewilding initiative, wildlife sanctuary, adventure center, rural regeneration project, organic farm, historic preservation site and model community.

The highlands of Minas Gerais are made up of endless rolling hills, some covered with thick Atlantic rainforest where parrots fly free, and others smothered by lush green pastures – punctuated by brilliant white quartz deposits thrust from underground. Hundreds of cool streams cascade over cliffs to disappear through caves, emerge as tranquil pools begging to be swam in, then meander out through verdant valleys populated by smiling farmers.

The centerpiece of a visitors experience here is staying at the Fazenda do Engenho, a rural farmhouse built in 1715 that was meticulously restored in 2006 to retain its history and charm while incorporating modern luxuries. With just 8 guest rooms, magic emanates from this place.

Ibiti Project Meals: Breakfast / Lunch /Dinner

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Days 8 & 9

Ibiti

Spend two days exploring this stunning landscape.

Set off on foot, atop mangalara horses, via a modern fleet of electric assisted mountain bikes, stand up paddleboards, or jeeps and encounter something magical around every turn. This paradise includes a sculpture garden of 30 foot tall steel figures by Californian artist Karen Cusolito, originally displayed at the Burning Man festival and many remote vista points where thoughtful surprises await.

Discover thundering waterfalls and exotic swimming holes ringed by crystalline quartz beaches. Explore a fully staffed rehabilitation center for the northern Muriqui monkey, the most critically endangered primate species on earth. Encounter small mountain communities and farms populated by jovial and welcoming locals growing organic produce, distilling cachaca, and creating incredible handicrafts. Your days will be filled with unforgettable activities and surprises at every turn.

Ibiti Project Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10

Ibiti to Iguacu

This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Zona Da Mata Airpoirt for your flight to Iguaçu.

Upon arrival, you will be met for your private transfer to Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel, the only hotel within Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park. Enjoy a two-night stay, breakfast included daily.

From its source located here in Brazil, the Iguaçu River grows into a winding course of more than 300 miles before emptying into the Paraná River and culminating in the spectacular Iguaçu Falls, a 1.5-mile-wide spectacle with more than 200 drops. The largest drop is dauntingly known locally as the “Devil’s Throat,” where the water plummets more than 2,230 feet, exploding onto the rocks below in a haze of fine mist.

This evening, enjoy sunset with champagne and finger foods at the Belmond Tower, which will be reserved for your exclusive use. This is the highest point in the national park, and you will be spellbound as the sun sets over majestic falls.

Belmond Das Cataratas Meals: Breakfast

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Day 11

Iguacu

This morning after breakfast, you will be met by your private guide and driver for your full-day tour of the Argentina side of the Falls, including lunch. You will need to complete border formalities en route.

The Iguazú Falls are an extraordinary sight. It is said that Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed: ‘Poor Niagara!’ when she saw the broad, tranquil river tumbling into the immense chasm of the Devil’s Throat, surrounded by the emerald colors of the subtropical rainforest below, where butterflies dance and birds flit and dive.

The Argentine side of Iguazú brings you in direct contact with the immense power of this UNESCO World Heritage site. With well-constructed metal and wooden walkways, you can walk through the rainforest, across the rushing Rio Iguazú, and stand in awe at viewpoints right on the edge of the precipice. You will take the eco-train, which was designed exclusively for this park and allows you to get up close to the verdant scenery as it has neither windows or doors. Disembark to visit the Upper Circuit, overlooking the cascade from above, and the Lower Circuit on the bottom end of the falls with a sweeping view across the expanse of cataracts. Along the way, you will also find a few other waterfalls in the midst of the rich green tropical forest.

Following your tour you will be returned to the hotel.

Belmond Das Cataratas Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 12

Depart Brazil

Early this morning, before the park opens to the public, meet your private guide for a walking tour on the Brazilian Side of the Iguazu falls. Follow the half-mile path and admire the falls from different viewpoints. At the end of the catwalk you will encounter and feel the magnitude of Iguazu’s largest cataract, Devil’s Tower (262ft high and 1.75mi wide), next to you, beneath your feet, and in the surrounding landscape. Be prepared to get wet!

Following your visit, return to your hotel for breakfast and checkout. After, you will be met by for your private transfer to the Foz do Iguacu Airport. On the way, stop for a panoramic helicopter ride over the Iguazu Falls. Take in aerial views of both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides, including Devil’s Throat, San Martin Island and San Martin Waterfall. Your pilot will circle around the falls a few times to allow each passenger to shoot photos from every possible angle.

You will then continue onto the airport where you will check in for your onward flights.

N/A Meals: Breakfast

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