A Complete Guide to a 2-Week Itinerary in Brazil From Rio to the Amazon
12 min
Jul 15, 2025
2-week Brazil itinerary covers Rio de Janeiro's iconic Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach, charming colonial Paraty with UNESCO heritage streets, pristine Ilha Grande's car-free beaches and rainforest trails, magnificent Iguazu Falls from both Brazilian and Argentine sides, immersive Amazon rainforest experiences in Manaus with wildlife spotting and jungle lodges, and Salvador's vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture in historic Pelourinho. The journey combines urban exploration, natural wonders, coastal relaxation, and cultural immersion, taking travelers from samba-filled Rio nights to Amazon wildlife encounters, colonial charm, and Brazil's largest waterfall system for an unforgettable South American adventure.
Brazil, a vibrant tapestry of culture, nature, and adventure, beckons travelers with its iconic landmarks, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. This 2-week itinerary takes you from the lively streets of Rio de Janeiro to the wild heart of the Amazon, offering a perfect blend of urban exploration, natural wonders, and cultural immersion. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer, this guide, designed for travel planning, will help you craft an unforgettable Brazilian journey using a travel planner app to streamline your experience.
Why Choose Brazil for Your Next Adventure?
Brazil is a land of contrasts—samba beats pulse through Rio’s nightlife, while the Amazon’s serene wilderness hums with biodiversity. From the majestic Iguazu Falls to the colonial charm of Paraty, this itinerary covers Brazil’s must-see destinations in just 14 days. By using a travel planner app, you can organize flights, accommodations, and activities, ensuring a seamless trip while maximizing your time in each location.
Key Highlights of This Itinerary
Rio de Janeiro: Iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach.
Iguazu Falls: One of the world’s largest waterfall systems.
Amazon Rainforest: Wildlife adventures and eco-lodges in Manaus.
Paraty and Ilha Grande: Coastal charm and pristine beaches.
Cultural Immersion: Afro-Brazilian heritage in Salvador and local cuisine.
2-Week Brazil Itinerary: Day-by-Day Breakdown
Days 1-3: Rio de Janeiro – The Marvelous City
Start your journey in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s vibrant cultural hub. Known for its stunning beaches and iconic landmarks, Rio is the perfect introduction to Brazil’s energy.
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Exploration
Arrive at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (GIG). Use your travel planner app to arrange a private transfer to your hotel in Copacabana or Ipanema for convenience.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at Copacabana Beach, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Enjoy a caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, at a beachside kiosk.
Evening: Explore the nightlife in Lapa, a bohemian district with samba clubs and bars.
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks
Morning: Visit Christ the Redeemer, a New Wonder of the World, atop Corcovado Mountain. Book tickets via your app to avoid long lines.
Afternoon: Take a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of Guanabara Bay. Use your app to schedule a guided tour for historical insights.
Evening: Dine at a churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse) for a taste of feijoada, a hearty black bean stew.
Day 3: Cultural and Nature Highlights
Morning: Explore Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban rainforest, with hiking trails and waterfalls.
Afternoon: Visit the colorful Selarón Steps and the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood.
Evening: Relax at Ipanema Beach or join a samba lesson booked through your travel planner app.
Travel Tip: Book accommodations in Copacabana or Ipanema well in advance, especially during Carnival (February/March). Use your app to compare hotel prices and secure early-bird deals.
Days 4-5: Paraty – Colonial Charm
On Day 4, travel to Paraty, a picturesque coastal town 4 hours from Rio by bus or private transfer.
Day 4: Arrival and Exploration
Arrive in Paraty and check into a charming pousada (guesthouse). Use your app to find budget-friendly options with historical charm.
Wander the cobblestone streets of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Santa Rita Church.
Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant and listen to live bossa nova.
Day 5: Coastal Adventures
Morning: Take a boat tour to nearby islands and beaches, such as Saco do Mamanguá, booked via your travel planner app.
Afternoon: Hike to Pico do Pão de Açúcar for breathtaking views of the Verde Coast.
Evening: Relax at Jabaquara Beach or explore local artisan shops.
Travel Tip: Paraty’s car-free streets make it ideal for walking. Pack comfortable shoes and quick-dry clothing for boat tours.
Days 6-7: Ilha Grande – Tropical Paradise
Travel 1.5 hours by boat from Paraty to Ilha Grande, a car-free island with pristine beaches and rainforests.
Day 6: Beach Day
Arrive at Vila do Abraão and settle into a beachfront guesthouse. Use your app to book eco-friendly accommodations.
Hike to Lopes Mendes Beach, one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches, through a jungle trail (30 minutes). Watch for baby monkeys!
Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Nature and Relaxation
Morning: Join a snorkeling tour to explore coral reefs and marine life. Book through your app for group discounts.
Afternoon: Trek through Ilha Grande’s rainforest trails or relax at Aventureiro Beach.
Evening: Return to Vila do Abraão for a laid-back evening.
Travel Tip: Ilha Grande has limited ATMs, so bring enough cash. Your travel planner app can track expenses and suggest budget-friendly activities.
Days 8-9: Iguazu Falls – Nature’s Masterpiece
Fly from Rio to Foz do Iguaçu (2 hours) to witness the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.
Day 8: Brazilian Side
Arrive and check into a hotel near Iguazu National Park. Use your app to find options like Belmond Das Cataratas, the only hotel within the park.
Explore the Brazilian side of the falls via walkways for panoramic views of the 275 cascades.
Evening: Relax at your hotel or dine at a local restaurant serving regional fish dishes.
Day 9: Argentine Side and Adventure
Take a guided tour to the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls (book via your app) for close-up views at Devil’s Throat.
Afternoon: Join a Macuco Safari boat tour for an exhilarating ride under the falls.
Evening: Return to Foz do Iguaçu and prepare for your next destination.
Travel Tip: Pack a lightweight rain jacket for Iguazu’s misty walkways. Your app can help you check visa requirements for crossing into Argentina.
Days 10-12: Amazon Rainforest – Wildlife Wonderland
Fly from Foz do Iguaçu to Manaus (4 hours), the gateway to the Amazon.
Day 10: Arrival in Manaus
Arrive at Eduardo Gomes International Airport and transfer to a hotel in the historic center, like Seringal Hotel, booked via your app.
Visit the Teatro Amazonas, a stunning opera house, and explore the bustling Manaus port.
Evening: Enjoy Amazonian cuisine, such as tacacá (a local soup), at a riverside restaurant.
Day 11-12: Amazon Jungle Lodge
Travel to a jungle lodge near Manaus (book via your app for eco-friendly options). Popular choices include Dolphin Lodge or Juma Amazon Lodge.
Activities: Join guided jungle treks, piranha fishing, and night tours to spot caimans and nocturnal wildlife.
Visit the “Meeting of the Waters,” where the Rio Negro and Solimões River converge without mixing.
Evening: Stay overnight at the lodge, immersed in the sounds of the rainforest.
Travel Tip: Pack insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing for the Amazon. Use your app to schedule tours and check weather conditions, as the rainy season (December-May) can affect activities.
Days 13-14: Salvador – Afro-Brazilian Heart
Fly from Manaus to Salvador (4.5 hours) to explore Brazil’s cultural gem.
Day 13: Pelourinho and Culture
Arrive and check into a hotel in the historic Pelourinho district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Use your app to find boutique hotels with colonial charm.
Explore Pelourinho’s colorful streets, colonial churches, and vibrant markets.
Evening: Enjoy acarajé (shrimp-filled fritters) and live samba music at a local bar.
Day 14: Beaches and Departure
Morning: Visit Porto da Barra Beach for swimming and sunbathing.
Afternoon: Take a cultural tour to learn about Afro-Brazilian history, booked via your app.
Evening: Depart from Salvador International Airport or extend your trip to nearby Morro de São Paulo.
Travel Tip: Salvador’s vibrant culture shines during Carnival. Book accommodations early if visiting in February.
Why Use a Travel Planner App for Brazil?
A travel planner app simplifies your Brazil adventure by:
Organizing Itineraries: Create a day-by-day plan with reminders for flights, tours, and reservations.
Budget Tracking: Monitor expenses for flights, accommodations, and activities to stay within your budget.
Real-Time Updates: Get weather alerts, flight status updates, and safety tips for each destination.
Booking Management: Secure hotels, tours, and transfers in one place, often with exclusive discounts.
Offline Access: Download maps and itineraries for areas with limited connectivity, like the Amazon.
Pro Tip: Use your app to set notifications for peak season bookings (December-March) and to compare domestic flight prices on airlines like Azul or Gol.
Final Thoughts
This 2-week Brazil itinerary, from Rio’s vibrant beaches to the Amazon’s untamed wilderness, offers a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. By using a travel planner app, you can streamline logistics, save time, and focus on immersing yourself in Brazil’s beauty. Start planning today, and let Brazil’s rhythm sweep you away!
Ready to Explore Brazil? Download PlaninGo's travel planner app to customize this itinerary, book your flights, and embark on an unforgettable journey. Share your Brazil travel tips in the comments below!
