Amazon & Rio Discovery Journey is a customizable Brazil itinerary for travelers who want to combine Rio de Janeiro’s iconic sights with the nature, rivers, and rainforest experiences of the Brazilian Amazon. This trip can be customized with flights, hotel style, Amazon lodge options, private transfers, and extra nights.
Trip overview
- Suggested length: 10 to 12 days
- Route: Rio de Janeiro → Manaus → Amazon lodge / Rio Negro region
- Best for: nature travelers, families with older children, couples, and first-time Brazil travelers who want city and rainforest in one trip
- Trip style: customizable itinerary with flights, hotels, transfers, Amazon lodge stay, and selected tours
Trip highlights
- Begin with Rio de Janeiro’s beaches, landmarks, food, and culture.
- Visit Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, or other Rio highlights based on your interests.
- Fly to Manaus, the gateway to many Amazon experiences.
- Stay at an Amazon lodge or river-based property for guided nature activities.
- Customize the Amazon portion with canoe rides, jungle walks, wildlife viewing, local community visits, or slower downtime.
Suggested day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in Brazil and transfer to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Depending on your arrival time, keep the first evening relaxed with dinner, beach time, or rest after your flight.
Day 2 — Rio landmarks and views
Spend the day exploring Rio’s most famous sights. Options may include Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, scenic viewpoints, city neighborhoods, and beach areas such as Copacabana or Ipanema.
Day 3 — Rio at your pace
Choose a slower day in Rio or add a guided experience. Families may prefer a lighter schedule, while couples and active travelers may want food, culture, hiking, beach, or nightlife options.
Day 4 — Fly to Manaus
Travel from Rio de Janeiro to Manaus. After arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. Depending on timing, explore a bit of the city or prepare for the Amazon portion of the trip.
Day 5 — Transfer to the Amazon lodge
Continue by road and/or boat transfer to your Amazon lodge or river property. After arrival, enjoy an introduction to the lodge area, river setting, and planned nature activities.
Day 6 — Amazon nature activities
Spend the day with guided Amazon experiences. Depending on the lodge and season, activities may include canoe rides, jungle walks, birdwatching, river exploration, and wildlife viewing.
Day 7 — River life and rainforest discovery
Continue exploring the Amazon region with your guides. Options may include a local community visit, sunrise or sunset outing, night wildlife experience, or additional river excursions.
Day 8 — Amazon lodge at leisure
Use this day for more lodge activities or a slower pace. This is a good day to enjoy the river setting, rest between excursions, or add an experience based on your travel style.
Day 9 — Return to Manaus
Transfer back to Manaus. Depending on your flight schedule, stay overnight in the city or connect onward toward your international departure city.
Day 10 — Fly home or extend your trip
Depart Brazil or extend your itinerary with more time in Rio, Iguaçu Falls, a beach destination, São Paulo, or family visits elsewhere in Brazil.
What can be customized
- International and domestic flights
- Rio hotel neighborhood and hotel category
- Amazon lodge style and number of nights
- Private or shared transfers
- Rio sightseeing and guide options
- Amazon activity level and pacing
- Family-friendly timing and room setup
- Extensions to Iguaçu Falls, beaches, São Paulo, or family visit cities
- Travel insurance and baggage guidance