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Brazil

Brazil Bucketlist: Rio, Jaguar Safari & Iguazu Falls – 9-Day Tour

A 9-day adventure through Brazil’s highlights—experience Rio’s vibrant culture, track wild jaguars in the Pantanal, and witness the thundering Iguazu Falls.

Group Guided

Brazil Bucketlist: Rio, Jaguar Safari & Iguazu Falls – 9-Day Tour

A 9-day adventure through Brazil’s highlights—experience Rio’s vibrant culture, track wild jaguars in the Pantanal, and witness the thundering Iguazu Falls.

This 9-day Brazil Bucketlist adventure takes you deep into the heart of South America's most iconic landscapes—blending culture, nature, and wildlife in one unforgettable journey.

Start in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, where you'll visit legendary sites like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the bohemian Lapa Steps. Enjoy a scenic bike ride along Copacabana and Ipanema, or dive deeper with optional experiences like a behind-the-scenes Carnival tour or a Brazilian cooking class.

Then, trade the coastline for wetlands as you fly to the Northern Pantanal, the best place in South America to spot jaguars in the wild. Stay at a remote eco-lodge and explore this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on guided safaris by boat, 4x4, and foot, with excellent chances of spotting jaguars, caimans, capybaras, giant otters, and hundreds of bird species.

Finally, journey to the thundering Iguaçu Falls, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders. Explore both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the park, walking elevated trails through lush rainforest with panoramic viewpoints of Devil’s Throat and dozens of cascades. Optional visits to the Bird Park or Itaipu Dam round out your experience at this tri-border natural wonder.

With handpicked accommodations, local guides, and seamless logistics, this tour is perfect for wildlife lovers, cultural explorers, photographers, and bucket list travelers looking for an expertly curated journey through Brazil's most awe-inspiring destinations.

Tour Highlights:

  • Visit iconic Rio landmarks like Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain
  • Track wild jaguars on safari in the Northern Pantanal
  • Explore the stunning Iguaçu Falls from both Brazil and Argentina
  • Discover Brazil’s rich culture through optional Carnival or cooking experiences
  • Stay in boutique hotels and an eco-lodge, with expert local guides throughout

Start / End:

  • Start: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • End: Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
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Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Rio de Janeiro – City Icons Tour

Arrive in Rio and meet your English-speaking guide for a private transfer to your hotel in Copacabana. In the afternoon, set out on a small-group city tour to visit Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, perched atop Corcovado Mountain. Continue to Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views over Guanabara Bay, then explore the vibrant streets of Santa Teresa and visit the colorful Selarón Steps in Lapa.

Overnight: Windsor Martinique or Windsor California Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Activities: Guided city tour (5–6 hours), entrance fees included

Day 2: Free Day in Rio – Optional Cultural & Adventure Tours

Enjoy a free day to relax on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach, or choose from a range of curated optional experiences:

  • Carnival Backstage Tour – Visit samba schools and learn about Rio’s vibrant Carnival history
  • Tijuca Forest Hike – Explore one of the world’s largest urban rainforests and climb to Pedra Bonita
  • Cooking Class – Prepare Brazilian dishes like moqueca or feijoada with a local chef
  • Sunset Bike Tour – Ride from Copacabana to Leblon, with stops for photos and coconut water

Overnight: Windsor Martinique or Windsor California Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Optional: Choose from half-day cultural, hiking, or cycling experiences

Day 3: Local Experiences & Sunset on the Coast

Continue enjoying Rio at your own pace or join one more immersive activity before your journey into the wild begins. Consider:

  • Exploring local markets or historical neighborhoods
  • Taking in sunset views from Arpoador Rock
  • Shopping for local crafts and sipping a caipirinha beachside

This is your last day to soak in the city vibe before heading into the remote wilderness of the Pantanal tomorrow.

Overnight: Windsor Martinique or Windsor California Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4: Fly to Pantanal – Journey to the Wild North

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Rio to Cuiabá, the gateway to the Northern Pantanal. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you along the Transpantaneira Highway, an adventure in itself with chances to spot wildlife en route. After a scenic 3-hour drive, arrive at the remote Aymara Lodge, where you'll be welcomed with dinner and an overview of the upcoming excursions.

Overnight: Aymara Lodge, Standard Room
Meals included: Dinner
Notes: Flights must arrive in Cuiabá by 4:00 PM to reach the lodge in time for dinner.

Day 5: Full-Day Jaguar Safari on the Cuiabá River

Rise early for the highlight of your Pantanal adventure: a full-day Jaguar Safari by speedboat. Depart at dawn and travel to Porto Jofre, where your small-group river safari begins. Explore the Cuiabá River and its tributaries, one of the world’s best places to see jaguars in the wild. Other wildlife sightings may include giant otters, caimans, capybaras, toucans, and howler monkeys.

Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for a well-earned dinner and relaxation.

Overnight: Aymara Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast (snack box), Light Lunch (onboard), Dinner
Activities: Private/small-group jaguar tracking by boat

Day 6: Wildlife Excursions in the Northern Pantanal

Enjoy a full day of guided wildlife activities organized by Aymara Lodge. Depending on conditions and interest, choose from a variety of experiences:

  • Guided nature hikes to spot birds and mammals
  • Canoeing through quiet waterways
  • Jeep or boat safaris for wildlife viewing
  • Birdwatching tours—this region hosts over 650 bird species

The day is tailored to maximize wildlife encounters and immerse you in the diverse ecosystem of the Pantanal.

Overnight: Aymara Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Lodge-led excursions (weather-dependent)

Day 7: From Pantanal to the Power of Iguaçu Falls

After breakfast, say goodbye to the wild beauty of the Pantanal. You’ll be transferred back to Cuiabá and board your flight to Foz do Iguaçu, home of the world-famous Iguaçu Falls. Upon arrival, meet your driver-guide and transfer to your hotel. Relax and settle in for the next chapter of your adventure—where tropical rainforest meets thunderous waterfalls.

Overnight: Pietro Angelo Hotel or JL Hotel by Bourbon
Meals included: Breakfast
Activities: Lodge check-out, transfers, domestic flight

Day 8: Iguazu Falls – Argentina Side Tour

Today, explore the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls, known for its immersive jungle trails and close-up waterfall views. Ride the ecological train to access three circuits:

  • Lower Circuit: Walk through the forest and get soaked by the falls
  • Upper Circuit: Panoramic views from above the cascades
  • Devil’s Throat: Stand above the most powerful section of the falls

Expect a full sensory experience—thundering water, misty air, and exotic birds all around.

Overnight: Pietro Angelo Hotel or JL Hotel by Bourbon
Meals included: Breakfast
Activities: Guided visit to Argentine side of Iguaçu Falls
Note: Passport required—this day includes a border crossing.

Day 9: Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side & Departure

Wrap up your adventure with a guided visit to the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls, offering the best panoramic views of the entire 275-waterfall system. Walk the scenic trails through lush Atlantic rainforest, get breathtaking views of Devil’s Throat, and optionally visit the nearby Bird Park for a final look at Brazil’s rich biodiversity.

After the tour, you'll be transferred to the Iguaçu Airport for your onward flight.

Meals included: Breakfast
Activities: Guided visit to Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls, departure transfer

Additional Trip Info

  • 8 nights’ accommodation in boutique hotels and eco-lodges
  • Daily breakfast + full board at Pantanal lodge (meals included)
  • All airport transfers and ground transportation
  • Domestic flights: Rio ➝ Pantanal ➝ Foz do Iguaçu
  • Guided city tour of Rio (incl. Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain)
  • Pantanal activities: jaguar safari, boat tour, wildlife hikes, canoeing
  • Full-day Jaguar Safari by boat (private or small group)
  • Guided visits to both Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguaçu Falls
  • English-speaking local guides throughout
  • Entrance fees to included attractions
  • Travel Insurance - We recommend  Insuremytrip, or Global Rescue
  • International flights to/from Brazil
  • Optional activities (Carnival tour, bike ride, cooking class, etc.)
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages and snacks
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers
  • Visa fees and border-crossing expenses

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