3-Week Brazil Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Brazil tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineBrazil travel expert at TourRadar

• 17 Day Argentina & Brazil Itinerary, incl. Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro

  A 17-day Brazilian adventure showcases 4 remarkable cities. Marvel at Foz do Iguacu's cascades, ascend to Rio's Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, wander colonial Paraty's coastal beauty, and relax on Vila do Abraao's beaches. Daily breakfast and transfers included.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Buenos Aires

    Start exploring Argentina's bustling capital. Visit La Boca early morning for the best photo light. Take a bike tour through upscale Recoleta and leafy Palermo. End your day at a tango show in San Telmo – pick the 10:30 PM show since locals don't eat until after 9 PM anyway.

    
  • Days 4-7

    Iguazu Falls Region

    Book a "cama suite" overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu for better sleep. Spend your first day getting used to the town and tropical weather. Visit the Argentine side of the falls right when it opens at 8 AM to avoid crowds and heat. Head to Devil's Throat first before it gets packed. The Brazilian side has a shorter trail but gets you closer to the falls. Your phone will get wet, so bring a waterproof case.

    
  • Days 8-11

    Rio de Janeiro

    After another overnight bus, settle into Copacabana. It's close to the beach and has good transport options. Visit Sugarloaf Mountain around 4 PM to see both daytime views and sunset. Before going to Christ the Redeemer, check the webcam – morning fog usually sticks around until 10 AM. The "Big Dude" tour covers main attractions well, but leave time to wander through artsy Santa Teresa on your own.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Paraty

    Plan for a 4-hour trip from Rio – longer on weekends. Watch your step on the historic center's slick cobblestones. "The boat trip to the nearby islands was a highlight – but book a smaller boat tour instead of the larger party boats for a more relaxed experience," one traveler shared.

    
  • Days 14-17

    Ilha Grande

    Catch the first boat from Angra dos Reis to get the most out of your island time. Book a place in Vila do Abraão where everything happens. Get to Lopes Mendes beach early before others arrive. Take the 10 AM boat back instead of the 1 PM one to avoid missing your flight from Rio due to coastal traffic.

    

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• 15 Day Brazil & Argentina Itinerary, incl. Iguazu Falls and Rio de Janeiro

  A 15-day Brazilian tour winds through 6 vibrant cities. Stand before Iguazu Falls' Devil's Throat and Rio's Christ the Redeemer. Immerse in São Paulo's urban energy, cruise Paraty's waters on Netuno II, and spend 3 nights in Ilha Grande's tropical paradise before Rio's finale.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Iguazu Falls

    Begin your journey in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina. Spend your first full day exploring the Argentine side. Take the Lower Trail to see Two Sisters and Bossetti Falls, then catch the Jungle Train to Devil's Throat. Start at Devil's Throat early (7:45 AM pickup) to beat the crowds and catch stunning morning rainbows in the mist. Visit the Brazilian side on day two for excellent panoramic views. The walkways are shorter but perfect for photos. Don't forget a waterproof phone case. You'll need it at Devil's Throat.

    
  • Days 4-6

    São Paulo

    Take a night bus from Foz do Iguacu (15 hours). Pack warm layers since the buses run cold. Stay in Vila Madalena to be close to great street art and cafes. Check out the Sunday antique fair at Praça Benedito Calixto for local culture and live Brazilian music.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Paraty

    An easy 7-hour bus ride brings you to this colonial town. The historic center's streets flood at high tide, so bring water-resistant sandals. Take a boat to nearby islands for snorkeling. Boats leave the main pier at 10 AM. Looking for the clearest water? Head to Praia do Pontal, about 40 minutes from the harbor.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Ilha Grande

    Catch the 8:30 AM transfer via Angra dos Reis to reach this car-free island. Stay in the main town, Vila do Abraão. The hike to Lopes Mendes beach takes about 2.5 hours. It's challenging but rewards you with one of Brazil's most beautiful beaches. Stick to marked trails to avoid getting lost in the Atlantic Forest.

    
  • Days 12-15

    Rio de Janeiro

    Welcome to the Cidade Maravilhosa. Take the morning boat from Ilha Grande to arrive in daylight. Start your city tour at Christ the Redeemer before clouds appear (usually by 11 AM). Visit the Selaron Steps in Lapa in mid-afternoon for the best photos. End your day at Sugarloaf Mountain for sunset. The last cable car goes up at 7:40 PM.

    

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• 17 Day Brazil Itinerary, incl. Rio de Janeiro and Amazon

  This 17-day Brazilian odyssey connects 6 magnificent destinations. From Rio's Copacabana Beach to Salvador's Pelourinho, visit Christ the Redeemer, Iguazu Falls, and the Amazon rainforest near Manaus. Colonial Ouro Preto rounds out this luxury tour with 4-5 star accommodations.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Rio de Janeiro

    Start your Brazilian adventure in Rio. Head to Christ the Redeemer first thing in the morning. The 8:00 AM cable car up Corcovado Mountain usually has the shortest wait times. Visit Sugar Loaf Mountain later in the day to catch a beautiful sunset over Guanabara Bay. Spend time relaxing at Copacabana Beach but be smart about security. Stay near the lifeguard posts and keep your valuables safe.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Iguazu Falls

    Take a 2-hour flight to see the magnificent Iguazu Falls. You'll want to visit both sides of the falls. The Brazilian side gives you the big picture while the Argentine side lets you get up close. Bring waterproof gear for your electronics and wear clothes that dry quickly. The Bird Park by the falls entrance is best visited early when the birds are most active.

    
  • Days 7-10

    Manaus & Amazon

    Next stop is Manaus where you can tour the historic Opera House before heading into the Amazon. Pack light clothes that dry fast and good walking shoes. The humidity is intense here at around 90%. Your stay includes jungle walks and river trips with the best wildlife viewing at night. Look for caiman and stop by the "Meeting of the Waters" where two differently colored rivers join together.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Belo Horizonte & Ouro Preto

    The cooler weather in Minas Gerais will be a nice break after the Amazon. Walk the steep cobblestone streets of Ouro Preto in sturdy shoes. Visit São Francisco de Assis Church early to beat the crowds. If you get motion sickness bring medication for the 75-minute mountain drive from Belo Horizonte.

    
  • Days 14-17

    Salvador

    End your trip in Salvador the center of Afro-Brazilian culture. Walk through the historic Pelourinho district in the morning before it gets too hot. On Tuesday nights you can enjoy free music in the square. Stay in Porto da Barra or Rio Vermelho for easy access to beaches and restaurants in safe areas.

    

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