Essential Brazil

This trip provides a grounded introduction to Brazil’s landscapes and regions. It begins in Rio de Janeiro, where after arrival you explore historic streets, enjoy views from Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain, and settle into your hotel with time at leisure. From Rio you travel to Foz do Iguaçu with a few nights near Iguaçu Falls in the subtropical rainforest, where guided walks offer panoramic views of the waterfalls and the Devil’s Throat deep within Iguaçu National Park. You visit the Amazon rainforest, flying to Manaus and then to a quiet eco-lodge surrounded by jungle. Days here include guided walks, early mornings with birdsong, river activities, and discussions on indigenous life and wildlife. Meals feature fresh local ingredients. The journey continues to Brazil’s northeast coast with time in Olinda and Recife. In Olinda, explore cobbled streets lined with colonial houses, churches, and artisan studios that uphold long-standing crafts and traditions. In Recife you’ll see historic waterways, neighbourhood markets, the first synagogue in the Americas, and streets where local music and craft culture remain part of daily life. There’s time to try regional dishes and engage with the residents. Throughout the itinerary, guided activities are balanced with free time, from forest mornings and national park walks to coastal street strolls. This schedule gives you space to take in Brazil’s rainforest, city highlights, waterfalls, and coastal culture at a comfortable pace.