How to spend 10 days in Brazil

Experience an exciting adventure with our customized Brazil itineraries, from the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro's beaches and the dense Amazon jungle to the waterfalls of Iguazu and the historic streets of Salvador. Each Brazil 10 day itinerary is designed for nature, culture, and adventure lovers and promises an unforgettable journey through Brazil's iconic landmarks and diverse landscapes.

Is 10 days enough for Brazil?

While this Brazil 10 day itinerary can offer a captivating taste of this vast, diverse country, whether 10 days is enough, depends on your priorities.

In short, Brazil’s sheer size means you’ll barely scratch the surface in 10 days. That said, if you focus on specific regions or experiences, 10 days can be satisfying. For a deeper dive, consider extending your stay.

Rough Guides tip: To make the most of your visit to Brazil, read our guide to the best time to visit Brazil.

The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is in the state of Goias, in central Brazil © Luiz Antonio Nasser Jr/Shutterstock

Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, Central Brazil © Luiz Antonio Nasser Jr/Shutterstock

Places to visit on a Brazil 10 day itinerary

Brazil is an incredibly diverse country with a wide range of experiences. Below we'd like to list the places you shouldn't miss on your Brazil 10 day itinerary.

Rio de Janeiro

Famous for its lively culture, iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, and landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit.

São Paulo

Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo, is a bustling hub known for its diverse culture, striking architecture, and thriving art scene.

It’s also a food lover’s dream, offering everything from traditional Brazilian dishes to international cuisine.

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest is a natural wonder that offers unmatched biodiversity and adventure.

Home to countless species of plants and animals, you can explore this vast wilderness through river cruises or stays in jungle lodges.

Exploring the Amazon by boat, Brazil

Exploring the Amazon by boat, Brazil

Iguazu Falls

Straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina, Iguazu Falls is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world. The sweeping views and raw power of the falls make it an unforgettable experience.

Salvador

Known for its colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture, and vibrant music scene, Salvador sits at the heart of Brazil's cultural heritage. The city's historical center, Pelourinho, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with colorful buildings and cobbled streets.

Pantanal

The Pantanal is one of the world's largest tropical wetlands and Brazil’s top wildlife-watching destination. It’s the best place to spot jaguars, caimans, and exotic birds in their natural habitat.

Paraty

Paraty is a charming colonial city on Brazil's Costa Verde, known for its well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and rainforest-covered mountains. It offers an ideal mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Pantanal, Brazil

Pantanal, Brazil

Itinerary #1: Islands & Waterfalls — Ihla Grande and Iguazu

This Brazil 10 days itinerary will enable you to enjoy some of the most famous destinations in the country. Kick off your adventure with an arrival in Rio de Janeiro on day one. On day two, explore Rio’s top sights with a tour of Corcovado Mountain and Sugar Loaf, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

On day three, leave the buzz of Rio behind and head to Ilha Grande. Day four is yours to enjoy at your own pace—hike to hidden beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or simply relax.

On day five, travel from Ilha Grande to the charming colonial town of Paraty. Days six and seven are left for you to wander Paraty's cobbled streets, explore its surrounding islands, or take a boat tour along the coast.

Day eight brings a transfer to Iguazu, where you’ll explore the majestic Brazilian side of the falls. On day nine, cross over to Argentina to experience the falls from a different angle. Finally, on day ten, transfer to Buenos Aires for your departure. Read more.

Things not to miss: Palms and Two Brothers Mountain on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ipanema beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this Brazil 10 days itinerary:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2

  • Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Tour.
  • Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 3

  • Transfer from Rio to Ilha Grande.
  • Overnight in Puerto Ilha Grande.

Day 4

  • A day at leisure in Ilha Grande.
  • Overnight in Ilha Grande.

Day 5

  • From Ilha Grande to Paraty.
  • Overnight in Paraty.

Day 6

  • A day at leisure in Paraty.
  • Overnight in Paraty.

Day 7

  • A day at leisure in Paraty.
  • Overnight in Paraty.

Day 8

  • From Paraty to Iguazu.
  • Brazilian Waterfalls Tour.
  • Overnight in Puerto Iguazu.

Day 9

  • Excursion to Argentine waterfalls.
  • Overnight in Puerto Iguazu.

Day 10

  • Transfer to Buenos Aires and departure.

Ready to discover the wonders of Brazil? Book your adventure today.

View of Rio de Janeiro and Sugarloaf Mountain from Corcovado view point, Brazil © galaro/Shutterstock

View of Rio de Janeiro and Sugarloaf Mountain from Corcovado, Brazil © galaro/Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Blissful Brazil

Your 10-day Brazilian adventure begins with your arrival in São Paulo, where you'll stay near Avenida Paulista. 

On day two, explore the dynamic metropolis with a guided tour, uncovering its vibrant art, food, and cultural scenes. After soaking in the city’s energy, head to Foz do Iguaçu on day three.

Day four is dedicated to exploring Foz do Iguaçu National Park, where you’ll witness the sheer power of the stunning waterfalls. Afterward, transfer to Rio de Janeiro on day five.

On day six, visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and spend the afternoon lounging on Rio’s best beaches. Day seven is yours to explore at your own pace—whether it’s discovering more of Rio’s neighborhoods or simply relaxing.

On day eight, take in the panoramic views from Sugar Loaf Mountain, then enjoy more leisure time. Day nine offers another free day to soak up Rio’s vibrant atmosphere before your final night on Ilha Rio de Janeiro. On day ten, transfer to the airport for your departure. Read more.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Itinerary overview

Check out this Brazil 10 days itinerary:

Day 1

  • Arrival in São Paulo.
  • Overnight in São Paulo.

Day 2

  • São Paulo tour.
  • Overnight in São Paulo.

Day 3

  • Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu.
  • Overnight in Foz do Iguaçu.

Day 4

  • Foz do Iguaçu National Park exploration.
  • Overnight in Foz do Iguaçu.

Day 5

  • Transfer to Rio de Janeiro.
  • Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 6

  • Christ the Redeemer tour.
  • Rio's best beaches.
  • Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 7

  • A day at leisure in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Overnight in Ilha Rio de Janeiro.

Day 8

  • Sugar Loaf Mountain Exploration.
  • Overnight in Ilha Rio de Janeiro.

Day 9

  • A day at leisure in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Overnight in Ilha Rio de Janeiro.

Day 10

  • Transfer to the airport and departure.

Don't miss out – book your Brazil exploration now.

municipal-market-sao-paulo-brazil-shutterstock_611269232

Municipal Market, Sao Paulo, Brazil @ Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Breathtaking Brazil — Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls

Begin your 10-day Brazilian adventure in Rio de Janeiro, where you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel.

The next day, dive into the city’s vibrant energy with a guided tour and a samba lesson to get a real taste of Rio’s culture. On day three, visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain for breathtaking views of the city.

Day four takes you to Foz do Iguaçu. On day five, explore the awe-inspiring Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, followed by a visit to the Argentine side on day six, offering a different perspective of the immense cascades.

On day seven, fly to Salvador da Bahia, Brazil’s cultural heart. Spend the next day wandering the Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colorful colonial architecture. 

On day nine, catch a live performance by the renowned Bale Folclorico da Bahia. Finally, wrap up your adventure on day ten with a transfer to the airport for your departure. Read more.

old-town-salvador-de-bahia-brazil-shutterstock_130333010

Old Town in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil @ Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this Brazil 10 days itinerary:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2

  • Rio de Janeiro tour and samba lesson.
  • Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 3

  • Corcovado Mountain Tour.
  • Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 4

  • Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu.
  • Overnight in Foz do Iguaçu.

Day 5

  • The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.
  • Overnight in Foz do Iguaçu.

Day 6

  • Iguazu Falls from Argentina.
  • Overnight in Foz do Iguaçu.

Day 7

  • Transfer to Salvador da Bahia.
  • Overnight in Salvador.

Day 8

  • Historic Center of Salvador da Bahia.
  • Overnight in Salvador.

Day 9

  • Bale Folclorico da Bahia Perfomance.
  • Overnight in Salvador.

Day 10

  • Transfer to the airport and departure.

Your Brazilian adventure is just a booking away – secure your place now.

Rio-de-Janeiro-Brazil-Rough-Guides

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil © Rough Guides

Itinerary #4: Pure Wildlife — North Pantanal & Amazonia

Your 10-day Brazilian adventure begins in Cuiabá, Brazil, where you'll be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel. The next morning, head to the Pantanal, where you'll kick off your adventure with a hike around the lodge trails. On day three, enjoy a day of horseback riding through the vast plains of the Pantanal.

The following day, take a boat tour down the Rio Claro, spotting wildlife as you cruise along. On day five, go on a safari along the Transpantaneira, a road famous for its wildlife sightings. After soaking in the Pantanal, transfer to Manaus on day six for a night in the Amazon’s gateway city.

On day seven, travel from Manaus to the Amazon for piranha fishing and a night excursion in search of alligators. Walk through the jungle the next day and visit the "Forest of the Monkeys." On day nine, witness the incredible Meeting of the Waters before heading home on day ten. Read more.

capybara-pantanal-brazil-shutterstock_1062368618

Capybaras, Pantanal, Brazil @ Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this Brazil 10 days itinerary:

Day 1

  • Arrival in Cuiabá.
  • Overnight in Cuiabá.

Day 2

  • Transfer to Pantanal.
  • Hike around the lodge trails.
  • Overnight in Pantanal.

Day 3

  • Horseback riding from the lodge.
  • Overnight in Pantanal.

Day 4

  • Boat tour down the Rio Claro.
  • Overnight in Pantanal.

Day 5

  • Safari along the Transpantaneira.
  • Overnight in Pantanal.

Day 6

  • Transfer from Pantanal to Manaus.
  • Overnight in Manaus.

Day 7

  • From Manaus to Amazonia.
  • Piranha fishing and a night tour in search of alligators.
  • Overnight in Amazonia.

Day 8

  • Jungle walk.
  • "Forest of the Monkeys".
  • Overnight in Amazonia.

Day 9

  • Meeting of the Waters Tour.
  • Overnight in Amazonia.

Day 10

  • Transfer to the airport and departure.

Ready to explore Brazil's natural wonders? Book now to create lasting memories

amazon-river-brazil-shutterstock_704671762

Amazon River, Brazil @ Shutterstock

Prepare for your Brazil 10 day itinerary

Carefully crafted by local travel experts, each itinerary is designed to give you an unforgettable experience. For more details, check out the best time to visit Brazil and explore other inspiring Brazil itineraries.

If you’d rather skip the research and planning, take advantage of our tailor-made trip service. Our trips are fully customizable to fit your preferences, ensuring a personalized adventure.

Olga Sitnitsa

written by
Olga Sitnitsa

updated 18.10.2024

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

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