Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Brasília & city tour
Arrive in Brasília and transfer to your hotel before heading out on a private city tour. Explore Oscar Niemeyer’s bold architecture, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, Itamaraty Palace, the Ministries Esplanade and the sweeping Three Powers Square. Visit landmark churches, lookouts and Brasília’s pioneering superquadras, ending with a traditional Brazilian churrascaria lunch.
Day 2 - Brasília to Chapada dos Veadeiros & Vale da Lua
Travel north to Alto Paraíso and stop for lunch before visiting Vale da Lua, a surreal landscape shaped by the São Miguel River. Wander through smooth silver-coloured rock formations and natural pools before settling into your pousada in the heart of the Cerrado.
Day 3 - Couros Waterfalls
Spend the day exploring the dramatic Couros Waterfall complex. Follow an intermediate trail along the river, stopping at viewpoints above a vast canyon and descending to swim in beautiful natural pools. Enjoy a homemade lunch with a local family before returning to Alto Paraíso.
Day 4 - Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park
Walk an 8km trail through the national park, passing old quartz crystal mines and varied Cerrado vegetation. Reach the Pedreiras Waterfall for a refreshing swim beneath the falls, enjoy a picnic lunch, and continue along a crystal-strewn path. End the afternoon with a relaxed late lunch in the village of São Jorge.
Day 5 - Almécegas waterfalls & travel to Pousada Trijunção
Visit Almécegas I and II, two of the region’s most picturesque waterfalls, ideal for swimming and photography. After lunch in Alto Paraíso, travel back to Brasília for your onward transfer to Pousada Trijunção, a remote eco-lodge straddling the border of three states. Settle in, enjoy the pool or spa, and plan your personalised activities for the days ahead.
Day 6 - Wildlife & Cerrado Experiences at Trijunção
Spend the day exploring the surrounding wilderness with the lodge’s expert team. Activities can include wildlife observation, kayaking, fat-bike rides, botanical walks and immersive trails. With luck, you may spot the endangered maned wolf, the lodge’s conservation flagship species thanks to two tracking experiences with the Onçafari team.
Day 7 - More Time at Trijunção
Another day to enjoy the lodge’s experiences at your own pace. Go in search of dwarf caimans, enjoy birdwatching at sunrise, or simply relax in the tranquillity of this untouched landscape. Meals are included, and outings are tailored to your interests.
Day 8 - Travel to Rio de Janeiro
This morning, transfer back to Brasília for your flight to Rio. A driver-guide will meet you on arrival for the short drive to your hotel in Copacabana. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach, wander the promenade, or relax after your journey.
Day 9 - Rio Highlights: Sugarloaf, Corcovado & Santa Teresa
Embark on a full-day tour of Rio’s most iconic sights. Ride the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic coastal views, then take the historic electric tram through the Atlantic Forest to Christ the Redeemer. Explore the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa and visit the colourful Selarón Steps before returning to your hotel.
Day 10 - Behind the Scenes of Carnival
Discover the real story of Rio’s Carnival on a behind-the-scenes tour. Visit the Sambódromo, historic samba districts, and a working samba school studio to learn how costumes and floats are created. It’s an engaging insight into Afro-Brazilian culture and the artistry behind the world’s most famous parade.
Day 11 - Rio to Ilha Grande
Travel along the Costa Verde to the jetty at Conceição de Jacareí and continue by speedboat to Ilha Grande. Check into your pousada and enjoy a free afternoon in car-free Abraão village or relax by the sea.
Day 12 - Historic Walking Tour of Ilha Grande
Take a gentle guided walk along forested trails to the ruins of the Lazareto, a former political prison, and the 19th-century aqueduct. Learn about the island’s indigenous, colonial and pirate history, then swim at Black Beach, known for its mineral-rich sand and calm waters.
Day 13 - Blue Lagoon & Beaches
Spend the day exploring Ilha Grande by boat. Snorkel in the crystalline waters of the Blue Lagoon, home to colourful fish and corals, and visit the historic settlement of Freguesia de Santana with its charming church and quiet beaches. Return to Abraão by late afternoon.
Day 14 - Departure
Take a short speedboat back to the mainland and continue by private vehicle to Rio de Janeiro. Continue to the airport for your onward journey.
DETAILS -
This 14 days itinerary costs from £4,700 per person based on two adults sharing accommodation and services throughout. The price includes all transfers, tours, daily breakfast – full a la carte board at Trijuncao, and domestic flights.
International flights tend to cost between £900 and £1,100 per person return if booked well in advance – do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.
Please remember this is a sample itinerary and we are happy to modify it to suit your plans. We can add or remove days and look at different places to stay.
Please note: this itinerary includes some long transfers – 4 to 5 hours. Due to the remoteness of Chapada dos Veadeiros and Pousada Trijuncao, we do not recommend less than 3 nights in each.
Although famous for its maned wolves, wildlife sightings of this animal are difficult so we cannot guarantee them.
Tip: Pousada Trijuncao has a private runaway nearby and you can opt to upgrade your transfer in and out to a small private plane that takes only about 50 minutes each way.
Email our Brazil specialist for more information and enquiries.
What's included?
INCLUDED:
- Prices start from £4,700 per person
- 10 nights with B&B basis
- 3 nights with full board at Trijuncao
- Tours as mentioned
- All private transfers
- All entrance fees to parks
- Domestic flights
- Local taxes
- All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
