Three Weeks in Brazil: A Complete Itinerary

In Brazil/Destinations

Posted 24/02/2025 | 24th February, 2025

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Brazil, wonderful Brazil. 

Before I embarked on my crazy year around Latin America, I wasn’t sure that I would make it to Brazil. But wow, am I glad that I did. 

This three-week Brazil itinerary is by no means designed for you to see everything Brazil offers. That could quite possibly take an entire lifetime. However, it will take you through some incredible highlights in southern Brazil. 

This is a jam-packed itinerary that requires a lot of travel. Brazil is a huge country, so if you want to sample a range of its offerings, you must sacrifice some of your time for long buses or flights. 

If this itinerary looks too much for you to pack into three weeks, then I would advise you to remove Curitiba (although the Serra Verde Express is fabulous). Alternatively, you could remove Iguazu Falls (again, amazing). But removing either (or both) will allow you to spend more time at each place and less time on transport. 

Days 1 – 5: Rio de Janeiro 

Day 1: Arrive & Acclimatise 

Your first stop in Brazil has to be Rio de Janeiro. It’s one of my favourite cities in the world – but, it’s crazy! Take your first day to arrive and acclimatise before jumping into this itinerary.

Uber is plentiful and extremely affordable in Rio; I recommend taking one from the airport. They even have designated areas to wait for Uber pick-up, where you will not be hounded by taxis.

I received consistent advice throughout Latin America (from locals and tourists alike) to not take the local cabs—instead, always use Uber or InDrive. 

It’s probably best not to plan anything for the day of your arrival, depending on where you are travelling from; you could likely be exhausted. 

I recommend staying in the Ipanema / Leblon area of the city where you will be nestled amongst many cool cafes, bars and coffee shops. If you arrive while the sun is still up and you have the energy, I recommend walking along the beachfront and grabbing an açaí.

Your first glimpse of Rio’s beaches will be breathtaking – it feels like you’ve stepped right into the set of a movie. 

Day 2: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain 

It’s your first ‘proper’ day in Brazil, so make it count!

Spend the Morning at Christ the Redeemer 

When most people think of Brazil, they first think of Christ the Redeemer. The statue is one of the seven wonders of the world, towering over the city and viewable from almost everywhere in Rio. 

Visiting Christ the Redeemer is an amazing experience. However, it is extremely popular, so the crowds are pretty crazy! As such, I recommend getting there as early as possible. 

The tram tickets (my preferred method of visiting the site) can be purchased online ahead of time. You chose your specific tram time, and the payment includes transport and site entry. 

You can then simply take an Uber to the base, present your ticket and ID, and hop on your allotted tram. 

If you would prefer not to take the tram, you can book a minibus or hike. However, there are many reports of tourists being robbed on the hike up to Christ the Redeemer – so please proceed with caution!

Sugarloaf Mountain in the Afternoon

Sugarloaf Mountain is absolutely incredible. I actually enjoyed it more than Christ the Redeemer. The cable car ride up is so much fun, and the views from the top are spectacular. 

I 100% reccomend buying your tickets online ahead of time. You select a specific day but no time. However, the tickets are actually valid for seven days, so if you are unlucky and get bad weather, you can always go another time. 

The queues for those who had not pre-booked were significantly longer. 

The initial cable car takes you to the first viewing platform, which has shops, restaurants, and bars. The view from here is absolutely amazing, and you will have a fantastic time soaking it in and taking lots of photographs. 

The second cable car gets even better. The views are completely breathtaking, and although a little busier, it’s worth waiting your turn and snapping some amazing photos. 

The view of the sunset from Sugarloaf Mountain is like no other. However, this is when the attraction is at its busiest. If you want to enjoy watching the sun melt into the horizon but don’t want the crowds, I recommend heading back down to Ipanema Beach and catching it there instead! 

I have a full article on visiting Sugarloaf Mountain if you want a more detailed guide.

Day 3: Escadaria Selarón & Santa Teresa 

The Selarón Staircase, also known as Escadaria Selarón, is a vibrant and colourful staircase located near the Santa Teresa neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro. 

It was created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, who began the project in the early 1990s as a tribute to the Brazilian people. The staircase has over 2000 brightly coloured tiles from various countries, giving it a unique and eclectic look. You will have undoubtedly seen images of this spot whilst researching your Brazil itinerary. 

Selarón continued to work on the stairs until he died in 2013. Since then, they have become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of creativity and artistic expression in Rio.

The Saleron staircase is one of the most popular things to do in Rio de Janeiro, and so it is crazily busy! You will need to arrive just after sunrise if you want pictures without anyone in the background. 

Just up the road is the charming hilltop neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. It’s known for its bohemian flair and old-world elegance. Perched above the city, it’s a place where narrow, winding streets are lined with colourful colonial mansions, art studios, and quirky cafes.

Santa Teresa has its own distinct laid-back vibe, providing a completely different experience than the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. It’s a perfect spot to wander, discover unique shops, and enjoy live samba. 

The best and most fun way to get to Santa Teresa is by taking the unique yellow tram. However, the queues for the tram are insane! So, if this is the route you want to take, ensure you get there early! If you arrive at lunchtime, expect to wait at least an hour to get on the tram.

Day 4: Enjoy a Football Game at the Maracanã

Even if you’re not a huge football fan, I recommend grabbing tickets to watch a match at the Maracanã. 

Of course, you might have to switch the days to suit the fixtures. We attended a Flamengos game, and the atmosphere was absolutely incredible. 

You can’t purchase a ticket online without a Brazilian national ID. Instead, you will need to go to the Museu Flamengo, head upstairs to the shop and purchase tickets from the desk at the back. Don’t worry; the staff speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese. 

It couldn’t be easier to get to the Maracanã. Just hop on the metro (line four) and get off at the appropriately named station Maracanã. Your tickets will have a specific door to enter, with huge signposts around the stadium pointing you in the right direction.

Brazilians are passionate about football, so join in the singing, dancing, and celebrating. I recommend getting there at least an hour before kick-off to find a seat and grab a drink. 

As you would expect, getting home from the ground is a little bit of chaos. 60,000 people all trying to get the metro simultaneously leads to huge crowds and a good dollop of anxiety! 

That being said, I still wouldn’t recommend getting a taxi or Uber. The roads become completely grid-locked, meaning driving would take hours (if you could even get a driver to accept). 

Day 5: Botanical Gardens & Beach Afternoon

After three full days of exploring Rio de Janeiro’s best sites, it is time for a little relaxation (you’ve earned it!). 

I recommend spending the morning at the Botanical Gardens. You don’t need to pre-book tickets; you can purchase them at the door using cash or card. Tickets cost 73 BRL, which I thought was pretty expensive.

However, inside the park, it is beautiful, and alongside plenty of amazing plants, you will also see lots of cheeky monkeys and even some wild Tucans! 

After a couple of hours of wandering around the gardens, it’s time to hit the beach!

You can choose between Copacabana, Ipanema, or Leblon, depending on your vibe (busiest—least busy, respectively). Expect to pay around 40 BRL to rent two chairs and a sun umbrella.

You can purchase pretty much anything you like on any of the beaches: drinks, snacks, souvenirs, etc. Just don’t take anything valuable with you, and always keep an eye on your belongings. All sellers along the beach accept card payments, so don’t worry about carrying cash. 

Days 6 – 9: Paraty 

🚎 Travel time Rio de Janeiro – Paraty: 5 Hours

Day 6: Travel to Paraty and Watch the Sunset

Day six brings your first travel day on this three weeks in Brazil Itinerary. Luckily, it’s not a crazily long one. I found that long-distance buses in Brazil were efficient and clean. Just keep in mind that the traffic in Rio is very intense. If you’re staying in the Copacabana/Leblon area, allow at least 45 minutes to get to the bus station. 

The bus from Rio to Paraty will take around five hours but offers incredible, lush green views all the way. 

It will be mid-afternoon by the time you arrive, so I reccomend checking into your accommodation and heading to the waterfront for sunset. Don’t expect the party vibes of Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is much more relaxed and tranquil, offering a different kind of beauty. 

Day 7: Explore the Historic Centre & Visit Waterfalls 

Start your morning with a guided walking tour through Paraty’s cobblestone streets, where every step reveals charming colonial architecture, colourful facades, and fascinating stories of its past as a gold port.

You can, of course, explore on your own, but walking tours always give the best information and point out all the best local spots to eat and drink! 

Stop for a leisurely breakfast at a local café—think fresh pão de queijo and a robust cup of Brazilian coffee—before exploring artisan shops and galleries.

By midday, it’s time to refuel with a seafood lunch at one of the many beautiful spots in Paraty. I would just wander around the streets and see where has the best vibe! If you feel like pushing the boat out, pair your seafood with a caipirinha – you’re in Brazil after all!

In the afternoon, venture just outside the town to explore the region’s lush nature. Head to nearby waterfalls like Pedra Branca or Tobogã for a refreshing dip in crystal-clear pools surrounded by the Atlantic Forest.

Day 8: Take A Boat Tour to Paradise

The boat trip in Paraty was one of my favourite activities in the whole of Brazil. Seriously, the beaches were completely out of this world. There are a number of different tour operators each offering a slightly different tour. 

I really, really recommend taking one of the smaller tours rather than the big ‘pirate ship’-style boats. Your guide will take you to much more secluded areas, and when it comes to snorkelling, you will have much more space and freedom. Expect to pay a little more, but it’s completely worth it. 

Our first stop of the day was a spot for snorkelling, and the second and third were remote secluded beaches. I’ve honestly never experienced beauty like it. The white sand can be compared only to the incredible San Blas Islands in Panama. 

I recommend taking some drinks and snacks for the boat trip – we did stop at a spot for lunch but unsurprisingly, the food was eye-wateringly expensive. 

Day 9: Visit Trindade

Just a short drive along a scenic coastal road, Trindade is a bohemian gem that blends lush rainforest vibes with jaw-dropping beaches.

Think powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and a relaxed village charm that’s hard to resist. Spend your day hopping between beaches like Praia do Meio, perfect for swimming and lounging, and Cachadaço, where natural pools formed by the rocks invite you for a calm dip. 

The energy here is pure magic—rustic, vibrant, and utterly unspoiled. Whether you’re hiking through jungle trails, savouring fresh seafood at a beachside kiosk, or just sipping a cold caipirinha with your toes in the sand, Trindade is the perfect getaway to recharge and revel in Brazil’s natural beauty.

Getting to Trindade 

You’ll be very happy to know that getting to Trindade from Paraty is straightforward.

The easiest way is by taking a local bus from Paraty’s main bus terminal (Rodoviária de Paraty). Look for buses marked “Trindade” operated by Colitur—they run frequently throughout the day, and the drive takes about 40 minutes.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to scenic views of lush hills and the sparkling coastline. If you prefer more flexibility, you can grab a taxi or drive yourself; the road (BR-101/ Rio-Santos Highway) is well-paved and winds through beautiful landscapes.

Once you arrive in Trindade, most of the beaches, hiking trails, and natural pools are within walking distance, so it’s easy to explore.

If you don’t want the hassle of sorting out your trip, there are plenty of guided day trips to Trindade which include round-trip transportation. 

Days 10 – 12: São Paulo

🚎 Travel Time Paraty – São Paulo: 8 Hours

Day 10: Travel to São Paulo

Unfortunately, day ten of the trip is pretty much written off on a very long bus. The bus professes to take under seven hours, but speaking from experience, it takes a little over eight. 

The traffic in São Paulo is absolutely crazy, so even if you feel like you’re close to the city, there is a painstaking hour at the end of the trip when you have to battle through the traffic. 

I recommend staying in the city’s Vila Madalena area, which has many nice bars and restaurants. This area also feels very safe as it has a large security presence. 

I noticed that a lot of travellers seem to omit São Paulo from their Brazil itineraries, but I think you’re missing a treat and doing the city a disservice! It’s a really fun, vibrant city with a lot to offer. I certainly recommend allowing a couple of days to explore São Paulo.

Day 11: Downtown Walking Tour & Ibirapuera Park

Start your first day in São Paulo with the free downtown walking tour, the safest and most insightful way to explore the city centre.

This tour, though popular and often crowded, provides an excellent introduction to São Paulo’s history and architecture, including landmarks like Sé Cathedral, Pátio do Colégio, Municipal Theater, and São Bento Monastery. Tips are appreciated and can be paid via cash or card.

Once you’ve finished the tour, I recommend visiting Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo’s largest urban park. A vibrant blend of nature, culture, and recreation, it boasts lakes, jogging paths, and iconic modernist structures by Oscar Niemeyer. It’s a hub of activity, offering a glimpse into local life as families picnic, friends gather, and fitness enthusiasts (who are everywhere in Brazil!) enjoy the scenery.

End the day in Pinheiros, a lively, trendy neighbourhood with a mix of modern architecture and tree-lined streets. Enjoy its stylish bars, craft breweries, and diverse restaurants, many featuring free live music.

If you’re a football fan, you should visit São Cristóvão Bar. It’s a cosy spot filled with global football memorabilia and an extensive menu. 

Day 12: Paulista Avenue & Beco de Batman

I reccomend starting your second day in São Paulo at Paulista Avenue. It’s particularly great on a Sunday when it’s closed to traffic and transforms into a lively space for cyclists, runners, and walkers. 

Markets with street vendors selling drinks, snacks, and artisanal goods line the street, and live bands create a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Don’t miss Trianon Park, a serene green oasis right on Paulista Avenue, perfect for a peaceful break.

Next, visit Beco do Batman in Vila Madalena, an open-air gallery renowned for its ever-changing street art. Born in the 1980s with a Batman mural, this alley has become a cultural hotspot, showcasing São Paulo’s dynamic artistic spirit. You’ll also find markets selling jewellery, clothes, and souvenirs, along with nearby bars, restaurants, and even tattoo pop-ups!

End your São Paulo adventure with a night out, as the city boasts incredible nightlife. From underground clubs to upscale rooftop bars, there really is something for everyone.

Days 13 – 14: Curitiba 

🚎 Travel time Sao Paulo – Curitiba: 6 Hours

Day 13: Arrive & Explore

If you take an early bus from São Paulo you will arrive around lunchtime, drop your bags at your accommodation, then have the rest of the day to explore. I wouldn’t describe Curitiba as the most exciting place in Brazil, and therefore I have just dedicated half a day to exploring. 

Some interesting options include:

🌿 Botanical Garden of Curitiba (Jardim Botânico). which is inspired by French architecture and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a sensory garden.

🎨Oscar Niemeyer Museum. Dedicated to the renowned Brazilian architect, this modern and contemporary art museum is known for its distinctive “Eye” design.

🌲Tanguá Park. A stunning park with a waterfall, caves, and panoramic views of the city.

⛪Historic centre. Explore Curitiba’s historic district with colourful colonial buildings, the São Francisco Church, and artisanal shops.

🌆Panoramic Tower (Torre Panorâmica). Wrap up your day by heading to this tower for a 360-degree view of Curitiba at sunset.

Day 14: Serra Verde Express

Now, the real reason we are heading to Curitiba is to take the incredible Serra Verde Express.

The Serra Verde Express is a scenic 68 km (42-mile) train journey from Curitiba to Morretes, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Forest, waterfalls, and canyons.

Built in the 19th century, this engineering marvel features 13 tunnels, 30+ bridges, and iconic viaducts like Viaduto do Carvalho, which clings to cliffs. The four-hour ride is a must-do for visitors to Curitiba. 

Tickets are easy to buy online with a foreign card, but book a couple of days in advance to ensure availability. Alternatively, purchase tickets at the station, where staff speak Portuguese, Spanish, and English.

The journey truly shines after the first hour when the train dives into the lush forest. A guide narrates in Portuguese, but the stunning scenery speaks for itself.

Morretes, though small, is charming for wandering, photographing, and relaxing. I recommend grabbing lunch at Villa Morretes. It’s not the cheapest place in town but the scenery, food and staff are fantastic! Try the local Barreado stew – it’s absolutely delicious.

Return to Curitiba by bus (Viação Graciosa), a quicker one-hour, 20-minute journey. Buses are rarely full on weekdays but can be booked in advance via BusBud.

Days 15 – 18: Florianopolis

🚎 Travel time Curitiba – Florianopolis: 5 Hours

Day 15: Travel to Florianopolis & Hit the Beach

Florianópolis, often called “Floripa,” is a stunning city in southern Brazil, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and high quality of life. Here are some fascinating aspects of this unique destination:

🏝  Florianópolis is mostly located on Santa Catarina Island, with part of it extending onto the mainland. The island boasts over 40 beaches, making it a paradise for surfers, sunbathers, and nature lovers.

🌊 Floripa is considered one of the best surfing destinations in Brazil. Beaches like Joaquina, Praia Mole, and Barra da Lagoa are internationally renowned for their consistent waves and vibrant surf culture.

🌴From the lively, party-friendly Jurerê Internacional to the secluded and pristine Lagoinha do Leste, Florianópolis has beaches to suit every taste. Some are easily accessible, while others require hikes through lush trails.

🦪 Florianópolis is the largest producer of oysters in Brazil. The island’s oyster farms, especially around the Ribeirão da Ilha area, supply fresh and delicious seafood to local restaurants.

🇧🇷 Locals call themselves “Manezinhos” and are known for their unique dialect and laid-back attitude. If you visit, don’t miss trying pirão (a traditional dish made with fish broth and manioc flour) or berbigão (local clams).

Providing that you catch an early bus from Curitiba, you’ll have the afternoon to relax on the beach and hopefully catch an epic sunset. 

Day 16: Hike Lagoinha do Leste

On your second day in Florianopolis, it’s time to work up a sweat!

Hiking to Lagoinha do Leste in Florianópolis is like stepping into a secret paradise that feels worlds away from the city’s bustle. The trail is an adventure all on its own, with two paths to choose from: a shorter, steeper route for the bold, or a longer, winding one that offers mesmerizing coastal views.

As you trek through lush forest and rugged terrain, the anticipation builds—and then, suddenly, you arrive. Lagoinha do Leste unveils itself like a postcard come to life: a pristine crescent of white sand hugged by emerald hills, with waves crashing onto the shore and a serene lagoon tucked behind it.

I wouldn’t recommend doing this trek on your own (or any trek in South America to be honest). So, grab a group of friends and make a day of it!

Alternatively, if you want to see Lagoinha do Leste but don’t want to hike, you could take a boat trip. 

Day 17: Beach Hop the 42 Beaches

Florianopolis is paradise. I saw some absolutely beautiful places during my year backpacking around Latin America, but Florianopolis truly blew me away. 

Obviously, your transport will entirely depend on where you are staying. But, it is extremely common to rent bicycles on Florianopolis and most hostels or hotels offer this service. 

Alternatively, Uber works very well in Florianopolis (although many drivers will call beforehand to check you’re not wet/covered in sand before they accept the ride!). Popular and extremely beautiful options include Praia Mole, Barra da Lagoa and Praia Moçambique. 

Keep in mind that many of the most beautiful beaches are only accessible on foot, so plan your transport (and outfits) accordingly! 

Days 18 – 21: Iguaçu

✈ Travel time Florianopolis – Iguaçu: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

Day 18: Travel to Iguaçu and Embrace the Heat! 

Technically, you could take the bus between Florianopolis and Foz do Iguaçu, but this will cost you 15 hours of your three weeks in Brazil. For me, that would not be worth it. 

Instead, I recommend flying. The flight takes just one hour and twenty minutes. I took this option and did not regret the extra spend. You can use Uber to get you to the airport in Florianopolis, and from the airport in Foz do Iguaçu. 

I advise booking a hotel with a swimming pool. The heat in Foz do Iguaçu is intense! I stayed at Grey House and would recommend it. It’s a small, family-run hotel with a beautiful swimming pool and a shared outdoor kitchen. 

Day 19: Explore Iguaçu Brazilian Side

The simplest and fastest way to reach Iguaçu falls on the Brazil side is by Uber. As mentioned, Uber is affordable and plentiful. I found the drivers in Brazil were very chatty and I enjoyed muddling through in a new English/Spanish/Portuguese mix during these drives. 

You don’t need to pre-book tickets to get into the falls. There was a small queue to purchase tickets but they have plenty of self-service machines where you can easily obtain them. 

You have to choose a time slot, as you have to jump on a bus from the entrance to the falls. The bus takes around fifteen minutes but is beautifully scenic. However, the crowds at Iguaçu were intense! There were lots of huge tour groups and many school trips.

However, still incredible and totally worth it! I recommend taking a waterproof jacket as you will definitely get wet when you get up close to the water. 

The falls are so intense they take your breath away. The sheer magnitude of falls is staggering and makes the journey to this remote area of the world completely worth it. 

I recommend allowing around two hours to enjoy the Brazillian side of Iguaçu Falls. 

After enjoying the waterfalls you should head to Parque de Aves which is an amazing bird sanctuary just across the road (you can walk there in under five minutes). The range of birds there is astonishing and if you time it correctly, I seriously recommend visiting the macaws and feeding time – chaos, but beautiful chaos! 

We did have to wait quite a while to get an Uber back into town, so it’s probably easier to jump on the bus which stops right outside the bird sanctuary. 

Day 20: Explore Iguazu (Argentinian Side) 

Prepare for a busy day – it’s time to hit a new country! 

You’ve experienced the Brazilian side of Iguazu; now, it’s time to enjoy the Argentinian side. Although this busy day involves crossing the border twice, it’s completely doable and worth it.

You can take a bus to the border, cross the border, and then take a bus to the other side. However, I recommend hiring a driver, as time is of the essence. Interestingly, Uber is available on the Brazilian side but not on the Argentinian side. Therefore, you must organise a private taxi with which your hostel or hotel can help. 

In my humble opinion, the Argentinian side is much more interesting and beautiful than the Brazillian side. There are four trails, each offering unique and beautiful views of the falls. I would allow at least four hours to enjoy this side of Iguazu Falls. You can then take the bus back to the border (or a taxi), then jump on the bus (or an Uber) once you’ve crossed back into Brazil. 

Day 21: Home Time!

And that’s a wrap on your three-week Brazil itinerary! 

I recommend taking an Uber from Foz do Iguaçu to the airport. Ubers are plentiful and very affordable, and the drive takes around forty minutes. My experience at this airport was very nice—it’s very peaceful and very efficient. 

MORE BRAZIL INSPIRATION:

All the Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro 

How to Visit Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio 

An Itinerary For A Weekend in São Paulo

Serra Verde Express: Everything You Need to Know

How to See A Flamengo at The Maracanã

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