Trip to Brazil for 13 days

A 13-day trip to Brazil offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the country's vibrant culture, stunning natural wonders, and historic cities. Since Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world, this itinerary focuses on three major highlights—Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, and Salvador—to give you a diverse and unforgettable experience without spending too much time in transit.

Trip Overview

• Focus: Iconic Sights, Thundering Nature, & Afro-Brazilian Culture
• Pace: Active, but with moments to relax
• Route: Rio de Janeiro (GIG) âž” Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) âž” Salvador (SSA) âž” Rio de Janeiro (GIG) for departure.
• Travel: This itinerary relies on three domestic flights, which must be booked in advance.

Before You Go: Key Preparations

• Visa: Check Brazil visa requirements for your nationality. Many countries (including those in the EU, UK, and Canada) have recently had visa-free access, but policies can change.
• Domestic Flights: Book your internal flights well in advance for the best prices:

1. Rio (SDU or GIG) to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU)
2. Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) to Salvador (SSA) (likely with a connection)
3. Salvador (SSA) to Rio (GIG) (for your flight home)

• Vaccinations: Check with your doctor. A Yellow Fever vaccination is often recommended, especially when visiting areas near Iguazu Falls.
• Language: The official language is Portuguese. Download an offline translation app and learn a few key phrases like "Olá" (Hello), "Obrigado/Obrigada" (Thank you), and "Quanto custa?" (How much is it?).

The 13-Day Itinerary

Part 1: The Marvelous City – Rio de Janeiro (Days 1-5)

Your base in Rio should be in the "Zona Sul" (South Zone), in neighborhoods like Ipanema or Copacabana, which are safe, tourist-friendly, and close to the beaches.

• Day 1: Arrival and Sunset at Arpoador Arrive at Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG). Take an official airport taxi or rideshare to your hotel. Settle in, take a walk along the famous black-and-white promenade of Copacabana, and end your day at Arpoador rock (between Copacabana and Ipanema) to watch the classic Rio sunset.
• Day 2: Christ the Redeemer & Lapa Stairs
• Take an early train or van up Corcovado mountain to see Christ the Redeemer. Going early helps avoid the biggest crowds and midday heat. In the afternoon, visit the colorful Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) and explore the bohemian neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa.
• Day 3: Sugarloaf Mountain & Urca
• Spend a relaxed morning on Copacabana or Ipanema beach. In the afternoon, take the two-stage cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain. The 360-degree views of the city, bay, and beaches at sunset are absolutely breathtaking.
• Day 4: Ipanema Beach & Botanical Garden Enjoy a true "Carioca" (Rio local) day. Rent a chair and umbrella at Ipanema beach (Posto 9 is a famous spot). In the afternoon, escape the heat at the lush Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden), a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the city.
• Day 5: Culture Day & Travel to Iguazu Spend your morning exploring a different side of Rio. You could visit the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) at the port, or take a guided, educational tour of a pacified favela like Rocinha or Vidigal to gain a better understanding of the city's culture. In the evening, fly from Rio to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU).

Part 2: The World Wonder – Iguazu Falls (Days 6-8)

You'll be staying in the town of Foz do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side. The falls are shared between Brazil and Argentina, and you must see both sides.

• Day 6: The Brazilian Side (Panoramic Views)
• Today is for the Brazilian side of the falls (Cataratas do Iguaçu). This side offers a stunning panoramic vista of the entire waterfall system. A single walkway gets you up close to several major drops. It's a half-day experience, leaving your afternoon free to relax.
• Day 7: The Argentine Side (The Devil's Throat) This is a full-day trip. Cross the border into Argentina (check if you need a separate visa, though most nationalities don't) to visit their national park. This side is all about getting in the falls. You'll walk on extensive upper and lower trails over the water, culminating at the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), a powerful and deafening cascade.
• Day 8: Parque das Aves & Travel to Salvador Before you fly, spend your morning at the Parque das Aves (Bird Park), located right outside the entrance to the Brazilian falls. It's a fantastic conservation project with huge aviaries you can walk through, filled with toucans, macaws, and other tropical birds. In the afternoon, fly from Iguazu (IGU) to Salvador (SSA).

Part 3: The Soul of Brazil – Salvador (Days 9-12)

Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is the heart of Brazil's Afro-Brazilian culture. Stay in the historic Pelourinho district or the lively beach neighborhood of Barra.

• Day 9: Arrival & Historic Pelourinho
• Arrive in Salvador and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon wandering the colorful, cobblestone streets of the Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evening, watch a (Balé Folclórico) performance.
• Day 10: Churches, Markets & Lacerda Elevator Visit the stunning Igreja de São Francisco, a church covered entirely in gold leaf. Then, take the historic Lacerda Elevator down to the "lower city" to explore the Mercado Modelo, a large market for artisan goods.
• Day 11: Lighthouse, Beaches & Acarajé Head to the Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse) and the Forte de Santa Maria. Relax at Porto da Barra beach, one of the best in the city. In the evening, be sure to try the most famous local street food: Acarajé, a fried bean patty stuffed with shrimp and spices.
• Day 12: Day Trip or Deeper Dive Choose your own adventure. Either take a day trip to a nearby beach like Praia do Forte (which also has a sea turtle sanctuary) or stay in the city to explore the trendy Rio Vermelho neighborhood, known for its art and nightlife.

Part 4: Departure (Day 13)

• Day 13: Final Morning & Departure Enjoy a final Brazilian breakfast (try some pão de queijo). Depending on your flight schedule, you can do some last-minute souvenir shopping before heading to the Salvador airport (SSA) for your flight back to Rio (GIG) to connect with your international flight home.

Essential Travel Tips

• Safety: Be vigilant, especially in big cities like Rio. Don't flash expensive jewelry or cameras. Leave your passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy. At night, use ride-sharing apps or taxis instead of walking long distances.
• Money: The currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Use ATMs inside secure locations like banks, malls, or airports. Credit cards are widely accepted, but always have some cash for small vendors or beaches.
• Food & Drink: Don't leave without trying a true feijoada (black bean and meat stew, traditionally served on Saturdays), drinking a caipirinha (Brazil's national cocktail), and eating at a churrascaria (all-you-can-eat barbecue).