Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls & Amazon River Cruise
Cruise the most famous river in the world
Experience the Amazon River in all of its glory on this 9-night adventure in Brazil! Board a 4-star cruise ship for a tour of the Amazon's highlights, plus visit the astonishing natural wonder of Iguassu Falls and the vibrant metropolis of Rio de Janeiro.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Rio de Janeiro (GIG), out of Manaus (MAO)
- All airport transfers
- 3 nights in Rio de Janeiro at the PortoBay Rio Internacional, or similar
- Full-day tour to Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain
- One-way, economy class flight from Rio (GIG or SDU) to Foz do Iguassu/Iguassu Falls (IGU)
- 2 nights in Iguassu Falls at the Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort, or similar
- Iguassu Falls Tour (Brazilian side)
- One-way, economy class flight from Foz do Iguassu/Iguassu Falls (IGU) to Manaus (MAO)
- 1 night in Manaus at the Hotel Villa Amazonia, or similar
- 3 nights on the Amazon Clipper Premium River Cruise, including 2 lunches and 3 dinners*
- Land transfer from the cruise ship to the Tropical Hotel in Manaus
- Use of a day room at the Hotel Villa Amazonia in Manaus, prior to your departing flight
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
- Begin your trip in the thrilling, vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro! Explore where the city meets the sea, mountains and jungle.
- Visit two of Rio's iconic sites in one tour: Corcovado (home to Christ the Redeemer) and Sugarloaf Mountain.
- Stand in awe as you experience one of the world's most incredible natural wonders - Iguassu Falls!
- Board a 4-star cruise ship for a 3-night tour of the Amazon River, the longest and largest river in the world!
- Enjoy canoe excursions, jungle hikes, piranha fishing, bird/wildlife spotting and more in the Amazon.
Running through Guyana, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Peru, the Amazon River is a source of endless fascination and discovery. Experience the greatest river in the world on this 9-night adventure in Brazil!
Begin your trip in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's vibrant second-largest city. Spread your arms out wide like Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain and take a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain on an included full-day tour. Then spend your time in Rio at your leisure, either laying out on Copacabana Beach or dancing the night away in a samba club.
From Rio, fly to Iguassu Falls and experience this astonishing natural wonder. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, millions of visitors flock to the semicircle Iguassu Falls to witness the 275 gushing waterfalls that are nearly twice the size of Niagra.
End your vacation in Brazil's unrivaled part of the Amazon. Arrive in Manaus - known as the gateway to the Amazon - and transfer to your small-ship cruise. Spend 3 nights cruising the river, admiring the unique flora and fauna of the rainforest. Watch out for piranhas and anacondas!
Helpful links for travel to Brazil:
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Rio de Janeiro (GIG), out of Manaus (MAO)
- All airport transfers
- 3 nights in Rio de Janeiro at the PortoBay Rio Internacional, or similar
- Full-day tour to Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain
- One-way, economy class flight from Rio (GIG or SDU) to Foz do Iguassu/Iguassu Falls (IGU)
- 2 nights in Iguassu Falls at the Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort, or similar
- Iguassu Falls Tour (Brazilian side)
- One-way, economy class flight from Foz do Iguassu/Iguassu Falls (IGU) to Manaus (MAO)
- 1 night in Manaus at the Hotel Villa Amazonia, or similar
- 3 nights on the Amazon Clipper Premium River Cruise, including 2 lunches and 3 dinners*
- Land transfer from the cruise ship to the Tropical Hotel in Manaus
- Use of a day room at the Hotel Villa Amazonia in Manaus, prior to your departing flight
- Breakfast daily
- Begin your trip in the thrilling, vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro! Explore where the city meets the sea, mountains and jungle.
- Visit two of Rio's iconic sites in one tour: Corcovado (home to Christ the Redeemer) and Sugarloaf Mountain.
- Stand in awe as you experience one of the world's most incredible natural wonders - Iguassu Falls!
- Board a 4-star cruise ship for a 3-night tour of the Amazon River, the longest and largest river in the world!
- Enjoy canoe excursions, jungle hikes, piranha fishing, bird/wildlife spotting and more in the Amazon.
Running through Guyana, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Peru, the Amazon River is a source of endless fascination and discovery. Experience the greatest river in the world on this 9-night adventure in Brazil!
Begin your trip in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's vibrant second-largest city. Spread your arms out wide like Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain and take a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain on an included full-day tour. Then spend your time in Rio at your leisure, either laying out on Copacabana Beach or dancing the night away in a samba club.
From Rio, fly to Iguassu Falls and experience this astonishing natural wonder. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, millions of visitors flock to the semicircle Iguassu Falls to witness the 275 gushing waterfalls that are nearly twice the size of Niagra.
End your vacation in Brazil's unrivaled part of the Amazon. Arrive in Manaus - known as the gateway to the Amazon - and transfer to your small-ship cruise. Spend 3 nights cruising the river, admiring the unique flora and fauna of the rainforest. Watch out for piranhas and anacondas!
Helpful links for travel to Brazil:
Learn More about Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls and Manaus
Day 1. Welcome to Rio de Janeiro!
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, also known as the "Marvelous City." The second biggest city in Brazil, Rio is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Guanabara Bay and blessed with endless natural beauty.
Ease your way into this sprawling city with a stroll through the historic center filled with architectural gems. The Theatro Municipal, built in 1909, was modeled after the Opera Garnier in Paris!
Transfer to Rio de Janeiro hotel
PortoBay Rio Internacional
Located on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, PortoBay Rio Internacional combines the best of both worlds - the vibrant city and the beach right at your feet. You'll have exclusive beach access as well as top notch facilities when you stay at this modern and chic hotel.
Wake up to the sounds of waves crashing from the 117 rooms offering private verandas or panoramic window views overlooking Copacabana. Savor Brazil on a plate at La Finestra restaurant, sip a negroni at Negroni Bar and enjoy a light snack at Bossa Lounge. Take a dip at the hotel's rooftop pool on the 20th floor, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the famous bay and major sights of Rio de Janeiro, with Copacabana beach in the foreground and Christ the Redeemer in the background. Additional amenities include a massage room, two saunas, fitness center and pool bar.
Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
Walking distance from THE Copacabana, Windsor Excelsior Copacabana is ideal both for travelers interested in a beach getaway and travelers looking to immerse themselves in the nightlife. Providing peerless service and an unbeatable location, this hotel is considered one of the best hotel experiences in Rio de Janiero.
Day 2. Rio de Janeiro
Today you will embark on a full-day tour of Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountains! Both of these imposing mountains make up the iconic skyline of Rio. Admire the views from both summits before touring downtown Rio.
Tour to Corcovado & Sugarloaf Mountain (full-day)
Tour the famous Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountains! Arrive at Cosme Velho Station and board a cog-train for the ride through Tijuca Forest and up to the 2,329 ft high Corcovado Mountain. The train ride is a wonderful opportunity to have a closer look at the forest’s lush tropical vegetation and enjoy scenic landscapes of the city and beaches. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado, proceed up the steps that lead to the peak´s lookout, where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. After appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below, you will descend by train.
The tour continues through Rio’s world-famous beaches to board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up Sugarloaf Mountain. After admiring the views, descend the mountain and proceed along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park. Visit downtown Rio, passing by the financial and business center and other attractions like Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa Arches, Municipal Theater, National Library, Fine Arts Museum and the Sambodrome - site of Rio’s famous Carnival parade.
Day 3. Rio de Janeiro
Rio is perhaps most famous for its beach life, and two beaches in particular: Copacabana and Ipanema. Rio residents (known as cariocas) can be seen playing soccer, sunbathing, and swimming all along the 2.5-mile stretch of Copacabana Beach. Among its trademarks is the Atlântica Avenue boardwalk, with mosaic waves of stones designed by landscape architect Burle Marx.
More upscale than Copacabana, the area around Ipanema Beach is considered the “little Paris” of Rio for its avant-garde galleries, bookstores and movie theaters.
Day 4. Rio de Janeiro - Iguassu Falls
Say goodbye to Rio as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls.
Located close to the point where the Iguassu River empties its waters into the Parana River, Iguassu Falls is the world’s widest waterfall and a natural wonder. On the border of Brazil and Argentina, the city of Foz do Iguassu is a busy town thanks to the many visitors that come to see the falls and Brazilian shoppers who come to purchase imported goods in Ciudad Del Este, the Paraguayan tax-free city right across the border.
Transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport (GIG or SDU)
Fly to Iguassu Falls!
Transfer to Iguassu Falls hotel
Check-in - Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort & Convention
Situated near Iguassu Falls, a 7th Wonder of the World, Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort combines innovative architecture with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The resort is also close to Bosque Guarani zoo and Iguassu Falls International Airport. The resort offers a dizzying array of amenities suitable for the whole family. There is an aquatic park, thermal pool equipped with a poolside bar, indoor thermal pool, two restaurants, amusement square, London-style pub, and bowling alley, disco club, game rooms, library, spa, Each of the modern and comfortable 300 rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars.
Day 5. Iguassu Falls
Today, enjoy a tour of Iguassu Falls. Made up of a system of 275 waterfalls, Iguassu Falls is nearly twice as tall as Niagara Falls and rivaled only by Victoria Falls in Africa.
Iguassu Falls Tour (Brazilian Side)
Cross Iguassu National Park to the Brazilian side of these extraordinary Falls, then walk along cascading paths and make your way to the bottom of Devil's Throat. Enjoy breathtaking views of this spectacular natural wonder! At the end of the tour, hop in an elevator and ride up to road-level.
Please note it is your responsibility to obtain the appropriate visa for entry into Brazil.
Day 6. Iguassu Falls - Manaus
Leave Iguassu Falls today and transfer to the airport for your flight to Manaus, the capital of Amazonas State. Manaus is the hub of the whole Amazon Region and is located four miles from the point where Rio Negro meets the Solimoes River to form the Brazilian Amazon River.
Check into your accommodation and get settled before starting your river cruise in the morning.
Transfer to Iguassu Falls airport (IGU)
Fly to Manaus!
Transfer to Manaus hotel
Check-in - Hotel Villa Amazonia
Enter the historic heart of Manaus and revel in the 4-star comfort of Hotel Villa Amazonia! Only footsteps from the Amazon Theater, this hotel provides peerless service and close proximity to the city's top attractions. The gorgeous building's facade, reception, and restaurant honor the heritage of the area's historic golden rubber age. Sample the flavors of the Fitz Carraldo Bistro before you crawl into the linen sheets of your generous guestroom for a good night's sleep.
Day 7. Amazon River Cruise
Your 3-night Amazon River Cruise begins today! Board the Amazon Clipper and cruise toward the Amazon River while you enjoy a welcome drink and listen to information about the route and ship facilities. Explore the ship's nooks and crannies and enjoy a caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil.
After dinner, explore the river's edge with powerful searchlights and get the chance to see the region's unique wildlife including caimans (close relatives of the crocodile), nighthawks, snakes, brush-tailed rats, sloths and frogs.
*Please note: Amazon Clipper Cruises reserve the right to change itineraries without consulting participants, depending on prevailing natural conditions. In case of any changes on arrival or departure times due to force majeure, Amazon Clipper Cruise is not responsible for missed flights or extra expenses.
Check-in - Amazon Clipper Premium
Amazon Clipper Cruises is a leading small-ship cruise company that has been operating for 20 years. Offering cruises with weekly regular departures including the Amazon River and Rio Negro, each cruise is a complete experience including the “Meeting of Waters,” trips into the rainforest and a good understanding of Amazon culture.
For those wanting the comfort of a luxury ship, the Amazon Clipper Premium offers “simply the best” small-ship cruising in the Amazon. The Premium ship is a 105-ft luxury riverboat consisting of 16 outside cabins with two beds side by side or one queen size bed, private bathrooms with hot showers, air conditioning and safety deposit boxes. Facilities on the ship include a sundeck with panoramic views, covered dining room, entertainment deck with leisure room, library, video facilities, bar and a large covered area for outdoor sightseeing.
Day 8. Amazon River Cruise
In the early morning, explore the river surroundings by canoe where you will find a colorful array of fruit-eating birds like parrots and toucans. After breakfast, depart for a jungle walk and discover the rainforest's lush flora and fauna. Return to the boat around 12pm with time for swimming before lunch.
In the afternoon, you will trek through Anavilhanas National Park, one of the world's largest fresh water archipelagos and a labyrinth of waterways. Later on, board a canoe and learn more about this wonderful nature park.
Day 9. Amazon River Cruise
Today you will sail to Praia Grande, a municipality in the state of Sao Paulo. Relax on the beach or enjoy a swim before heading on a canoe excursion to the Acajatuba River. Get to know the typical fauna of the river and stop for piranha fishing. You'll then visit Paricatuba, a haunting ghost city in the middle of the jungle.
Explore by canoe and scout for wildlife in the late afternoon, then enjoy dinner on the way toward the Amazon River.
Day 10. Depart Brazil
Early this morning, explore the Lago Janauari Ecological Park. This area is a great place to observe wildlife, especially the “Victoria Regia” giant water lilies (the world's largest aquatic plant). During breakfast your boat will navigate to the "Meeting of Waters," the confluence of the world's two largest rivers, the Amazon and the Rio Negro.
Return to Manaus and observe the floating docks, market, old custom house and the dome of the Opera house. Arrive at the hotel around 11:30am and make use of the day room should your flight be later in the day. At the appropriate time, transfer to Manaus airport for your flight home.
Transfer to Manaus airport (MAO)
Fly home!
Check-in - Hotel Villa Amazonia
Enter the historic heart of Manaus and revel in the 4-star comfort of Hotel Villa Amazonia! Only footsteps from the Amazon Theater, this hotel provides peerless service and close proximity to the city's top attractions. The gorgeous building's facade, reception, and restaurant honor the heritage of the area's historic golden rubber age. Sample the flavors of the Fitz Carraldo Bistro before you crawl into the linen sheets of your generous guestroom for a good night's sleep.