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Rail South America · Escorted tour

Grand Rail Tour of Brazil

17-day escorted rail journey across Brazil from Salvador to São Paulo

Illustration of Grand Rail Tour of Brazil

Rail South America's Grand Rail Tour of Brazil is a 17-day escorted journey through the country's colonial heartland and modern cities, departing Salvador da Bahia and ending in Paranapiacaba. The operator, a specialist in South American rail travel, has woven four distinct trains into the itinerary: the Train to the Sea covers 700 kilometers from Vitória to Belo Horizonte; a vintage steam locomotive carries travelers between São João del Rei and Tiradentes; the Serra Verde Express winds through Atlantic Rainforest near Curitiba; and a heritage funicular system showcases railway history at Paranapiacaba. Days combine rail journeys with guided exploration of UNESCO-listed Baroque towns, gold mining sites, and Brazil's major cities. An English-speaking Tour Leader and local guides manage all logistics, hotels, meals, and transfers. This style suits first-time rail travelers, history enthusiasts, and those who prefer guided comfort with expert local knowledge over independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure is listed (October 2026) at 7,031 USD; confirm availability and alternative dates directly with Rail South America.
  • Hotels are described as 3-4 star, not named; accommodation quality may vary depending on final selections in each city.
  • The itinerary shows four rail segments totaling perhaps 5-6 days of actual train travel across the 17 days; most days involve coach transfers, walking tours, or flights.
  • International flights to and from Brazil are not included; add these costs to the from-price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Vibrant Salvador da Bahia

  2. Day 2

    Explore Salvador's Afro-Brazilian Heart (UNESCO site)

  3. Day 3

    Discover Cachoeira and Tobacco Traditions

  4. Day 4

    Travel to Coastal Vitoria

  5. Day 5rail

    Scenic 700km Train Journey to Belo Horizonte

  6. Day 6

    Belo Horizonte & Ouro Preto's Baroque Wonders (UNESCO site)

  7. Day 7

    Uncovering Gold Mining History in Mariana

  8. Day 8rail

    Vintage Steam Train Adventure to Tiradentes

  9. Day 9

    Journey from Tiradentes to Vibrant Rio de Janeiro

  10. Day 10

    Rio's Iconic Landmarks (Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf)

  11. Day 11

    Exploring the Heart of Rio de Janeiro

  12. Day 12

    Experience Curitiba's Modern Marvels

  13. Day 13rail

    Serra Verde Express Scenic Rail Journey (Atlantic Rainforest)

  14. Day 14rail

    Explore São Paulo's Surroundings by Train

  15. Day 15rail

    Discover Railway History in Paranapiacaba (Unique Funicular System)

  16. Day 16

    Explore São Paulo: Brazil's Urban Dynamo

  17. Day 17

    Farewell Brazil / Transition to Iguazu Falls Extension (Optional)

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 5Day 5: the Train to the Sea travels 700 kilometers from Vitória to Belo Horizonte, a signature scenic rail journey.
  • Day 8Day 8: vintage steam train adventure between São João del Rei and Tiradentes through the mountain towns.
  • Day 13Day 13: the Serra Verde Express climbs through Atlantic Rainforest between Curitiba and surrounding regions.
  • Day 15Day 15: explore Paranapiacaba's unique heritage funicular railway system in São Paulo state.

Included

  • Full support before, during & after your trip
  • Luxurious accommodations at handpicked 3-4* hotels
  • All meals, transfers, entrance fees, and train tickets (as per itinerary)
  • Domestic flights in Economy Class within Brazil
  • English-speaking Tour Leader and local guides
  • One piece of luggage (up to 22 kg/50 lb) per person

Not included

  • International flights to/from Brazil
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance visas (if applicable)
  • Other services not mentioned
  • Tips and gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses (drinks, some meals not specified, incidentals)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Rail South America includes all train tickets, domestic flights in Economy Class, transfers, entrance fees, and meals as per the itinerary. The from-price is 7,031 USD per person.
Which trains are part of this tour?
The Grand Rail Tour includes four trains: the Train to the Sea (Vitória to Belo Horizonte, 700 km), a vintage steam train (São João del Rei to Tiradentes), the Serra Verde Express (Curitiba through Atlantic Rainforest), and the Paranapiacaba heritage funicular railway.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. Rail South America provides an English-speaking Tour Leader and local guides throughout the 17-day journey. The group is capped at 18 travelers.
What is included and what is not?
Included: 3-4 star hotels, all meals, transfers, entrance fees, train and domestic flight tickets, luggage allowance (one piece, up to 22 kg). Not included: international flights, travel insurance, visas, tips, and personal expenses such as drinks.
When does the Grand Rail Tour depart?
The listed departure is October 2026. Rail South America advises checking for additional 2025 or 2026 dates directly, as only one confirmed departure month is published.
Can I add Iguazu Falls to this tour?
Yes. Rail South America offers an optional Iguazu Falls extension (approximately Days 17-20) that visits the Brazilian side, then the Argentinian side, before returning to São Paulo.

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