Exploring Brazil’s Ultimate Bucket List
Brazil delivers jaw-dropping natural wonders and thrilling experiences. From waking up inside Iguazu National Park to soaring over Rio’s iconic skyline, here’s everything to add to your next trip.
We had to reschedule our Brazil trip at the last minute, which meant swapping award flights for paid tickets and booking some hotels at higher rates. Below you’ll see both the original prices (when planning ahead) and what we actually paid, so you know what a good deal looks like versus last-minute costs.
Days 1–2: Iguazu Falls
Flights: $3946 Total ($548 originally)
LAX-GIG RT Originally: 68,000 delta skymiles + $39/person
LAX-GIG RT Rescheduled: $1,300/person
GIG-IGU RT Originally: $235/person
GIG-IGU RT Rescheduled: $673/person
Acommodation: Total $2806 ($2250 originally)
$996 x 2 nights (Iguazu Falls Hotel) (originally $858/night)
$237 × 3 nights (Copacabana Hotel) (originally $178/night)
$103 x 1 night (last minute due to flight delay)
Transportation: $125 Total
6 Ubers: $58
Christ the Redeemer Cog Train Ticket: $33/person
Activities: $1216 Total
Helicopter Iguazu Falls: $123/person
Macaco Jetboat Safari: $90/person
Hanggliding: $225/person
Football Match at Maracana Stadium: $150/person
Fluminense Merch: $40
Total: $8093 ($4139 originally)
$518/day
$259/person/day
Budget
The Cataratas hotel is the only accommodation within the park on the Brazilian side. Of its 193 rooms, 11 overlook the falls themselves for unforgettable sunrises and sunsets after the park closes to day visitors. Rates start at USD 858 per night for a Falls View Room.
Staying here means you can:
Wander the boardwalks before dawn when mist drifts low over the water
Return at dusk for the roar of the falls in near-silence
Booking Tips
The Cataratas Hotel: Being the only in-park lodging grants unmatched access to the falls when the park is closed to day visitors—plan at least two nights to maximize dawn and dusk visits.
Helicopter Over Iguazu: Booking in person at the local office can save you a significant per-person amount compared to online third-party platforms—no set time slots required.
Hang-Gliding in Rio: Opt for a reputable platform that handles pilot vetting and logistics; you’ll lie horizontally under the wing for an unparalleled flying sensation.
Christ the Redeemer: Take the historic cog train from Cosme Velho station early or late in the day to avoid clouds and queues at the summit.
Maracanã Stadium: Whether you catch a live match or do a behind-the-scenes tour, book as far in advance as possible for the best availability.
Stay Inside Iguazu National Park
Stand in Awe of Iguazu Falls
Iguazu is the largest waterfall system in the world, taller than Niagara and wider than Victoria. Visit from Brazil for sweeping panoramic views, then book a helicopter ride or boat safari to see the falls up close.
Note on booking the helicopter tour
Online platforms often charge USD 180 per person but local operators offer the same experience for USD 125 per person when you book in person at the office. Flights depart throughout the day without set time slots — just show up and you’ll be in the air within minutes.
Other Bucket-List Must-Dos
• Christ the Redeemer Statue: Take the 20-minute cog train from Corcovado Station in Cosme Velho through Tijuca Forest National Park. Tickets run USD 33 per person; visit early or late to avoid clouds and crowds.
• Maracanã Stadium: One of the world’s largest football stadiums, it hosted multiple World Cups and Olympics. Catch a live match to immerse yourself in Brazilian culture.
We're the adventure-loving duo behind the lens and the keyboard, swapping nine-to-five predictability for jet lag, desert sunrises, and stories worth replaying. Follow our journey to 50 countries while we share all our tips, mistakes and hidden gems along the way. We love finding the world's most unique bucket list adventures and stays to share with you here!
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