11-Day South Brazil Tour with Iguazu Falls, Rio and Colonial Towns

Our tour begins in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, Iguazu Falls.

Iguazu Falls literally separate Brazil from its neighbor Argentina and are shared by Iguazu National Park in Argentina and Iguaçu National Park in Brazil.

Both parks were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 and 1987, respectively, and Iguazu Falls form the largest waterfall system in the world.

The main attraction of the tour is the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, where visitors will have the opportunity to witness their majestic beauty.

The tour includes exploration of both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides of the falls.

Additionally, Foz do Iguaçu boasts vibrant nightlife in the downtown area, where tour participants can enjoy live bands, refreshing drinks, and energetic dancing in a lively atmosphere.

Today we make a day trip to the Argentinean side of the falls.

Upon arrival, we take a tourist train to the 'Devil's Throat' circuit.

There, we are provided with a guided tour of both the upper and lower circuits.

Later, we get wet as we take a boat out to some of the falls.

We save the best for last, as the day ends with a helicopter ride over the falls.

Before relocating by flight to the city of Florianopolis, we explore the Iguazu area a little more.

The morning starts with a guided visit to the Brazilian side of the falls.

Hopefully, we will see the rainbow stretching across the falls.

In the afternoon, we head to the natural bird park called Parque das Aves.

Creatures commonly seen there include butterflies, monkeys, toucans, parrots, and yellow-breasted caimans.

Home to fancy resorts, charming hotels, beach clubs, and a lively nightlife scene - especially at Conceição Lagoon - it is no surprise that Santa Catarina is South Brazil's most visited island.

Using its capital, Florianopolis, as our base, today we cover Campeche Central Beach, Armação Beach, the bridge walk to the island of Ilha das Campanhas, Matadeiro Beach, Peri Lagoon, Caldeirão Beach, and the Morro das Pedras viewpoint.

We also visit the historic village of Ribeirão da Ilha, the channel of Barra da Lagoa and the adjacent beach, Prainha Beach, Praia Mole Beach, Belvedere Beach, Conceição Lagoon, Joaquina Beach, the sand dunes known as the Dunas of Joaquina, and a viewpoint near Conceição Lagoon.

Today, we cover the other half of Santa Catarina Island.

Our stops include Canasjure Beach, two beaches and beach clubs in the town of Jurerê, Praia do Forte Beach, São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress, Cacupé Beach, and the historic village of Santo Antônio de Lisboa.

We also explore downtown Florianopolis, including its street art, the cathedral, the Cruz e Sousa Palace, and the public market.

This morning, we relocate by flight from Florianopolis to the city of Belo Horizonte.

From the airport, we are taken to the colonial town of Mariana, where we are provided with a guided tour.

Mariana is the oldest town in the state of Minas Gerais and was founded on July 16, 1696.

It retains the characteristics of a baroque town, with its churches, historic buildings, and museums.

After our tour, we are taken to the colonial town of Ouro Preto, where we sleep this evening.

Before returning to Belo Horizonte for our flight to Rio de Janeiro, we explore Ouro Preto in depth with our tour guide.

This former colony owes its existence to the riches once extracted from below it.

Now a focal point of arts and education, Ouro Preto was once an important center for mining and government.

Fortunately, its history has left it with attractive baroque buildings and a lasting ambience.

Although this steep town's sites are somewhat spread out and largely church-centric - with 23 churches, to be exact - there is something to be said about Ouro Preto being one of Brazil's most visited urban destinations.

The narrow stone-paved streets and the spectacular panorama views of fine architecture are reason enough to come here.

Ouro Preto is one of the most authentic Portuguese town settlements not only in Minas Gerais but also in all of Brazil.

Today, we are provided with a guided tour of what is undoubtedly Brazil's showcase destination - and rightfully so.

Known as the cidade maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its spectacular mountainous setting, stunning scenery, tropical rainforest, exotic white-sand beaches complemented by clear waters, water sports activities, fascinating colonial architecture, chic and carefree people, festive music, and an almost overwhelming nightlife scene.

Spend your morning sightseeing, your afternoon tanning, and your evening partying in the Lapa district, where street bands perform to locals who love to sing and celebrate seemingly as no other culture can.

As a famous song goes, Rio is a city 'where music and passion are always in fashion'.

Incidentally, lunch is included on today's tour.

As a day trip from Rio de Janeiro, we are first taken to the beach town of Cabo Frio.

There, we see the beaches of Praia do Forte, Praia das Conchas, and Praia do Peró.

We later head to the beach town of Arraial do Cabo, specifically to its dock, where we board a boat that visits Praia do Forno, Pontal do Atalaia, and Praia Grande.

Once the boat tour has finished, we are taken to Praia dos Anjos, specifically to its lookout point, where the views are spectacular.

Before heading to our final destination for the day, the resort town of Búzios, a stop is made along the road so we can get a good view of Prainha.

Upon arrival in Búzios, we are provided with both a driving and walking tour of the area.

The shops and restaurants are indeed the highlights, and Búzios is the place in Brazil to 'see and be seen', with its fashionable scene and good-looking people.

We return to Rio de Janeiro in the late evening.

As another day trip from Rio de Janeiro, we are taken along Costa Verde, meaning the 'Green Coast'.

The beaches and islands along the way are quite exotic.

Today's highlights are the islands surrounding the municipality of Angra dos Reis and the island of Ilha Grande.

Lunch, a boat ride, and snorkeling are included on today's tour.

Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Rio de Janeiro.