8 days in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador & Belo Horizonte Itinerary

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

Venture out of the city with trips to Petropolis (Palacio Itaborai, Cervejaria Bohemia, &more). There's much more to do: catch a ride on Sugarloaf Mountain, step into the grandiose world of Ilha Fiscal, take in nature's colorful creations at Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, and catch a live performance at Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro.

To find more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Rio de Janeiro travel route website.

Curitiba to Rio de Janeiro is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Curitiba in July, with highs in Rio de Janeiro at 30°C and lows at 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sun) so you can travel to Salvador.

Nowhere are the traditions of Brazil's African-background community as strong as in Salvador, the colorful, historical capital of Bahia state.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Mon): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Sao Francisco Church and Convent, then stop by Pelourinho, then admire the landmark architecture of Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at Casa do Rio Vermelho, kick back and relax at Praia Farol da Barra, then contemplate the long history of Santo Antonio da Barra Fort and Nautic Museum of Bahia, and finally take in panoramic vistas at Elevator Lacerda.

Start your trip to Salvador by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Fly from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. July in Salvador sees daily highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) early enough to travel to Belo Horizonte.

Named for its spectacular mountain views, and known locally as the "Garden City," Belo Horizonte has historically fostered a connection with nature since its inauguration in 1897.

On the 31st (Wed), don't miss a visit to Mirante Mangabeiras, admire the masterpieces at Memorial Minas Gerais Vale, then don't miss a visit to Praca da Liberdade, then indulge your taste buds at Mercado Central de Belo Horizonte, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Capela Curial de São Francisco de Assis.

To find maps, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Belo Horizonte travel itinerary planner.

You can fly from Salvador to Belo Horizonte in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect little chillier evenings in Belo Horizonte when traveling from Salvador in July, with lows around 19°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Wed) early enough to travel back home.