Upon arrival at the Foz do Iguassu airport, the city located on the Brazilian side of the falls, your tour guide will be waiting to pick you up and escort you to your hotel. Relax and enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool and amenities, nestled in the subtropical forests near the Iguassu Falls. For dinner, feast on a Brazilian-style meal, included in your stay.

Explore the magnificent Iguazú Falls from the Argentine side during a full-day excursion. Cross into Argentina for a walk above the falls, wider and more powerful than Niagara. Sail underneath the falls on the Gran Aventura boat ride and be engulfed in the mist. Then navigate the extensive hiking trails surrounding the park and lookout for butterflies, caiman and other exotic birds and wildlife. Return to your hotel in the evening and soak up the memories of the day.

Today, head back to the Iguazú Falls on the Brazilian section this time. Stroll out on the walkways that lead out over the Falls to capture amazing views of the powerful cascades.

Afterward, journey through the Serra do Mar mountains in Brazil’s southern Atlantic Rainforest. Rolling green hills, farms and Araucária forests decorate the landscape. Arrive in Curitiba, named “Best-organized City in South America”, and check into your hotel before savoring a delectable dinner to get a taste of the region’s mix of cultures.

This morning, board a train for a full-day excursion on a scenic ride to the coast. This historic railway journey steams its way through the lush green Atlantic rainforest as it winds its way from Curitiba to the Port of Antonina. The route passes by the rolling hills of Serra do Mar and ascends up to 1,200m above sea level. Enjoy walking around the historic port city of Antonina, have lunch and return to Curitiba to spend the night.

Arrive in the cidade maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro, and check into your hotel on Copacabana Beach. The afternoon is free to seek out the city’s highlights, shop at leisure or relax barefoot on the sand. Enjoy a welcome drink and rodizio barbecue lunch or dinner depending on when you arrive. If there’s time, venture to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain for a panoramic view. Board a funicular to reach the peak and take in the spectacular golden beaches, vibrant green forests and the sprawling metropolis.

Breathe in the tropical breezes from the summit of Corcovado Mountain today. Board the trezinho (cogwheel railway) and ride to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a bird’s eye view of Rio de Janeiro. From here, marvel at the impressive Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the sparkling blue Guanabara Bay.

In the evening, get ready to celebrate the world’s most colorful and biggest new year’s party on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. Festivities begin with traditional African performances dedicated to Yemanjá, the African goddess of the seas. Watch the cariocas proudly displaying their Afro-Brazilian heritage. Then join in, dancing on the streets near Ipanema and Copacabana to the vibrant rhythms and enjoy the food, music and laughter with the locals. Ring in the new year and watch fireworks light up the night sky.

Spend the first day of the new year soaking up the sun on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. The day is free to spend at leisure, but optional tours are available including a schooner cruise of Guanabara Bay or to a fishing village nearby. For a more historic excursion, explore Petropolis, the summer palace of Dom Pedro, or simply relax in the green heart of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens. For dinner, consider the fantastic Samba Dinner Show and savor authentic Brazilian cuisine while entertained by Brazilian music and dance.

Enjoy a final morning in Rio de Janeiro. After packing your bags, head to the Rio de Janeiro airport for your journey home or to your next destination.

To extend your Brazilian adventure, consider adding a 3-day trip to Salvador in Bahia to experience the rich Afro-Brazilian culture of the country’s original capital, or venture into the Amazon Rainforest for a 3-day river cruise.