LAST UPDATED: 6/17/26 – Two-Week Brazil Travel Itinerary

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 from May to October, when temperatures average 20°C–25°C (68°F–77°F) and conditions are perfect for beaches, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.

In the Amazon Rainforest around Manaus, temperatures stay fairly consistent year‑round, usually between 25°C and 30°C (75°F–87°F). Heat and humidity can be intense, so staying hydrated is essential.

Near Iguazu Falls, the most comfortable weather comes during the shoulder seasons—September to November and March to May—when lows and highs typically range from 13°C to 31°C (57°F–89°F). These months offer ideal conditions for exploring the world’s largest waterfall system.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

If you want to avoid rain in Rio de Janeiro, the best time to visit is the dry season from May to October, when the weather is at its clearest for beaches and outdoor activities.

Rainfall matters even more when planning a trip to Manaus. Both the amount of rain and the Amazon River’s water level affect what you can do. From June to November, river levels are lowest, making places like Janauari Lake harder to access, but these dry months are ideal for rainforest exploration with fewer mosquitoes.

Rainfall also shapes the experience at Iguazu Falls. Depending on recent precipitation, the number of visible waterfalls can shift from about 150 to more than 300. The heaviest rains arrive from October to February, when tropical storms are most common and the falls are at their most powerful.

Best Months to Visit Brazil

The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is during the summer months of December to March, when warm weather, lively beaches, and major cultural events like Carnival are in full swing.

The ideal time to visit Manaus depends on your plans, but most travelers prefer the dry season. July through October offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring the rainforest.

For Iguazu Falls, the best weather typically comes in the spring months of March to May, with mild temperatures and low humidity—perfect for hiking and enjoying the viewpoints.

Overall, planning your Brazil trip between September and February gives you the best chance of favorable conditions across most destinations, even if it doesn’t align perfectly with each location’s individual peak season.

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 (now only operating seasonally).
• 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.

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.

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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.

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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’ll visit several of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Start at Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, where sweeping views of Rio stretch in every direction. After taking in the panorama, head to the vibrant Selarón Steps.

This colorful staircase, created by artist Jorge Selarón, is covered in tiles from more than sixty countries and makes for incredible photos.

From there, continue to Sugarloaf Mountain. A cable car ride carries you to the summit, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city, the Atlantic coastline, and the surrounding mountains—especially at sunset, when the sky glows with warm color.

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, giving you the flexibility to choose how you want to explore the city. For adventure, consider hang‑gliding over Rio—one of the most popular experiences thanks to its incredible views of the coastline and mountains.

If you prefer culture and history, you can take a guided tour of Rio’s favelas. These tours, led by local residents, offer insight into daily life, community traditions, and the social dynamics that shape these neighborhoods.

Another great option is exploring the Tijuca Forest. The park features waterfalls, lush trails, and the beautiful Parque Lage at the base of Corcovado Mountain—a historic mansion and public park that’s perfect for wandering and photography.

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’ll head out on the water to explore the Amazon River, surrounded by rainforest, wildlife, and local Amazonian culture.

Most river tours include a visit to the Meeting of the Waters, where the dark Rio Negro and sandy‑colored Amazon River run side by side without mixing due to their different densities.

Depending on your operator, additional stops may include a floating platform to see pink river dolphins, a visit to an indigenous community, or a trip to Janauari Ecological Park to view the 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 can choose from several unique experiences. For adventure, consider piranha fishing and caiman spotting—two classic Amazon activities you won’t forget.

If you prefer to stay on land, a guided Amazon rainforest hike is an incredible way to see wildlife up close. Indigenous guides point out medicinal plants, track animals, and share deep knowledge of the forest.

For a more relaxed finale, a sunset river cruise offers a peaceful way to end your trip. Amazon sunsets are spectacular, and watching the sky change over the river is a perfect final memory of your time in the rainforest.

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 offers sweeping panoramas, the Argentinean side lets you get up close to the falls. The highlight is Devil’s Throat, where walkways bring you to the edge of the chasm and into the powerful spray.

Beyond Devil’s Throat, two main circuits showcase the falls from different perspectives. The Upper Circuit provides elevated panoramic views, while the Lower Circuit brings you closer to the base, offering a more immersive experience.

To reach the trailheads, you’ll ride the Rainforest Ecological Train, an open‑air train that connects the park’s main circuits and makes getting around easy. For a park map and detailed touring tips, see 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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