The Amazon, Rio de Janeiro, and Iguazu Falls
Explore captivating Rio along with two of South America's most iconic natural wonders
Days: 10 | From: $8,250/per person
- Includes accommodations at first class hotels that reflect the best of local culture
- Includes excursions and tours with superb private guides
Start with a stay in a boutique ecolodge in the Amazon, then spend a few days in Rio de Janeiro before finishing at magnificent Iguazu Falls.
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We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
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At a glance
- Manaus
1 night: overnight in this historic city in the middle of the jungle - Amazon Jungle
3 nights: explore the teeming Amazon rainforest from your boutique-style jungle lodge - Rio de Janeiro
3 nights: take in the rhythms and unique culture of this spectacular metropolis - Iguazu Falls
2 nights: marvel at the thundering power of the world's biggest waterfall
All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.
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Sample itinerary
Welcome to Manaus
Arrive to Manaus, a city in the middle of the Amazon Jungle, where your private guide will welcome you to the country and take you to your hotel.
Accommodations: Villa Amazonia
Located in the historic center of Manaus, the Villa Amazonia has 30 rooms, all facing an indoor garden and natural stone pool. The hotel is set in a restored historic mansion that dates back to the rubber boom era, and offers a restaurant and bar, pool, and fitness center.
Journey Deeper into the Jungle
Head deeper into the Amazon to the beautiful Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, located on the bank of the Rio Negro. Settle into your thatched bungalow and begin getting to know this fascinating area.
Accommodations: Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge sits across from Anavilhanas National Park, on the shore of the Rio Negro. Each of its 16 thatched, wooden bungalows are perched upon stilts. They have their own balconies and hammocks, with views of the jungle. Guests dine in a separate thatched lodge, where they savor local produce, including tropical fruits and fresh fish. The lodge also offers a pool and games room.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerExplore the Jungle by Foot, Boat, or Canoe
Your exact activities will vary, but Anavilhanas offers a variety of excursions to discover this natural ecosystem: jungle hikes, seeing wild river dolphins, visiting local villages, boat trips, nighttime canoeing, and more. There is an incredible abundance of plant and animal life in this area, and your guides will help you spot the local species and make the most of your time.
Fly to Rio de Janeiro
Fly out of the jungle to Rio, a coastal metropolis, where your private guide will take you to your hotel on Copacabana Beach. This is one of the best locations in the city; many of Rio’s best restaurants, boutiques, and cafes are located here and in neighboring Ipanema and Leblon.
Accommodations: Hotel Arpoador, 3 nights
The Hotel Arpoador is located right on Ipanema Beach, close to the city's main attractions. Enjoy the hotel's excellent restaurant and rooftop pool and lounge, overlooking Ipanema Beach and Rio's sparkling coastline.
*Includes: BreakfastUpgrade available: Belmond Copacabana Palace, 5 star luxury
Christ Statue and Historic Santa Teresa
Get to know beautiful Rio with your private local guide. Head to the top of Corcovado Mountain to the iconic Cristo Redentor statue, where you can take in one of the best views in the world. Afterward, visit the Tijuca Forest National Park, the largest urban forest in the world. Drive through the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood, filled with mansions dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and see Rio’s bustling downtown.
Time to Relax and Explore Rio; Cable Ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain
After a relaxed morning on your own, head up Sugar Loaf Mountain on a cable car for privileged views of Guanabara Bay, Corcovado, Rio-Niteroi Bridge, Santa Cruz Fortress, and the glittering scenery of Rio.
The Natural Wonders of Foz do Iguaçu
Fly to Foz do Iguaçu, home to magnificent Iguazu Falls. Enjoy a private walking tour of the Brazilian side, exploring the trails and catwalks around the falls. Guests upgrading to the Belmond Das Cataratas also have the unique privilege of being able to see the falls at close range after the park closes as it is the only one located within the Iguazu National Park on the Brazilian side.
Accommodations: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, 2 nights
The only hotel within Brazil's Iguassu National Park and just a two-minute walk to the Iguassu Falls, this hacienda-style property is a unique and exceptional way to experience this area. Tastefully remodeled by Belmond Hotels (formerly Orient Express), it is the most refined hotel in the vicinity, and in the evening it gives exclusive access to the falls after the park closes and all other visitors have to leave. The hotel has 193 rooms, including 16 suites, and offers two restaurants, a bar, pool, gym, tennis courts, and full-service spa.
*Includes: BreakfastUpgrade available: Loi Suites Iguazu, for those who prefer to stay on the Brazilian side or in a boutique jungle lodge
Iguazu Falls: Another Perspective
Enjoy a trip to the Argentine side of the falls, getting a different perspective on this magnificent site. The majority of the trails and walkways are on the Argentine side of the falls, and most boat tours that take you up close to the falls also start on this side.
Depart for Home or Your Next Destination
Today you will say goodbye to your local guide and head to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary
Go on a private tour of Manaus to learn about the interesting history of the city, an integral part of the rubber boom that once brought great wealth to the area.
Take in a samba show in Rio; we’ll arrange an evening at one of our local favorites, an intimate and authentic venue.
Hike with your private guide up Tijuca Peak, the highest peak in Rio, for rewarding views of the city and coastline.
Enjoy a private tour of Rio’s street art, learning about the history and politics of this unique art form.
Visit the Itaipu Hydroelectic Dam, one of the world’s largest operating hydroelectric facilities, at Iguazu.
Include some downtime for rest and relaxation! Some free time to unwind or have a massage will allow you to feel refreshed and ready for the remainder of your trip. Many of our properties include excellent spas or wellness centers. We can help arrange these services or include properties that offer health & wellness amenities.
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Reviews From This Trip
Why Travel with Vaya?
We're TRUE specialists
We’ve not only traveled there, we’ve lived there. Our smart and engaging specialists are all current or former expatriates with years of experience in the region.
Uplifting service
From the first phone call to after you get back, we're here for you every step of the way. We listen, create, customize and advocate for you, and design experiences that go beyond the expected.
Thoughtful travel
Our discerning sensibility and good taste go beyond just choices in hotels and top guides; we have a walk the walk commitment to the environment and are genuine leaders in conservation efforts.