This Brazil travel itinerary guide post contains my Hotels.com, Expedia, Vrbo, and Viator affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you book a hotel or tour from this article, though at no additional cost to you. I hand-pick and recommend only the hotels and tours I have thoroughly researched and feel comfortable recommending.

With a wealth of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and a unique blend of rich local cultures, the country of Brazil is one of South America’s top travel destinations. The country’s unique blend of indigenous, African, and European influences is reflected in its music, cuisine, and festivals, making it a captivating destination for those seeking adventure and cultural immersion.

This two-week Brazil travel itinerary encompasses some of Brazil’s most iconic destinations, including Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls. This itinerary brings you to some of Brazil’s most incredible natural wonders and provides a unique glimpse into Brazil’s heritage, making for an unforgettable two-week journey.

Plan Your Dream Trip without the Stress

Planning such a big trip can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. I have been planning travel for well over a decade and have personally visited all the places I cover in this itinerary. This guide will not only help you plan an incredible trip to Brazil, but it will also take much of the stress out of the planning process.

In this guide, I cover the critical entrance requirements for Brazil. This includes the passport, visa, and immunization requirements you must know. I also share my packing guides for places like the Amazon Rainforest and Iguazu Falls. These guides will ensure that you don’t forget to bring any important clothing or gear. Finally, I have included my detailed guides on each of the destinations covered in this itinerary.

Brazil Travel Itinerary Overview

Please use the menus that I have provided to help navigate between the different sections of this Brazil travel itinerary. I have provided sections on when to visit and where to start and end your trip to make your travel easier.

I also provide you with some packing advice, as well as some important information on making sure you meet Brazil’s entrance requirements. Finally, I have provided you with a fun-packed 14-day itinerary that visits some of the most popular destinations in Brazil.

Best Times to Visit Brazil

When determining the best time of year to take your trip, you must take into account the average weather throughout the year at each of the destinations on this Brazil travel itinerary. Some months of the year may be good for one destination, but may not be a good time of year to visit for others. If coordinating this seems like a lot of work, you need not worry.

To make things easier for you, I have included information on the average temperature and rainfall throughout the year for each destination on this itinerary. In addition, I have also included a chart that I have made to help you visualize which months of the year would be ideal to plan your trip to Brazil.

Average Temperature (°F)

The ideal time to visit Rio de Janeiro is during the dry season, which spans from May to October. During this time, you can expect pleasant temperatures averaging between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). This makes it the perfect time to visit for outdoor activities, beach outings, and sightseeing.

Meanwhile, the temperature and humidity vary little from month to month in the Amazon Rainforest. Typically, the temperature will hover between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (75 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Manaus area. When you visit, it will be critical for you to stay hydrated as the heat can be intense.

Finally, the most comfortable temperatures near the Iguazu Falls are typically found in the shoulder months of September to November and March to May. During these months the average low and high temperatures hover around 13°C to 31°C (57°F to 89°F). This is the ideal condition for exploring the world’s largest waterfall system.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

If you want to avoid getting rain when visiting Rio de Janeiro, your best bet is to visit during the area’s dry season, which spans from May until October. This is when the city is at its dryest and you will see the best weather to enjoy the city’s many incredible beaches.

Meanwhile, considering the average rainfall is even more important when planning your visit to Manaus. Not just the amount of rainfall, but also the water level of the Amazon River. Its level can impact when activities are available for you to enjoy when you visit.

During the dry months of June to November, the water level of the river is at its lowest, and places like Janauari Lake are not as accessible. However, these are the perfect months to explore the rainforest when the area is dry and there are fewer mosquitoes.

Finally, the amount of rainfall can also significantly impact your experience at Iguazu Falls. The amount of rainfall influences the number of waterfalls and their strength. Depending on the amount of recent rainfall, the number of individual waterfalls at Iguazu Falls can range from roughly 150 to over 300 distinct falls. The area gets the most rainfall between October and February when tropical storms are most frequent.

Best Months to Visit Brazil

The ideal time of year to visit Rio de Janeiro is between December and March, which coincides with the summer season in Brazil. During these months, you can enjoy the warm weather, lively beach scenes, and cultural events like the Carnival Festival.

Meanwhile, the best time of year to visit Manaus will greatly depend on what you are visiting to do. For most people, the ideal time to visit is during the dry season. In particular, the months of July through October provide the most pleasant weather to be outdoors and enjoy the rainforest.

Finally, the ideal time to visit Iguazu Falls is during the spring months of March to May. During these months the weather is generally mild with comfortable temperatures and low humidity. This makes it the perfect time of year for hiking and enjoying stunning viewpoints without the sweltering heat of summer or the heavy rains of winter.

Overall, the best time of year to plan your trip is between September and February. While this doesn’t include the ideal time of year to visit some of the destinations on this Brazil travel itinerary, planning your trip during these months will give you the best possible odds of having good conditions throughout your trip to Brazil.

Where to Start and End Your Trip

I have planned this Brazil travel itinerary to start and stop in Rio de Janeiro. This is the largest city on this itinerary and the easiest to find round-trip international airfare into and out of. However, if you can find a flight into Manaus, you can also start your trip in Manaus and end in Rio de Janeiro, where you will fly home.

Direct Flights from the United States to Rio de Janeiro

• American Airlines – Direct flights from Miami to Rio de Janeiro.
• American Airlines – Direct flights from New York (JFK) to Rio de Janeiro.
• Delta Airlines – Direct flights from Atlanta to Rio de Janeiro.
• United Airlines – Direct flights from Houston to Rio de Janeiro.

Airlines with Direct Flights into Manaus from the United States

• GOL Airlines – Direct Flights from Miami on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Azul Airlines – Direct Flights from Fort Lauderdale on Fridays and Saturdays.

What to Pack for Brazil

When it comes time to start packing for your trip, it will be essential for you to consider the diverse climates and activities covered in this Brazil travel itinerary. If you aren’t prepared, you may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation or unable to participate in an activity.

By thoughtfully curating your packing list, you can fully immerse yourself in the rich experiences Brazil has to offer. To help you out, I have linked to my packing guides for the Amazon Rainforest and Iguazu Falls for you to review below.

Brazil Entrance Requirements

Without a doubt, the most important preparation you will make for your trip to Brazil is making sure you meet all of the country’s entrance requirements. In addition to making sure your passport is valid, you also need to consider the visa and immunization requirements for entering Brazil.

In some cases, it can take a while to apply for the proper visa or get the necessary vaccinations, so planning ahead is critical. To help you out, I have linked to my guide on the Brazilian entrance requirements in this Brazil travel itinerary guide below

Booking Accommodations for Your Trip to Brazil

One of the most important tasks you will need to complete when planning your trip to Brazil is booking your accommodations. For this itinerary, you will need to book accommodations in three different cities: Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, and Foz do Iguaçu. I have outlined which days to book accommodations in each city as well as provided some recommendations at different price points for you to review in my Brazil travel itinerary guide below.

When to Book Accommodations in Each City

• Rio de Janeiro – Nights 1-4 and Night 13
• Manaus – Nights 5-8
• Foz do Iguaçu – Nights 9-12

Booking Accommodations in Rio de Janeiro

To help you find accommodations for your time in Rio de Janeiro, I have included a map and list of hotels and other accommodations at different price points for you to review below.

View Larger Map

Booking Accommodations in Manaus

You are also going to need to find accommodations for your time in the Manaus area of the Amazon. This will be your base camp as you explore the Amazon River and the rainforest. If you would like some recommendations on accommodations, I have included a map and a list of hotels and other accommodations at different price points for you to review below.

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Booking Accommodations in Foz do Iguaçu

The final place that you will need to coordinate accommodations for your Brazil travel itinerary is the city of Foz do Iguaçu. You will be staying in the gateway to Iguazu Falls for four nights, so finding accommodations that you like will be important. For your convenience, have included a map and list of hotels and other accommodations at different price points for you to review below.

View Larger Map

Brazil Travel Itinerary Outline

As you start to fill out your Brazil travel itinerary with tours, please feel free to use the navigation menu below to jump between days. For each day of this itinerary, I have included what I would recommend seeing or doing. In addition, for most of the days on this itinerary, I have also included tours that I have researched and recommend booking.

Day 1: Fly to Rio de Janeiro

On the first day of this Brazil travel itinerary, you will be flying into the incredible city of Rio de Janeiro. Upon landing, you will need to collect your bags, pass through immigration and customs, and then make your way to your accommodations. If you are interested in arranging a ride from the airport to your accommodations, I have linked to some recommended transportation options below.

Transportation Options

Day 2: Tour Corcavado, Sugarloaf, and Selarón Steps

On your first full day in Rio de Janeiro, you will tour some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue stands majestically atop Corcovado Mountain, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. After soaking in the awe-inspiring sights from the summit, your next stop will be the vibrant Selarón Steps.

This colorful mosaic staircase created by the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón is adorned with tiles from over sixty different countries. You will want to make sure you have your camera ready to snap some pictures of this breathtaking landmark.

After soaking in the sights of the beautiful Selarón Steps, you will make your way to the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. Here, a cable car ride will take you to the top, where you can marvel at the spectacular vistas of the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding mountains, especially as the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Recommended Tours

If you are interested in booking a tour to see Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Selarón Steps, you are in luck. I have included a handful of tours that I have researched and recommend below for you to review.

Day 3: Rio Tour of Your Choice

Your second full day in Rio de Janeiro is open, so you can pick what you want to do this day. If you are looking for a little adventure, you can book a hang-gliding tour over the city. With spectacular views of the city and the coastline, this is one of the top tours for visitors to Rio.

Another option is to take a tour of Rio de Janeiro’s historical neighborhoods, known as favelas. As you navigate the colorful streets, you’ll encounter local artisans, taste traditional foods, and learn about the social dynamics that shape these neighborhoods. Guided by knowledgeable locals, the tour offers an authentic perspective on life in the favelas, highlighting both the challenges and the triumphs of the residents.

If neither of those activities interests you, then you might want to consider taking a tour of the amazing Tijuca Forest. In addition to being home to several spectacular waterfalls, the forest is also home to the beautiful Parque Lage. Located at the base of Corcovado Mountain, this illustrious castle was formerly the residence of industrialist Henrique Lage. Today, it is part of a public park that visitors can explore.

Recommended Tours

If you are looking for an exciting tour to book for this day of your Brazil travel itinerary, I have included a handful of tours that I have researched and recommend below for your review.

Day 4: Beach Day in Rio

After spending two action-packed days touring the city, your third full day in Rio de Janeiro will be a relaxing beach day. The sun-drenched sands of Copacabana and Ipanema beckon visitors to bask in their beauty, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

The energy of Rio’s beach culture is infectious, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers and locals alike. Whether you choose to lounge under a colorful umbrella, take a refreshing dip in the azure waters, or engage in a spirited game of beach volleyball, the day promises to be filled with unforgettable moments.

Day 5: Fly to Manaus

On the fifth day of this Brazil travel itinerary, you will be flying from Rio de Janeiro to the city of Manaus. Upon landing in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, you will need to collect your bags and head to your accommodations. If you are interested in arranging a ride from the airport to your accommodations, I have linked to some recommended transportation options below.

Transportation Options

Day 6: Tour the Capital of the Amazon

One of the best ways to kick off your time in the Brazilian Amazon is to take a tour of its capital, the city of Manaus. A city tour is an excellent way to discover the architectural marvels that reflect the city’s colonial past, such as the iconic Amazon Theatre, a stunning opera house that stands as a testament to the rubber boom era.

As you wander through the bustling streets, you’ll encounter lively markets filled with local crafts, exotic fruits, and the tantalizing aromas of traditional Amazonian cuisine. Each corner of Manaus tells a story, from its historical landmarks to the vibrant street art that adorns its walls, making every moment of the tour a captivating experience.

Recommended Tours

If you are interested in booking a tour to see the highlights of the city of Manaus, you are in luck. I have included a handful of tours that I have researched and recommend below for you to review.

Day 7: Take an Amazon River Cruise

On your second full day in Manaus, you will be getting out on the water to explore the iconic Amazon River. On this river cruise, you will find yourself surrounded by lush rainforests, vibrant wildlife, and the rich cultural tapestry of the Amazonian communities.

Each guided tour is different, but most include a stop at the meeting of the waters, which is where the Amazon River and the Rio Negro River meet. Believe it or not, because the water in each river has a different density, you can actually see where the rivers come together.

Among the other stops that your tour operator may make include a floating platform to interact with the elusive pink river dolphin, a visit to an indigenous Amazonian community, or a stop at the iconic January Ecological Park to see the legendary giant water lilies.

Recommended Tours

For those who are interested in taking an Amazon River cruise during your trip, I have you covered. I have included a handful of tours that I have researched and recommend below for you to review.

Day 8: Manaus Tour of Your Choice

On your last full day in the Amazon, you will have your choice of what to do. There are so many unique tours available that your options are almost limitless. If you are looking for a little more adventure, you can book a tour to do some piranha fishing and caiman spotting. Fishing for piranha is a unique experience that you won’t soon forget.

For those who are up for it, you can also do a day hike in the Amazon Rainforest. I booked this tour when I was in Manaus and it is incredible how much wildlife you see when hiking in the forest. A knowledgeable indigenous guide will lead your hike and will point out all the medicinal plants in the forest and help you spot the more elusive wildlife.

If those tours don’t sound like your speed, I may have the perfect option for you. For those who are looking for a more relaxing activity on their last day in the Amazon, a sunset river cruise may be just what you are looking for. The sunsets in the Amazon are incredible and you will get to enjoy an amazing one on a relaxing cruise. I can’t think of a better way to end an amazing adventure in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon.

Recommended Tours

If you are looking for an exciting tour to book for this day of your Brazil travel itinerary, I have included a handful of tours that I have researched and recommend below for your review.

Day 9: Fly to Foz do Iguaçu

On day nine of this Brazil travel itinerary, you will be flying to your last destination on your trip. Today is the day you head to the city of Foz do Iguaçu to begin your exploration of Iguazu Falls. Upon landing, you will need to collect your bags and then head to your accommodations. If you are interested in arranging a ride from the airport to your accommodations, I have linked to some recommended transportation options below.

Transportation Options

Day 10: Tour the Brazilian Side of the Falls

The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is renowned for its incredible panoramic views of the falls. Because roughly 80 percent of the falls are on the Argentinean side of the border, you get a much more holistic view of the falls from Brazil. Once in the park, shuttle buses will take you to the start of the pathway that leads down to the falls.

At the end of the pathway is the famous viewpoint at the bottom of the Devil’s Throat chasm. Be prepared to get wet as the walkway gets you fairly close to the falls. When you have finished admiring the beautiful views and snapping pictures, there is an elevator that will take you back up to the top. For a park map and more details on how to tour the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, be sure to check out my Iguazu Falls travel guide linked above.

Recommended Tours

One of the best ways to enjoy the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is on a guided tour. Guides know where to go and how to get you in a position to get the best views. For those who are interested, I have included a handful of tours that I have researched and recommend below for you to review.

Day 11: Tour the Argentinean Side of the Falls

While the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views, the Argentinean side is known for being able to get up close to this natural wonder. The highlight of any visit is undoubtedly the Garganta del Diablo, or Devil’s Throat, where the sheer power of the water plunging into the abyss is both awe-inspiring and humbling. You can get so close to the precipice of the falls that you get drenched by the waterfall’s strong spray.

In addition to the Devil’s Tower Circuit, there are two main circuits for you to follow to view Iguazu Falls. The Upper Circuit provides stunning panoramic views of the falls, allowing you to appreciate the sheer magnitude and beauty of the many waterfalls from various vantage points. In contrast, the Lower Circuit presents a more intimate encounter with the falls, bringing you closer to the thundering waters and the mist that rises from the base.

To get to the trailheads for the different circuits you will take the Rainforest Ecological Train. This open-air train connects the different circuits of the park, making it much easier to get around. For a view of the map for Iguazú National Park and advice on how to tour the Argentinean side of the falls, make sure you check out my Iguazu Falls travel guide linked above.

Recommended Tours

Like the Brazilian side, one of the best ways to tour the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls is on a tour. Guides for these tours can help you navigate the large crowds to get to the best views. For those who are interested, I have included a handful of tours that I have researched and recommend below for you to review.

Day 12: Foz do Iguaçu Tour of Your Choice

Your final full day in Foz do Iguaçu is an open day for you to do what you want. Feel free to hang out by your hotel pool and use the day to relax or book a tour to experience one of the area’s other attractions. There are several highly rated tours for you to choose from.

This includes a helicopter ride over Iguazu Falls, a visit to the Landmark of the Three Frontiers (where the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet), or a tour to explore some of the area’s other waterfalls. If you would like some recommendations on tours to take, I have included a handful of tours that I have researched and recommend below for you to review.

Recommended Tours

If you are looking for an exciting tour to book for this day of your Brazil travel itinerary, I have included a handful of tours that I have researched and recommend below for your review.

Day 13: Fly to Rio de Janeiro

After twelve days exploring some of Brazil’s most iconic destinations, today you start your journey back home. You have the option of coordinating travel back home directly from Foz do Iguaçu if you choose. However, I included a stopover in Rio de Janeiro to break up your long travel back home. In addition, the stopover gives you a bit of a buffer in case there are flight delays. What you choose to do is ultimately up to you.

Day 14: Fly Home

If you stopped over in Rio de Janeiro for the night, today will be the day that you catch a flight home from Rio. Hopefully, you will be bringing home a ton of incredible memories with you. This trip has taken you to three of Brazil’s most iconic destinations and let you experience three of the world’s natural and man-made wonders (Christ the Redeemer, the Amazon Rainforest, and Iguazu Falls).

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