Walk the Brazilian-side catwalks for the grand, cinematic overview of Iguacu. Spray drifts across the viewpoints as hundreds of cascades drum into the gorge, a vast amphitheater framed by subtropical forest and rainbows arcing above the river.

Pause at the Devil’s Throat viewpoint to feel the ground tremble with the power of the falls and watch swifts dart through the mist. Keep your camera ready for coatis and bright birds lingering along the trail in this protected Atlantic Forest reserve.

Hike in Tijuca National Park, one of the world’s great urban forests, along shaded trails once used by coffee farmers. Your route threads past the photogenic Taunay Waterfall, the stone-arched Job de Alcântara bridge and the pastel-pink Mayrink Chapel amid dense Atlantic Forest.

Continue to a forest lookout for valley views and learn how this landscape was replanted in the 19th century to restore Rio’s water sources. Depending on conditions, there’s time to cool off in clear streams downstream of the falls before returning to the trailhead.

Cruise Paraty Bay by schooner across turquoise water backed by jungle-cloaked mountains, dropping anchor in calm coves to swim in warm, clear seas. The relaxed voyage offers photogenic views of fishing boats, mangroves and the forested slopes that shelter the town.

Back on shore, explore UNESCO-listed Paraty on a guided walk through whitewashed mansions, baroque churches and cobbled streets designed to be cleansed by the tide. Hear tales of the Gold Route and the town’s revival as an arts-and-culture haven on Brazil’s Costa Verde.

Cross into Argentina to ride the Rainforest Ecological Train through lush jungle to the elevated walkways. Follow the Upper Circuit above the river for a thrilling, top-down perspective of the cascades and islands that stud the canyon.

At the brink, gaze into Garganta del Diablo as a thundering torrent vanishes into spray below. This side reveals the intricate network of channels, forest and birdlife—an intimate counterpoint to the sweeping panoramas seen from Brazil.

Board a river boat to witness the Meeting of the Waters, where the inky Rio Negro and the sandy Solimões flow side by side without mixing. The boundary line—dark and tan—stretches for miles, a striking natural phenomenon.

Guides explain how differences in temperature, speed and density keep the rivers apart before they become the Amazon proper. It’s a serene cruise with remarkable photo opportunities and a powerful introduction to the scale of the world’s greatest river system.

Travel upriver to meet members of the Tatuyo Indigenous community and share a cultural presentation of music and discussion. Learn about daily life, traditions and the deep connection between people and forest along the Rio Negro.

With your local host, hear perspectives on sustainability, craftsmanship and seasonal rhythms that guide farming, fishing and gathering. The encounter offers respectful insight into Amazon cultures and supports community-led tourism initiatives.

Set out before dawn to watch sunrise over the Rio Negro, when glassy blackwater becomes a mirror for glowing skies. The silhouettes of islands and forest canopy emerge as the river stirs to life.

Listen for the first calls of birds and the rustle of the jungle as light spreads across the archipelago. This calm, contemplative cruise favors mood-rich photography and a sense of the Amazon awakening around you.

Navigate into Anavilhanas National Park, a labyrinth of more than 400 freshwater islands. Skimming between channels by speedboat offers close-up access to flooded forest, sandy banks and hidden lagoons.

With a local naturalist, scan for pink river dolphins, toucans and herons, and the glint of caimans along the shore. As daylight softens, the archipelago’s maze glows gold—an atmospheric finale to a day immersed in Amazon wildlife and waterways.

Join villagers for a relaxed community-led tractor ride along a forest trail in sofa-style seating. Guides point out birds, insects and useful plants, stopping whenever something intriguing appears along the way.

Disembark to walk a short jungle path to a clear spring, learning about edible leaves, medicinal barks and forest lore. There’s time to dip your feet and cool off before returning to the river for the onward ride.

Begin your journey by gathering to meet your Tour Director and traveling companions over a hosted welcome dinner in Rio. It’s a relaxed setting to break the ice and hear practical tips for making the most of the days ahead.

Savor regional flavors—perhaps a fragrant moqueca or grilled seafood—and map out personal must-sees with expert guidance. This convivial evening sets the tone for a connected, insight-rich exploration of Brazil.

In Manaus, join a hosted dinner at a favorite local restaurant, where Amazon ingredients take center stage. Expect river fish such as tambaqui grilled over charcoal, bright citrus, cassava and tropical fruits.

As you dine, your guide shares stories of Manaus—from rubber-boom grandeur to today’s riverine rhythms—and suggests local specialties to try during your stay. It’s an inviting introduction to the region’s cuisine and culture.

Accompany your leader to a specialist shop to sample regional cachaca, Brazil’s sugarcane spirit long crafted in Paraty’s historic “alambiques.” Compare smooth, oak-rested styles with spiced infusions such as the beloved Gabriela, scented with cloves and cinnamon.

Hear how distilling shaped the town’s heritage and learn tips for choosing quality bottles to take home. This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour; participants must be of legal drinking age.

Dial up the adrenaline on the Argentina side with open-air jungle trucks that rumble through the forest before you board a powerboat into the falls. The captain noses close to thundering curtains of water—expect a thorough soaking and roaring excitement.

Guides handle logistics and safety gear; routes vary with river levels and weather. This optional excursion is at additional cost and bookable on tour, offering the most visceral way to feel Iguazú’s force.

Slip onto the river after dark to cruise the Rio Negro beneath a sky riddled with stars. The motor hums softly as guides sweep the banks with lights, listening for rustles and calls that betray life along the water’s edge.

Watch for the eye-shine of caimans and night birds, and savor the jungle’s layered soundtrack. This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, subject to weather and water conditions.

Venture out on a guided night trail with torches to discover how the forest transforms after dusk. Your local guide reveals the world of insects, frogs and camouflaged creatures that thrive when the heat fades.

Move slowly, attuning to the chorus of clicks, trills and rustles while learning about nocturnal adaptations and safety in the rainforest. This optional walk is at additional cost and bookable on tour; terrain can be uneven and muddy.

Discover Rio’s twin panoramas. Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain to terraces above Guanabara Bay, with vistas of Copacabana, Urca and the city’s granite peaks. The swift, two-stage ascent reveals the sculpted coastline and islands scattered offshore.

Also ride the historic Corcovado train through Atlantic Forest and stand beneath Christ the Redeemer, the 1931 Art Deco statue crowned among the Seven New Wonders of the World. From this lofty perch, the city unfurls below in a grand sweep of ocean, lagoons and forested mountains.

Food is likely to be a mix of dishes using a lot of local produce. The local fruit is normally very good. Meat and fish are staples of the Brazilian diet, but vegetarians can be catered for throughout the trip. Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements.