Luxury Brazil: Rio, Iguazu Falls and Buzios
11 days from £7,800
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Transfer to your hotel, the prestigious Copacabana Palace slap bang in the middle of Copacabana beach’s famous promenade. Rio is the most romantic, intriguing and beautiful city on the continent. Sumptuous apartments overlook the sparkling bays against the backdrop of half-built slum dwellings, favelas, which cling precariously to the hillsides. But everywhere the city was spruced up in time for the World Cup and Olympic Games. Rio has an awesome bay-side location among near-vertical granite mountains. Here, tropical foliage swoops down to white-to-toffee coloured sandy beaches in turn battered by the huge waves of Atlantic surf.
Belmond Copacabana Palace is Rio’s most iconic hotel, oozing refinement and luxury and now owned by the prestigious Belmond group.
One of the oldest buildings on Copacabana’s beachfront strip, the fine neo-classical façade sets the tone for this sumptuous property. Assuredly first class in its facilities and attitude to its guests, the hotel offers old-fashioned, attentive service.
Each of the rooms and suites is unique, varying in size and view. We recommend splashing out on a sea view room or suite to make the experience extra special.
The swimming pool is the finest of any hotel in the city, and its terrace – the setting for Brazil’s most indulgent breakfast – is a delightful place to relaxing between sightseeing, shopping, dining and people-watching.
Private excursions by car to the two iconic sights of Rio: the Sugar Loaf mountain and Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado mountain. You climb aboard a cog railway to the statue of Christ the Redeemer, where you can survey the city. The ride up the steep hill is worth the trip in itself: you are enveloped in dripping vegetation laden with tropical flowers and exotic fruits. But the panoramas at the peak on a clear day are stupendous: the whole of the city is laid out before you, with the beaches, Sugar Loaf and Niteroi Bridge easily spotted.
Climbing down from the mountain peak there are various routes. One finds you entering the arty district of Santa Teresa, the colonial heart of the city which sits on a hill close to the Cathedral in the busy centre. This is a popular residential area for artists and TV personalities who occupy the stately shaded houses lining its cobbled streets. There are plenty of old-fashioned bars, or bodegas. The streets are lined by high walls sheltering museums, parks, art centres, smart restaurants (you may lunch here) and one or two luxury hotels.
Another scenic route takes you down through the forest to the broad beach at Barra de Tijuca, a modern US-style commercial and residential district with kilometres of golden sand. In this case, you’ll lunch at a traditional Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue restaurant).
You’ll also visit Sugar Loaf mountain, ascending by cable car: from the summit you can survey Copacabana beach, Botafogo Bay with its bobbing sailboats and yachts, and at sunset watch the city prepare for nightfall as twinkling lights penetrate the purple haze as dusk falls. First thing in the morning is a good time too.
Belmond Copacabana Palace is Rio’s most iconic hotel, oozing refinement and luxury and now owned by the prestigious Belmond group.
One of the oldest buildings on Copacabana’s beachfront strip, the fine neo-classical façade sets the tone for this sumptuous property. Assuredly first class in its facilities and attitude to its guests, the hotel offers old-fashioned, attentive service.
Each of the rooms and suites is unique, varying in size and view. We recommend splashing out on a sea view room or suite to make the experience extra special.
The swimming pool is the finest of any hotel in the city, and its terrace – the setting for Brazil’s most indulgent breakfast – is a delightful place to relaxing between sightseeing, shopping, dining and people-watching.
At leisure to soak up your sumptuous surroundings – visit the hotel spa or relax by the pool: at 25m long it is one of the largest in Rio and its elegant terraces are an oasis of peace within the hubbub of Rio. The chic boutiques of Ipanema are a stroll away along the beachfront. The quarters of Leblon, the smartest part of town, and Lagoa – the shores of this attractive urban lagoon – have excellent restaurants and night clubs with world class performers.
Belmond Copacabana Palace is Rio’s most iconic hotel, oozing refinement and luxury and now owned by the prestigious Belmond group.
One of the oldest buildings on Copacabana’s beachfront strip, the fine neo-classical façade sets the tone for this sumptuous property. Assuredly first class in its facilities and attitude to its guests, the hotel offers old-fashioned, attentive service.
Each of the rooms and suites is unique, varying in size and view. We recommend splashing out on a sea view room or suite to make the experience extra special.
The swimming pool is the finest of any hotel in the city, and its terrace – the setting for Brazil’s most indulgent breakfast – is a delightful place to relaxing between sightseeing, shopping, dining and people-watching.
Transfer to the airport for the 2hr flight to Foz do Iguaçu in the southeast of the country, on the border with Argentina and Paraguay. You’ll be driven to the Hotel das Cataratas, the only property in the sub-tropical national park in which the Iguazú Falls are situated. A mock-colonial building which was once a museum, it’s a very elegant hotel, beautifully restored , sitting a short stroll from the falls themselves. Here there’s a broad panoramic view of these colossal falls, and there are some excellent opportunities to photograph the full sweep of the water.
The Iguazú Falls are unquestionably one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena in the world. A total of 275 falls thunder over a 60m high rust-coloured cliff surrounded by dense tropical forest. The U-shaped Devil’s Throat is the most dramatic sight, here the frothing water of the Iguazú River crashes over a 1.5km-wide precipice and columns of vapour are thrown skyward. Elsewhere the river flows decorously through the rainforest breaking up into dozens of smaller cascades. You can usually spot toucans and many other exotic birds perched in the foliage above the tumultuous waters.
Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas offers one of the most spectacular settings in South America, directly in front of the Iguazú Falls.
Uniquely, this hotel offers the opportunity to explore this Brazilian park when it is closed to the public, giving secluded access to this monumental natural wonder throughout the evening, night and early morning.
There is a panoramic view of the falls, which comprises of 275 separate cataracts plunging over a 3km granite precipice, a few steps from the hotel. Bright guestrooms are a stylish mix of tropical and Portuguese influences, some with partial waterfall views.
The hotel’s pink exterior and mock-colonial design has the elegance of a refined bygone era. The garden is dotted with palms, a supremely relaxing place to unwind after a day exploring the walkways around the falls. There are two restaurants: one a casual buffet-style affair beside the sunny outdoor pool and the other offering à la carte dining in front of the falls.
Private guided tour of the Argentine side of the falls. You will be driven across Fraternity Bridge, which links the towns of Puerto Iguazú in Argentina and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. The day begins with a visit to the National Park Visitor Centre, where there is a display that illustrates the biodiversity of the region’s tropical rainforest, and from here a little natural gas-powered train transfers you to Cataratas station where the Upper Walk begins.
This sequence of causeways and passarelles links dozens of tiny basalt islands at the top of the sheer rock face, and the walkways cross the myriad of streams as they cascade over the lip of the precipice. The train then continues to Devil’s Throat station and from here a kilometre-long walkway leads across the river to the thunderous Garganta del Diablo, the Devil’s Throat. From this spectacular vantage point you can feel the incredible power of the water as it plummets into the vortex below.
Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas offers one of the most spectacular settings in South America, directly in front of the Iguazú Falls.
Uniquely, this hotel offers the opportunity to explore this Brazilian park when it is closed to the public, giving secluded access to this monumental natural wonder throughout the evening, night and early morning.
There is a panoramic view of the falls, which comprises of 275 separate cataracts plunging over a 3km granite precipice, a few steps from the hotel. Bright guestrooms are a stylish mix of tropical and Portuguese influences, some with partial waterfall views.
The hotel’s pink exterior and mock-colonial design has the elegance of a refined bygone era. The garden is dotted with palms, a supremely relaxing place to unwind after a day exploring the walkways around the falls. There are two restaurants: one a casual buffet-style affair beside the sunny outdoor pool and the other offering à la carte dining in front of the falls.
At leisure to enjoy the hotel’s facilities or take an excursion to the quirky bird park, or take part in any of the active adventures in the rainforest.
Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas offers one of the most spectacular settings in South America, directly in front of the Iguazú Falls.
Uniquely, this hotel offers the opportunity to explore this Brazilian park when it is closed to the public, giving secluded access to this monumental natural wonder throughout the evening, night and early morning.
There is a panoramic view of the falls, which comprises of 275 separate cataracts plunging over a 3km granite precipice, a few steps from the hotel. Bright guestrooms are a stylish mix of tropical and Portuguese influences, some with partial waterfall views.
The hotel’s pink exterior and mock-colonial design has the elegance of a refined bygone era. The garden is dotted with palms, a supremely relaxing place to unwind after a day exploring the walkways around the falls. There are two restaurants: one a casual buffet-style affair beside the sunny outdoor pool and the other offering à la carte dining in front of the falls.
Transfer to the airport to fly back to Rio and continue by road along the coast to Búzios. This is a Mediterranean-style beach resort which combines an upmarket feel with typical Brazilian informality. It’s all very laid back but there are some sophisticated restaurants and chic boutiques.
Casas Brancas is an enchanting boutique hotel set on a bluff with dazzling vistas of the ocean. Its idyllic surroundings invite you to explore a multitude of small sandy coves and tropical islands or simply stroll to the centre of Búzios with its trendy shops and great eateries.
There’s a blissed-out vibe to this property of sparkling white walls drenched in tropical sunshine. It’s a wonderful place to kick back and relax, whether by the pool, on your balcony or on the outdoor terrace shaded by billowing drapes. Sip a cocktail and watch the sunset before romantic candlelight transforms the atmosphere after dark. Alternatively, spoil yourself with a massage or facial in the sumptuous spa.
Calming, cool whites and creams predominate in the spacious, individually decorated guestrooms, which have stone floors and either a sea or garden view. There is a pool, a fine restaurant and sun terrace with breathtaking bay views, and service is exceptional.
You can take a catamaran trip into the bay to explore some of the small tropical islands and secluded coves that dot the coastline. Or if you’d rather total relaxation, there are plenty of opportunities to swim, laze on a lounger or work on your tan.
At leisure in Búzios. Sunbathing, shopping, fine dining, boat trips and water-sports all within your grasp.
Casas Brancas is an enchanting boutique hotel set on a bluff with dazzling vistas of the ocean. Its idyllic surroundings invite you to explore a multitude of small sandy coves and tropical islands or simply stroll to the centre of Búzios with its trendy shops and great eateries.
There’s a blissed-out vibe to this property of sparkling white walls drenched in tropical sunshine. It’s a wonderful place to kick back and relax, whether by the pool, on your balcony or on the outdoor terrace shaded by billowing drapes. Sip a cocktail and watch the sunset before romantic candlelight transforms the atmosphere after dark. Alternatively, spoil yourself with a massage or facial in the sumptuous spa.
Calming, cool whites and creams predominate in the spacious, individually decorated guestrooms, which have stone floors and either a sea or garden view. There is a pool, a fine restaurant and sun terrace with breathtaking bay views, and service is exceptional.
You can take a catamaran trip into the bay to explore some of the small tropical islands and secluded coves that dot the coastline. Or if you’d rather total relaxation, there are plenty of opportunities to swim, laze on a lounger or work on your tan.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Brazil - Rio de Janeiro
Waking up to your first view of Copacabana Beach is one of Brazil’s great travel moments, and Rio only builds from there. Granite peaks, rainforest-covered hills and golden sand meet a city that never quite sits still: samba spilling out of bars, football on the beach, Carnival taking over the streets once a year.
Argentina - Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side
Walk the spray-soaked catwalks that carry you out over the falls, take the ecological train through the jungle to the Devil’s Throat and ride a speedboat into the base of the cascades. The Argentinian side of Iguazú puts you closer to the water than anywhere else, deep inside the national park and its wildlife-rich forest.
Brazil - Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side
Experience one of South America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, where immense waterfalls plunge through subtropical rainforest alive with birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls offers sweeping panoramic views, exhilarating adventures and an unforgettable perspective on this extraordinary landscape.
Brazil - Buzios, Paraty and Costa Verde
Rainforest-covered mountains plunge into emerald seas, colonial ports sit beside tropical bays and idyllic islands are fringed by white-sand beaches along one of Brazil’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. From glamorous Búzios Brazil to historic Paraty and the lush Costa Verde Brazil, this region is perfect for combining relaxation, culture and natural beauty.
This luxurious taste of Brazil starts in Rio, a city of fun-loving people, music on every street corner and football on every beach – all with a glorious mountain backdrop. We’ve selected some of Brazil’s finest hotels, with near perfect locations. Belmond Copacabana Palace (formerly known as Orient Express), faces the blue green rollers of the Atlantic Ocean breaking onto the golden sands of Copacabana, the heart of this beach-loving city.
At Iguazú Falls, you will step out of your room at the luxury Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas to the thunderous roar of water crashing over lofty granite cliffs fringed by tropical rainforest. It’s the only property right on the edge of the falls themselves: you can avoid the crowds in the early morning and evening. Finally at the upmarket, popular beach retreat of Búzios, unwind at a top quality boutique property overlooking the ocean.
Heloise Buxton
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
Two flights (longest 2hrs); 2 scenic road transfers (longest 2hrs).
- Accommodation
For this holiday however we have chosen the very best hotels available in each location. The Belmond Copacabana Palace and das Cataratas hotels (formerly known as Orient Express) both have superlative locations which could not be bettered: the Cataratas is the only property overlooking the falls on the Brazilian side. The facilities and service are, of course, top of the range.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, lunch day 2.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
11 days, 10 nights: Rio de Janeiro 3; Iguazú 3; Búzios 4.
- Optional Excursions
There are a number of half, full-day or longer excursions or activities you may wish to consider in order to customise your holiday to cater for your interests. Please contact us to discuss these further or to add them to your itinerary before you depart. A selection of these include:
• Samba show, Rio de Janeiro.
• Schooner trip to the tropical islands on the Emerald Coast.
• Helicopter ride over Iguazú falls.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Brazil is the real (plural reais).
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency, and possibly some travellers’ cheques (American Express are the most widely accepted), though these are gradually falling out of use. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$50 per day should cover the cost of good quality meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the very best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
There are no long days of travel on this trip. There are two domestic flights by commercial jet.
This holiday is suitable for all but if you have a disability or other special requirements, please call us.
In the summer months of December to March the weather is extremely hot and humid, you might bear this in mind if travelling with small children or elderly persons.
- Climate
In tropical Rio and Iguazú, December to March are the hottest and most humid months, with temperatures sometimes reaching 40°C, and rain which falls in brief, heavy showers.
From June to September, temperatures are more moderate (18-23°C) and there is plenty of sunshine, but cold fronts can usher in periods of up to several days of cloud and drizzle.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
For day-to-day wear you should take loose-fitting, breathable clothes. Comfortable shoes are important and sandals are useful. A sun hat, sun block and sunglasses are necessary, and you should take a light fleece for cool nights and a Gore-Tex layer, as well as swimwear, a towel, insect repellent and a torch. You might like to use binoculars for wildlife. Brazil is an informal country but if you plan to go to good restaurants or out on evening entertainment trips, you might want to bring something smart as well.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in South America.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
As of 2018, visitors to Brazil travelling on our holidays should be protected with a vaccination against yellow fever, and carry the corresponding certificate. In April 2013, the World Health Organisation Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation concluded that a single primary dose of yellow fever vaccine is sufficient to confer sustained immunity and lifelong protection against yellow fever disease, and that a booster dose is not needed.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Brazil from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, taking around 11.5 hours to Rio. There are also connecting routes via Lisbon, Madrid and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Brazil?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through São Paulo or Rio. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. In the Pantanal, travel is by 4×4 and boat from your lodge, and in the Amazon, river transport is part of the experience.
- What currency does Brazil use?
The official currency is the Brazilian real. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns, though some have withdrawal limits. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Brazil?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Rio with Iguazú Falls and either the Amazon or the Pantanal. To go further and add Salvador, the northeast beaches or Fernando de Noronha, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Brazil?
Portuguese is the official language, and Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America. English is spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few words of Portuguese go a long way and are always warmly received.
- Is Brazil safe for travellers?
The tourist areas of Brazil are generally safe and well visited. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Rio and São Paulo, keeping an eye on your surroundings, avoiding flashy valuables and using licensed taxis or ride apps. We plan every itinerary carefully with trusted local partners, and our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to your route.
- What countries can I combine with Brazil?
Brazil pairs naturally with Argentina, taking in both sides of Iguazú Falls and adding Buenos Aires or Patagonia. Peru combines well for a broader South America itinerary, and Uruguay is an easy connection from the south. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Reach the top of Sugar Loaf mountain to enjoy views over Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer over Botafogo Bay, especially glorious at sunset.
Fly over the Iguazu Falls in a helicopter for breathtaking views over the entire length of the cataracts.
Explore the walkways of the Brazilian side of the falls for extraordinary panoramic views and the opportunity to venture right into the gaping mouth of Iguazú’s most dramatically impressive section.
Explore the walkways of Argentina’s Iguazú National Park to see the falls from a multitude of angles, including the chance to stand on the precipice and watch the water plummet down to earth right beneath your feet.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
An iconic Rio institution with the city’s best pool and an assuredly first-class approach to facilities, style and service.
The only hotel in Brazil’s Foz do Iguaçu National Park, directly in front of the waterfalls with private access to the park outside opening hours.
Chic and stylish boutique hotel with a blissed-out Balearic vibe, set on a bluff with dazzling vistas of the ocean.
Papagaio
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