Rio & Iguazu Falls Tour

7 Days

From $ 999

About this SAAT Travel tour: Rio & Iguazu Falls

The Rio de Janeiro & Iguazu Falls trip takes in two of Brazil’s most impressive destinations, the spectacular metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, and the breathtaking force of nature that is Iguazu Falls. Stretched between forested mountains and the sparkling Atlantic, Rio de Janeiro is a city of long golden beaches and an exuberant cultural life. On the Rio de Janeiro & Iguazu Falls trip you’ll visit all the highlights, including the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, as well as Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado and the iconic statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’. After soaking up the atmosphere of Rio you’ll fly west to Iguazu and spend a couple of full days taking in this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Day 1
Touchdown in the Marvelous City

Rio de Janeiro
Upon touchdown in Rio you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and shown to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend either relaxing at your hotel or heading out to explore the nearby beaches, boulevards and boutiques. Ask your specialist for recommendations of interesting places to visit. Sunset in Rio is spectacular and the best place to experience it is with the locals on one of Rio's many beaches. As the sun begins to set and the mountains cast long shadows over sea and sand under a stunning pink and golden sky, order yourself a caipirinha, sit back and enjoy the show.

Day 2
Tijuca Forest & Corcovado

Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast you'll begin your day with a trip through Tijuca, the largest urban forest in the world, which covers the mountains overlooking the city in a blanket of deep green. You'll then continue on to the top of Corcovado, the 710m mountain that is home to the iconic statue of 'Christ the Redeemer'. From here the views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean are breath-taking. You'll then return to your hotel and have the afternoon and evening free to enjoy the beaches, and perhaps head out to the dancing district of Lapa for a little Samba and a caipirinha or three. (Meals - B)

Day 3
Sugarloaf Hike

Rio de Janeiro
The dramatic Sugarloaf Mountain is a well-known Rio landmark. Today, instead of standing in line to ride the aerial cable car with dozens of others, you will have the unique experience of reaching the summit on foot. Starting with a stroll along the beautiful shoreline to warm up, you'll begin a 300m hike to the stunning Sugarloaf summit. From the top the views over Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and up to Corcovado are about as spectacular as you can get. This tour can be extended to a full-day adventure, either kayaking to an island five miles from Sugarloaf or rock-climbing and rappelling. Note: Those not up for the hike can opt to take the cable car to Sugarloaf's summit. (Meals - B)

Day 4
Relaxing in Rio

Rio de Janeiro
A free day in Rio is full of possibilities - boat trips, hang-gliding, art tours, football matches, and of course the failsafe option of sun, sea and sand at one of Rio's top beaches. You could also head out of the city and spend a day in Petropolis, the mountain town where the Emperors of Brazil spent their summers, or pick up a new skill and take some Brazilian cuisine or dance classes. Other options include heading into the nearby mountains for whitewater rafting, horse-riding, mountain biking or trekking. Just let us know how you prefer to spend your time and we can help make it happen. (Meals - B)

Day 5
First Glimpse

Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls
After being picked up at your hotel in Rio and transferred to the airport you'll catch a morning flight to Iguazu, catching your first glimpse of the 275 separate falls as the plane comes in to land. Arriving in the early afternoon you will head straight out for a tour of the Brazilian side of the falls, following a short forest trail to a spectacular viewing point. Extra options include 10min helicopter flights over the dramatic falls, or boat rides that take you almost to the edge of the tremendous curtains of water. Later in the day you will be transferred to your hotel where you can spend the evening relaxing. (Meals - B)

Day 6
Argentine Iguazu

Iguazu Falls
After breakfast you will be met for your tour of the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls. Beginning with a train ride to The Devil's Throat Falls, the highest of the 270, or so, separate falls that make up Iguazu. As the falling water pounds into the river below it created a roar that can be heard for miles around. The tour then continues on foot following a series of walkways built over the river, around and alongside the falls, allowing you to experience the majesty of Iguazu from very close up. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred back to your hotel for the evening. (Meals - B)

Day 7
Back to Rio

Iguazu Falls to Rio de Janeiro
Options for your final day at Iguazu depend on your onward flight. You may have time to visit the nearby Bird Park or take a trip to the Itaipu Dam. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Rio (flights to Sao Paulo to connect with international flights are also possible). With luck, the pilot will make a circuit of the falls after take-off. Once in Rio you can connect with your flight home. This tour can be combined with any of our other destinations in Brazil or South America - how about a relaxing beach break in Ilha Grande or exploring the beautiful Buenos Aires ? (Meals - B)