Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in New York City
You'll arrive in New York City and get settled into your hotel. Once you drop your bags, it's time to head out and feel the city's energy. Times Square pulls you in with its neon signs and constant motion. If you want to go higher, The Edge observation deck offers skyline views from way above the streets.
Optional Activities
- The Edge observation deck - skyline views with glass floor experience
- Yellow Cab taxi ride from airport to hotel
Landmarks Times Square The Edge - Day 2
Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island Ferry & Greenwich Village
Start early to catch the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise, when the light hits Manhattan in that golden way. Grab breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel for the real New York bagel experience. The free Staten Island Ferry gives you views of the skyline and passes right by Lady Liberty. Later you'll walk through the 9/11 Memorial, then head to Greenwich Village where boutiques, second-hand shops, and cafes line the streets.
Included Activities
- Brooklyn Bridge sunrise walk
- Staten Island Ferry (free)
- 9/11 Memorial visit
- Greenwich Village exploration
Optional Activities
- Ess-a-Bagel breakfast
Landmarks Brooklyn Bridge Staten Island Ferry Statue of Liberty 9/11 Memorial Greenwich Village - Day 3
Broadway, Central Park & Midtown Manhattan
Breakfast happens at Ellen's Stardust Diner where pancakes come with Broadway singing waiters. From there, walk through the theater district and check what last-minute ticket deals exist for shows. Central Park is perfect for settling in with coffee and watching people go by. By afternoon, you're back in Midtown checking out the Empire State Building and Flatiron Building, then grab lunch from food trucks along the streets.
Included Activities
- Central Park visit and relaxation
- Midtown Manhattan skyscraper viewing
Optional Activities
- Ellen's Stardust Diner breakfast with singing waiters
- Broadway musical tickets (last-minute deals available)
Landmarks Ellen's Stardust Diner Broadway Theater District Central Park Empire State Building Flatiron Building - Day 4
Museums, Bryant Park & Dumbo Food Market
The day focuses on culture. You'll see the Museum of Ice Cream and the Guggenheim, then check out the New York Public Library. During winter months, ice skating at Bryant Park works as an optional addition. After that, head to Brooklyn's Dumbo district where the Time Out Market has 21 different food vendors to sample from.
Optional Activities
- Museum of Ice Cream visit
- Guggenheim Museum visit
- New York Public Library visit
- Bryant Park ice skating (winter months, payable on site)
- Time Out Market food tasting in Dumbo, Brooklyn
Landmarks Museum of Ice Cream Guggenheim Museum New York Public Library Bryant Park Time Out Market Dumbo - Day 5
New York to Washington, D.C.
Walk through the High Line, that elevated park above the streets with street art and skyline views throughout. When you're ready to move on, board a train heading to Washington, D.C. After checking into your hotel, explore the city itself. Georgetown has historic houses and cafes worth wandering through. Ben's Chili Bowl is an option if you want a casual dinner.
Included Activities
- High Line walk
- Georgetown neighborhood exploration
Optional Activities
- Ben's Chili Bowl meal (payable on site)
Landmarks High Line Georgetown Ben's Chili Bowl - Day 6
Washington, D.C. to Rio de Janeiro
The Capitol offers free tours so you can see inside this iconic building. Spend time on the National Mall exploring the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, then check out free museums like the Natural History Museum. Later, relax on the grass with views of the White House. By evening, you'll transfer to the airport for an overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Included Activities
- Capitol free tour
- Lincoln Memorial visit
- Washington Monument visit
- Natural History Museum visit
- White House viewing
Landmarks Capitol National Mall Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument Natural History Museum White House - Day 7
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
You land in Rio early morning after the overnight flight. That tropical air hits differently. Check in and take it easy, just soaking in the Rio feeling. Grab an ice-cold caipirinha and people-watch from the street. A leisurely stroll through the city shows you colorful houses, local music, and the atmosphere shifts as the sun sets.
Optional Activities
- Caipirinha drink at a street bar
- Casual city exploration walk
- Day 8
Sugarloaf Mountain, Cristo Redentor & Cathedral
A gondola takes you up Sugarloaf Mountain for those views of Rio spread out below. From there, head to Corcovado to see the Cristo Redentor statue that seems to hold the entire city. The Catedral de São Sebastião has colorful light pouring through massive glass windows inside. A guided tour can help navigate the city if you want that option.
Included Activities
- Sugarloaf Mountain gondola ride
- Cristo Redentor visit
- Catedral de São Sebastião visit
Optional Activities
- Guided city tour with experienced guide (payable on site)
Landmarks Sugarloaf Mountain Cristo Redentor Corcovado Catedral de São Sebastião - Day 9
Rocinha Favela Walking Tour
A local guide who grew up in Rocinha takes you through Rio's largest favela. Walking the alleyways, you'll see children playing soccer and meet residents who are warm and curious. This trip shows how the favela developed from an illegal settlement into an officially recognized neighborhood. About a quarter of Rio's population lives in conditions like these.
Included Activities
- Rocinha favela walking tour with local guide
Landmarks Rocinha - Day 10
Jardim Botânico & Santa Teresa
The Jardim Botânico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 140 hectares of gardens at the foot of Corcovado. You'll spot monkeys, colorful hummingbirds, and diverse plants as you explore. Later, head to Santa Teresa where cobblestone streets and vintage vibes take over. The Escadaria Selarón has vibrant colored tiles covering the whole staircase.
Included Activities
- Jardim Botânico visit
Optional Activities
- Cab ride to Jardim Botânico (payable locally)
- Santa Teresa and Escadaria Selarón exploration
Landmarks Jardim Botânico Santa Teresa Escadaria Selarón - Day 11
Copacabana & Ipanema
Pick between Copacabana or Ipanema for the day. White sand and turquoise water are waiting. You can try surfing, kick a ball around, or just relax. Grab a caipirinha at the beach bar. This is authentic Rio beach culture, the kind where the sun and sand shape the whole rhythm of the day.
Included Activities
- Beach time at Copacabana or Ipanema
Optional Activities
- Swimming and water activities
- Surfing
- Beach bar drinks
Landmarks Copacabana Beach Ipanema Beach - Day 12
Rio de Janeiro to Cancún
Take one final walk through Rio's streets and pick up souvenirs. Fresh pastéis from street stalls make good snacks. If you want, take one last dip in the ocean and have a caipirinha by the water. Gather your luggage and head to the airport for an overnight flight to Cancún, Mexico.
Optional Activities
- Last beach dip and caipirinha
- Souvenir shopping
- Day 13
Arrival in Tulum
You land in Cancún and take the ADO bus directly to Tulum. White sand beaches, turquoise water, and palm trees are what you see. Check into your accommodation and then head straight out to the pool or beach. Relax with a cocktail and let the Caribbean vibes settle in.
Included Activities
- ADO bus transfer from Cancún to Tulum
Landmarks Tulum - Day 14
Tulum Mayan Ruins & Cenotes
Rent a bike and explore Tulum on two wheels. Bring your swimsuit because you'll want to cool off. Cruise to the Mayan ruins perched on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea. That ancient feeling hits different here. Navigate through jungle to hidden cenotes like the Grand Cenote and Cenote Calavera for swimming in crystal-clear water.
Optional Activities
- Bike rental (payable on site)
- Mayan ruins of Tulum visit
- Grand Cenote swim
- Cenote Calavera swim
Landmarks Tulum Mayan Ruins Grand Cenote Cenote Calavera - Day 15
Tulum Beach & Cenotes
Choose your own path today. Either spend a relaxed beach day listening to waves and enjoying the turquoise water, or rent a bike again to explore more cenotes. Swimming in the cool, crystal-clear waters of these mystical caves creates an experience you won't forget.
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation day
- Bike rental for cenote exploration (payable on site)
Landmarks Tulum Beach - Day 16
Tulum Beach Day
Another day in Tulum with your swimsuit packed. Relax between the sound of waves and fine sand. You can chill in the shade of palm trees or lounge in the sun. As evening comes, the sunset turns everything golden. That light bathing the sea creates something special.
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation
- Sunset viewing
Landmarks Tulum Beach - Day 17
Tulum to Los Angeles
Pack up after Tulum and board the ADO bus back to Cancún airport. Palm trees pass by the window during the drive. A flight takes you to Los Angeles. There you'll explore Beverly Hills, drive Mulholland Drive through the hills, and check out the Walk of Fame with its thousands of pink stars. Griffith Observatory gives you the best views of the Hollywood Sign and city skyline at sunset.
Optional Activities
- Beverly Hills exploration
- Mulholland Drive scenic drive
- Walk of Fame visit
- Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign viewing
Landmarks Beverly Hills Mulholland Drive Hollywood Walk of Fame Hollywood Sign Griffith Observatory - Day 18
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Santa Monica Pier has that iconic neon Ferris wheel and rollercoaster action. Rent a bike and cruise along the coast in typical California style. Head towards Venice Beach or through Palisades Park for coastal views. Venice Beach's Ocean Front Walk has graffiti, street art, live music, and the famous Muscle Beach.
Included Activities
- Santa Monica by Bike rental for one day
Optional Activities
- Santa Monica Pier experience
- Venice Beach exploration
Landmarks Santa Monica Pier Palisades Park Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk Muscle Beach - Day 19
L.A. Beaches & Downtown
Another beach day lets you choose between Venice Beach with its cult factor or Malibu Beach with endless sand and laid-back vibes. Or head downtown to the gleaming Disney Concert Hall among the skyscrapers and historic Union Station, a favorite for movie filming.
Optional Activities
- Venice Beach relaxation
- Malibu Beach exploration
- Disney Concert Hall visit
- Union Station visit
Landmarks Venice Beach Malibu Beach Disney Concert Hall Union Station - Day 20
Runyon Canyon & Rodeo Drive
Hike Runyon Canyon for exercise and city views. Celebrity sightings happen here since it's a popular trail. From the top you see across all of Los Angeles. Afterwards, stroll Rodeo Drive to window shop at designer boutiques. Side streets have more affordable shopping and diverse restaurant options throughout the area.
Optional Activities
- Runyon Canyon hike
- Rodeo Drive shopping
- Dining in the area
Landmarks Runyon Canyon Rodeo Drive - Day 21
Los Angeles to Home
Use your remaining time to finish any bucket list items before heading to the airport. Watch the USA get smaller below as the plane takes off. Reflect on the adventures, new places, and experiences from this whole journey across North America and Brazil.
Optional Activities
- Final L.A. sightseeing
- Last-minute shopping
- Day 22
Arrival Home
The plane lands and you grab your luggage. Head home with your mind full of stories about new places, warm people, and favorite moments from your journey across North America and Brazil.
