9 Days  •  8 Nights

Brazil Beaches: Rio & the Northeast

Rio de Janeiro (3N) - Salvador (3N) - Northeast beaches (2N)

Tour Includes

Accommodation
Meals
Sightseeing
Transfers
Local Guide
Activities
Overview

About the Trip

Brazil has some of the most beautiful beaches and vibrant culture on earth, and this nine-day journey pairs the icons of Rio with the tropical charm of the northeast. You begin in Rio de Janeiro, with Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf and the famous sands of Copacabana and Ipanema, then fly north to Salvador, the Afro-Brazilian heart of the country, with its colourful colonial old town of Pelourinho, pulsing music, capoeira and cuisine. From there you unwind on the palm-fringed beaches of the northeast coast, whether the resort sands near Salvador or a tropical island escape. Combining city icons, rich Afro-Brazilian culture and idyllic beaches, with sunshine and samba throughout, it is a joyful, sun-soaked introduction to the soul of Brazil.
Highlights

Trip Highlights

  • Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf in Rio
  • The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema
  • Salvador's colourful Pelourinho old town
  • Afro-Brazilian music, capoeira and cuisine
  • Palm-fringed northeast beaches
  • Sunshine, samba and tropical charm
Itinerary

Day by Day

A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.

Day 1

Met at the airport and transferred to your hotel near the beach, with a welcome dinner and a first caipirinha as you feel Rio's energy.

Your Journey This Day
Rio Airport
Arrival · Private
Rio hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast|Dinner
Day 2

A guided tour of the Marvellous City, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf, taking in the beaches and neighbourhoods.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3

A free day to enjoy Rio, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Santa Teresa, or a samba night.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 4

You fly north to Salvador, the Afro-Brazilian heart of the country, settling in near the colourful colonial centre with an evening of music.

Your Journey This Day
Rio
Flight · Domestic
Salvador
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 5

A guided tour of Salvador's UNESCO-listed Pelourinho old town, its colourful colonial mansions, baroque churches and Afro-Brazilian culture, with a Bahian lunch and a capoeira display.

Meals Included
Breakfast|Lunch
Day 6

A free day to enjoy Salvador, its markets, music and cuisine, or a boat trip on the Bay of All Saints, soaking up the Afro-Brazilian rhythm.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 7

You transfer to a beach resort on the palm-fringed northeast coast, settling into tropical sand and sea for some well-earned relaxation.

Your Journey This Day
Salvador
Road · Transfer
Northeast beaches
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 8

A free beach day to swim, sunbathe, snorkel or take a boat trip along the beautiful coast, with a farewell dinner by the sea.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 9

After breakfast you transfer to the airport for your onward flight, sun-kissed and full of Brazilian rhythm.

Your Journey This Day
Northeast
Departure · Private
Airport
Meals Included
Breakfast
Route Map

Where You Will Travel

Package

What's inside the package?

Inclusions

  • 8 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Bahian lunch
  • Airport and internal transfers
  • Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
  • Domestic flights as specified
  • National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
  • a Rio tour with Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf, a Salvador city tour and domestic flights

Exclusions

  • International airfare
  • Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
  • Drinks unless specifically stated
  • Optional excursions and experiences
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Best Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Place
Rio and northeast Brazil
Conditions
Hot summer
Daily max temperature
30°C
Monthly rainfall
110mm
Weather data is based on monthly averages. Popularity rating
Good to Know
  • Visa & entry: Requirements vary by nationality and can change, some travellers need an e-visa or visa while others (including UK and EU) do not for short tourism stays; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm the current requirement for your nationality
  • Currency: The currency is the Brazilian Real; cards are widely accepted in cities and resorts, but carry some cash for markets, small vendors and remote areas. We advise on current money matters before you travel
  • Vast distances: Brazil is huge, the fifth-largest country on earth, so itineraries rely on domestic flights between regions such as Rio, Iguazu, the Amazon and the northeast; these are arranged and included where specified
  • Best time to visit: Brazil is tropical and warm year-round; the southern summer (December to March) is hot and lively (and includes Carnival), while the drier winter (June to September) is ideal for the Amazon, the Pantanal and the beaches
  • Health: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended, and sometimes required, for the Amazon, the Pantanal and some other regions; bring insect repellent, sun protection and stay hydrated, and we advise on current health requirements
  • Beaches & safety: Brazil's cities and beaches are wonderful but, as in any large destination, take sensible precautions, leave valuables in the hotel safe, be discreet with cameras and phones on the beach, and follow your guide's local advice
  • Wildlife: The Amazon and especially the Pantanal are among the world's great wildlife destinations; a naturalist guide greatly improves sightings of jaguars, capybaras, caimans, macaws and more, and park fees are included where specified
  • Language & power: Portuguese is the language, though English is common in tourism; tipping around ten percent is customary. Power is mostly 127V or 220V with type N plugs, so bring an adapter
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which northeast beaches will we visit?

We can tailor the beach stay to your style, from the resort sands near Salvador to tropical islands like Morro de Sao Paulo or the beaches of Bahia. We choose the best option for your dates and preferences.

Is Salvador worth visiting?

Very — Salvador is the Afro-Brazilian soul of the country, with a spectacular colonial old town, extraordinary music, capoeira, cuisine and a warmth all its own. It offers a rich cultural contrast to Rio and the beaches.

What meals are included?

Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner, a churrasco barbecue or full board in the Amazon and Pantanal where dining options are limited. Other meals are left free with our recommendations.

Are domestic flights included?

Yes — the domestic flights between regions specified in your itinerary, such as Rio to Iguazu or the Amazon, are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers, so your journey is seamless.

Do I need a visa for Brazil?

It depends on your nationality and can change, some travellers need an e-visa or visa while others do not for short stays. We confirm the current requirement for your nationality, along with any yellow fever certificate, when you book.

When is the best time to visit Brazil?

Brazil is warm year-round; the southern summer (December to March) is hot and lively with Carnival, while the drier winter (June to September) is ideal for the Amazon, the Pantanal and wildlife. We advise on the best timing for your route.

Will I see lots of wildlife?

Very likely in the Amazon and especially the Pantanal, one of the world's best places for jaguars, capybaras, caimans, giant otters and macaws. With a naturalist guide and the dry season for the Pantanal, sightings are excellent, though wildlife can never be guaranteed.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of city, falls, beach, Amazon and Pantanal, add regions like Salvador or the northeast, change the pace and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.