An Exclusive Discovery of the Marvelous Rio de Janeiro, the Mighty Iguazu Falls and the Heart of Afro-Brazilian Culture
An Exclusive Discovery of the Marvelous Rio de Janeiro, the Mighty Iguazu Falls and the Heart of Afro-Brazilian Culture
Your Trip Overview
(everything mentioned below is included in your trip price)
Trip start date: you can choose any starting date you want for your trip, because all our trips have private departures. That is, you won't be traveling as part of a group.
Trip Duration & lodging:
8 days / 7 nights.
Lodging for 7 nights Included.
10 First‑class tours with the best tour guides (7 of them are private tours). All necessary entrance fees to national parks included.
6 airport transfers included (all private)
7 breakfasts + up to 2 lunches + 1 dinner included.
Worry‑Free planning & First‑Class service
Hear from our guests3 Destinations included:
- Rio de Janeiro (Breathtaking landscapes & home to one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World"): 3 nights
- Salvador da Bahia (The heart & soul of Afro-Brazilian culture): 2 nights
- Iguazu Falls (Selected by 100 Million Voters as One of the "New 7 Wonders of Nature"): 2 nights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Rio De Janeiro
Staying for 3 nights, with 3 tours included
Day 1: You arrive in Rio De Janeiro
Flight arrival in Rio de Janeiro. Welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel with private vehicle and guide.
Welcome to Brazil!
A Cable Car Ascent to the Sugarloaf Mountain and its Astounding Panoramic Views (private tour)
Get ready to behold some of the most eye-popping panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, embarking on a ride in a cable car to the mountaintop of one of the city’s most recognized icons: Sugarloaf Mountain. This is one of the main highlights that made Rio de Janeiro the #1 destination in South America, as voted by millions of travelers on Trip Advisor in 2017. Once we reach the top of Mount Sugarloaf, we’ll feast our eyes upon a stunning 360-degree panoramic view, including Rio’s beaches, mountains, and the Tijuca forest (it’s the largest tropical forest in the world in an urban setting). Also, in a leisurely walk across the newly renovated Olympic Boulevard, we’ll see the largest graffiti on the planet, a colorful and detailed depiction of Brazilian faces. To top the day off, we’ll end this tour relaxing at Arpoador peninsula, a beach that boasts one of the best views of Rio’s beaches and coastline.
This is a half day private tour.
Day 2: Rio De Janeiro
The "Christ the redeemer" Statue, Tijuca Tropical Forest, Rio’s Historic Center and Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorations (private tour)
Get ready to marvel at the most important icon of Rio de Janeiro and one of the winners of the "New 7 Wonders of the World" worldwide competition, in which more than 100 million votes were cast: the Corcovado Mountain and its “Christ the Redeemer†statue. Our expert local guide will not only take you atop the Corcovado Mountain, where the colossal statue stands, but he’ll also help you discover the off-the beaten-path panoramic viewpoint “Dona Marta,†which most travelers do not get to see. This road less traveled offers amazing and unobstructed clear views to almost the entirety of the city (even on cloudy days when the views from the top of Corcovado Mountain are practically non-existent!).
We’ll also see the Tijuca Tropical Forest, one of the main reasons why Rio was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. We’ll later visit Rio’s historic quarters and appreciate the urban beauty that has earned Rio the honor of having been declared the first World Capital of Architecture by the United Nations and the Council of the International Union of Architects, as a recognition to the architectural treasures that show the city’s culture and history since the 16th century. Our final experience as "Cariocas" (as locals from Rio are known) will be hopping aboard a "bondinho" (a very cute local tramway) that runs from the beautifully-preserved, historic neighborhood of Santa Teresa to the hip and bohemian Lapa neighborhood. This visit will include witnessing the largest sculpture in the world made by a single man, according to National Geographic: the Selaron Tiles staircase.
This is a full day private tour.
Day 3: Rio De Janeiro
Choose 1 among the following 6 tour options:
Option 1: Learn to Prepare and Savor the Most Typical Brazilian Dishes and Drinks (private tour)
Put on your apron and step into the role of a Brazilian chef, as you put your cooking skills to the test, with a Brazilian regional cuisine cooking class. This 100% hands-on experience takes place in a cuisine studio located in the renowned Copacabana neighborhood. Not only will you learn how to cook some of the most delicious traditional Brazilian dishes, but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the country’s culture through food, and to savor the most classic Brazilian alcoholic drinks. (Click here for a detailed account of all meals and drinks prepared). Much of what you will have learnt here can be easily recreated at home, using close substitutes for the hard-to-find ingredients.
This is a half-day private tour. You’ll be picked up at your hotel by a Portuguese-speaking driver, and the personnel at the cooking class is fully bilingual.
Option 2: Glitz, Glamour, and Floats: a Behind-the-Scenes Experience of Rio’s Famous Carnival
With over 2 million people in attendance, Rio’s carnival is nearly the biggest party on the planet. We’ll immerse ourselves in all things glitz, glamour, and floats, as we experience a behind-the-scenes look at the mega-colossal effort that goes behind Rio’s carnival preparations. We’ll visit the warehouses of Grande Rio, one of the main Samba Schools in the city. Once there, we’ll walk through this massive warehouse where costumes are sewn, floats are constructed and elaborate make-up is stored, and we’ll learn from a member of this Samba school about what it takes to prepare, organize and rehearse for a full-fledged carnival parade. Also you’ll have the unique chance to try on a genuine carnival costume!
This is a half day group tour with a guide who speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese for the entire group. However, you’ll be taken to and from the site in a private vehicle.
Option 3: From Slavery to Freedom: an Afro-Brazilian Heritage Tour
It’s time to trace the footsteps of Afro-Brazilian culture in Rio, as we head out along a historic path, taking us from the sordid story of the first arrival of the enslaved Africans, to the intriguing mix of cultures that is present day Rio. We’ll also appreciate the Afro-Brazilian roots of Rio’s famed carnival.
Although the history of slavery in the United States seems to be the most recognized, Brazil actually takes the title of being the country where slavery was the most prominent. In fact, Brazil trafficked more slaves than any other nation in the Western hemisphere and held to its slave practices the longest. Slavery played a vital role in shaping Brazilian history, and also infused its culture with African heritage and tradition, to the point that the dominant forms of music and dance are Afro-Brazilian, and even the country’s mainstream religion is tinged with elements of West-African polytheism.
This is a half day private tour, mainly done on foot.
Option 4: Hiking Through Tijuca Tropical Forest and to its Highest Peak (private tour)
Summon your athletic spirit to hike to the summit of Tijuca peak, the second highest one in Rio, with a height of 3350 feet (1021 meters). First, you’ll traverse part of Tijuca tropical forest, the largest urban forest in the world, and one of the main reasons why Rio was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. There you’ll enjoy the lush tropical vegetation and maybe spot birds or monkeys. On your way, you’ll stop at “Chinese outlookâ€, the most visited panoramic outlook in the forest, marked by a Chinese-style gazebo, with a view to the forest, the Sugarloaf mountain and the “Christ the redeemer†statue atop the Corcovado mountain. After passing by a spot in this tropical forest adorned by a quaint little cascade, you’ll head to the mountain itself where the hiking difficulty turns moderate. At the summit of the Tijuca peak, if it’s not cloudy, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view of Rio’s bay and city, the surrounding mountains and forest, and the ocean.
This private tour’s total duration is about 5 hours, with a 3 mile (5 kilometers) total traversal. The ascent itself is about 1:15 hours, depending on your pace. The hike is rated easy to moderate.
Option 5: Savoring Brazil: a Daytime Walking Food & Drinks Tour
Tempt your taste buds and stimulate your senses while exploring some of Rio’s most interesting and hip neighborhoods, as you savor the delectable and diverse dishes and drinks of Brazil! In this daytime walking food tour, we’ll check out bustling street markets, eclectic hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and backstreet bars as we search out and sample some of the best foods Rio has to offer! From enticing street foods to exotic fruits and refreshing caipirinha cocktails, we’ll get to know the city while happily feeding our appetites. In our explorations we’ll make 8 stops spanning 4 close-by neighborhoods, finishing up with a big meal and plenty of drinks!
This is a 5 to 6-hour group tour and includes all food, water, juices, beers, caipirinhas and other drinks. The maximum group size is around 7 people.
Option 6: Brazil’s Dance, Music and Costumes: Ginga Tropical Night Show
Ginga Tropical is a show that portrays, in a well-paced and highly energetic manner, many of Brazil’s most popular dances and rhythms, all of which are infused with African and indigenous influences. Samba (the dance featured in Rio’s world renowned Carnival), carnival costumes, capoeira (a dance style developed by the African slaves, that also doubles as a martial art!), forro, and other styles from practically all corners of this vast country are presented in a dynamic succession of music, costume and dance sketches. The show is geared mainly for visitors who want to appreciate a general landscape of Brazilian music and dance, and the venue is a rather old and un-refurbished hall, where seating is movie-theater style.
This is an unguided tour lasting about 5 hours, including time for dinner (dinner not included). It includes a private vehicle and driver the entire time.
Day 4: Last day in Rio De Janeiro
Transfer in private vehicle and guide to the airport.
Salvador Da Bahia
Staying for 2 nights, with 3 tours included
Day 4: You arrive in Salvador Da Bahia
Flight arrival in Salvador de Bahia. Welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel with private vehicle and guide.
Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy your own explorations, or ask our local representative about suggested activities for your free time.Day 5: Salvador Da Bahia
Walking Tour with Local Community Members, and Preparing and Enjoying Lunch Together (private tour)
Visit a working-class neighborhood in Salvador to meet Brazilian homemakers of African descent, whose passion is sharing their culture and experience with their guests and teaching to cook Bahian specialties. Then you’ll enjoy together a home-made lunch (which you’ll help prepare) consisting of the signature Bahian dishes and desserts.
This is a half-day private tour and includes lunch without alcoholic beverages.
Exploring the Afro-Brazilian & Colonial Heritage of Salvador da Bahia: the Largest Slave Market Ever in the Americas (private tour)
The millions of slaves captured in Africa and brought to Brazil by the Portuguese brought with them a culture rich in music, dance, cuisine, and religion that’s still present and mainstream in Salvador da Bahia. This city was the epicenter of the largest slave market ever in the Americas, in fact, seven times more slaves were brought to Salvador alone than to the entire United States!
Get ready for a journey to Salvador’s historic center, declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, and let us help you discover the singular Afro-Brazilian and Portuguese heritages of Salvador da Bahia.
In this city, steeped in Afro-Brazilian, colonial and indigenous heritages, you’ll get to admire the greatest collection of Baroque architectural heritage in Latin America, the first urban elevator in the world, as well as appreciate the sight of multicolored colonial and baroque houses and mansions that make up the city’s historic center.
This is a half-day private tour.
A Colorful and Enchanting Evening of Afro-Brazilian, Indigenous and Popular Dance and Folklore
Behold a performance by the renowned Afro-Brazilian dance company: Bale Folclorico da Bahia, which has toured in more than 180 cities worldwide and has and has gained both local and international acclaim It has obtained the “Best Dance Company in Brazil†award by Fiat Industries and “Best Performance of the Year†award by the Brazilian Ministry of Culture.
With its mesmerizing choreography and feverish rhythms, complete with gorgeously elaborated costumes, the performance features the three cultural pillars of Bahian culture: the mystical religion of Candomble, the acrobatic Capoeira (a dance and martial art), and the colorful and rhythmic Samba dance.
We’ll be treated to diverse Afro-Brazilian dances that includes flips, spins, high back kicks, fast-paced rhythms, and the boundless energy of rapid-fire footwork.
This tour includes dinner without beverages and with private transfers.
Day 6: Last day in Salvador Da Bahia
Transfer with private vehicle to Salvador de Bahia airport.
Iguazu
Staying for 2 nights, with 4 tours included
Day 6: You arrive in Iguazu
Flight arrival in Iguazu.
Welcome at airport and private transfer to your hotel. Depending on your flight arrival time, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy your own explorations, or ask our local representative about suggested activities for your free time.Day 7: Iguazu
Witness the Unique Power & Might of the Iguazu Falls from the Argentine Side (private tour)
“You might have seen the photos. Even read about it. You might have visited other great waterfalls before. But you probably still have no idea what to expect when you come face to face with the almighty Iguazu Falls,†stated CNN in their article “Iguazu Falls: Why this natural wonder should be on everyone’s bucket list". To put that into perspective, Iguazu Falls is nearly twice as tall as Niagara Falls and nearly three times as wide. The late U.S. First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, was reportedly so impressed by the sight of Iguazu Falls that she exclaimed “Poor Niagara!â€
In 1984, Iguazu Falls became a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and in 2011, it was selected as one of the 7 winners of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature†worldwide competition in which more than 100 million votes were cast.
Their size and scale are unlike any other waterfall on Earth. Made up of a system of 275 waterfalls, they have a staggering water flow of up to almost 3.5 million gallons (13 million liters) per second – enough to fill five Olympic swimming pools!
Unlike Niagara Falls, which is surrounded by developments such as casinos, a revolving restaurant, and coffee shops, Iguazu Falls are located within one of the few remaining inland rainforests in South America, the Atlantic rainforest, which is a haven for more than 2,000 plant species, about 400 birds species, and 80 types of mammals!
This is a full-day private tour.
A Speedboat Adventure Up-Close the Iguazu Falls
Get ready for a thrilling speedboat adventure, enjoying a unique, up-close perspective of the majestic Iguazu Falls and experience a different viewpoint of the falls from what you’ll see from the panoramic boardwalks. Our speedboat will zip the waters of the Iguazu River and approach the falls getting thoroughly splashed by their mist as you hear their loud roar!
This ride provides a unique and extremely close-up view of the San Martin and Three Musketeers falls with the opportunity to take outstanding close-up photos. The high point of this experience will be without a doubt, being showered under the mist of the San Martin Falls; the second strongest falls in the Iguazu system. Now it’s time to hop on board and begin our waterfall adventure!
This is a 12-minute group tour and is done on the same day you do the Argentinean side of the falls tour. This tour has an age restriction (click on tour name above for details).
Day 8: Iguazu
Behold the Breathtaking Panoramic Views of Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian Side (private tour)
With 80% of the falls located on the Argentine side, it is only from the Brazilian side that one can see almost all of them at once, in full, breathtakingly panoramic views.
The Brazilian side offers majestic scenic views of the beauty and entirety of the falls; this is because the Brazilian footbridge lies across the river from the falls, offering a unique perspective and epic scenic views, making the Brazilian side different and absolutely complementary to the experience from the Argentine side.
This is a half-day private tour.
Walking Among Exotic Birds in the Iguazu Rainforest (private tour)
You’re about to enter a one-of-a-kind bird sanctuary! Here you’ll find the largest colony of toucans on display in the world, as well as the largest colony of parrots on display in South America, along with 150 different bird species from Brazil and all over the world, many of them endangered.
Located in the midst of the lush tropical rainforest, Foz Tropicana Bird Park is an internationally-recognized rescue and preservation center for endangered birds; and it’s among the most important ones in South America. You’ll find yourself side by side a myriad of exotic birds, in the three walk-in aviaries, where you’ll have the opportunity to have an up-close and personal experience with amazingly colorful parrots and Toco Toucans, among many other birds… all of them right next to you or even flying over your head!
In addition to the diversity and beauty of the birds you’ll see, the park itself presents itself as a unique location. It covers nearly 40 acres (16 hectares) of rainforest, so you’re quite literally going to find yourself in the middle of nature as you make your way along the trails!
This visit lasts about an hour and a half to two hours and takes place on the same day as your Brazilian side of the falls tour.
Transfer in private vehicle to Iguazu airport.
We look forward to welcoming you again in Brazil!Lodging for 7 nights Included
suggested comfort category lodging
- Rio de Janeiro: 3 nightsArena Copacabana Hotel
Arena Copacabana Hotel - deluxe with front sea view: 3 nights
Deluxe with front sea view - Salvador da Bahia: 2 nightsWish da Bahia Hotel
Wish da Bahia Hotel - superior category room: 2 nights
Superior category room - Iguazu Falls: 2 nightsGrand Crucero Hotel
Grand Crucero Hotel - standard category room: 2 nights
Standard category room
suggested deluxe category lodging
- Rio de Janeiro: 3 nightsHilton Copacabana Hotel
Hilton Copacabana Hotel - room with front sea view: 3 nights
Room with front sea view - Salvador da Bahia: 2 nightsVilla Bahia Hotel
Villa Bahia Hotel - deluxe category room: 2 nights
Deluxe category room - Iguazu Falls: 2 nightsAmerian Iguazu
Amerian Iguazu - standard category room with river view: 2 nights
Standard category room with river view
suggested unique & exclusive category lodging
- Rio de Janeiro: 3 nightsFasano Rio de Janeiro Hotel
Fasano Rio de Janeiro Hotel - deluxe category room with sea view: 3 nights
Deluxe category room with sea view - Salvador da Bahia: 2 nightsFasano Salvador Hotel
Fasano Salvador Hotel - junior suite with front sea view: 2 nights
Junior suite with front sea view - Iguazu Falls: 2 nightsMelia Iguazu Hotel
Melia Iguazu Hotel - deluxe category room with falls view: 2 nights
Deluxe category room with falls view
Domestic Flights Duration & Route
Brazil is a huge country, the 5th largest in the world, so flights tend to be long, because of the long distances. Also many flights have connections. Needless to say, traveling by land is unfeasible in almost every case.
We can take care of booking all the needed domestic flights for your trip.
| Flight Route | Total Flight Duration |
|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro to Salvador da Bahia | 2 hours |
| Salvador da Bahia to Foz do Iguaçu (Brazilian side) | 5 hours and 10 minutes (there is no direct flight, so a connection is needed) |
For a worry‑free travel experience, we strongly advise letting us take care of your domestic flights. It’s common for local airlines to make several flight changes before (and sometimes during) a trip. Taking care of domestic flights will allow us to closely monitor any flight changes, adapting your trip itinerary as needed.
Our flight issuing service includes: flights booking, daily tracking of flight status and changes, reconfirmation with the airline of each flight before each departure, booking of your flight seats, web check-in (not available for all flights) and assistance with your flights arrangements if there is any flight delay, change or cancellation before or during your trip.
Hi there! I'm Fred, founder & owner of Exploration Journeys.
Over 20 years ago, I set out to build a travel company that would redefine what “worry-free travel” really means, where every guest feels cared for as if they were part of our family, and every detail runs seamlessly.
With two decades of experience crafting Argentina trips, I’ve learned that the right pacing, local expertise, and genuine care make all the difference. That’s why every itinerary we design blends must-see highlights with authentic local experiences, while leaving space for personal exploration and real connection.
I'd love to personally design a customized itinerary for you.
I look forward to helping make your Argentina journey truly memorable, worry-free and first-class from start to finish.
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Price per Person in U.S. Dollars
(does not include flights)
| PRICE PER PERSON FOR ALL GROUND SERVICES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Category Lodging | Deluxe Category Lodging | Unique & Exclusive Category Lodging | |
| Double occupancy room | |||
| Triple occupancy room | |||
Our prices above include all hotels, tours and airport transfers mentioned in this itinerary. Discounts available for groups of 4 or more travelers. Request a quote for 4 or more travelers or for a single traveler. Our prices do not include international or domestic airfare. Looking for the most exclusive and luxurious rooms and tour experiences? | |||
Domestic Flights
| Domestic Airfare (2 flights) |
| Starts at $ 196 per person |
| Subject to availability at the time of booking |
Our airfares include:
Most travel agencies and flight websites quote airfares that do not include any of the above, and some don't include seat reservation, but we always book airfares that allow these. Prices for domestic flights depend exclusively on availability — the sooner you book, the lower the airfare. As soon as we receive your feedback on your itinerary, we'll check flight availability and let you know the best flight options and lowest available fare. Our goal is that you don't have to worry about a thing. We take care of:
We actively manage your domestic flight arrangements so you can enjoy a worry‑free travel experience. |