Christmas & New Year Tours in Brazil
Brazil and Argentina in one trip just makes sense. From exploring Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, visiting the colorful Selarón Staircase, touring the iconic Maracanã Stadium, experiencing both Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguazu Falls, enjoying the Rafain Churrascaria Show, touring Buenos Aires, and experiencing a traditional Argentine tango show. There's Copacabana Beach, samba culture and rainforest trails waiting for you.
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Just got back from a fantastic vacation… Just got back from a fantastic vacation in Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls, and it was everything we hoped it would be! Wonderfulholidays was in constant contact with us about transfers and tours, and their team truly cared about our experiences. A special shout-out to Ronnie, Amy, and Zufi for making things run as smoothly as possible. Thanks so much!
Exquisite Iguazu Falls Escape: A 7-Day Deluxe AdventureEveryone who work for Guide Team has been very helpful and knowledgeable throughout our stay in Brazil. They anticipate what needs to be done and make necessary changes with apparent ease. Altogether an excellent trip, as we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.
Best of Brazil: 11 Day Rio, Amazon & Wildlife AdventureWe had never done a tour like this before and were nervous about all the details that were a part of it. However, we were picked up on time, everytime, the hotels/lodges were waiting for us, and the guides were very good (especially Bruna in Iguassu). The only thing I would change on this trip is the location of the hotels in Iguassu and Manaus. They were too far away from restaurants and local sites. The hotel in Rio de Janeiro was perfect.
Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls and Amazon Rainforest Experience
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10 best Christmas & New Year Brazil tour packages
Compiled by
NadineBrazil travel expert at TourRadar
- Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu Falls Experience
- Exquisite Iguazu Falls Escape: A 7-Day Deluxe Adventure
- Best of Brazil: 11 Day Rio, Amazon & Wildlife Adventure
- Endless Summer Rio and Paraty
- Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls and Amazon Rainforest Experience
- Enchanting Argentina: Explore Buenos Aires, Rio, and the Majestic Iguazu Falls
- Rio +Angra and Ilha Grande day tour (5 Days)
- Brazil's charm: Rio & Paraty 10 days, fully guided itinerary
- Brazilian Nature and Wildlife Tour (incl. domestic flights)
- Amazon Boat Cruise - 6 Days
Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu Falls Experience
“Fantastic tour and beautiful country!”
Jennifer, traveled in December
Brazilian holiday traditions shine at Copacabana Beach, Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião, and Christ the Redeemer. Seasonal highlights include Sugar Loaf Mountain views and tours of both Brazilian and Argentinian sides of Iguazu Falls.
Duration 7 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro, Foz Do Iguacu Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Nattrip From
- US$2,250
Exquisite Iguazu Falls Escape: A 7-Day Deluxe Adventure
“it was everything we hoped it would be! their team truly cared about our experiences.”
Jennifer, traveled in August
Rio's festive atmosphere surrounds Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Seasonal wonder awaits at Iguazu Falls' viewpoints, complemented by holiday shows at Rafain Churrascaria featuring traditional Christmas cuisine.
Duration 7 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro, Foz Do Iguacu Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $2,250
9% off- US$2,047
Best of Brazil: 11 Day Rio, Amazon & Wildlife Adventure
“They anticipate what needs to be done and make necessary changes with apparent ease. Altogether an excellent trip.”
Helen, traveled in July
Duration 11 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Brasilia, Cuiaba, Pocone, Porto Jofre, Manaus, Sao Paulo Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
9% off- US$7,950
Duration 6 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro, Paraty Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Trip to South America From $1,365
5% off- US$1,297
Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls and Amazon Rainforest Experience
“Rio was a full day of sightseeing. Sleeping in the jungle, looking for sloths and piranha fishing were highlights.”
maria, traveled in December
Brazil's iconic locations host seasonal festivities - from Christmas at Copacabana Beach to New Year's at Maracanã Stadium. The decorated Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião awaits, along with holiday visits to both Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguazu Falls.
Duration 12 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro, Foz Do Iguacu, Manaus Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Nattrip From
5% off- US$3,900
Enchanting Argentina: Explore Buenos Aires, Rio, and the Majestic Iguazu Falls
“The prearranged tours were packed with the must-see spots in both cities. The iguazu falls was the best.”
Mercedes, traveled in May
Rio's Christ the Redeemer and Iguazu Falls shine during Brazil's festive season. Join celebrations at Copacabana Beach, admire holiday décor at Metropolitan Cathedral, and opt for a New Year's Ginga Tropical Show with Brazilian dinner.
Duration 10 days Destinations Buenos Aires, Foz Do Iguacu, Rio de Janeiro Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $2,382
9% off- US$2,168
Rio +Angra and Ilha Grande day tour (5 Days)
“The tour was great organized”
Anna-Caterina, traveled in June
The festive Brazilian journey features Christ the Redeemer visits and Angra dos Reis cruising (excluding Dec 28-Jan 4). Start your day with holiday breakfast at your Copacabana hotel, visit Metropolitan Cathedral, and capture seasonal photos at Maracanã Stadium's exterior.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro, Angra dos Reis, Ilha Grande Age Range Ages 18+ Operator HI Travel South America From
9% off- US$364
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Brazil
Which Brazilian cities offer the best Christmas & New Year celebrations?
Copacabana Beach New Year's celebration drawing over 2 million people each year. Salvador brings a distinct flavor to the season mixing African and Portuguese holiday customs. The city streets of São Paulo light up with decorations particularly along Paulista Avenue and throughout Ibirapuera Park. Visitors to Manaus can experience Christmas with an Amazonian twist where riverside communities add their own tropical elements to traditional festivities. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Rio's New Year celebration was incredible but exploring multiple cities during the holiday season gave us a wonderful perspective on Brazil's diverse festivities."
What's the weather like in Brazil during Christmas & New Year?
The festive season aligns with Brazilian summer bringing temperatures between 25-35°C (77-95°F). Beach celebrations in Rio de Janeiro benefit from warm weather though humidity runs high. São Paulo visitors should pack an umbrella for afternoon rain showers. The Amazon region near Manaus combines high humidity with quick tropical downpours. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The warm weather made for a perfect beach Christmas though we needed to stay hydrated during the New Year's celebrations."
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour to Brazil?
The holiday season creates peak demand requiring bookings 6-8 months ahead especially for key destinations like Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls. Popular accommodations such as Arena Leme Hotel in Rio and Wish Foz do Iguacu fill up early in the year. One TourRadar traveler notes: "The best hotels and tours get booked quickly for the holiday season particularly in Rio where everyone wants to experience the New Year's celebration at Copacabana."
What are the accommodation options for Christmas & New Year tours in Brazil?
The range spans from beachfront luxury at Windsor Leme in Rio to boutique stays at Sagu Mini Resort on Ilha Grande. Historic properties like Pousada do Ouro in Paraty embrace the season with festive decor and special holiday meals. A TourRadar traveler reports: "Staying at the Arena Leme Hotel during Christmas was perfect - they had beautiful decorations and organized a special Christmas Eve dinner with traditional Brazilian holiday dishes."
Are there any special culinary experiences during Christmas & New Year in Brazil?
Holiday menus feature chester (special holiday poultry) farofa and rabanada (Brazilian French toast). Hotels like Windsor Martinique in Rio create elaborate holiday buffets while New Year's tables include lentils believed to bring prosperity. One TourRadar traveler shares: "The holiday feast at Assador Restaurant in Rio was incredible - from traditional Brazilian Christmas dishes to amazing New Year's Eve specialties."
What traditional Brazilian Christmas & New Year customs should I expect?
Brazilian celebrations blend Catholic traditions with local practices. Families gather for 'Ceia de Natal' (Christmas dinner) at midnight on Christmas Eve. New Year's traditions include wearing white clothes jumping seven waves at midnight and leaving offerings for Yemanjá. The Metropolitan Cathedral in Rio hosts special holiday services. A TourRadar traveler reflects: "Participating in local traditions like jumping waves at midnight and wearing white made us feel part of the Brazilian culture."