Iguazu Falls Tour: 6-Day Rio and Iguazu Falls Tour

Your guide meets you at the airport for a private transfer to the hotel. After check-in, you head straight to the Brazilian side of the falls. The road runs through subtropical forest into Iguassu National Park, where a canyon trail opens panoramic views of more than 240 waterfalls and a glass elevator lifts you to a viewing platform. Our Iguazu Falls travel guide covers what to expect on each trail.

Next comes the Macuco Safari: an open jeep-wagon ride through three kilometres of jungle with multilingual guides, an optional 600-metre walk to the 20-metre Macuco Falls, and an inflatable boat that carries you upriver into the spray of the Devil’s Throat. Bring a change of clothes, because you will get wet. The day ends at the artisans’ fair in Foz do Iguaçu.

Duration: approx. 5 hours.

Today belongs to Argentina. You cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge above the Iguassu Canyon into Iguazú National Park, where a small train takes you to the upper and lower circuits. Walkways lead to the tops of the falls through forest alive with orchids and birdlife, and the route finishes at the suspended platform at the brink of the Devil’s Throat, the greatest waterfall of them all. Combining Brazil with its neighbor? See our Argentina tour packages.

Duration: approx. 7 hours.

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. The flight is not included, though it can be arranged on request. In Rio, the first stop is Sugarloaf Mountain. The first cable car climbs Urca Hill, 215 metres up, with views across Guanabara Bay and its islands. The second reaches the summit at 395 metres for a 360-degree view of Botafogo, Copacabana, Corcovado, and downtown. Before you go, our Rio de Janeiro travel guide can help you plan the city.

A scenic drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon brings you to the foot of Corcovado, where a small train climbs the forested mountainside to Christ the Redeemer, one of the seven modern wonders, at 2,300 ft above the sea. The panorama explains the city’s nickname, the Marvelous City. A stop for lunch follows (meal not included).

Then the day continues at Cidade do Samba, the warehouses where Carnival’s floats and costumes are built year-round. You learn the history of the parade and can try a costume on for size.

Duration: approx. 8 hours.

A free day to explore Rio at your own pace, with the beach a two-minute walk away, or to add one of the optional tours (not included). Browse our Rio de Janeiro tours if you would like ideas.

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flight.