Grand Tour of Brazil
• SALVADOR DA BAHIA • VITÓRIA • BELO HORIZONTE • OURO PRETO •
• TIRADENTES • RIO DE JANEIRO • CURITIBA • SÃO PAULO •
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO IGUAZU FALLS
Next
Departure
- Overview
- Highlights
- Map & Itinerary
- Trip Inclusions
- Transport & Accommodation
- Things you need to know
- Reviews
- FAQs
From the rhythmic heartbeat of Salvador to the thunderous majesty of Iguazu Falls, this isn’t just a holiday - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime rail odyssey through Brazil’s vibrant soul. Historic trains, baroque towns, world-class cuisine, and handpicked hotels create a journey designed for those who seek depth, comfort, and discovery. The Grand Rail Tour of Brazil is crafted for travelers who want to experience Brazil profoundly - without compromise on comfort.
Departure dates
Per person twin share: $10,989
Single Supplement: $1,489
Some highlights of your tour
- Afro-Brazilian Salvador da Bahia – cobblestone streets alive with rhythm, colour, and spice.
- The ‘Train to the Sea’ – 700 km of lush hills, valleys, and endless green unfolding at your window
- Ouro Preto & Mariana – baroque splendor, gold-rush history, and mountain charm
- Steam Train to Tiradentes – step back in time aboard a vintage steam hauled train
- Rio de Janeiro – Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Copacabana, and samba spirit
- Serra Verde Express – descend through the misty Serra do Mar to colonial Morretes
- São Paulo – Brazil’s modern dynamo with a rich railway legacy
- Optional Extension: Iguazu Falls – one of the world’s great natural wonders, experienced on both Brazilian and Argentinian sides.
Arrive in Brazil’s first capital, where Afro-Brazilian rhythms and ocean breezes set the stage for your adventure. Transfer to your hotel, enjoy a welcome drink, and meet your fellow travelers.
Explore Salvador’s UNESCO-listed Pelourinho district. Wander cobblestone streets lined with pastel mansions, ornate baroque churches, and lively squares. The aromas of exotic spices and the beat of drums immerse you in the Afro-Brazilian heart of the city.
(B, L)
Journey into Brazil’s Recôncavo region for a day of history and tradition. In São Félix, visit the Dannemann Cigar Factory, where craftsmanship and heritage come alive. Cross the river to Cachoeira, a colonial gem on the banks of the Paraguaçu. On the return, explore the vibrant Santo Amaro Market before heading back to Salvador.
(B, L)
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your flight to coastal Vitoria. Visit the hilltop Convent of Penha for sweeping views, then check into your seaside hotel and relax.
(B, L)
Board the legendary railway linking Vitoria to Belo Horizonte. Settle into your seat as lush valleys, rivers, and rolling hills unfold outside your window during this spectacular 700 km journey.
(B, D)
Discover Belo Horizonte before continuing to Ouro Preto, a UNESCO treasure. Gilded baroque churches, cobblestone streets, and mountain vistas reveal Brazil’s colonial past.
(B, L)
Travel to Mariana, once a bustling gold-mining town. Descend into a historic mine, stroll through its charming center, and enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to Ouro Preto.
(B, L)
Board a vintage steam train to São João del Rei, visiting its historic railway museum. Continue to Tiradentes, where colonial streets, artisan shops, and timeless charm await.
(B, L)
Enjoy Tiradentes in the morning before setting out for Rio de Janeiro. Landscapes change as anticipation builds for Brazil’s most iconic city. On arrival, unwind with a swim overlooking Copacabana or simply relax before tomorrow’s exploration.
(B, D)
Stand before Christ the Redeemer, arms stretched above the city. Later, venture into the Tijuca Forest, a lush tropical sanctuary within Rio.
(B, L)
Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for breathtaking views of bay and mountains. Walk Copacabana’s famous beachfront, where Rio’s glamorous spirit shines.
(B, L)
Fly south to Curitiba, a surprising blend of modern planning, green parks, and innovative architecture. Visit highlights such as Tanguá Park and the Oscar Niemeyer Museum.
(B, L)
Ride the Serra Verde Express through the Serra do Mar mountains. Rainforest, waterfalls, and misty valleys frame your descent into colonial Morretes. Enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to Curitiba for your evening flight to Campinas.
(B, L)
Step aboard a preserved museum train from Campinas to Jaguariúna, reliving Brazil’s railway heritage. Continue to São Paulo, the country’s vibrant metropolis.
(B, L)
Discover Paranapiacaba, a railway village steeped in history. Its unique funicular system and Victorian-style architecture showcase Brazil’s industrial past.
(B, L)
Immerse yourself in São Paulo’s energy—wander Paulista Avenue, explore historic downtown, and visit Luz Station with its Pinacoteca art museum. Conclude with a farewell lunch in an upscale restaurant.
(B, L)
Transfer to the airport for your international flight—or extend your adventure with Iguazu Falls.
(B)
What's included
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Full support before, during & after your trip
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Fully escorted by Rail South America and English-speaking local guides
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3 nights accommodation at the Wish Hotel, Salvador da Bahia with breakfast daily
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1 night accommodation at the Hotel Sheraton, Vitoria with breakfast
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1 night accommodation at the Hotel Holiday Inn, Belo Horizonte with breakfast
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2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo, Ouro Preto with breakfast daily
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1 night accommodation at the Pousada Mãe D’Água, Tiradentes with breakfast
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3 nights accommodation at the Miramar Hotel, Rio - Copacabana with breakfast daily
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2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Radisson, Curitiba with breakfast daily
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3 nights accommodation at the Hotel Qoya, São Paulo with breakfast daily
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All meals, transfers, entrance fees, and train tickets (as per itinerary)
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Domestic flights in Economy Class within Brazil
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One piece of luggage (up to 22 kg/50 lb) per person
What's not included
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International flights to / from Brazil
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Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Entrance visas (if applicable)
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Other services not mentioned
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Tips and gratuities to guides and drivers
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Personal Expenses (drinks, some meals not specified, incidentals)
Some ways you’ll travel
The best train trips possible, private luxury coach for off-train travel, guided walking where suitable, and other appropriate and appealing options to make exploration easy
Serra Verde Express
State of Paraná
Corcovado Train
Rio de Janeiro
Trem Turístico
State of Minas GeraisSome places you’ll stay
Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Please Note: Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
Things you need to know
Optional Tour Extension: Iguazu Falls
- Day 17: São Paulo to Foz do Iguaçu
Fly to Foz do Iguaçu and experience the Brazilian side of the Falls. Overnight in Foz. - Day 18: Argentinian Side of the Falls
Take the rainforest train to Devil’s Throat, the most dramatic waterfall, and explore surrounding trails before returning to Brazil. - Day 19: Return to São Paulo
Flight back to São Paulo with free time to enjoy the city. - Day 20: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Inclusions for the extension:
- Return Economy Class flights from São Paulo to Iguazu
- 2 nights accommodation at the Wish Hotel, Iguazu with breakfast daily
- 1 nights accommodation at the Hotel Qoya, São Paulo with breakfast
If you’d like to know the fares for the extension, please contact us.
Our track record
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
FAQs
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