10 Day Brazil Itinerary + Free Google Sheets Template
Matt - October 4, 2026
A useful first Brazil itinerary combines four nights in Rio de Janeiro, two in Foz do Iguacu, and three in Salvador. Over ten days, you get Rio's mountain viewpoints and beach neighborhoods, a full day at Iguazu Falls, and time for Salvador's historic streets, Bahian food, and waterfront. Domestic flights connect the three bases, with days 5 and 7 reserved for travel.
The itinerary is also available as a free Brazil Google Sheets itinerary template. Copy it to customize the dates, activities, lodging, and costs for your trip.
Itinerary Outline
- Days 1-4: Rio de Janeiro. Arrive, settle into Copacabana or Ipanema, visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf, explore Santa Teresa, and spend time at the Botanical Garden and waterfront.
- Day 5: Rio to Foz do Iguacu. Fly to the Brazilian airport at Foz, check in, and have an easy evening near your hotel.
- Day 6: Brazilian Iguazu Falls and Parque das Aves. Give the falls the morning and early afternoon, then visit the nearby bird park if your pace allows.
- Day 7: Foz to Salvador. Keep the day for the flight, any connection, and the transfer to your Salvador hotel.
- Day 8: Salvador's historic center. Explore Pelourinho, add a museum or guided cultural walk, and continue toward Santo Antonio Alem do Carmo.
- Day 9: Barra and Rio Vermelho. Visit the lighthouse area, enjoy Porto da Barra, and finish with Bahian food in Rio Vermelho.
- Day 10: Departure. Have breakfast and a short neighborhood walk if your flight timing allows.
This is a ten-day, nine-night trip starting in Rio and finishing in Salvador. Compare international flights into Rio and out of Salvador before booking the domestic legs. A return flight through Rio or Sao Paulo may call for another night, depending on the connection.
When to Go and How to Pace the Trip
For a first trip across these three regions, I would start by comparing dates in October-November or March-April. Visit Brasil's climate guidance identifies spring and autumn as useful seasons for Rio and Iguazu. Salvador has its own tropical weather pattern, so check the forecast for each base separately.
Keep the order of Rio's sightseeing days flexible until you see the mountain forecast. Clear weather makes a real difference at Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf; the beach, gardens, and museum options give you alternatives on a cloudy day. Summer and major festival periods can bring higher demand for flights and lodging, so compare prices across your actual dates.
Four Rio nights give you an arrival afternoon and three full sightseeing days. Two Foz nights work for the Brazilian falls visit in this plan. Add a third Foz night for a full Argentine-side day, or for more time at the falls. Three Salvador nights leave two full days for its historic center, coast, and food.
Days 1-4: Rio de Janeiro
Day 1: Arrive and Settle Into Copacabana
Choose your Rio hotel before arranging the airport transfer. Copacabana is a practical first base for its range of lodging and waterfront access; Ipanema suits travelers who want their beach afternoons and neighborhood meals close together. Your arrival may be at Galeao or Santos Dumont, so confirm the airport printed on your ticket.
After checking in, walk a stretch of Avenida Atlantica beside Copacabana beach. The broad promenade, beach kiosks, and curve of the bay make this a pleasant introduction to the city. Have dinner close to your hotel and keep the afternoon adaptable to your arrival time.
Day 2: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf
Start with the Corcovado train, which departs from Cosme Velho and climbs toward Christ the Redeemer. Reserve the departure that fits your hotel transfer. The visit combines the monument with elevated views across the city, beaches, and surrounding hills; allow time at the summit for both.
During the current elevator and escalator works, the final approach to the viewing platform uses stone stairs. If you need step-free access, check the operator's temporary accessibility arrangements before booking; assistance is subject to equipment and weather conditions.
Have lunch in Botafogo, then continue to the Sugarloaf cable cars. The journey has two stages, with a stop on Morro da Urca before the final ascent. Plan an unhurried afternoon for the viewing terraces and cable-car queues. The view here places Guanabara Bay, the city, and its rocky hills together in a way that helps you understand Rio's geography.
Two viewpoints make this a full day. If you prefer a gentler pace, move Sugarloaf to day 4 and shorten that afternoon's beach time. Reserve timed activities after checking how the transfers fit together.
Day 3: Selaron Steps, Santa Teresa, and the Waterfront
Visit the Selaron Steps in daylight, when you can take in the colorful tilework and the streets around Lapa. Continue by car to Santa Teresa, using Largo dos Guimaraes as a starting point for its cafes, galleries, and hillside streets. Lunch here gives the neighborhood visit a comfortable middle-of-day break.
In the afternoon, head to Praca Maua for the harbor-side setting. The Museum of Tomorrow is a useful optional addition for travelers interested in science and the relationship between people and the planet. Check the opening day and current exhibitions before making it your main afternoon activity.
These neighborhoods are spread across the city, so plan the cross-neighborhood journeys as car transfers. Within each stop, ask your hotel or guide about a suitable walking area and arrange your evening transport in advance.
Day 4: Botanical Garden, Ipanema, and Arpoador
Spend the morning at the Rio Botanical Garden. Its shaded paths and plant collections make it a good change of pace after the viewpoints and urban sightseeing. Confirm the current visitor entrance and ticket arrangements before leaving your hotel.
Continue to Ipanema for lunch and an afternoon by the beach. You can spend this part of the day on the promenade, at a cafe, or swimming when local conditions are suitable. Toward sunset, walk to Arpoador, the rocky headland between Ipanema and Copacabana, for views along the coastline. Wear shoes with grip if you use the public rock access.
Pack for the Foz flight this evening. A nearby dinner keeps the next morning's airport departure straightforward.
Days 5-6: Foz do Iguacu and Iguazu Falls
Day 5: Fly to Foz and Check In
Book the flight to Foz do Iguacu's Brazilian airport, IGU. Puerto Iguazu's airport, IGR, is across the border in Argentina and requires different transfer and entry planning. Airline schedules vary by date; compare the journey in the airline's booking system before committing to hotels.
Reserve this day for checkout, the airport, the flight, and the hotel transfer. If you arrive early, enjoy the hotel's pool or have a meal in central Foz. Stay in the city center for restaurant choice, or along the Avenida das Cataratas corridor for convenient access toward the park and airport. Compare the location of the individual property with your transport plan.
Day 6: The Brazilian Falls and Parque das Aves
Book a dated entry through the Brazilian falls operator. Its standard visit includes internal transport from the visitor center toward the falls trail. The Brazilian side is especially rewarding for the broad views across the cascades, followed by closer viewpoints where you can feel the spray.
Allow the morning and early afternoon for the park, with time for the shuttle, walking trail, photographs, and lunch. Bring a light rain layer, a waterproof pouch, and shoes with reliable grip. The walkways can be wet even in clear weather.
The operator reopened the Brazilian walkway on September 15, 2026 after a temporary high-water closure. Check its current notices again before your visit, because river conditions can affect access.
Parque das Aves is close to the Brazilian park entrance and has a separate ticket. Its forest paths and aviaries focus on birds of the Atlantic Forest. Add it in the afternoon if you want another nature experience, with enough time to enjoy the walk before closing. Travelers who want longer at the falls can give that visit the whole day.
Days 7-10: Salvador
Day 7: Fly to Salvador
Treat Foz to Salvador as a travel day. A connecting flight may be needed on your dates, so compare the complete journey, including baggage rules and the airport connection. The times in the Sheet are planning placeholders, not confirmed flight departures.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel and have dinner nearby. Barra is a useful base for waterfront walks and access to Porto da Barra. The historic center works well for travelers who prioritize architecture, galleries, and guided cultural walks. Rio Vermelho is another option when restaurants and evenings out are your main interest.
Day 8: Pelourinho and Salvador's Cultural History
Begin around Terreiro de Jesus and Pelourinho, where cobbled streets, colorful facades, and church towers form the historic center. Salvador's Afro-Brazilian heritage is central to the experience. A local cultural guide can provide context on its religious traditions, music, food, and the history behind the buildings.
Choose one museum or church visit based on your interests and current opening days. Casa do Carnaval is an option for music and Carnival culture; the city's visitor information lists Tuesday-Sunday opening. Confirm the day's hours and holiday arrangements when booking. A guided walk can also introduce places you want to revisit independently.
After lunch, continue toward Santo Antonio Alem do Carmo for historic streets, small shops, and cafes. This is a good afternoon to keep open for the places your guide recommends. Arrange a return car transfer to your hotel after the visit.
Day 9: Barra's Waterfront and Food in Rio Vermelho
Start around Farol da Barra, the lighthouse within the historic fort at the entrance to the bay. The Nautical Museum of Bahia adds maritime history, navigation exhibits, and objects recovered through underwater archaeology. Check the museum's current opening hours if an interior visit matters to you.
Continue to Porto da Barra for lunch and beach time. Its bay-facing setting makes it a natural companion to the lighthouse visit. Check local swimming conditions, keep your belongings secure, and allow for shade breaks during the warmest part of the day.
For dinner, head to Rio Vermelho, known for its restaurants and acaraje vendors. Acaraje is a fried bean-based fritter commonly served with fillings that can include shrimp. Ask about ingredients and spice before ordering, particularly if you have an allergy. Book return transport to your hotel for the evening.
Day 10: Breakfast and Departure
Leave the final morning flexible around your flight. If timing allows, have breakfast near your hotel and take a short waterfront walk. Ask your lodging to help estimate the airport transfer for your departure time.
If your international flight leaves from another Brazilian city, work backward from that connection. Consider one ticket covering the onward journey or an additional overnight where needed, especially when flights are booked separately.
Where to Stay
- Rio: four nights in Copacabana or Ipanema. Copacabana offers broad lodging choice and convenient waterfront access. Ipanema is appealing for beach time, cafes, and meals close to the hotel. Check the property's exact street and recent guest feedback.
- Foz: two nights in the center or along Avenida das Cataratas. The center is practical for independent dinners; the park corridor suits travelers who prioritize the falls visit. An extra night creates room for Argentina or another full-day activity.
- Salvador: three nights in Barra, the historic center, or Rio Vermelho. Barra fits this itinerary's beach time; the historic center emphasizes culture and architecture; Rio Vermelho emphasizes food and evenings. Compare street access and transport arrangements at each property.
Keep the same hotel for each city's stay. That gives you a consistent base for local sightseeing and leaves the flight days clear for the next destination.
Transport and Bookings
Start with the two domestic flights and your international arrival and departure. Check actual dated availability with an airline such as LATAM, including any connection. This itinerary does not depend on a guaranteed nonstop Foz-Salvador service.
Next, reserve Rio's Corcovado departure and Sugarloaf entry, your Brazilian falls slot, and any guided Salvador visit. Compare attraction opening days against your travel dates before paying for a timed ticket. Leave meals and neighborhood walks flexible around those reservations.
Use hotel-arranged transfers, licensed taxis, or a locally available ride service for airports and cross-city journeys. A rental car is optional for this three-base trip; compare its cost with transfers if you add an outing outside the cities. Keep passports and any required entry documents accessible for flights and border excursions.
For entry rules, consult the Brazilian government's visitor e-visa guidance. Australian, Canadian, and U.S. passport holders need a visa for tourist travel under the rules in effect since April 10, 2025. Check the rules for your own nationality and circumstances before booking, along with any Argentine requirements if you add that side of the falls.
Optional Changes to the Itinerary
Add the Argentine Side of Iguazu
Add a third night in Foz and a full day for Argentina if seeing both sides is a priority. Arrange cross-border transport, carry the required documents, and book separate admission for the Argentine park.
The Argentine national park's September 2026 notice says the Garganta del Diablo circuit is closed, while other circuits remain open. Check the park operator's current access information before buying tickets. Plan the visit around the circuits available on your dates.
Add a Boat Excursion at the Brazilian Falls
Macuco Safari is a separately booked outing within the Brazilian park. Check the operator's activity requirements and current river conditions, and leave more time at the park for it. Expect a wet experience and protect your phone and belongings accordingly. You can move Parque das Aves to another day if you add this excursion.
Spend More Time in Rio's Museums
The Museum of Tomorrow can become the main focus of day 3's afternoon. Keep the waterfront walk and adjust your Santa Teresa visit to suit the museum's ticket time. This is also a useful weather-based swap for one of the mountain viewpoints.
Add Praia do Forte From Salvador
For another beach and nature day, add a Salvador night or swap a sightseeing day for an outing to Praia do Forte. The Projeto TAMAR visitor center introduces sea-turtle conservation through exhibits and aquatic displays. It currently opens Tuesday-Sunday, so choose a matching day when adapting the itinerary. Arrange round-trip transport; this is a full road outing from Salvador.
What the Brazil Google Sheets Itinerary Template Includes
- Scheduled stops across Rio, Foz do Iguacu, and Salvador, with sample dates and planning times.
- Unscheduled options for museums, gardens, a historic cafe, a crafts market, boat excursions, the Argentine falls, and Praia do Forte, all on the Itinerary tab.
- Location details, official links, lodging-area notes, and transfer reminders.
- Activity categories to help distinguish types of stops when using Travel Mapper's map.
- A packing list and pre-trip checklist for this trip.
- Cost fields and illustrative shared-expense examples for two travelers.
The spreadsheet is free to copy and keep. For a general planner you can adapt to another trip, see the free Google Sheets travel planner and itinerary template.
How Travel Mapper Helps With a Brazil Trip
This trip combines three distant bases with local sightseeing clusters inside each city. Travel Mapper adds a map alongside your Google Sheets itinerary, so you can review where your stops sit, group nearby activities, and compare lodging locations before choosing the order of each day.
In Rio, seeing Botafogo, Urca, Santa Teresa, and the beaches together helps you plan the local transfers. Around Foz, the map helps you distinguish the Brazilian park, airport, and Argentine options. In Salvador, it makes the relationship between the historic center, Barra, and Rio Vermelho easier to review.
The add-on also includes drag-and-drop itinerary editing, Google Maps autofill, emailing the itinerary, and exporting to Google My Maps. The Travel Mapper Chrome extension can help you add an activity from a page you are researching, such as a museum or restaurant.
If you want to review or edit the trip from your phone while traveling, the Travel Mapper web app works in a mobile browser. For more on choosing bases and transfer days, see our multi-city trip planning guide.
Start by copying the free Brazil itinerary. Then install Travel Mapper from Google Workspace Marketplace to try the map and full add-on features for seven days. If you do not subscribe, the basic spreadsheet remains usable for free; map view and the other paid add-on features require a subscription after the trial.
Brazil Itinerary FAQ
Is Ten Days Enough for Rio, Iguazu Falls, and Salvador?
Yes, with domestic flights and nine nights: four in Rio, two in Foz, and three in Salvador. You have three full Rio sightseeing days, one Brazilian falls day, and two full Salvador days. Add time if your arrival, departure, or flight connections reduce those sightseeing days.
Should I Visit Both Sides of Iguazu Falls?
The Brazilian side fits the main ten-day plan. Add a third Foz night for the Argentine side, which has separate admission and border formalities. Check available circuits before booking; the Argentine Garganta del Diablo has a closure notice in the current official guidance.
Do I Need a Car for This Itinerary?
A car is not necessary for the main trip. Flights connect the bases, and local transfers connect the sightseeing areas. Compare organized transport or a rental car separately if you add Praia do Forte or another outing outside the cities.
Can I Change the Order of the Three Bases?
Yes. Compare your international gateways and dated domestic flight options first. Keep a full travel day between each base and preserve the sightseeing time in each city. Rio to Foz to Salvador works well when you can arrive in Rio and depart from Salvador or connect onward comfortably.
Is the Brazil Google Sheets Template Free?
Yes. You can copy and keep the itinerary spreadsheet for free, including its itinerary, checklist, and cost-planning structure. Travel Mapper's map and full add-on features have a seven-day trial and require a paid subscription afterward.
