Ultimate 5-Day South American Adventure: Cusco to Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls Loop

Day 1: Travel and Arrival

Cusco, Peru to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 2, 2025

11:00am

Flight from Cusco to Rio de Janeiro

Take a morning connecting flight from Cusco (CUZ) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG or SDU). Flights usually connect through Lima or São Paulo, with a total travel time of approximately 8-10 hours. Booking early is recommended for best prices.
USD 400-700, 8h0m

7:00pm

Check-in and Dinner in Rio

Check into your hotel in Rio de Janeiro. For dinner, enjoy authentic Brazilian cuisine at 'Churrascaria Palace', open until 11pm, serving excellent rodizio barbecue.
BRL 100-150, 2h0m
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Day 2: Explore Rio

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo

Start with a traditional breakfast at this historic café in downtown Rio, famed for its colonial charm and pastries. Open from 7am.
BRL 40, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Christ the Redeemer

Take the early morning to visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, accessible by train from Corcovado. Opens at 8am for cooler, less-crowded visits.
BRL 79, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Garota de Ipanema

Enjoy classic carioca dishes near Ipanema Beach at this popular local restaurant, open noon to 11pm.
BRL 60, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Ipanema Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon walking or sunbathing on Ipanema Beach, one of Rio’s most famous spots.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Aprazível

Dine in the charming Santa Teresa neighbourhood with spectacular views and authentic Brazilian dishes. Open from 6pm.
BRL 120, 2h0m
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Day 3: Travel to Iguazu

Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Flight to Foz do Iguaçu

Fly from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport. Flight duration approximately 2h30m.
BRL 300-500, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch

Check into a hotel near Iguazu Falls. Have lunch at the hotel restaurant or nearby 'Buffet do Turista', which offers regional specialties.
BRL 50-80, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side

Explore the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls National Park, open from 8am to 6pm, with panoramic views and trails.
BRL 75, 4h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Porto Canoas

Dine at Porto Canoas, located inside the national park, famous for its stunning waterfall views at sunset. Open until 8pm.
BRL 100, 1h30m
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Day 4: Iguazu Falls Argentina

Foz do Iguaçu to Puerto Iguazú, Argentina on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before crossing the border to Argentina.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Iguazu Falls – Argentine Side

Cross to Argentina for a full day at Iguazú National Park (opens 8am to 6pm), hiking trails and boat rides near the waterfalls, including the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat).
ARS 9000 (approx BRL 150), 7h0m

4:00pm

Return to Brazilian side

Head back to Brazil in the late afternoon to relax at your hotel.
Transport approx BRL 50, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Mafia Trattoria

Enjoy Italian cuisine near your hotel, a great way to unwind after a day exploring the falls. Open until 10pm.
BRL 90, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return to Rio

Foz do Iguaçu to Rio de Janeiro on May 6, 2025

9:00am

Morning Leisure and Breakfast

Have a relaxed breakfast and some free time to stroll around the town or visit the Bird Park near the falls, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
BRL 60, 2h0m

12:00pm

Flight to Rio de Janeiro

Fly back to Rio de Janeiro for your onward travel or final night in the city.
BRL 300-500, 2h30m

3:00pm

Check-in and Relax

Check into a hotel near the airport or city centre, depending on your flight schedule.
Varies, Rest of day

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Marius Degustare

Celebrate the last night with a seafood and meat feast in this unique Ipanema restaurant. Open until 11pm.
BRL 150-250, 2h0m
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