Brazil is the largest country in South America, and distances between its cities are long, so good planning is the difference between a comfortable trip and days lost in airports. This 10-day itinerary combines three main stops: Rio de Janeiro, Iguaçu Falls and São Paulo, with domestic flights between them and an English version for your visa file.
Best time to visit Brazil
Brazil is in the southern hemisphere, so its summer runs from December to March, the season for beaches and the Rio Carnival, but also the most expensive. April to June and August to October are quieter and cheaper, and Iguaçu Falls are at their strongest flow after the rainy season.
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | City | Activities | Transport | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rio de Janeiro | Arrival and rest | Flight to Galeão Airport (GIG) | Hotel, Copacabana |
| 2 | Rio de Janeiro | Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado | Cog train | Hotel, Rio |
| 3 | Rio de Janeiro | Sugarloaf Mountain, Ipanema Beach | Cable car | Hotel, Rio |
| 4 | Rio de Janeiro | Botanical Garden, Santa Teresa | Taxi | Hotel, Rio |
| 5 | Rio → Foz do Iguaçu | Transfer | Domestic flight | Hotel, Foz do Iguaçu |
| 6 | Iguaçu Falls | The Brazilian side of the falls | Bus | Hotel, Foz do Iguaçu |
| 7 | Foz do Iguaçu → São Paulo | Transfer, Avenida Paulista | Domestic flight | Hotel, São Paulo |
| 8 | São Paulo | Ibirapuera Park, MASP museum | Metro | Hotel, São Paulo |
| 9 | São Paulo | Municipal Market, shopping | Metro | Hotel, São Paulo |
| 10 | São Paulo | Departure | Flight from Guarulhos Airport (GRU) | — |
Getting around and practical tips
Domestic flights are the only practical option between the three stops, because the road from Rio to Iguaçu takes more than 20 hours. Book domestic flights early, as prices rise before peak seasons. In Rio and São Paulo, ride-hailing apps are safer than hailing a taxi on the street, and it is best not to carry visible valuables in crowded places.
Visa and trip documents
Entry requirements for Brazil vary by nationality and have recently changed for some countries. Check the official Brazilian visa website or the Brazilian Embassy in Riyadh for what applies to you. If a visa is required, matching flight reservations, hotel bookings and an itinerary are usually requested. A yellow fever vaccination may be required for some routes, so consult your doctor before travelling.
We prepare this itinerary with your own dates, with a flight reservation including domestic flights and hotel bookings in all three cities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the Argentine side of the falls?
Yes, but it means crossing into another country and may require an Argentine visa depending on your nationality, so check the requirements before planning.
Are 10 days enough?
Enough for the three stops. To add the Amazon or Salvador, add at least 4 days.
Do I need travel insurance?
Strongly recommended, because treatment in private hospitals is expensive. Travel insurance
