Brazil Highlands Tours & Trips
Ever heard of Brazil's highland plateau? The Brazilian Highlands (Planalto) cover much of the interior, so you’re exploring Chapada dos Veadeiros with waterfalls and cerrado savanna, Chapada Diamantina's caves and peaks, and Serra da Canastra. The region's cooler than the coast, and landscapes shift from savanna to mountains to canyons. The Brazilian Highlands are criminally undervisited; when will you go?
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Derrielle • traveled in December, 2025
Loved the tour! The places we visited were stunning, and the group atmosphere was really nice. Perfect for anyone visiting the area.
Wonderful Rio - W
Wanderlust • traveled in March, 2026
The tour offered a variety of activities from the outrageous lifestyle of Lapa, the shady but inspiring stories of the Favela, the beach vibes of Rio, the amazing Carnaval. The Hotel accommodation was good; walkable distance to restaurants. We found a place that serves great Açai, and Flan! Some activities though are tiring especially on a hot humid day of February like the walk from the hotel to the Metro, and to the Marina or from the Metro to the Ipanema rock for sunset. The group was wondering how the company could not just have a Van to haul everybody back and forth to locations? We ended up using Uber on our own half the time. The face painting by an “artist” needs time-management. There were more than 20 in our group and the so called “artist” spends 30-45 min on one or two or three people with elaborate colors, talks in-between task, and poses for photos. So of course when he was pressed for time he can only do minimal “painting” on the rests of the group — like he did mine for 5 minutes. Can’t help but feel cheated. I think there should be a time limit for each person so others can be equally accommodated and not rushed. Some activities are too closed in-between that there is hardly any time to rest and eat. Not a deal breaker but just so you can be prepared. Bring/buy an umbrella, a hat, lots of sun block; buy the Fan that makes sound—- you can party with it, and it doubles up as a shade against the harsh sun. The sunset boat tour offered a great view of Rio’s marina/coastline; the blockos are fun but be aware that the crowd can be rowdy and explicit— It was short of an orgy we thought it made Vegas looks like childplay. Over all, we are glad we came and joined on this tour by Bamba Travel. We rate the team leader/tour owner Jorge, as Excellent. Jorge really made efforts to communicate, to greet every one, to assist every one, and even offered assistance post-tour. There were plenty of his Staff all around us, love that there is always someone who will walk with any one of us who decide to go back to the Hotel earlier at night. Jorge, and his Staff were organized, made us feel safe and connected. We would recommend this tour just because of Jeorge :)
Brazil Carnival Full Experience 6D/5N (Rio de Janeiro) - K
Ksenia • traveled in March
Both Thallis and Guilherme were absolutely amazing. From the first moment to the very last one I felt like I have now friends for life. They took such good care of me on the other hand giving me the much needed space as I booked the tour alone and wanted this as a meditation adventure.
Brazil’s Iconic Petropolis-Teresopolis Crossing – Private Guided Expedition
Table of contents
- The best Brazilian Highlands tour packages
- Travel Brazilian Highlands your way
- Best tour companies for Brazilian Highlands tours
- Discover Brazilian Highlands tours for every budget
- Brazilian Highlands tours for every type of group
- Top Brazilian Highlands travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Brazilian Highlands
- Contact our Brazilian Highlands travel experts
The best Brazilian Highlands tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaBrazilian Highlands travel expert at TourRadar
Highlights of Rio & Iguazu - 6 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great and memorable trip. Having TourRadar to work with made it easy to plan.”
Ken, traveled in November
Duration 6 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro, Urca, Mount Pao de Acucar, Tijuca National Park, Foz Do Iguacu, Iguazu Falls Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$1,170
Salvador Afro-Cultural Experience
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The free time was amazing and allows you to pursue Salvador based on your interests.”
James, traveled in July
Lacerda Elevator offers panoramic views of Salvador's elevated districts. Historic churches dot the highland Pelourinho district, while traditional performances celebrate the Brazilian Highlands' cultural heritage.
Duration 5 days Destinations Salvador Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Nattrip From
- US$1,300
Wonderful Rio
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great balance of sightseeing, free time and local insights. I really loved it.”
Bianca, traveled in December
Brazilian Highlands unfold dramatically from Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain. Sugarloaf Mountain's cable car ascent rewards with coastal vistas, while Santa Teresa's hilltop community offers views of surrounding peaks.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish Operator ETours Brazil DMC From
- US$535
Brazil Carnival Full Experience 6D/5N (Rio de Janeiro)
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was really fun. It was the best trip ever!”
Lia, traveled in February
Brazilian Highlands showcase their grandeur with Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, thrilling cable car rides to Sugarloaf Mountain, and sweeping views of Guanabara Bay. Hotel Granada serves as your base for carnival festivities and guided tours.
Duration 6 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- US$2,051
Brazil’s Iconic Petropolis-Teresopolis Crossing – Private Guided Expedition
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I felt like I have now friends for life. They took such good care of me on the other hand giving me the much needed space.”
Ksenia, traveled in March
A challenging 32km trek awaits in Serra dos Órgãos National Park, reaching 2,275m at Pedra do Sino peak. Technical sections include The Elevator and 'Cavalinho' passage, with camping at Açu Castles and Pedra do Sino shelters. Suitable for ages 15+, this costs around $800 including guided expertise, all meals, and Rio de Janeiro transfers.
Duration 3 days Destinations Petropolis, Teresopolis Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Portuguese, Spanish Operator Nattrip From
- US$650
Rio Essentials: Samba, Sun & Sugarloaf
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It is magical. Everything was well organize.”
Mark, traveled in March
Rio's dramatic setting unfolds from Windsor Leme Hotel. Cable cars climb Sugar Loaf Mountain's granite peak for breathtaking Highland views, while a historic train ascends Corcovado to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
Duration 4 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator People Travel and Experience From
- US$895
Walk through UNESCO-listed Valongo Wharf and Pretos Novos Institute to learn about Brazil's African diaspora heritage, then head to Rocinha, Brazil's largest favela with 150,000 residents, touring by open jeep through São Conrado and along Avenida Niemeyer. See colonial-era coffee farms in the Paraíba River Valley's Voussouras region.
Duration 5 days Destinations Rio de Janeiro Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Signature DMC From
- US$1,509
Travel Brazilian Highlands your way
Best tour companies for Brazilian Highlands tours
Discover Brazilian Highlands tours for every budget
Brazilian Highlands tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Brazilian Highlands travel itineraries to fit your plans
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers43 tours- Couples42 tours
- Seniors (50+)24 tours
Best time to visit Brazilian Highlands
- Summer 2026
Summer in the highlands needs a different approach, and we've developed routes that work well with the warmer temperatures. Our 5-day Rio tour balances time between Copacabana, Ipanema and mountain trails - you'll take the Corcovado train during the cool morning hours. The 4-day option includes a fantastic Jeep ride through the Botanical Garden where you'll see over 900 different palm species, while our 3-night starter package is perfect for first visits, mixing easier mountain paths with South Rio beach exploration. What makes these summer routes work so well is how the guides pace the hiking during hot spells and know the perfect spots for cooling off in natural pools. The schedule flows nicely too, with active mountain mornings and relaxed waterside afternoons.
- popular 35 tours
- 35 tours
- 35 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Jorge leads TourRadar's Full Experience Carnival package in Rio - our travelers keep telling us how well his team handles all the details and really looks after everyone. If you're keen on getting into the real Carnival spirit, this one's solid. For something totally different in the region, there's a good trekking route between Petrópolis and Teresópolis run by Nattrip. Their guides Thallis and Guilherme know every inch of those mountain trails and share lots of local knowledge along the way. Just know that while the trek itself is excellent, you'll be staying in basic mountain shelters that could do with some updates - our past trekkers have mentioned this, but most say the overall experience more than makes up for it.
- popular 35 tours
- 35 tours
- 34 tours
- Winter 2026 / 2027
The winter highlands tours really shine in Brazil, with several well-designed options that take advantage of the cool, clear weather. Our most complete package runs 6 days starting in Rio's Lapa quarter, where you'll mix samba lessons and local street parties with solid mountain hiking. There's also a practical 4-day option combining Sugarloaf cable car rides with guided Tijuca Forest walks, plus a neat 3-night route where you'll spot hang gliders at São Conrado Beach and explore genuine rainforest trails. The guides know exactly how to work with winter conditions - they'll get you to Christ the Redeemer early before clouds move in and time your forest walks when you're most likely to see active wildlife.
- popular 35 tours
- 15 tours
- 20 tours
Contact our Brazilian Highlands travel experts
Esteban
Expert in Brazilian Highlands at TourRadar
Esteban is one of our seasoned Brazilian Highlands Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Brazilian Highlands tours answered!
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