Brazil: Iguassu Falls and Rio de Janeiro Itinerary
Brazilian World Wonder Tour
How it’s already May is beyond me. Scott and I booked our trip to Brazil (Iguassu Falls and Rio) late in 2014, excited to have a big trip to look forward to as the season begins to wind down. May seemed so far away for so long that planning and thinking about Brazil (minus the whole visa acquisition thing) fell a bit to the wayside. Now, inexplicably, it’s nearly arrived and I couldn’t be more excited to continue our Latin American sightseeing trend that’s been so on point this year (read about our trips to Honduras, Panama, and Puerto Rico for some background).
The route above shows our flight path to get to Iguassu Falls. As you may imagine, the airport isn’t huge and to get there from St. Maarten requires connections in Panama City, Lima and Porto Alegre (plus one other stop that’s a quick pause without a plane change) before arriving at Iguassu’s Brazilian side. In total, it represents about 25 hours of travel time, not the greatest route ever executed but I’m trusting that our excitement for our final destination will be the fuel that we need to get through a few long legs. Hey, we booked this fully on miles so we can’t really complain!
Part 1: Iguassu Falls // Brazil + Argentina
After our day of travel, we arrive at beautiful Iguassu Falls, where we will spend three days. Iguassu is often considered one of the natural wonders of the world, and one of the most impressive waterfalls next to Victoria Falls in sub-Saharan Africa. I’ve read about many people doing this as a single day trip or a quick stopover, but we wanted it to be a bit more comprehensive. Everything we’ve read and heard about potential activities near the falls made it appealing enough for a few days of sightseeing, plus some necessary R&R. This will be a contrast to what we’re planning on doing in Rio, and at this point in the year, I’m genuinely excited for some time to just disconnect and enjoy. We’ll be basing ourselves at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, a stunning property within the national park, facing the falls. I’m usually the more frugal of the two of us, but Belmond properties (formerly Orient-Express) are a unique case. We had such a brilliant time experiencing their hotels throughout Peru and it truly made a lasting impression. Their locations are unique, their service is on point, and their properties – while not always small – manage to capture the essence and character of a destination.
While we’ll be based on the Brazilian side, everyone I’ve spoken with who’s visited mentions that visiting both side of the falls (Brazilian and Argentine) is a must. Considering we have enough time, we’ll be doing just that. Also on the docket: the Macuco Safari (seeing the lower falls by speedboat), a full moon walking tour to glimpse a lunar rainbow, and checking out the national park and bird park.
Part 2: Rio de Janeiro
From Iguassu Falls, we’ll fly into Rio, a relatively quick non-stop flight to the coast (under $100 on Tam or Gol if you book in advance). Scott’s parents, who’ve visited the city before, will be joining us for most of our time in Rio as we explore the city and check off some must-see sights on our list. Christ the Redeemer is a must, of course, as we continue our World Wonder tour (read about our trips to Machu Picchu in 2013 and Petra in 2014). Beyond that, we’ve loaded up our schedules with some fun dinners to get us out to different parts of the city, and a Favela Tour to explore another facet of the Brazilian city. Lastly, if I don’t chicken out, I’ve semi-committed to going hang gliding while we’re there to take in the awesome views and to test the outer boundaries of my comfort zone!
For those that have been to Brazil (I know there are many of you!), have you gone hang gliding there? What other musts are there for our time in Rio?
xo,
