3-Month Brazilian Journey: Recife, Maceió, Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu & São José do Rio Preto

Day 1: Travel and Settle

São Paulo, Brazil on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Depart São Paulo to São José do Rio Preto

Take a bus or drive approximately 4-5 hours northwest from São Paulo to São José do Rio Preto to begin your journey.
BRL 80, 5h0m

1:00pm

Check into hotel & Lunch

Check-in at a local hotel like Vettorazzo Plaza Hotel and have lunch at Restaurante Dona Zefa, serving traditional Brazilian dishes.
BRL 40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore São José do Rio Preto downtown

Stroll around Praça Rui Barbosa and visit local shops to get a feel for the city.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chef Póstumo

Enjoy a refined dinner featuring regional Brazilian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
BRL 70, 1h30m
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Day 2-15: Exploring São José do Rio Preto

São José do Rio Preto, Brazil on January 1, 1970

8:00am

Breakfast at Padaria Novos Tempos

Start your day with fresh breads, coffee, and pastries at this popular bakery open at 6:00 AM.
BRL 15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Parque da Represa Municipal

Relax in a large park with green spaces, lakes, and recreational activities open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Churrascaria Boi Dourado

Enjoy a Brazilian barbecue tasting various grilled meats and sides.
BRL 50, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Museu de Arte de Rio Preto (MARP)

Explore art collections from modern and contemporary artists, open 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM on weekdays.
BRL 10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Tavola di Lia

Savor Italian and Brazilian fusion cuisine in an intimate dining setting.
BRL 60, 1h30m
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Day 16: Travel to Foz do Iguaçu

São José do Rio Preto to Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Depart São José do Rio Preto to Foz do Iguaçu

Take a flight from São José do Rio Preto (via São Paulo connections) to Foz do Iguaçu, approx 4-5 hours total travel.
BRL 350, 5h0m

1:00pm

Check into hotel & Lunch

Stay at Hotel Bella Italia and have lunch at Churrascaria Rafain, known for its live shows and excellent BBQ.
BRL 70, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Parque das Aves

Enjoy an interactive bird sanctuary focusing on tropical bird species, open 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
BRL 60, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Porto Canoas

Dine overlooking Iguazu Falls with local fish and Brazilian dishes.
BRL 90, 1h30m
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Day 17-30: Iguazu Exploration

Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil on January 1, 1970

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast buffet with tropical fruits, breads, and coffee.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Iguaçu National Park – Brazilian Side

Spend a day hiking through trails and viewpoints overlooking the famous waterfalls, open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
BRL 70, 5h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Visit local market

Rest after the excursion or explore local artisan markets in downtown Foz.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Mafia Trattoria

Enjoy Italian cuisine with Brazilian ingredients in a cozy restaurant.
BRL 80, 1h30m
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Day 31: Travel to Recife

Foz do Iguaçu to Recife, Brazil on July 1, 2025

6:00am

Depart Foz do Iguaçu for Recife

Take a morning flight with one stopover in São Paulo to reach Recife, approx 6-7 hours total travel time.
BRL 500, 7h0m

1:00pm

Check into hotel & lunch

Stay at Hotel Atlante Plaza and have lunch at Restaurante Oficina do Sabor, famous for Northeastern Brazilian cuisine.
BRL 60, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Recife Antigo

Explore the historic old town, with colonial buildings and museums, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Leite

Dine at one of the oldest restaurants in Recife serving exquisite regional dishes.
BRL 90, 1h30m
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Day 32-45: Recife Exploration

Recife, Brazil on January 1, 1970

8:00am

Breakfast at Café do Forte

Enjoy coffee, cakes, and local breakfast fare close to Boa Viagem Beach.
BRL 20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Instituto Ricardo Brennand

Explore a castle-like complex with art, history, and armory exhibits, open 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tues-Sun.
BRL 25, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Casa de Banho

Taste fresh seafood dishes near Recife Antigo, open daily 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
BRL 50, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Boa Viagem Beach

Swim and sunbathe at the most famous urban beach in Recife open all day.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Parraxaxá

Dine on traditional northeastern Brazilian cuisine and try regional delicacies.
BRL 70, 1h30m
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Day 46: Travel to Maceió

Recife to Maceió, Brazil on July 16, 2025

9:00am

Bus/Drive Recife to Maceió

Take a 3-4 hour bus or drive trip along the coast south to Maceió.
BRL 40, 4h0m

1:30pm

Check-in & Lunch

Stay at Ritz Lagoa da Anta Hotel, then enjoy lunch at Restaurante Bodega do Sertão, which offers northern Brazilian cuisine.
BRL 50, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Pajuçara Beach

Relax on the beach and explore natural pools accessible by boat; open all day.
BRL 30 (boat tour), 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Wanchako

Savor Peruvian and Brazilian seafood dishes in an elegant setting.
BRL 90, 1h30m
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Day 47-60: Discover Maceió

Maceió, Brazil on January 1, 1970

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Cultura

Start with freshly brewed coffee, sweets, and breads in a welcoming café setting.
BRL 15, 1h0m

9:30am

Day trip to Gunga Beach

Visit the stunning beach south of Maceió with cliffs, coconut groves, and clear water; open all day.
BRL 50 (transport), 6h0m

5:30pm

Return & Relax

Return to hotel and relax after your day trip.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Parmegianno

Casual restaurant with Italian-Brazilian fusion dishes and pastas popular with locals.
BRL 50, 1h30m
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Day 61: Travel to Rio de Janeiro

Maceió to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 31, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Maceió to Rio de Janeiro

Fly direct or via São Paulo; flight duration approx 3 hours.
BRL 400, 3h0m

11:00am

Check into hotel & Lunch

Stay at Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro near Ipanema; have lunch at nearby Restaurante Zazá Bistrô Tropical serving creative local dishes.
BRL 100, 1h30m

1:00pm

Ipanema and Leblon Beach walk

Explore the iconic beaches and stroll through vibrant neighborhoods, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Arpoador

Witness one of the city’s best sunsets at the rock between Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Sushi Leblon

Dine at one of Rio’s top sushi restaurants offering fresh fusion dishes.
BRL 150, 2h0m
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Day 62-75: Explore Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on January 1, 1970

8:00am

Breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo

Classic Rio café serving pastries and coffee in a historic setting, open 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
BRL 25, 1h0m

9:30am

Christ the Redeemer & Corcovado Mountain

Visit the iconic statue and enjoy panoramic views of Rio, park open 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
BRL 80, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Aprazível

Taste Brazilian specialties with stunning views over Santa Teresa.
BRL 120, 1h30m

4:00pm

Santa Teresa neighborhood walk

Explore the bohemian district with street art, galleries, and cafes.
Free, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Marius Degustare

Upscale seafood and churrascaria experience in Copacabana.
BRL 200, 2h0m
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Day 76: Return to Uberaba

Rio de Janeiro to Uberaba, Brazil on August 15, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Rio de Janeiro to Uberaba

Direct flight approximately 2 hours to conclude your journey, returning to Uberaba.
BRL 500, 2h0m

11:00am

Arrival and Rest

Arrive in Uberaba and rest after your extensive travel.
Free, Rest of day
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