10-Day Brazilian Highlands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Brazilian Highlands tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaBrazilian Highlands travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Brazil Itinerary, incl. Salvador and Chapada Diamantina

  Brazil unfolds over 10 days, with cultural immersion in Salvador's historic quarters, rugged wilderness treks in Chapada Diamantina, and sun-soaked relaxation on Morro de São Paulo's pristine beaches.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Salvador:

    Start in Salvador, Brazil's first capital. Plan for an afternoon arrival to avoid morning traffic from the airport. Stay in the historic Pelourinho district with its colorful colonial buildings and walkable streets. On day 2, join a morning historical tour from Fort Santo Antônio da Barra. A recent visitor shared: "The pickups and transfers were perfectly timed, and the guides brought Salvador's rich African-influenced culture to life."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Chapada Diamantina (Igatu & Buracão):

    Take a 6-hour morning transfer to Igatu in Chapada Diamantina National Park. This unique village built from local stone was once a diamond mining hub. For the Buracão Waterfall trail, start at 7:30 AM before it gets too hot. The 6km round-trip is mostly flat but includes two ladder descents. You'll need water shoes for swimming through the canyon to reach the falls. Stay in Mucugê for a local feel.

    
  • Day 5

    Poço Encantado & Lençóis:

    See Poço Encantado cave between 9-11 AM for the famous light beam. The stairs take about 30 minutes to descend. After that, swim in Poço Azul cave where the water stays at 24°C (75°F). Get to Lençóis in late afternoon.

    
  • Day 6

    Lençóis & Surrounds:

    Go snorkeling at Gruta da Pratinha in the morning. Gear rental costs about $15. Walk through Gruta da Lapa Doce cave in the afternoon. Wear shoes with good grip on the slippery limestone. Watch the sunset from Pai Inácio Hill overlooking the park.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Morro de São Paulo:

    Take a 2.5-hour boat to car-free Morro de São Paulo. Pack light since you'll walk to your hotel on sand paths. The beaches are numbered First to Fourth. Second Beach is best for swimming. Consider staying near Third Beach to avoid the busy tourist spots.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Salvador:

    Catch the 8:30 AM boat back to Salvador. Book ahead if traveling December-February. The full journey takes about 3 hours with port transfer.

    

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• 9 Days in South America, incl. Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Rio de Janeiro

    Start your trip in Rio with smart timing. Get to Sugarloaf Mountain's cable car before 10 AM to avoid crowds and intense sun. You'll stop first at Urca Hill before reaching the 1,299-foot summit. Pack a light jacket for the breeze up top. A recent visitor shared: "The views from Sugarloaf were incredible, but go early. By noon, the queues were massive and the heat intense." For Christ the Redeemer, catch the first Corcovado train at 8:30 AM. The scenic railway climbs 2,379 feet through Tijuca National Park. Sit on the right side for better views. Pick your clearest morning for this visit since afternoon clouds often block the statue.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Iguassu Falls

    Take a morning flight from Rio (2 hours) to Iguassu. Visit the Brazilian side first for wide views, then explore the Argentine side next day for closer looks. The Brazilian paths are well-maintained but can get slippery. Bring sturdy water-resistant shoes and expect to get wet, especially near Devil's Throat. Keep your electronics in a dry bag.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Buenos Aires

    Another 2-hour flight brings you to Argentina's capital. Stay in Recoleta or San Telmo to be near the main attractions. The Subte subway system works well and feels safe. Get a SUBE card at any station. Visit La Boca early for the best photos of the colorful houses before other tourists arrive.

    
  • Day 9

    Departure

    Book afternoon flights from Buenos Aires if possible. Morning traffic to Ezeiza Airport can be slow, usually taking 45-60 minutes from the city center.

    

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• 9 Days in Brazil, incl. Rio de Janeiro and Manaus

  

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  • Day 1

    Rio de Janeiro Arrival

    Arrive at Galeão International Airport and head to your hotel in Rio. Book a hotel in Copacabana or Ipanema if you want easy beach access and safe nighttime strolls. The airport transfer takes 45-60 minutes. Try to schedule an afternoon arrival to skip rush hour traffic.

    
  • Day 2

    Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain

    Get to Christ the Redeemer early at 7:30 AM before the crowds show up. Take the cog train through Tijuca National Park, the world's largest urban rainforest. A recent visitor said: "The morning fog usually clears by 9 AM, giving perfect views across Guanabara Bay. Bring a light jacket as it's cooler at 710m elevation." Head to Sugarloaf Mountain after lunch. Get there around 4 PM to see both daytime views and sunset. Stop at Urca Hill first for great photos of Corcovado Mountain.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Rio Exploration

    Use these days to see Rio's main attractions. Check out the Metropolitan Cathedral in the morning when sunlight fills the stained glass windows. Visit the Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa with a guide before 2 PM. Get to the Royal Portuguese Reading Room right when it opens at 9 AM since they only let 15 people in at once.

    
  • Day 5

    Rio to Manaus

    Fly to Manaus in the morning (4-hour flight). It takes about 45 minutes to get from the airport to town. Check into your hotel and visit the Opera House later. The 3 PM English tour is usually quiet and offers great lighting for photos.

    
  • Day 6

    Manaus City Tour

    Start with the Amazon Theater and historic center before it gets too hot. Visit Adolpho Lisboa Market before 11 AM to see locals shopping for fish and regional goods. A visitor noted: "The market's iron architecture is stunning, but go early—by noon the fish section can be overwhelming in the heat."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Amazon Experiences

    Take the Meeting of Waters tour to watch the Rio Negro and Amazon River come together. Morning tours have better light for photos. Try to see pink river dolphins too, they're most active early and late in the day. Pack quick-dry clothes since humidity stays above 80%.

    
  • Day 9

    Departure

    Allow 60 minutes for the morning airport transfer in Manaus. Most international flights stop in São Paulo or Rio, so leave plenty of time between connections.

    

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