Brazil being such a large country (slightly larger than the continental United States), this trip requires a lot of domestic flying. The best parts of Brazil are spread all over the country, from the great waterfalls in the south to the great Amazon Jungle in the north. In between, you’ll see the world’s largest wetlands (the Pantanal), the magical island of Fernando de Noronha, the sparkling city of Rio de Janeiro and the history and culture of Bahia. It’s a lot to cover in 21 days, but this is a trip you’ll never forget.

DAY 1
Land in Rio or São Paulo and catch a flight to Foz de Iguacú, where you’ll take an afternoon look at the greatest waterfall in the world. Spend the night in Foz.

DAY 2
Take a morning boat trip to the waterfall from either the Brazilian or Argentinean side, then hop an afternoon flight to Campo Grande, gateway to the Pantanal, where you’ll catch a van directly to the Caiman Nature Reserve in time for the night safari.

DAY 3
Enjoy a morning safari and excursions around Caiman. Take an afternoon swim back at the hotel before the large barbecue feast in the evening.

DAY 4
Catch an early van to the city of Bonito, where you’ll take nature excursions until the late afternoon.

DAY 5
Choose a final nature excursion for the morning, then catch a van back to Campo Grande and a flight out to Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon. From Manaus, you take a boat straight to your jungle lodge for the next two days.

DAYS 6 and 7
A day and a night in the Amazon Jungle: river excursions, fishing for piranha, caiman focusing (scouting for alligators at night), jungle-canopy walks.

DAY 8
Take a sunrise canoe excursion and jungle walks until lunchtime. Spend the afternoon visiting the sights in Manaus.

DAY 9
Catch the morning flight to Natal and a direct connection to Fernando de Noronha, where you’ll spend the afternoon and evening.

DAY 10
Spend all day on the magical island of Fernando de Noronha, then catch a late-afternoon flight back to Natal. Check into your hotel in Ponta Negra and spend the evening out on the town.

DAY 11
Rent a buggy for the day and visit the northern coastline, including Genipabu and Maracajaú. Go farther north to Galinhas if desired and time permits. Head back to Natal for the evening.

DAY 12
Take the early flight to Salvador. Spend the day exploring Pelourinho and the afternoon at Solar de União to catch the Museum of Modern Art, dinner, and a cultural show. Spend the evening in Pelourinho.

DAY 13
Spend the morning in Bonfim and the Cidade Baixa, including the Mercado Modelo, then head to Flamengo Beach for lunch and down to Itapoã for the sunset. Don’t miss the Acarajé de Cira in the Itapuã praça. The evening is your choice: Candomblé, Afro-Brazilian music and dance, or a cultural show.

DAY 14
Take the scenic flight to Morro de São Paulo, check into your hotel, then spend the day exploring the village and beaches of the main island. Spend the evening in the village.

DAYS 15
Take the Volta Ilha excursion around the island, and spend the evening in the village.

DAY 16
Choose one of the morning excursions or just spend the entire day at Quarta Praia. Have lunch at the beach kiosk at Quarta Praia. Take a late-afternoon flight back to Salvador, then make a connection to Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy dinner in Ipanema.

DAY 17
Take a sights and city tour of Rio de Janeiro. Spend the afternoon walking along the boardwalk from Copacabana to Ipanema.

DAY 18
Catch more sights of Rio de Janeiro. For dinner, eat out in Copacabana or Ipanema.

DAYS 19
Catch the early bus to Paraty. Explore the Centro Histórico and have lunch on the island restaurant of Kontiki. Take an afternoon trip out to the waterfalls and fazendas inland or rent a car and visit the northern beaches. Spend the evening out in the Centro Histórico.

DAY 20
Enjoy a full-day boat trip around the Bay of Paraty. Spend late afternoon and evening back at the Centro Histórico, shopping and eating.

DAY 21
Spend the morning in Trindade exploring the village and beaches, then head back to Rio for your flight out.