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28‑Day Brazil Adventure: Salvador → Chapada Diamantina → Lençóis Maranhenses → Itacaré → Cabo Frio → Rio → Paraty → Ilha Grande → São Paulo → Foz do Iguaçu

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Day 1: Arrival in Salvador

Morning: Land at Salvador’s Aeroporto Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães and transfer to your hotel in the historic Pelourinho district. Freshen up and enjoy a light Brazilian breakfast.

Afternoon: Stroll through Pelourinho, admiring colonial architecture, colorful tiles, and lively street performers. Stop for a caipirinha at a local bar.

Evening: Dine on moqueca at a seaside restaurant in Porto da Barra and catch a sunset over the Bay of All Saints.

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Day 2: Salvador Exploration

Morning: Visit the Elevador Lacerda for panoramic views and descend to the bustling Mercado Modelo for souvenir shopping.

Afternoon: Explore the Church of São Francisco, famed for its gold‑leaf interior, then wander the nearby Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra.

Evening: Experience a traditional Afro‑Brazilian dance show at Casa do Olodum followed by a dinner of acarajé.

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Day 3: Salvador Culture & Beach

Morning: Take a short bus ride to Praia do Forte for sunrise swimming and a visit to the Tamar Project sea‑turtle sanctuary.

Afternoon: Return to the city and explore the Museu Afro‑Brasileiro, learning about the African roots of Bahian culture.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife.

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Day 4: Travel to Chapada Diamantina

Morning: Depart early by bus (≈6 h) to Lençóis, the gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park. Check into a cozy pousada.

Afternoon: Acclimate with a gentle hike to the Poço do Diabo waterfall, swimming in its turquoise pool.

Evening: Sample regional cuisine (feijão tropeiro, carne de sol) at a local restaurant and rest for the next day’s treks.

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Day 5: Chapada Diamantina – Vale do Pati

Morning: Begin a guided trek into the stunning Vale do Pati, passing through lush valleys and quartz cliffs.

Afternoon: Reach the Ribeirão do Meio and take a refreshing dip before setting up camp near the river.

Evening: Enjoy a campfire dinner under the stars, listening to local folklore stories.

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Day 6: Chapada Diamantina – Fumaça Waterfall

Morning: Hike to the iconic Cachoeira da Fumaça, Brazil’s highest waterfall, for breathtaking views.

Afternoon: Descend to the base for a close‑up look and a cooling swim, then trek back to Lençóis.

Evening: Relax at a spa in town, treating sore muscles after the day’s exertion.

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Day 7: Chapada Diamantina – Cultural Day

Morning: Visit the historic Casa de Cultura de Lençóis and learn about the region’s gold‑mining past.

Afternoon: Explore local artisan shops for handmade stone jewelry and coffee from nearby farms.

Evening: Savor a farewell dinner in Lençóis, preparing for the northward journey.

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Day 8: Travel to São Luís & Lençóis Maranhenses

Morning: Fly from Salvador to São Luís (≈2 h) and connect to a charter flight to Barreirinhas, the gateway to Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses.

Afternoon: Settle into a rustic lodge and take a short walk to the first dune‑lake, Lagoa Azul.

Evening: Watch the sunset paint the dunes pink while enjoying fresh seafood at the lodge’s restaurant.

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Day 9: Lençóis Maranhenses – Dune & Lagoon Tour

Morning: Guided 4×4 adventure to the iconic Lagoa Bonita, hiking across white dunes to reach its crystal waters.

Afternoon: Continue to Lagoa do Peixe for a picnic lunch and a swim in the shallow lagoon.

Evening: Return to the lodge for a traditional Maranhão dinner and a briefing on the next day’s sunrise trek.

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Day 10: Lençóis Maranhenses – Sunrise at Lagoa do Peixe

Morning: Early rise to witness the sunrise over Lagoa do Peixe, a magical moment of light on water.

Afternoon: Explore nearby fishing villages, learning about local lifestyle and sampling fresh mango juice.

Evening: Relax back at the lodge, stargazing on the open desert sky.

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Day 11: Lençóis Maranhenses – Relax & Travel to Itacaré

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a short walk on the beach before checking out.

Afternoon: Fly from São Luís to Salvador, then take a connecting bus to Itacaré (≈4 h).

Evening: Arrive in Itacaré, settle into a beachfront guesthouse, and stroll along the palm‑lined shore.

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Day 12: Itacaré – Beaches & Surf

Morning: Take a surf lesson at Praia da Tiririca, suitable for beginners and experienced riders.

Afternoon: Relax on Prainha, a secluded cove perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling.

Evening: Dine on grilled fish at a beachfront shack and enjoy live samba music.

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Day 13: Itacaré – Waterfalls Hike

Morning: Hike through the Atlantic Forest to the stunning Cachoeira da Pedra Furada, swimming in its natural pool.

Afternoon: Continue to the nearby Cachoeira do Tijolo for another refreshing dip.

Evening: Return to town, unwind with a caipirinha on the promenade.

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Day 14: Travel to Cabo Frio

Morning: Depart Itacaré by bus to Salvador, then fly to Rio de Janeiro and transfer to Cabo Frio (≈2 h drive).

Afternoon: Check into a seaside hotel and explore the historic Fortaleza de São Mateo overlooking the harbor.

Evening: Stroll along the famous Praia do Forte boardwalk and sample local pastel de camarão.

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Day 15: Cabo Frio – Beaches

Morning: Sunbathe on the pristine white sands of Praia do Forte, known for its clear waters.

Afternoon: Take a boat trip to the nearby Ilha do Japonês for snorkeling among colorful reefs.

Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at a restaurant in the historic center, followed by a night walk through the illuminated streets.

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Day 16: Travel to Rio de Janeiro

Morning: Drive back to Rio de Janeiro (≈2 h) and check into a hotel in Copacabana.

Afternoon: Walk the iconic Copacabana Beach promenade, stopping for a fresh coconut water.

Evening: Dine at a churrascaria and experience the lively atmosphere of the Lapa neighborhood.

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Day 17: Rio – Iconic Landmarks

Morning: Ride the tram to the top of Corcovado Mountain to see the towering Christ the Redeemer statue.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for panoramic city views.

Evening: Attend a samba show in the Escadaria Selarón area and savor feijoada.

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Day 18: Rio – Culture & Parks

Morning: Explore the vast Jardim Botânico, admiring exotic orchids and towering palms.

Afternoon: Tour the historic Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and the nearby Municipal Theatre.

Evening: Watch the sunset from Ipanema Beach and enjoy a casual dinner at a beachside bar.

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Day 19: Travel to Paraty

Morning: Take a scenic 4‑hour bus ride to the colonial town of Paraty.

Afternoon: Wander the cobbled streets, visiting the Church of Santa Rita and the Casa da Cultura.

Evening: Dine on fresh oysters at a harbor restaurant and stroll along the lantern‑lit waterfront.

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Day 20: Paraty – Boat Tour

Morning: Board a boat for a full‑day tour of the Southeastern Atlantic Coast, stopping at hidden beaches and islands.

Afternoon: Swim in the calm waters of Ilha do Pelado and explore the historic Fortaleza de São João.

Evening: Return to Paraty, enjoy a relaxed dinner, and sample cachaça from a local distillery.

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Day 21: Travel to Ilha Grande

Morning: Transfer by bus and ferry to Ilha Grande, checking into a eco‑lodge in Vila do Abraão.

Afternoon: Hike the short trail to Praia do Lopes Mendes, renowned for its powdery sand.

Evening: Enjoy a beachfront dinner of grilled shrimp and a walk along the quiet shore.

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Day 22: Ilha Grande – Hiking & Snorkeling

Morning: Trek to the historic Fortaleza de Abraão for panoramic island views.

Afternoon: Take a boat to the pristine Parque Estadual da Ilha Grande for snorkeling among sea turtles.

Evening: Relax with a tropical cocktail at a local bar and reflect on the island’s natural beauty.

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Day 23: Travel to São Paulo

Morning: Return by ferry to the mainland, then fly from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo.

Afternoon: Check into a downtown hotel and explore the vibrant Avenida Paulista, visiting the MASP museum.

Evening: Dine in the trendy Vila Madalena neighborhood, sampling contemporary Brazilian cuisine.

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Day 24: São Paulo – Culture & Parks

Morning: Visit the historic São Paulo Cathedral and the bustling Mercado Municipal for a pastel de bacalhau.

Afternoon: Stroll through Ibirapuera Park, stopping at the São Paulo Museum of Art and the iconic “Pavilion of Brazil”.

Evening: Experience the nightlife of the Barra Funda district with live music and craft beers.

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Day 25: Travel to Foz do Iguaçu

Morning: Fly from São Paulo to Foz do Iguaçu, the gateway to the world‑famous waterfalls.

Afternoon: Check into a hotel near the national park and take a short walk to the Iguaçu River viewpoint.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of regional dishes such as barreado, while planning the next day’s waterfall adventure.

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Day 26: Foz do Iguaçu – Brazilian Side of the Falls

Morning: Explore the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls, walking the trail to the spectacular Garganta del Diablo.

Afternoon: Take a boat ride that brings you up close to the thundering cascades for an unforgettable experience.

Evening: Relax at the hotel pool and enjoy a sunset view over the park.

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Day 27: Foz do Iguaçu – Argentine Side & Wildlife

Morning: Cross the border (passport required) to the Argentine side, hiking the Upper and Lower Circuits for different perspectives of the falls.

Afternoon: Visit the Parque das Aves to see native tropical birds up close.

Evening: Return to Brazil, savor a farewell dinner, and prepare for departure the following day.

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Day 28: Departure

Morning: Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of Brazil’s diverse landscapes.

Afternoon: If time allows, enjoy a last coffee at a local café before check‑in.

Evening: Board your international flight, concluding an unforgettable four‑week journey.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Pelourinho – 3 hrs – $0 (free entry)
  • Elevador Lacerda – 1 hr – $2
  • Praia do Forte (Salvador) – 2 hrs – $0
  • Chapada Diamantina National Park – 3 days – $150 (park fee & guide)
  • Cachoeira da Fumaça – 4 hrs – $20 (guide)
  • Lençóis Maranhenses – 4 days – $180 (tour, transport, lodging)
  • Lagoa Bonita – 2 hrs – $30 (4×4 & guide)
  • Itacaré – 3 days – $120 (surf lessons, hikes)
  • Praia da Tiririca – 2 hrs – $25 (surf board rental)
  • Cabo Frio – 2 days – $90 (beach & boat tour)
  • Christ the Redeemer – 2 hrs – $25 (ticket & tram)
  • Sugarloaf Mountain – 2 hrs – $20 (cable car)
  • Paraty – 2 days – $80 (historic tour & boat)
  • Ilha Grande – 2 days – $110 (ferry, lodging, snorkeling)
  • São Paulo – 3 days – $150 (museum tickets, transport)
  • Iguazú Falls (Brazil side) – 4 hrs – $35 (park entry)
  • Iguazú Falls (Argentina side) – 5 hrs – $45 (ticket)
  • Parque das Aves – 2 hrs – $15
  • Domestic Flights (7 total) – – $560
  • Intercity Buses & Transfers – – $180
  • Accommodation (28 nights) – – $1,400
  • Meals & Miscellaneous – – $1,000
  • Total Estimated Cost: $4,145

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the extended hikes in Chapada Diamantina and the full‑day boat tour in Lençóis Maranhenses; this can reduce the itinerary by 4‑5 days while still covering the major highlights. To extend the experience, add an extra night in Rio de Janeiro for a day trip to the nearby town of Petrópolis, or spend an additional two days in São Paulo exploring the vibrant street art scene in Beco do Batman and taking a day trip to the historic coffee plantation town of Campos do Jordão.

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