10 Day Brazil Itinerary: Falls, Cities And Beaches

Searching for the ultimate 10-day Brazil itinerary? This guide covers the exact itinerary we followed, hitting all the beautiful highlights from Iguazu Falls to Copacabana Beach.

The following Brazil 10-day itinerary starts and ends in Rio de Janeiro. This city might not be the capital of Brazil, but it’s one of the biggest, and is certainly the most popular travel destination. 

This makes it easy to find international flights that land and depart from the coastal tourist hub. 

It’s an ideal 10-day Brazil itinerary for first-timers as it hits all the big-ticket items with one or two lesser-visited spots as well. 

We actually used this itinerary for our second trip to Brazil, because we’d only managed to spend a few days in Rio the first time around. It’s such a beautiful city, we were keen to spend more time there, despite having already been!

Of course, Brazil is a vast country with so many wonders to explore. You could easily spend 5 weeks and not even scratch the surface of this stunning destination – but most of us just aren’t that lucky. 

With this 10-day Brazil itinerary, you’ll get an irresistible taste of what this colourful country has to offer, and I can guarantee you’ll be itching to come back for more. 

But isn’t that what travelling is all about? Ticking a destination off your bucket list, only to add 5 more? Brazil will do that to you…

Without further ado, read on to discover the ultimate 10-day Brazil itinerary for your first visit, with details in brief for those in a hurry, followed by a detailed breakdown for each day with dedicated travel tips. 

10-Day Brazil Itinerary in Brief 

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro 

Day 2: Explore the city’s monuments 

Day 3: Visit the iconic beaches and take a sunset cruise 

Day 4: Travel to Iguazu and see the sunset at the falls

Day 5: Full day to explore Iguazu Falls

Day 6: Travel to Búzios 

Day 7: Soak up the rays on beautiful, exotic beaches 

Day 8: Learn to surf, snorkel, or simply relax! 

Day 9: Travel back to Rio, visit Santa Teresa or Tijuca National Park

Day 10: Tick off a bucket list activity in the city before travelling home

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro 

We came from London on the red eye, so we started off with a full day to explore the city, although we were pretty tired, so we didn’t wander too far! 

Since I recommend basing yourself in Copacabana or Ipanema Beach, you can always spend your first afternoon relaxing on the sand. 

If you’d rather spend your time exploring, I recommend heading to the charming neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. 

This bohemian district is filled with charming souvenir shops and art galleries, and is famous for its quaint yellow streetcar.

You ride the streetcar from the main station near the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, all the way to the top of the hilltop district. You can catch a bus or taxi from Copacabana or Ipanema to get there. 

Once you’re in the area, I recommend checking out Parque das Ruínas, an atmospheric gallery housed in a ruined mansion. There are some great panoramic views over the city here! 

Travel Tips 

• Book a transfer from the airport to the hotel in advance, because the airport can be a chaotic place to navigate as a first-timer. I normally use Welcome Pickups.
• If you decide to stay on the beach for the afternoon, I recommend Ipanema. Zara Bistro is a great spot for a casual lunch, and you can head to the famous Boteco Belmonte for some caipirinhas afterwards!
• For dinner, you’ll no doubt be tired from travelling and/or jet-lagged, so I recommend an authentic Brazilian meal close to your hotel. We went to Barraca da Chiquita Copacabana, which was a fab local place with live music!

Where to Stay 

We stayed at Windsor Hotel California, which is in a great location on Copacabana Beach and features a small rooftop pool and gym. 

The room we had was incredibly large and comfortable for our short stay, and the concierge was helpful with booking taxis etc. I recommend this hotel for a comfortable stay in the most convenient location! 

We didn’t want to pay extra for a sea view room since we knew we would hardly be in the room, but ended up with a distant view of Christ the Redeemer instead, which was a nice surprise!

See rates and availability.

Day 2: Explore the City Monuments 

If it’s your first time in Rio de Janeiro, you’ll no doubt be itching to explore all of the famous sights such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Selarón Steps. 

To make things easy, I suggest booking this 8-hour guided city highlights tour. 

Incredibly reasonably priced, this full-day tour includes stops and entrances to all the iconic sights mentioned above, with a few bonus stops thrown in. 

You’ll also get lunch at an authentic Brazilian buffet, and travel around the city in a safe, air-conditioned minibus. 

Of course, it’s possible to visit all of these sights independently, but it will be tiring to do so yourself in one day, and public transport is not always the safest in Rio de Janeiro. 

Save yourself time, money and stress by having a real Brazilian local show you around! Since you don’t have a lot of time in Rio, I do believe this is the way to go. 

Book the tour here.

Travel Tips 

• Try to be at Sugarloaf Mountain around sunset for the best views of the city (the tour suggested above helps you make this happen).
• A long day of exploring means you might be tired again this evening, so heading somewhere local for dinner is a great idea. Boteco Boa Praça is a popular spot on Ipanema Beach (but near Copacabana), with colourful Brazilian decor, dishes and cocktails. There’s also live music and they’ll play big sporting events on the big screen, so there’s always a great atmosphere! 
• If Brazilian cuisine isn’t your thing, try Kinjo in Copacabana instead, which is a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant with cool interiors. 

Day 3: Explore the Iconic Beaches and Take a Samba Class

Rio is known for its iconic beaches, so it would be a crime to leave before sampling the sand. If you didn’t get time on day one, day three of this itinerary gives you ample time to soak up the sun. 

Start the day by strolling along the seafront and grabbing an Oakberry Acai for breakfast. These blackcurrant-coloured Brazilian smoothies come with a vast array of toppings to choose from and have a unique flavour we couldn’t get enough of!

If you want to spend the morning learning a little more Brazilian culture, you can opt for this highly-rated beginner Samba lesson at Ipanema Beach. 

They offer 1-hour classes all throughout the day, so it’s an easy activity to slot in if you fancy having a little fun dancing with a carnival queen!

Once you’ve had your fill of samba and sunbathing, I recommend a sunset sailboat ride to get a unique perspective of Rio from the water. It’s also a sensational way to round off the first portion of your trip. 

Book it here. 

Travel Tips 

• The little bars on the beach are great for grabbing a quick coffee or caipirinha, but we found they didn’t serve the best food. For lunch, you’re better off heading inland to a proper restaurant like Zara Bistro in Ipanema. 
• For your final night in Rio, you might want to try a Brazilian Churrasco, which is like an all-you-can-eat BBQ where they carve the meat right at your table. I recommend Fogo de Chão, which is an upmarket Brazilian chain located in Botofogo (a short taxi drive from where the sunset sailboat ride docks and Copacabana Beach). 

Day 4: Travel to Iguazu and See Sunset at the Falls

Today you will leave Rio and head into the heart of the rainforest to see the spectacular Iguazu Falls, or Iguaçu Falls as they are locally known. 

You’ll need to catch a short domestic flight – since you only have 10 days in Brazil, I don’t recommend the coach. The coach takes over 24 hours of travelling, which is simply not feasible on a trip of this length. 

We booked an early morning flight so we’d have time to spend at the falls once we arrived. The Brazilian side of the falls is not that big. It’s easily doable in one afternoon, which leaves you with a full day to explore the Argentinian side the following day. 

If you’re staying at the Samna Hotel (details below), you can walk right to the park entrance when you arrive. Buy your tickets at the gate and then catch the tourist bus to the entrance of the trails.

Head along the trails until you reach the incredible rush of water at Devil’s Throat. Once you’ve experienced the thrill of the falls up close, you can walk or take a lift to the road, where you can catch the bus back to the park entrance.

In the evening, for a view that will truly blow your mind, I recommend revisiting the falls at sunset. The only way to do this is to book a meal at the exclusive Belmond Hotel das Cataratas – pricey but so worth it in my opinion! 

Head to the Belmond Hotel park entrance before sunset, and as long as you have a booking for dinner and your park entrance tickets from earlier, you’ll be able to take the hotel shuttle back down to the falls. 

After strolling through the park, enjoying this utopia-style sunset, round off your first day at the falls with a sensational meal at Restaurant Y. 

**For more detailed information on visiting and seeing the falls at sunset, read my insider guide to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls here.**

Travel Tips 

• We flew with LATAM Airlines from Rio Galeleo, but there are also flights from the domestic airport with other airlines.
• If you fly from Galeleo, there is 24hr luggage storage called MALEX at the airport if you want to travel light to Iguazu. We used it, and it felt pretty safe and straightforward, although you will need cash to pay and keep hold of your receipt for the collection. It meant we only had to take hand luggage to Iguazu. 
• We were surprised to learn they had Uber in both Rio and Iguazu Falls. We used it both to get to and from the airports, after connecting to the free airport WiFi. 
• When you visit the falls, wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and bring a waterproof bag or cover for any valuables and electronics. You will get drenched at Devil’s Throat whether you like it or not (but that’s all part of the experience!).

Where to Stay 

We stayed at the beautiful Sanma Hotel, and I can thoroughly recommend this hotel based on its location and facilities. 

It’s one of the only (mid to higher-end) hotels located within walking distance of the entrance to the National Park, which is perfect for a flying visit. If you choose to stay in the city, you’ll be a 20-minute taxi ride away from the falls, which adds unnecessary stress and hassle to your visit. 

We literally arrived at the hotel, dropped off our bags, and walked straight to the park to explore for the afternoon. 

While the rooms were a little small and basic in my opinion, the facilities more than made up for it, with beautiful bars, a pool area, a gym, and hot tubs. 

See rates and availability here.

Day 5: Full Day to Explore Iguazu 

On day five, you’ll have a full day to explore the falls. Since you already saw the Brazilian side of the falls on the previous day, I recommend booking a full-day tour to take you across the border to Argentina. 

The Argentinian has a much bigger national park where you can get a different perspective of the falls. 

While the views on the Brazilian side are more beautiful, the Argentinian side has more jungle hiking paths to explore, so it’s definitely worth fitting both into your 10-day Brazil itinerary. 

There are several hiking circuits to complete on this side of the falls. You’ll want to hit Devil’s Throat first and then walk the lower circuit before hiking the upper circuit second. You can also book tickets to see the Argentinian side of the falls, including the Gran Adventura, which gets you up close and personal with the falls on a jet boat tour.

On the Argentinian side, there’s also a lesser-known hike that takes you deep into the jungle, where you can find the only Iguazu waterfall you’re allowed to swim in. 

If you feel like cooling off after lunch and have time, I definitely recommend squeezing this in! It’s called the Sendero Macuco trail and takes about 45 minutes to hike each way. 

**You can find more details on how to go about visiting the Argentinian side in my guide to Iguazu Falls.**

Travel Tips 

• To get to the Argentinian side of the falls, you can book an all-day tour that includes pick up and drop off from your hotel in Brazil. Taxis have a separate, shorter queue at the border, so this saves time and hassle as opposed to taking the bus. 
• Just as with the Brazilian side, you’ll want to wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and bring a waterproof bag for any valuable belongings. 
• In the evening, I recommend heading into Foz do Iguaçu city to enjoy dinner and a show at Rafain. This experience offers a traditional Brazilian BBQ dinner, alongside vibrant music and dancing to celebrate the local culture, including dances such as the capoeira and samba.

Day 6: Travel to Búzios 

Today you’ll leave Iguazu, fly back to Rio de Janeiro and then head to your final destination. 

We chose Armação dos Búzios (generally known as Búzios) because it was close to Rio and had the sort of vibe we were looking for. A lot of people describe it as the St. Tropez of Brazil, but as a European, I feel this description is a little misleading. 

For me, it has the perfect blend of cobblestone charm, beautiful tropical beaches and Brazilian authenticity. 

It can be quite busy because many Brazilians go on holiday here from Rio. If you’re looking for a quieter, more unspoilt beach destination, my Brazilian friend also recommended Ilha Grande, which is also two hours away from Rio but travelling south instead. 

Of course, many of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches are said to be in the north, but I think it would be too ambitious to squeeze a trip up north into a 10-day Brazil itinerary. 

It would involve more domestic flights, including a connection from Iguazu. In the end, we just felt it wasn’t worth spending all that time travelling! 

To get to Búzios from Iguazu, you’ll first fly back to Rio, and then you can book a transfer, shuttle or hire a car. The drive is typically around 2 hours, but it took longer for us because our flight was delayed, and we landed in Rio’s rush hour. 

We hired a car because we wanted to use it while we were in Búzios, but driving in Brazil is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re not a confident driver, you can easily book a private transfer or shared shuttle from Rio Airport to Búzios. 

You have the same options if you choose to visit Ilha Grande, but you’ll also need to get on the ferry to reach the island after the drive. 

With the flight and car journey, most of today will be used up travelling, but as soon as you arrive at your destination, I recommend hitting the closest beach with a caipirinha in hand. 

Travel Tips 

• If you rent a car, be sure to let them know if your flight gets delayed. Ours was stuck on the tarmac for two hours, and because we were so late, the rental company ‘cancelled’ our booking and made us pay over $100 to ‘re-open’ the booking. 
• Do not book a flight that coincides with rush hour in Rio (4-7pm); otherwise, the car journey will take much longer than expected. We sat in gridlocked traffic for two hours before we even left the city!
• Book a hotel with a restaurant so that you can eat at your hotel once you arrive, as you will no doubt be pretty tired from a long day of travelling!

Where to Stay 

There are some fabulous places to stay in Búzios, you really are spoilt for choice! We chose the beautiful Insolito Boutique and were not disappointed. 

This hotel is located a little way away from the main resort centre, but taxis are incredibly cheap, and you can still walk there in about 30 minutes. 

Insolito Boutique is set on the gorgeous Ferradurra (horseshoe) beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in Búzios, in my opinion! 

There are two stunning pools to choose from, and the restaurant served one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve ever experienced. 

Thoroughly recommend this hotel if you love stylish, boutique stays with beautiful views, food and attention to detail!

See rates and availability.

Day 7: Soak up the rays on beautiful, exotic beaches 

After many days of travelling and exploring, it’s time to treat yourself to a full day on the beach. 

And you’re in luck, because Búzios has over 15 beaches to choose from, with something for every type of traveller. 

Whether you’re searching for kid-friendly activities, beaches where bars line the sand, or unspoilt rocky coves with seashell-pink sand, you’ll find it all here. 

Read about all the best beaches in Búzios here.

Travel Tips 

• The peninsula is relatively small, and the roads are quiet, so getting around Búzios is easy if you have a hire car. If not, Ubers are cheap and abundant, or you can walk to the main road and take the bus. We walked from Ferradurra Beach to the Búzios Centro in just over half an hour. You can also use water taxis to get around.
• For lunch, I recommend the Brazilian beach shack experience – they’ll bring all sorts of fresh seafood right to your sunbeds, which are included in the price of your lunch or drinks. I had the most tender Octopus of my life at A.Mar, an unassuming beach eatery near our hotel.
• For dinner, head into Búzios Centro to sample the fantastic restaurants and nightlife on offer. Mistico is a beautiful fine dining restaurant with a view, or for something a little more low-key, check out Primitivo Pizzeria. Donatto is also a great local spot for all-you-can-eat pizza by the slice (served at your table like a churrasca!). 
• Chez Michou is a crazy creperie-cum-bar for after-dinner drinks. Maria Maria Cafe is a lovely spot for a coffee or glass of wine on the beach. 

Day 8: Learn to Surf, Snorkel, or Simply Relax! 

The state of Rio de Janeiro is famous for its surfable swells, and if you fancy trying the sport, Búzios is the perfect place to pick up a few skills. 

We had a beginner lesson at Geriba Beach, and while the waves looked intimidating at first, it was far easier than I imagined to hop up on the board, with a helping hand from the instructors, of course. 

If you’re an experienced surfer, the swells at Toucans Beach offer something more of a challenge, and there are plenty of spots to hire boards or book a lesson there, too.

If you don’t fancy giving surfing a go, you can spend another day relaxing on the sand, or go snorkelling to see exotic sea life from turtles to starfish.

Calm and clear waters for snorkelling can be found at Ferradura, Azeda, Azedinha, and João Fernandes Beach.

Búzios town is also known for its shopping, with a charming cobbled street filled with artisanal boutiques and quality independent clothing stores. 

This is a great way to while away the afternoon if the weather is less than perfect or you just fancy a break from the beach!

Travel Tips 

• For lunch after a surf lesson on Geriba Beach, try the cool Fishbone restaurant, where the portions are huge, and the drinks are stong! 
• Rocka Beach Club and Lounge is another great option for lunch if you’re not planning to surf. It’s located overlooking Brava Beach with a mouthwatering menu. 
• If you’re driving and parking around Búzios, look for ‘blue zone’ parking spaces, which are payable by the day or the hour (you’ll have to pay the parking attendants who are usually nearby). 
• In the evening, head back into Búzios Centro for dinner at one of the suggestions above or relax with a quieter dinner at your hotel. 

Day 9: Travel Back to Rio, Have the Afternoon to Explore

If, like us, you have a long journey home from Rio, I recommend heading back to the city for your final evening in Brazil to break up the travelling. 

Plus, this means you can have an incredible final meal at my favourite restaurant in the whole entire world – yes, I’m serious, nothing else comes close! 

Lasai is a stunning spot for a fine dining tasting menu to celebrate your final evening in Brazil. There’s also a tiny terrace where you can spy the Christ the Redeemer statue glimmering in the distance. 

So first things first, you’ll drive or catch a transfer or shuttle back to Rio. You can also catch the public bus if you prefer, but it’s not my favourite option because it can be long and cramped and air conditioning is not guaranteed. 

Once you arrive back in Rio, check into your final hotel and then head out to explore. If you didn’t get a chance on the first part of this itinerary to check out the Santa Teresa neighbourhood, that’s definitely worth a look. 

If you already ticked off Santa Teresa, you should head out to the Tijuca Forest National Park, just outside the city. A nature-lover’s paradise, this park offers stunning views, waterfalls and an iconic photo opportunity at Telegraph Rock. 

The best way to get there is by booking a group tour that includes transport to and from the park, such as this small group caves and waterfalls tour.

This half-day tour ensures you hit all the highlights without getting lost along the way! You can also book the morning tour if you’d rather do this on your final day in Rio. 

See rates and availability.

Travel Tips 

• Depart for Rio in the morning to arrive before lunchtime and avoid rush-hour traffic around the city!
• If you hired a car from Rio Airport, you may want to drop it back off here first to avoid driving into the city and then catch a taxi back to Copacabana/Ipanema for your final night in the city. 
• If you don’t want to dine at the Michelin-starred Lasai mentioned above, I recommend a final dinner at the Italian Masserini Osteria di Mare, or the cosy Brazilian Joaquina. 

Where to Stay

Again, I recommend staying in the safe and central tourist areas of Copacabana and Ipanema Beach. 

If your budget will stretch, the Copacabana Palace is a bucket-list hotel for your final night in Brazil.

If not, try a stylish spot in a good location, such as the Fairmont Copacabana or the Sol Ipanema Hotel. 

Day 10: Time to Travel Home 

Your 10 days in Brazil are coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Depending on your onward travel arrangements, you might have an entire day left to explore the city, so use it wisely.

You might be able to tick off some of the things already mentioned in this itinerary, such as Tijuca National Park or the neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. 

If you’ve ticked all of those off already, you can try something wild and exhilarating to end the trip of a lifetime, like a helicopter ride over Rio, or a hang gliding adventure.

Alternatively, foodies can try this fantastic cooking course in Ipanema, which includes a guided tour of a local supermarket, and a Picanha steak class with 8 different recipes to try! 

Check it out here.

Travel Tips 

• As with most taxi journeys on this trip, we found it was easy and cheap to call an Uber to the airport. You can of course have your hotel book you a taxi if you prefer. 

10-Day Brazil Itinerary: FAQs

Is 10 days in Brazil enough?

For a first-time visit, 10 days in Brazil is certainly enough to see the most show-stopping highlights, with enough time left over for a little beach relaxation too.

Of course, it’s a huge country, so you can always spend longer, but a 10-day itinerary is ideal if you don’t have unlimited time to explore. 

How to extend this 10-Day Brazil Itinerary?

If you have longer than 10 days in Brazil, you can extend this itinerary by spending more time in any of the three destinations. 

There’s always more to see and do in Rio, and giving yourself more time in Iguazu gives you more time to plan around potential rain storms (which are unsurprisingly common in the rainforest!).

Or, if you’re a beach lover, you can spend another day or two working on your tan. This is a vacation after all, and the beaches in Brazil really are something else. 

If you have two weeks in Brazil, you probably have time to add in a fourth destination.

São Paulo might make a good stop on your way back to Rio from Iguazu, or you can visit Arrial de Cabo near Búzios, which is meant to be very beautiful. You could also travel to Manaus in the north to witness the astounding natural beauty of the Amazon Rainforest. 

Some other places in the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro which might make a good stop include:

• Cabo Frio: a big beach town popular with surfers, we stopped here on the way back from Búzios.
• Saquarema: Another famous surf spot with waterfalls to visit.
• Paraty: A pretty colonial town south of Rio that might be worth a visit if you’re heading that way to Ilha Grande.

How to get to Rio de Janiero?

Getting to Rio de Janiero is easy as it’s the most popular tourist destination in Brazil. You can fly there from most countries in the world and we flew direct from London on a British Airways flight in about 14 hours. You’ll also find connecting flights from most major countries in South America such as Argentina and Costa Rica. 

Best Time to Visit Brazil?

The best time to visit Brazil depends on what you’re looking for. Popular destinations like Rio and Iguazu tend to be very busy during the Brazilian summer holidays, between December and February. This is also when you’ll experience the hottest temperatures, although most destinations on this itinerary are warm all year round. 

February or March is also very popular time to travel depending on when the annual Carnival Festival is taking place in Rio. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that may be worth trying to work into your 10-day Brazil itinerary if you have the budget and don’t mind a few crowds!

Otherwise, shoulder seasons are great for slightly lower prices and fewer crowds. We went in November and while the weather wasn’t perfect (it rained quite a lot for our time in Rio, as you can see from the photos), it was still lovely and warm and we enjoyed the tropical vibes! 

If you’re planning on spending time at the beaches of Buzios or Ilha Grande during your 10 days in Brazil, I would avoid the Brazilian winter (between June and mid-September), as the weather might not be hot enough for sunbathing. 

Have another question about this 10-day Brazil itinerary or need more help planning your trip? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to give personalised recommendations for your upcoming travels.