Embark on a vibrant 7-day cultural and urban exploration of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, balancing city discovery with beach relaxation and engaging nightlife. This moderately-budgeted trip invites you to delve into local markets, museums, diverse neighborhoods, and nature walks, savoring local cuisine and finding unique photography spots. Experience authentic Brazil, avoiding extreme sports and overly touristy attractions for a more local and economic journey.
Arrive at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) from Santiago, Chile.
Clear customs and immigration, then take a transfer to your hotel in São Paulo.
Consider booking a transfer service in advance or using a ride-sharing app for convenience. The transfer to the city center takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Check into your chosen hotel in São Paulo and freshen up before heading out to explore.
Take a stroll along Paulista Avenue, São Paulo's most iconic street, lined with museums, cultural centers, shops, and impressive architecture.
Perfect for people-watching.
Visit MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art) if time permits, or simply enjoy the urban vibe. Many food trucks and street vendors are often present.
Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants or casual eateries around Paulista Avenue, offering a wide range of cuisines.
Explore the historic center of São Paulo on an engaging Free Walking Tour.
Discover iconic landmarks and learn about the city's rich history with a local guide.
Booking required. Although 'free,' it's customary to tip your guide at the end of the tour.
Visit São Paulo's Municipal Market (Mercadão) for a vibrant culinary experience.
Enjoy a traditional pastel de bacalhau (codfish pastry) or a huge mortadella sandwich.
A lively spot to try local delicacies and fresh produce. Be prepared for crowds.
Discover São Paulo's diverse architectural styles, from colonial to modern and art deco.
A private tour provides insights into the city's unique urban landscape.
This tour offers a comprehensive look at the city's visual history and development.
Experience São Paulo's sophisticated dining scene in the Jardins neighborhood, known for its upscale restaurants and trendy bars.
Embark on a private guided tour to experience São Paulo's vibrant street art and graffiti scenes, discovering how art ignites change in the city's urban landscapes.
São Paulo is famous for its graffiti and street art, offering a unique cultural perspective.
Enjoy a quick lunch before heading to Congonhas Airport (CGH) for your flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Congonhas Airport (CGH) is closer to the city center and primarily serves domestic flights, making it convenient for this leg of the journey.
Take a short domestic flight from São Paulo (CGH) to Rio de Janeiro (SDU or GIG).
Book an early evening flight to arrive in Rio with enough time to check into your accommodation.
Arrive at Rio de Janeiro airport, transfer to your hotel, and check-in.
Enjoy your first dinner in Rio, perhaps in a neighborhood like Copacabana or Ipanema.
Take the iconic cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, and the surrounding beaches.
Go early to avoid crowds, especially on a Monday. The views are spectacular at any time of day.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the charming Urca neighborhood, at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the world-famous sands of Copacabana Beach.
Enjoy the sun, watch the beach vendors, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Rent a chair and umbrella from a kiosk. Be mindful of your belongings and avoid walking alone after dark.
Walk to Ipanema Beach and find a spot near Arpoador Rock to watch the spectacular sunset over the 'Dois Irmãos' mountains.
It's a classic Rio experience.
This spot is popular for a reason; expect a friendly crowd cheering as the sun dips below the horizon.
Explore the vibrant dining scene in Ipanema, known for its diverse restaurants and bars.
Visit the stunning Mosteiro de São Bento, a Benedictine monastery completed in 1641, renowned for its spectacular gilded Baroque interior.
If visiting on a Sunday, you might catch the Gregorian chants (check schedule in advance). Dress modestly.
Admire the grandeur of the Candelária Church, an impressive colonial church with a rich history and beautiful architecture in the city center.
The exterior and interior are both very ornate and worth exploring.
Enjoy a casual lunch in Rio's historic city center, with many traditional eateries and cafes.
Explore the beautiful Parque Lage, an elegant mansion with an art school, nestled at the foot of Corcovado.
Afterwards, walk through the adjacent Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden), home to diverse flora.
Parque Lage offers fantastic photo opportunities with Christ the Redeemer in the background. Entry to Parque Lage is free; the Botanical Garden has an entrance fee.
Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants or kiosks along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, offering scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere.
The pathway around the lagoon is popular for walking and cycling, making it a pleasant evening spot.
Start your day by soaking up the sun and atmosphere at the famous Ipanema Beach.
Enjoy a walk along the shore, watch the locals, and take in the stunning views of the 'Dois Irmãos' mountains.
Rent a chair and umbrella from one of the many vendors. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many kiosks or restaurants near Ipanema Beach, offering fresh seafood or traditional Brazilian snacks.
Explore the beautiful Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, a popular recreation area for locals.
You can rent a bike, go for a leisurely walk, or simply enjoy the serene views with the mountains as a backdrop.
The 5-mile pathway is great for cycling or walking. Kiosks around the lake offer drinks and food.
Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for breathtaking panoramic views of Rio, especially stunning as the sun begins to set over the city, Guanabara Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Book your tickets online in advance to save time. Rated 4.7/5 on TripAdvisor.
Experience Rio's vibrant nightlife in Lapa, known for its traditional bars, live samba music, and energetic street parties.
Enjoy a caipirinha and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Be aware of your surroundings and consider taking a taxi or ride-sharing service to and from Lapa for safety.
Discover the enchanting Parque Lage, a public park featuring beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a historic mansion that houses an art school.
It's a serene spot for a morning stroll.
Enjoy the lush greenery and views of Christ the Redeemer from the mansion's courtyard. Rated 4.4/5 on TripAdvisor.
Enjoy a final Brazilian lunch at a restaurant or café in the charming Jardim Botânico neighborhood, known for its relaxed atmosphere and good food options.
Grab some last-minute souvenirs or gifts from local artisan markets or shops in the Copacabana or Ipanema area, perfect for bringing a piece of Rio home.
Arrange for a taxi or ride-sharing service to transport you from your hotel to Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG) for your outbound flight.
Depending on traffic, the ride from Copacabana/Ipanema to GIG can take 45-90 minutes. Allow ample time.
Check in for your flight from Rio de Janeiro back to Santiago, Chile, concluding your memorable trip to Brazil.
Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight.
This 7-day itinerary for Brazil can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.