Sao Paulo, Foz do Iguacu, and the Southern Coast 9 Day Individual Tour by Bus, Train, and Boat Brazil | Sao Paulo, Foz do Iguacu, Curitiba, Ilha do Mel
A trip to Brazil could hardly be more varied. Experience the pulsating international metropolis of Sao Paulo, the impressive waterfalls in Foz do Iguacu, the beautiful city of Curitiba, a train ride through the dense Atlantic Rainforest, and the romantic and untouched beauty of Ilha do Mel (Honey Island). This 9-day journey by land will take travelers through the South of Brazil and combine some of the country's main attractions with unique natural experiences and deep insight into Brazilian culture.
Map
Highlights
- Get inspired by the cultural mix of an international mega city
- Experience the water masses of Iguacu
- Get in touch with the locals in beautiful Curitiba
- Enjoy the scenery of Serra Verde Express
- Explore the natural beaches of Ilha do Mel (Honey Island)
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Sao Paulo
Included: Airport Transfer (private)
You will land in one of the largest, most colorful, and most international metropolises in the world. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your English- speaking guide. On the way to your hotel you will learn a lot of interesting facts, general information about the city, and individual tips for your stay. Your accommodation is located close to Avenida Paulista, the city's pulsating artery, which runs for almost 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) through the heart of Sao Paulo. Stroll along Avenida Paulista to the city park, try snacks at the hip food trucks, and immerse yourself in the life of the Paulistas.
Overnight: Hotel Blue Tree Premium Paulista, Deluxe room
Day 2: City Tour in Sao Paulo and Onward Journey to Foz do Iguacu
Included: Sightseeing in Sao Paulo (private, 4h) | Bus Ride Sao Paulo to Foz do Iguacu (public, 18h) | Breakfast
After having sniffed the big city air yesterday, you will be picked up by your guide at the hotel at noon for your city tour. You will visit the vibrant business center, the historic old town, the cultural center in Ibirapuera Park, and the Japanese neighborhood of Liberdade. After the tour you will have time for dinner. Your guide will then take you to the bus station and accompany you until the bus leaves at around 8:30 p.m.
Overnight: Overnight Sleeper Bus, Business class-style reclining seat
Day 3: Bus Ride and Arrival to Foz do Iguacu
Included: Bus Station Transfer (private)
On the journey west of Sao Paulo the landscape will pass you by. During the usual meal times the bus will stop at various well-equipped rest stops. In the afternoon you will arrive to Foz do Iguacu, where your English-speaking guide will be waiting for you at the bus station. He will take you to your accommodation and briefly discuss the schedule for the next few days. After you have checked in at the hotel, you can relax for the rest of the day or visit one of the local restaurants.
Overnight: Hotel Vivaz Cataratas, Deluxe room
Day 4: The Waterfalls on the Brazilian Side and Visit to the Bird Park
Included: Day Trip to Brazilian Side and Bird Park (private, 5.5h) | Breakfast
Your guide will pick you up in the morning at the agreed time and you will drive together to Iguacu National Park. There you will walk along the well-developed panorama path and stop multiple times to take pictures as you please or simply to let the impressive natural spectacle take its effect on you. Your guide will tell you a lot of interesting facts about the waterfalls and the flora and fauna. At the end of the path, a footbridge takes you very close to the water masses. After spending about 3 hours in the national park you can have lunch (optional) in one of the adjacent restaurants. Afterwards, it is only a short drive to the famous bird park of Iguacu. Here you will see tropical birds in the middle of huge aviaries surrounded by the dense rainforest of the region. In the afternoon you will return to the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Vivaz Cataratas, Deluxe room
Day 5: The Waterfalls on the Argentinean Side and Onward Journey to Curitiba
Included: Day Trip on Argentinean Side (private, 6h) | Nightbus Ticket to Curitiba (public, 12h) | Breakfast
In order to marvel at the natural spectacle of the waterfalls from all angles, you will go with your guide to the Argentinean side. You will find different hikes and round trips of different lengths in the National Park of Iguazu. You will coordinate the paths with your guide, depending on how much you wish to walk. You should not miss the view into the Devil's Throat. Optionally, you have the possibility to get very close to the water masses on a boat tour below the waterfalls. In the afternoon you will go back to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu, where you can still use the public areas. Your guide will then take you back to the bus station and bid you goodbye at the bus to Curitiba, which will leave at around 8 p.m.
Overnight: Overnight Sleeper Bus, Business class-style reclining seat
Day 6: Arrival to Curitiba and Visit to the Historical Center and Parks
Included: Bus Station Transfer (private) | Parks and Curitiba's Historic Center (private, 4h)
You will arrive to Curitiba at around 7:00 a.m. and be picked up by your English-speaking guide at the bus station. He will take you to your hotel where you can leave your luggage. Afterwards you will go on a discovery tour of the historical center and the parks of the city. Curitiba is considered an innovative model in terms of public transport and environmental protection, and offers its inhabitants a high quality of life. You will return to the hotel about 4 hours later and can relax for the rest of the afternoon or continue to stroll through the city.
Overnight: Hotel Johnscher, Deluxe room
Day 7: Train Ride on the Serra Verde Express and Transfer to Ilha do Mel
Included: Serra Verde Express to Ilha do Mel via Morretes (in-group) | Breakfast, Lunch
Shortly after breakfast you will be picked up by your guide and taken to the train station. On the Serra Verde Express, you will travel through the densely forested mountains to the small village of Morretes. There you will enjoy a typical lunch with offerings of meat, cassava flour, and seafood. The journey continues by car to Pontal do Sul, where you will be transported by boat to Ilha do Mel and taken to your accommodation.
Overnight: Pousada Grajagan Surf Resort, Suite ocean view
Info: Please note that the walk to the pousada takes about 20 minutes (0.9 miles / 1.4 kilometers). You can hire a porter for your luggage upon arrival and at your own expense.
Day 8: Free Day to Explore Ilha do Mel
Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day for you to discover the wild and pristine beaches and bays of Ilha do Mel on your own. Your guide will gladly give you lots of tips and information about the island the day before.
Overnight: Pousada Grajagan Surf Resort, Suite ocean view
Day 9: Departure from Ilha do Mel Back to Curitiba
Included: Transfer (private) | Breakfast
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a leisurely breakfast or a walk on the beach. From your accommodation you will go by yourself to the boat to Pontal do Sul. There your English-speaking guide will meet you to take you to the airport in Curitiba to start your journey home or onward.
Included
- All transfers detailed above
- 4 day trips (with a private English-speaking guide)
- 1 day trip (in-group with a private English-speaking guide)
- 1 night at Hotel Blue Tree Premium Paulista, Deluxe room
- 2 nights at Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort, Deluxe room
- 1 night at Hotel Johnscher, Deluxe room
- 2 nights at Pousada Grajagan Surf Resort, Suite ocean view
- 6 breakfasts + 1 lunch
- Bus tickets Sao Paulo - Foz do Iguacu - Curitiba, Lounger seat
- Entrance fees for all included day trips
Not included are airfare, insurance, beverages, meals not indicated in the itinerary, tips, and personal expenses.
Info
- The Serra Verde Express only runs on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. On other days the journey to Morretes is made by car.
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