10 days · Rio + Iguazú
Brazil in 10 days
Brazil in 10 days: Rio + Iguazú (or Salvador). Iconic city and one contrast — falls or Bahia — without map overload.
Rio anchors — pick a second act
In 10 days: Rio (5–6) + Iguazú (3–4) by flight. Alternative: Rio + Salvador (Pelourinho + beach). Don’t stack Rio + Amazon + Pantanal + Florianópolis + São Paulo — you’ll lose the trip in airports.
When
Apr–Jun / Sep–Nov
Shoulder: good Rio weather; kinder Iguazú and Salvador than peak humid summer.
Dec–Mar (summer)
Beaches and Carnival (book early); humid heat and high Rio prices.
Jul–Aug
Mild Rio winter; Iguazú still runs; pleasant Salvador.
Budget / day
US$60–140
Hotel
US$25–50
Food
US$20–60
Tours/Uber
US$110–250
Total
10 days
Days 1–6Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana/Ipanema, Christ, Sugarloaf, Santa Teresa or Lapa by day, and a beach day or Ilha Grande lite if time allows — without three viewpoint tours the same day.
- Uber/apps, don’t flash valuables, beaches by day. Christ: book a slot or go early.
Days 7–10Iguazú (or Salvador)
Flight to Foz: Brazilian panorama side + half day Argentina if visa/time. Alt Salvador: Pelourinho, Farol da Barra, Bahian food and rhythm without forcing every party night.
- Iguazú: rain jacket. Salvador: humid heat and siestas; Historic Centre with common sense at night.
Practical
Domestic flights
GIG/SDU–IGU and GIG–SSA are frequent. Low-cost: leave connection margin.
Where to stay
Rio: Copacabana/Ipanema/Botafogo · Foz: near park or centre · Salvador: Barra or Pelourinho with judgment.
Safety
Tourism with common sense: transport apps, no isolated night beaches, travel insurance.
Food
Feijoada · açaí · churrasco · in Salvador moqueca and acarajé. Fresh juice > tourist soda.
Tips
One contrast, not three regions
Iguazú OR Salvador. The Amazon needs its own trip.
Only Christ + beach selfie
Enter a neighbourhood (Santa Teresa), a small museum and a conversation — Rio is more than the postcard.
Both sides of Iguazú
Brazilian = panorama; Argentine = walkways. Worth the crossing if time allows.
Carnival without booking
Hotels and flights spike. If you go then, lock everything months ahead.
Checklist
Brazil on TripMatches
Build Rio + Iguazú (or Salvador), share nights and align beach vs falls or Bahia with your group.
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