Brazil is huge, colorful, and full of life. When I first thought about visiting, I felt totally overwhelmed too. I mean, where do you even start—Rio, São Paulo, Salvador, the Amazon, Iguazu Falls? The list just goes on. That’s exactly why I created this 14-day Brazil travel itinerary, to help break it all down in a simple, stress-free way. I get it. I’ve felt that same confusion too, and you’re definitely not alone. It’s totally normal.
Don’t stress. I’ve been there myself, and I promise it’s not as hard as it seems. The secret is planning smart and not trying to see everything at once. Let’s be real—that would be exhausting.
If you’re still wondering is Brazil worth visiting, I’ve shared my honest travel experience in this complete guide, where I explain in detail how to get a Brazil visa, whether Brazil is really safe, the best season to visit, must-try Brazilian food, and more—this will definitely help you, and I’m sure you’ll love it before planning your trip.
Now let’s explore and get into the real adventure.
Day 1–3: Rio de Janeiro – The Marvelous City
I recommend starting your Brazil trip here. After you arrive, take some time to rest, settle into your hotel, and feel refreshed before starting a new day of exploring.
Things to do:
Start with Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. These are two of the most famous beaches in the world. If your hotel is nearby, walking is the best way to enjoy the area. If not, a taxi or rideshare is an easy and affordable option. You can also use the metro—just get down at Copacabana or Ipanema stations and walk a few minutes.
Next, visit Sugarloaf Mountain. Head to Praia Vermelha, where the cable car starts. The ride up gives you beautiful views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains.
Another must-visit highlight is Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado). This iconic statue sits high above the city and offers adventure views of Rio. You can reach it by train through Tijuca Forest. Try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy clearer views.
Getting around Rio:
For first-time visitors, taxis and rideshare apps are the easiest ways to get around. The metro is clean and useful for main areas but doesn’t reach everywhere.
If you plan to use public transport, this Rio metro website explains routes, stations, and ticket options.
Day 4–5: Paraty – Colonial Charm by the Coast
After Rio, head to Paraty, which is about a 4-hour bus ride. Buses leave from Rio’s main bus terminal, Rodoviária Novo Rio, and run regularly throughout the day. The route follows the Costa Verde, and you can buy your ticket at the terminal or book it online in advance.
Things to do:
Start your Day 4 by exploring Paraty. Begin with a walk through the historic center, where cars are not allowed. You can move through the streets on foot, browse small local shops, and visit churches or museums if you’re interested. Everything is close by, so there’s no need for transport within the town.
Later in the day, plan to take a boat tour, which is one of the main activities in Paraty. These tours usually last a few hours and include stops at nearby islands and beaches. Boat tours are easy to book after arriving, either at the harbor or through your hotel.
You can explore boat tours, historic sites, and local experiences on Paraty’s official tourism website.
On Day 5, focus on food and short walks around town. Paraty has many small restaurants serving local seafood, including fish and shrimp dishes.
Travel tip: Buses from Rio to Paraty are frequent. You could also rent a car if you want to explore nearby beaches at your own pace.
Day 6–7: São Paulo – The Urban Adventure
Next, travel to São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city. From Paraty, buses run daily to São Paulo and the journey usually takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic.
Things to do:
Start your time in São Paulo at Avenida Paulista, one of the city’s most important areas. You can visit museums such as MASP, walk through nearby shopping centers. On weekends, parts of the road are closed to traffic, making it easier to explore on foot.
Art lovers should check the MASP museum website for current exhibitions and visiting hours.
Another key stop is Ibirapuera Park. This large urban park is a good place. You can walk around the park, relax near the lake, or visit one of the museums located inside the park if you have extra time.
Make time to visit the Liberdade neighborhood, which is known for its strong Japanese influence. Walk through the streets, explore small shops, and try local food options. It’s an easy area to explore in a few hours.
By visiting these places, you’ll have covered most of São Paulo’s main attractions. If you have extra time, you can also explore Vila Madalena for street art, the historic Sé Cathedral, or the Mercado Municipal to try local food.
Day 8–9: Foz do Iguaçu – Nature’s Wonder
From São Paulo, I suggest taking a flight to Foz do Iguaçu because it’s a long journey by road. You can catch a direct flight from Guarulhos or Congonhas airport, and it takes about 2 hours. You could take a bus from Tietê bus station, but honestly, flying is much easier.
Things to do:
Start by exploring Iguaçu National Park, which is the main reason most of us come here. If you have time, I really suggest visiting the Argentine side too. That side has longer trails and lets you get much closer to the falls, so it feels more immersive. Trust me, seeing both sides gives you the full experience.
For park maps, trail details, and ticket prices, visit the official Iguaçu National Park website.
Next, plan for a boat ride near the falls. This is one of those activities where you will get wet, no matter what—so don’t stress about staying dry. Put your phone away, enjoy the ride. It’s short but memorable.
Also, consider visiting Itaipu Dam, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric dams. It’s a completely different experience from the waterfalls and gives you a look at Brazil’s engineering side. I would definitely suggest visiting it.
By covering these places, you’ll have completed more than half of your trip’s major highlights. If you have extra time, you can also visit the Bird Park near the falls or head to the Three Borders Landmark to see where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet.
Day 10–11: Salvador – Afro-Brazilian Culture
Next, fly to Salvador in the state of Bahia. The distance is almost 2,800 km, so I definitely suggest taking a flight. You can fly into Salvador International Airport (SSA) from Foz do Iguaçu with airlines like LATAM, GOL, or Azul. Spending two days here gives you a great look.
Things to do:
For updated events, cultural attractions, and local experiences, the official tourism website is a reliable resource.
Begin your day in Salvador by spending time in Pelourinho, where many of the city’s main sights are located. Stop at churches and small museums if you’re interested. You’ll often hear music playing in the background and see people practicing dance or drumming.
Food is a big part of the Salvador experience, so make time to eat local dishes. Try acarajé from street vendors or sit down for a meal of moqueca, which is commonly served in local restaurants. Eating local food is one of the easiest ways to connect with the culture here.
Another activity you shouldn’t miss is watching a Capoeira performance. These shows usually take place in open areas and don’t require much planning. Spend some time watching and listening to the music.
Travel tip:
I suggest staying in central areas like Pelourinho or Barra and moving around mainly during daylight hours. Use Uber for longer distances and carry some cash for street food.
Day 12–14: Manaus – Gateway to the Amazon
Finally, fly to Manaus, the main entry point to the Amazon region and the last stop on this trip. From Salvador, the distance is about 4,700 km, so I definitely recommend taking a flight. You can fly from Salvador Airport (SSA) to Manaus International Airport (MAO), usually with one stop.
Things to do:
After arriving at Manaus International Airport, head to your hotel in the city by taxi or a rideshare app. The drive usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Most Amazon experiences start from Manaus city, not directly from the airport, so settling in first is a good idea.
Once you’re checked in, you can join an organized boat tour, which is honestly the easiest way to explore the Amazon. These tours usually pick you up from your hotel, take you to the river port, and then continue by boat along the Amazon River or Rio Negro.
This Amazon travel guide gives a good overview of river tours, wildlife, and experiences around Manaus.
During the boat trip, you may see wildlife like birds, monkeys, and sometimes even river dolphins. Many tours also stop at the Meeting of Waters, where the dark Rio Negro flows next to the lighter Solimões River without mixing. Seeing this is really interesting.
Back in the city, visit the Amazon Theatre (Teatro Amazonas). You can admire it from outside or join a short guided tour. The area around it is lively, with cafés, small shops.
After that, walk or take a short taxi ride to Adolpho Lisboa Market. Wander through stalls selling fresh fish, tropical fruits, spices, and handmade items. If you have extra time, visit the Museu do Seringal by boat to learn how people lived during the rubber boom.
From Manaus, there are direct flights back to Rio de Janeiro, which makes it easy to return to where the journey started and catch your flight home. This itinerary helps you see a lot of Brazil without rushing and good way to end an unforgettable trip.
FAQs
1: How many days do I really need to explore Brazil?
A: Honestly, 14 days is perfect for a first-time trip. You’ll see beaches, cities, waterfalls, and the Amazon without feeling rushed.
2: Is it safe to travel in Brazil?
A: Brazil is generally safe if you take normal precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, don’t flash valuables, and use rideshares when possible.
3: Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?
A: It depends on your country. Many Tier 1 countries like the US, UK, Canada, and EU nations don’t need a tourist visa for short visits. Always check current rules before traveling.
4: What’s the best time to visit Brazil?
A: I’d suggest May to September – less rain, fewer crowds, and still warm enough for beaches.
5: Can I do this itinerary on a budget?
A: Totally. Brazil can be budget-friendly if you use buses, stay in mid-range hotels, and eat at local spots. Flights between cities are the biggest cost.
Conclusion
In short, Brazil is a big country and it’s easy to travel if you plan well. From the beaches in Rio to the Amazon forest, every place feels different, and you will make memories that stay with you for a long time. There were many times I just stopped and thought, “I can’t believe I’m here.”
So that’s it—a simple 14-day Brazil trip for first-time visitors. It covers the best places, stays easy to follow, and doesn’t feel rushed. By the end of this trip, I’ve pretty much shown you Brazil in a smart and balanced way.
Follow this plan, and you’ll have a trip you will always remember.