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28‑Day Brazil Adventure: From Salvador to Foz do Iguaçu

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Day 1: Arrival in Salvador

Morning: Land at Salvador airport and transfer to your boutique hotel in the historic Pelourinho district. Settle in and enjoy a fresh fruit juice.

Afternoon: Stroll through Pelourinho, admiring colorful colonial architecture and lively street art.

Evening: Savor a welcome dinner of moqueca baiana while listening to traditional Afro‑Brazilian drumming.

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Day 2: Salvador Exploration

Morning: Visit the iconic Elevador Lacerda for panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints.

Afternoon: Explore the Church of São Francisco, famed for its gold‑leaf interior, then wander the Mercado Modelo for souvenirs.

Evening: Join a sunset sail around the bay and enjoy fresh seafood on board.

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Day 3: Travel to Chapada Diamantina

Morning: Fly to Lençóis and transfer to your lodge at the foothills of Chapada Diamantina National Park.

Afternoon: Acclimate with a short hike to the Poço do Diabo waterfall, ideal for a refreshing dip.

Evening: Relax around a campfire, sampling regional cheese bread and local cachaça.

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Day 4: Chapada Diamantina – Trekking

Morning: Embark on a guided trek to the spectacular Vale do Pati trail, spotting endemic birds.

Afternoon: Continue to the breathtaking Fumaça Waterfall, Brazil’s highest waterfall, and take a short swim.

Evening: Return to the lodge for a hearty dinner of carne de sol and beans.

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Day 5: Chapada Diamantina – Caves & Lagoons

Morning: Explore the mystical Lapa Doce Cave, adorned with stalactites and ancient rock art.

Afternoon: Visit the turquoise Lagoa do Riacho for kayaking and picnicking.

Evening: Enjoy a starlit walk through the park’s pine forest before nightfall.

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Day 6: Travel to Itacaré

Morning: Transfer back to Salvador and catch a short flight to Ilhéus, then a scenic drive to Itacaré.

Afternoon: Check into a beachfront eco‑resort and unwind on Praia da Concha.

Evening: Dine on fresh grilled fish while watching the sunset over the Atlantic.

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Day 7: Itacaré – Beaches

Morning: Take a boat tour to the pristine Prainha and Porto da Barra coves.

Afternoon: Relax on the golden sands, snorkel among coral reefs, and sip coconut water.

Evening: Explore Itacaré’s vibrant nightlife with live samba in local bars.

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Day 8: Itacaré – Surf & Culture

Morning: Join a surf lesson at the famous Ribeira da Ilha beach.

Afternoon: Visit a traditional cocoa farm to learn about Brazil’s chocolate heritage.

Evening: Enjoy a beachfront barbecue featuring acarajé and caipirinhas.

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Day 9: Travel to São Luís

Morning: Fly to São Luís, the capital of Maranhão, and settle into a historic downtown hotel.

Afternoon: Walk the cobblestone streets of the Centro Histórico, admiring Portuguese tiles and colorful mansions.

Evening: Sample local cuisine such as arroz de cuxá in a charming colonial restaurant.

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Day 10: São Luís – Culture Day

Morning: Tour the Palácio dos Leões and the historic São Francisco Church.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling Mercado Central for handmade crafts and regional spices.

Evening: Attend a lively forró dance show in a local cultural center.

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Day 11: Travel to Lençóis Maranhenses

Morning: Drive to Barreirinhas, the gateway to Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses, and check into a desert‑style lodge.

Afternoon: Brief orientation hike to see the first dunes and learn about the unique ecosystem.

Evening: Enjoy dinner under the stars, listening to traditional maracatu rhythms.

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Day 12: Lençóis Maranhenses – Dune Exploration

Morning: Guided 4×4 tour across the vast white dunes, stopping at hidden lagoons for a swim.

Afternoon: Continue to the iconic Lagoa Azul and take a leisurely walk along its crystal‑clear shore.

Evening: Return to the lodge for a sunset view over the dunes, followed by a relaxed dinner.

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Day 13: Lençóis Maranhenses – Lagoons

Morning: Early‑morning trek to the famed Lagoa Bonita, famous for its mirror‑like surface.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch by the lagoon, then a gentle hike to the lesser‑known Lagoa Verde.

Evening: Night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife before heading back to Barreirinhas.

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Day 14: Travel to Jericoacoara

Morning: Fly to Fortaleza and transfer by 4×4 to the remote beach village of Jericoacoara.

Afternoon: Settle into a dune‑side bungalow and explore the village’s narrow sandy lanes.

Evening: Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at a beachfront shack, watching the sky turn pink.

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Day 15: Jericoacoara – Dune & Sunset

Morning: Climb the iconic Duna do Pôr do Sol for panoramic views of the coastline.

Afternoon: Relax on Praia da Malhada and try kitesurfing in the gentle breeze.

Evening: Gather with fellow travelers for the legendary sunset ceremony atop the dune.

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Day 16: Jericoacoara – Beach Day

Morning: Visit the natural stone arch of Pedra Furada on a guided walk.

Afternoon: Lounge on the pristine sands of Praia do Preá and sip on chilled caipirinhas.

Evening: Experience a low‑key night market with local crafts and live acoustic music.

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Day 17: Travel to Cabo Frio

Morning: Return to Fortaleza, fly to Rio de Janeiro, then a short drive to Cabo Frio.

Afternoon: Check into a seaside resort and stroll along the famous Praia do Forte.

Evening: Dine on fresh lobster while listening to the gentle waves.

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Day 18: Cabo Frio – Beaches

Morning: Take a boat tour to the secluded Ilha do Japonês for snorkeling.

Afternoon: Sunbathe on the white sands of Praia das Conchas and enjoy a beachside lunch.

Evening: Return to the city for a relaxed dinner in the historic center.

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Day 19: Travel to Rio de Janeiro

Morning: Drive to Rio de Janeiro, check into a hotel in Copacabana.

Afternoon: Walk along Copacabana Beach and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Evening: Sample a traditional Brazilian steakhouse (churrascaria) with endless cuts of meat.

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Day 20: Rio – Icons

Morning: Take the tram up to Christ the Redeemer for sweeping city views.

Afternoon: Ride the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy a photo‑stop at the summit.

Evening: Explore the vibrant Lapa neighborhood, famous for its arches and samba clubs.

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Day 21: Rio – Culture & Beach

Morning: Visit the historic Selarón Steps and the nearby Rio Cathedral.

Afternoon: Relax on Ipanema Beach, joining locals for beach volleyball.

Evening: Enjoy a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Guanabara Bay.

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Day 22: Travel to Paraty

Morning: Drive south along the scenic coastal road to the colonial town of Paraty.

Afternoon: Wander the cobbled streets, admiring the preserved Portuguese architecture.

Evening: Dine on regional specialties such as peixe ao molho de camarão in a historic tavern.

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Day 23: Paraty – Boat Tour

Morning: Board a traditional caiçara boat for a tour of the Paraty Bay islands.

Afternoon: Swim in secluded coves, snorkel among colorful fish, and enjoy a beachside picnic.

Evening: Return to town for a cultural performance of folk music and dance.

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Day 24: Paraty – Jungle Hike

Morning: Hike the Trilha do Ouro (Gold Trail) through Atlantic rainforest.

Afternoon: Discover historic gold‑mining ruins and a hidden waterfall.

Evening: Relax at a local café, savoring pão de queijo and fresh fruit juices.

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Day 25: Travel to Ilha Grande

Morning: Transfer by bus and ferry to Ilha Grande, check into a beachfront lodge.

Afternoon: Explore the charming village of Abricó and its artisanal shops.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of grilled fish with tropical fruit sorbet on the pier.

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Day 26: Ilha Grande – Lopes Mendes

Morning: Hike (or take a boat) to the world‑renowned Lopes Mendes beach, known for its long white sands.

Afternoon: Sunbathe, surf, and stroll along the shoreline, spotting sea turtles nesting.

Evening: Return to the lodge for a bonfire and storytelling with fellow travelers.

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Day 27: Ilha Grande – Hiking & Return to São Paulo

Morning: Trek to the scenic Parque Estadual da Ilha Grande for panoramic views of the island.

Afternoon: Ferry back to the mainland and drive to São Paulo, checking into a downtown hotel.

Evening: Experience São Paulo’s culinary scene with a tasting menu at a modern Brazilian restaurant.

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Day 28: São Paulo → Foz do Iguaçu

Morning: Fly to Foz do Iguaçu and transfer to a hotel near the waterfalls.

Afternoon: Begin your visit to the majestic Iguazú Falls (Brazilian side), walking the trail to viewpoints.

Evening: Celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner featuring regional dishes like barreado.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Salvador (2 days) – 6 hours total sightseeing; $200 accommodation + $80 meals + $30 tours = $310
  • Chapada Diamantina (3 days) – 12 hours hiking; $300 lodging + $120 meals + $150 guided tours = $570
  • Itacaré (2 days) – 5 hours beach & surf; $180 accommodation + $70 meals + $50 activities = $300
  • São Luís (1 day) – 4 hours city tour; $90 hotel + $40 meals + $20 entrance fees = $150
  • Lençóis Maranhenses (2 days) – 8 hours dune/lagoon tours; $220 lodging + $80 meals + $200 guided excursions = $500
  • Jericoacoara (2 days) – 6 hours dune & beach; $200 accommodation + $80 meals + $70 activities = $350
  • Cabo Frio (1 day) – 3 hours beach & boat; $120 hotel + $50 meals + $40 tours = $210
  • Rio de Janeiro (3 days) – 10 hours sights; $360 lodging + $150 meals + $120 tickets (Christ, Sugarloaf) = $630
  • Paraty (2 days) – 5 hours boat & hike; $180 accommodation + $80 meals + $70 activities = $330
  • Ilha Grande (2 days) – 6 hours beach & hike; $200 lodging + $90 meals + $60 transport = $350
  • São Paulo (1 day) – 4 hours city sights; $130 hotel + $60 meals + $30 museum fees = $220
  • Foz do Iguaçu (1 day) – 5 hours falls; $140 accommodation + $60 meals + $80 park tickets = $280

Total Estimated Cost: $4,220 USD

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider skipping Itacaré and Cabo Frio, which can be combined into a single beach day, or reduce the time in Chapada Diamantina to two days. To extend the adventure, add an extra night in Rio for a day trip to Petropolis or spend a full day exploring the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls for a more immersive waterfall experience.

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