9 days in Brazil Itinerary

Bustling with samba music and all-night street parties, no city encapsulates the spirit of Brazil better than Rio de Janeiro.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): appreciate the history behind Corcovado Christ the Redeemer, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Praia de Ipanema, then kick back and relax at Pedra do Arpoador, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Copacabana Beach. On your second day here, don't miss a visit to Escadaria Selaron, stroll through Pao de Acucar, then take in nature's colorful creations at Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Barra da Tijuca Beach.

To see traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Rio de Janeiro online journey planner .

Johannesburg, South Africa to Rio de Janeiro is an approximately 15-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Johannesburg to Rio de Janeiro is minus 5 hours. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Rio de Janeiro when traveling from Johannesburg in December, with lows around 27°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) so you can travel to Brasilia.

Although it lacks the cultural flair of Rio de Janeiro and the massive urban sprawl of Sao Paulo, Brasilia holds a fascinating place in the tapestry of Brazil.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Tue): snap pictures at JK Bridge, take a leisurely stroll along Pontao do Lago Sul, then admire the landmark architecture of Catedral Metropolitana, then make a trip to Torre de Televisao, and finally appreciate the history behind Memorial JK. Keep things going the next day: get a sense of history and politics at Itamaraty Palace, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Santuario Dom Bosco, and then walk around Parque da Cidade Sarah Kubitschek.

To see photos, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Brasilia journey planning site .

Getting from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Rio de Janeiro in December; daily highs in Brasilia reach 32°C and lows reach 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Foz do Iguacu.

A gateway to the world-renowned Iguacu Falls, which spectacularly divide Brazil and Argentina, the modern, high-rise city of Foz do Iguacu can't help but play second fiddle to the natural wonder in its vicinity.

On the 26th (Thu), take in the spiritual surroundings of Mosque of Omar Ibn Al-Khattab and then take in the dramatic scenery at Iguazu Falls. On the 27th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the spiritual surroundings of Buddhist Temple, then admire the engineering at Itaipu Dam, and then learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Parque das Aves Bird Park.

To find maps, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Foz do Iguacu trip itinerary planning site .

You can fly from Brasilia to Foz do Iguacu in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. In December in Foz do Iguacu, expect temperatures between 36°C during the day and 24°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Sao Paulo.

Don't let the city's nickname--"Land of Drizzle"--dampen your spirits during a trip to Sao Paulo.

On the 28th (Sat), explore the world behind art at Pinacoteca do Estado de Sao Paulo, then admire the landmark architecture of Estacao da Luz, then walk around Parque Ibirapuera, and finally take a stroll through Paulista Avenue.

To see ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Sao Paulo online trip itinerary planner .

Traveling by flight from Foz do Iguacu to Sao Paulo takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. When traveling from Foz do Iguacu in December, plan for a bit cooler days in Sao Paulo, with highs around 32°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 22°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can travel back home.