Brazil, a vast South American country, stretches from the Amazon Basin in the north to vineyards and massive Iguaçu Falls in the south. Rio de Janeiro, symbolized by its 38m Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado, is famed for its busy Copacabana and Ipanema beaches as well as its enormous, raucous Carnival festival, featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes, and samba music and dance.
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our local representative who will escort you to your hotel via private coach. Welcome to the “Wonderful City” as locals like to call it. Rio is nestled between the mountains and the sea. Its magnificent shoreline includes charming bays and beautiful beaches, dotted with islands up and down the coast. Overnight in Rio
We’ll take an amazing morning tour to Corcovado. After a beautiful scenic drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, we arrive at the bottom of the Corcovado hill where we will board a comfortable cog train to climb through the Tijuca rainforest to the top of the mountain. Here stands the imposing statue of Christ, the Redeemer, overlooking the city. From the top, discover why Rio is known as the ‘Marvellous City.’ Take the rest of the afternoon to explore this magical city or join the locals on Ipanema or Copacabana beaches. Overnight in Rio
Today we’ll have a panoramic tour to downtown Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral which stands like a pyramid 300 feet high. Stroll through traditional Cinelandia Square. Finally, we’ll head to Urca to visit the world-famous Sugar Loaf Mountain, symbol of the city, located in the middle of the Guanabara Bay. Two cable car rides whisk you to the top to enjoy one of the most breath-taking views of the city from over 1100 feet in elevation. Your afternoon is free to enjoy the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Overnight in Rio
Board a sleek schooner or a fast cruiser and sit back to admire the coastline as we cruise into Sepetiba Bay or Guanabara Bay. Munch on tropical fruit as you spot dolphins, giant king-fishers, turtles and sting-rays. We’ll stop for a swim, and then spend some time on one of the lovely beaches. Be as active or relaxed as you wish. Overnight in Rio
DINNER SHOW Join in the fun tonight at a colourful samba extravaganza. Carnival has its origins in this glittering dance style with its exotic costumes. Feel the rhythm of the dancers and musicians in this spectacular show while you dine on a sumptuous dinner. Overnight in Rio
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls. Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, both sides are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the most mesmerizing wonders of the continent. Its name means “Big Water” and you’ll soon see why! Spanning heights of 210 – 270 feet, the U-shaped cliff which is 490 x 2300 feet wide carries more water than you can imagine. Overnight in Iguazu
Your treat today is a walk on the wild side! A 1-mile trail takes you along the river’s edge, skirting many small waterfalls, right to the base of the biggest falls of all. Creep out onto the catwalk that extends out over the brink of Devil’s Throat for close-up views of the thundering water. Next, take the elevator to the top for another vantage point. Overnight in Iguazu
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Manaus in the heart of the Amazon. This city is the gateway to the surrounding rivers and rain forests of the jungle. Staying in Eco Lodges is a great way to immerse into the jungle. Temperatures during the rainy season (Dec-May) are generally around the mid-80’s and a bit warmer during the dry season. Rainfall here is half what it is further east in the Andean region. Wild life viewing is usually best in the cooler months of March – June in this region. Overnight in Amazon
Your tour boat leaves from Manaus to see the unusual phenomenon called the Meeting of the Waters. The black waters of the Negro River meet the white waters of the Solimoes River flowing side by side without mixing for several miles. At this point it’s considered the Amazon River. Continue sailing up the Rio Negro to the January Ecological Park where the famous Vitoria Regia (Giant Lily pads) can be found. In the wet season, we’ll take a motorized canoe through creeks that connect the two rivers. During the dry season, when the water is too low, you’ll explore this region on foot instead. Enjoy lunch at a floating restaurant followed by a visit to the indigenous artisan fair. Overnight in Amazon
Hike through the jungle for approximately two hours, learning how to construct traps and how to recognize medicinal and fruit-bearing plants. Then hop into the canoe to complete the journey on water. You have the option of swimming or visiting an indigenous village to learn their traditions. This evening you’ll experience the Amazon at night. Embark by boat through the Rios Solimoes and Amazonas forest with specialized guides. Using lanterns to spot the nocturnal wild animals, you will likely see many alligators! Overnight in Amazon
Your tour boat leaves from Manaus to see the unusual phenomenon called the Meeting of the Waters. The black waters of the Negro River meet the white waters of the Solimoes River flowing side by side without mixing for several miles. At this point it’s considered the Amazon River. Continue sailing up the Rio Negro to the January Ecological Park where the famous Vitoria Regia (Giant Lily pads) can be found. In the wet season, we’ll take a motorized canoe through creeks that connect the two rivers. During the dry season, when the water is too low, you’ll explore this region on foot instead. Enjoy lunch at a floating restaurant followed by a visit to the indigenous artisan fair
After Lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro to connect to your flight home.