Rio, the coast & Iguaçu Falls
The Journey
Rio de Janeiro
Days 1–4
Land at Rio (GIG), settle into the villa, and gather for a welcome dinner — the first night of the trip.
Morning up to Corcovado for Christ the Redeemer and the view over this sea-and-mountain city; an afternoon in the arty lanes of Santa Teresa; sunset at Ipanema beach.
A favela walk with local guides — Rio's other side — then the cable car up Sugarloaf for sunset over the bay.
Hike Rio's iconic rock for the famous 'hanging off the cliff' photo with the whole coastline behind you; an easy afternoon on Copacabana, and one last Rio sunset — everyone claps.
Iguaçu Falls
Days 5–6
Villa breakfast and checkout, then a domestic flight to Iguaçu. Evening at a favorite atmospheric restaurant in this little three-borders town.
Move to the Belmond inside the park — the only hotel steps from the falls. Walk the Brazilian-side boardwalks into the spray, take a speedboat right under the cascades, and once the park closes, have sunset over the falls almost to yourselves.
The Amazon
Days 7–10
Before the gates open, the falls at sunrise — quiet and gold. Then check out and fly to Manaus, gateway to the Amazon, for a night's rest before three days on the river.
Board our own boat and slip into the Amazon — past the sharp line where the black Rio Negro meets the sandy Solimões, then deep into the forest, city noise finally behind you. Wildlife spotting, a jungle walk, piranha fishing, and after dark, the Milky Way over the river with your bare eyes.
Wake to birdsong and river mist, and spend the day feeling out the sheer scale of the 'lungs of the earth' — the last night falling asleep to the rainforest.
Say goodbye to the Amazon, boat back to Manaus by midday, and fly to São Paulo (GRU) — where the adventure ends and you connect onward home.
What makes this trip special
No surprises. Here's what this trip includes that most don't — and what your price reflects.
A private boat deep in the Amazon
Not a shared day-cruise — our own boat to reach the quiet stretches most tours never see, on your group's schedule.
A stay at Belmond
A night at a legendary Belmond property — the kind of stay that's usually a whole trip's splurge, folded into ours.
Three internal flights, all included
Brazil is vast. Three domestic flights are built into your price, so you cover Rio, Iguaçu and the Amazon without booking a thing.
A private villa, just for the group
The whole group under one roof — a villa we take over entirely, not scattered hotel rooms.
Restaurants and routes your host planned while living here
Every meal and stop was scouted in person by your host over months living in Brazil — not pulled from a catalogue.
A private van the whole way
Your own vehicle and driver throughout — no waiting on transfers, no crowded coaches between stops.
Your host
I'm Jinghua. I'll be the one at the arrivals gate, holding a sign with your name on it.
I started Bucketlister because the experiences I most wanted were the ones I kept shelving — the ones that felt too big to do on my own. So I stopped waiting, and decided to bring a small group along.
I'm there the whole way — not a rep, not a flag to follow. Just me, and up to eleven other people who said yes to the same thing.
— Jinghua
What's Included
Everything is organised so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Included
- ✓All accommodation (small-group selected)
- ✓Local guides & cultural experiences
- ✓Select signature meals incl. a family dinner
- ✓Intercity transport
- ✓Your host, the whole way
Not Included
- ✈️International flights (three domestic flights included)
- 🛂Visa fees, if applicable
- 🍽️About 4 meals on your own
- 💸Tips for guides & drivers
- 🥤Drinks
- 🛟Travel insurance (required)
Optional Add-ons
Extras you can add to your booking, priced per person. Add them at checkout or tell your host.
Single-occupancy room
Rooms are shared by default — pay the supplement for your own room the whole way.
Rio hang-gliding
Launch from Pedra Bonita and soar over São Conrado beach — Rio's classic flight.
Christ the Redeemer by helicopter
A helicopter loop around the statue and Guanabara Bay, the whole city below you.
Flights & Visas
Airports
You land in Rio and leave from São Paulo — book your arrival and departure as separate flights, not a round-trip to one city.
Visa & entry
For Chinese passport holders
Good news: as of 2026, Chinese passport holders can enter Brazil visa-free for tourism — no visa needed in advance, just bring a valid passport. Check the current stay limit when you enter.
- ·Passport valid for 6+ months required.
- ·Carry a return ticket and accommodation details in case you're asked.
- ·Travel insurance is required to join.
Gallery
Tales from the trails
Voices from this trip
Arun
Mia
Lou
Arun
Mia
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Arun
Mia
Lou
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Mia
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Lou
Good to know
I'm coming alone — is this for me?+
Very much so. Most of our travelers book solo. A small group, shared meals, and a host whose job is to fold everyone in.
How big is the group, and who comes?+
8–12 people per trip, mostly curious 20–45s — but outside that is welcome too; if you fit the vibe, age is just a number.
How do I pay, and can I pay in installments?+
Securely through WeTravel (UnionPay and cards). A deposit holds your spot, with the balance on a payment plan.
What's the cancellation policy?+
Each experience's deposit and cancellation terms are spelled out on its booking page before you pay.
What about visas and insurance?+
We provide visa guidance and a prep checklist before departure. Travel insurance is your own, and we'll recommend options.
Is the trip in Chinese or English?+
Chinese and English support throughout, alongside local guides — language is never a barrier.
Join this trip
Brazil · September 25 – October 4, 2026 · 8–12 travelers. Reserve your place with a deposit.
No invitation code yet? Apply here!