Brazil·20 - 27 October 2024

Samba & Sunsets: Discovering Brazil's Charms

From Rio to the beaches of Ipanema to the lush landscape of the Iguacu Falls and almost everywhere in between!

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Overview

We've created a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to lively and breathtakingly beautiful Brazil. We'll indulge in the natural and cultural wonders of this incredible South American country. We'll take in the iconic views of Rio from the top of Corcovado Mountain and marvel at the majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer. We'll relax on the soft, white sands of Ipanema, sipping on caipirinhas and soaking up the sun. We'll visit a samba school and take a cooking class to explore the rich flavors of Brazil. Then, we'll decamp into nature, delighting in cascading waterfalls and lush foliage beyond the city, a tranquil escape from the bustling streets. We'll indulge in delicious and authentic Brazilian cuisine, full of savory flavors and delicious fresh ingredients. Why not extend your stay and explore the Amazon? Here, we'll immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the world's largest rainforest. For five days, we'll venture into the heart of the jungle, canoeing through winding waterways, spotting caimans, watching the sunrise over the canopy, hiking in the jungle, and learning from the local community. This is an opportunity to profoundly connect with nature and experience the wonder of the Amazon. Join us for an extraordinary journey to the heart of Brazil, where adventure and cultural immersion wait at every turn!

Highlights

Behind the scenes carnival experience and samba lesson

Behind the scenes carnival experience and samba lesson

View Christ the Redeemer from a cog train

View Christ the Redeemer from a cog train

Admire Rio from Sugarloaf Mountain

Admire Rio from Sugarloaf Mountain

Spend the day at the imperial city of Petropolis

Spend the day at the imperial city of Petropolis

Discover the mysteries of Brazilian cuisine in a cookery class

Discover the mysteries of Brazilian cuisine in a cookery class

Discover the flora and fauna in Iguacu National Park

Discover the flora and fauna in Iguacu National Park

Experience the world largest waterfalls from two countries

Experience the world largest waterfalls from two countries

Devour Brazilian food at amazing restaurants

Devour Brazilian food at amazing restaurants

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day overview of the trip.

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Arrival

Day 1: Sunday, October 20th, 2024

Our English-speaking guide will meet you at the airport and drive you to your Rio hotel, Hotel Miramar, by Windsor

The rest of the day is yours to relax at the pool or explore the area around the hotel. 

We'll meet tonight on the Hotel Roof Top for a welcome drink, followed by dinner at Alloro al Miramar. 

Get a good night's sleep as the tour kicks off tomorrow morning.

Included

Dinner

Airport Transfer

Not Included

Lunch

Brekfast

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Corcovado Mountain by Train

Day 2: Monday, October 21st, 2024

After breakfast, we'll visit Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain. It is one of the most visited monuments in the world. The journey up Corcovado begins on a cog train in Rio‘s Cosme Velho district. On the way up, the incredible views over the city will stun you. Christ the Redeemer stands on the top, looking over the city, its inhabitants, and visitors. 

Lunch is at a must-visit restaurant! Marius Degustare invites you to taste a refined selection of meat, fish, and seafood and indulge in the fun atmosphere.

After a delicious lunch, you're off to the barrio of Ipanema, the area that gives the world-famous beach its name. A few streets behind the beach, you'll discover vibrant Rio life. Find small, distinctive boutiques, shops, and stores selling local chocolate, gin, and fine South American wines. 

Tonight, we'll dine as a group at Gajos d'Ouro, an award-winning restaurant serving Portuguese dishes in Ipanema. 

Sleep will come easy after a long day.

Included

All Meals

Entrance ticket to Corcovado

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Trip to Sugarloaf Mountain

Day 3: Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

After breakfast, we'll spend the morning at Sugarloaf Mountain. Because of their height, Sugarloaf and Corcovado boast some of the most beautiful viewpoints over Rio. You'll undoubtedly take the famous postcard picture from the cable railway on the way up. Our first stop is Morro da Urca, where we'll change trains and head to our final destination. Once we reach the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, you'll relish the views over the Rio and Niteroi beaches, as well as the Atlantic rainforest along the coast.
 
We'll have lunch at Cais do Oriente, a nominee in the 2015 Michelin Guide. The menu is designed to incorporate Brazilian ingredients while prioritizing health, flavor, and culinary beauty.

After lunch, we'll follow a carnival experience tour and a guided visit to the Acadêmicos da Grande Rio, a famous samba school from the City of Rio de Janeiro. There, we'll enjoy a welcome caipirinha and visit the exhibition room to learn a little about the history of samba and carnival parades. There will be costumes available, so take pictures. Afterward, we'll have a brief samba lesson with a member of the school before returning to our hotel. 

For dinner, we're invited to discover Brazilian cuisine in a cookery class. The class uses ingredients that are easy to find in the United States and Europe, so travelers can easily make the recipes at home.

Prepare for a fusion kitchen experience; we'll discover how the Indigenous, African, and European cultures influenced Brazilian cuisine and learn to cook a typical main dish and a dessert. 

Included

All Meals

Behind the Scenes Carnival Experience and Samba Lesson

Cooking Class

Entrance ticket to Sugar Loaf

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Petropolis - The Imperial City

Day 4: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

We'll head out to Petropolis after breakfast. Located 60 kilometers from Rio, the Petropolis is known as the Imperial City. The buildings and delightful streets tell of Brazilian history. 

The tour starts with a visit to the Imperial Museum, the summer residence of Dom Pedro II. Next, we are off to the stunning Neo-Gothic Cathedral, where Princess Isabel is buried, right next to the tombstone of Dom Pedro II and his wife. 

We'll pause for lunch at Cervejaria Bohemia, the first brewery in Brazil. It was founded by the German Henrique Kremer in 1853, producing the first pilsner beer in Brazil. 

Then, we'll visit the Crystal Palace, built in France and installed in Brazil. 

In the late afternoon, we'll return to the hotel. After a busy day, dinner is at your leisure. 

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Day trip to Petropolis

Not Included

Dinner

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Rio de Janeiro-Foz do Iguacu

Day 5: Thursday, Ocotber 24th, 2024

Today, we'll fly to another part of Brazil. Don't be surprised if it feels like a completely different world from Rio De Janeiro.

Your guide will meet you when you touch down in Foz do Iguacu and take you straight to the Hotel Belmond das Cataratas. The hotel is in the southern part of Foz do Iguacu, in the middle of the national park and right in front of the waterfalls.

Relax, explore, or spend time in the spa. The afternoon is yours to enjoy.

Tonight, dinner is at Ipe Restaurant. You're about to try a Gaucho-style BBQ of meat, fish, and vegetables. 

Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Airport transfers

Domestic flights

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Foz do Iguaçu

Day 6: Friday, Ocotber 25th, 2024

After a breakfast of native delights, we'll drive to the Iguacu National Park. The plan is to take a guided tour along the well-developed panoramic path, stopping to take pictures or to let the impressive natural spectacle take effect. We'll learn loads of interesting facts about the immense waterfalls and the local flora and fauna. At the end of the path, a footbridge takes you very close to the water. 

We'll stop for lunch at Porto Canoas Restaurant in the park before visiting the Tropicana Bird Park, which will complete the visit to the Brazilian side of the falls. Birds are kept humanely in huge aviaries, and you'll see parrots and toucans in their native subtropical environment. 

We'll dine at Casa do Chef, a restaurant that provides a unique experience of Brazilian cuisine, showcasing its rich flavors and customs through storytelling.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Entrance ticket to Iguacu National Park

Guided Walking Tour at Iguacu Park

Entrance ticket to Tropicana Bird Park

Not Included

Dinner

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Waterfalls in Foz do Iguaçu

Day 7: Saturday, October 26th, 2024

We'll go with our guide to the Argentinean side to marvel at the natural spectacle of the waterfalls from all angles. We'll arrange the best hike depending on how much the group wants to walk. The view into the Devil's Throat shouldn't be missed. 

There will be an optional boat tour below the waterfalls. 

We'll lunch on regional cuisine at Aqva Restaurant

After a long day in the fresh air, it's time to rest and relax. We'll have our farewell dinner at Itaipu Restaurant. Here, we'll dine on signature Brazilian dishes and celebrate our time together, reconnecting with nature, learning Brazilian history, and making new friends. 

Included

All Meals

Guided Tour and Entrance to Argentinian National Park

Not Included

Boat Tour

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Departure Day

Day 8: Sunday, October 27th, 2024

Today is the last day of our trip, so we'll bid "adeus" to our new friends. 

After breakfast, you'll head for the airport and your flights back home.

For those of you who have chosen to continue with the Amazonian extension, the adventure is far from over - there is still so much to explore and discover.

Included

Breakfast

Airport transfer

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Manaus

Extension Day 1: Monday, October 28th, 2024

Welcome to Manaus in the heart of the Amazon!

Upon arrival, you'll head to the Hotel Juma Opera. You can relax for the rest of the day and adjust to the weather or explore the historic center of Manaus. 

Tonight, we'll meet at the hotel's Opera Resturante for divine gastronomy. 

Included

Domestic Flights

Dinner

Arrival transfer

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Manaus

Extension Day 2: Tuesday, October 29th, 2024

Today, we have a city tour, including the Manaus old town. Here, you'll learn about the history and religion of the Manaus and Amazon inhabitants. You'll also visit famous buildings and monuments, like the Opera House, the Rio Negro Palace, and the City Market. 

Lunch is at the hip restaurant, Caxiri, for a feast of Brazilian food. Specialties include fish and grilled meat. 

The afternoon is yours to spend as you please. This is a good time to catch up on your shopping before we head to the river.

We'll have dinner as a group at Banzeiro, enjoying the distinctive tastes of Amazonia.

Included

Manaus city tour

All meals

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From Manaus into the Wild

Extension Day 3: Wednesday, October 30th, 2024

In the morning, we start our journey into the Amazon Rainforest. 

On the way to the lodge, we'll see the famous “Meeting of the Waters,” where the differently colored Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes meet to become the Rio Amazonas. If we're lucky, we'll also spot pink dolphins and giant water lilies. 

The journey to the lodge takes about three hours and is quite diversified due to land and water transportation. We'll arrive at the lodge by boat. We'll toast our adventures in the lushness of the world's largest rainforest with a refreshing juice made from local fruits. Our first jungle adventure is scheduled for the afternoon. 

Led by our guide, we'll paddle a canoe through small creeks (igarapés) and flooded forest areas (igapós) for our first close encounter with the mighty Amazon rainforest. During this trip, it is also possible to swim in the river. With some luck, we'll encounter a pink dolphin swimming next to our canoe, a monkey family playing in the trees, or a sloth hanging from a branch. 

Dinner is at the lodge's restaurant before you head out on a night excursion to spot caimans and discover the Amazon's diverse nocturnal life.

Included

All transportation

All meals

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Jungle Hike and Piranha Fishing

Extension Day 4: Thursday, October 31st, 2024

Early in the morning, we'll leave for a sunrise excursion, witnessing the transformation of the dark water of the Juma River into a mirror and listening to the sounds of the waking birds. This is an excellent time for bird-watching!

A delicious breakfast with typical fruits and regional food will be served when we return to the lodge. 

After experiencing the diversity of the region's flavors, we will embark on a jungle hike. You'll be awed by Amazon Forest's power and grandeur. Our guide will explain essential concepts about jungle survival. We'll return to the lodge for lunch around noon. 

After lunch, we'll tour the area around the hotel. Juma was built on stilts. During the tour, we can see the hotel from below. The tour is usually by boat, as it happens during the rainy season.

After the tour, we will board a wooden boat that the local river dwellers use to catch the famous Piranha and other regional fish.  

Watching the sunset, we'll head back to our lodge. If we have a successful catch, the chef will prepare it in the Amazonian style for us.

Later, one of the local guides will perform explain the traditions and legends of the region. 

Included

All meals

Guided jungle hike

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Life in the Amazon

Extension Day 5: Friday, November 1st, 2024

After breakfast, we'll explore the surrounding area and discover more about the Amazon's flora and fauna.

The guides will prepare a picnic lunch over an open fire in the jungle. Then, we can relax and nap in a hammock. 

We'll visit a local community in the afternoon to learn about the life of the "Caboclo Ribeirinhos," aka the river bank people, and the importance of cassava flour for the economy of this region. If you want, you can see how latex is extracted from a rubber tree and learn how this process led to the growth and prosperity of Manaus in the late 19th century.

As tonight is our last night, we'll return to the lodge in time for dinner. We'll have drinks under the stars and toast our new friends and incredible adventures. 

Included

Latex extraction demonstration

Local community visity

All meals including picnic lunch

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Amazon River

Extension Day 6: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024

Filled with memories of this enchanting land, we'll bid 'adeus' and begin our journey back to Manaus.

After breakfast, we will take you to your hotel in Manaus or the airport by noon. If you wish to extend your stay in Brazil and need assistance with booking hotels, our concierge can help you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at your convenience.

Included

Breakfast

Not Included

Lunch

Dinner

You'll Be Staying Here

Hotel Miramar by Windsor

Hotel Miramar by Windsor

Situated across the street from Copacabana beach, Hotel Miramar by Windsor will be your home while we are in Rio. Spend much-deserved downtime at the rooftop pool or on the beach.

Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas

Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas

Situated in the national park near the falls, the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas will exceed your expectations of jungle chic. 

Juma Opera

Juma Opera

Located in the heart of Manaus, Juma Opera Hotel overlooks the Amazonas Opera house. 

Juma Amazon Lodge

Juma Amazon Lodge

Juma Amazon Lodge will take your breath away! Overlooking the river, you can see majestic flora and fauna from your room.

Hosts

Doni Belau

Doni Belau

Doni Belau, the founder of Girls Guide to the World, is our guide to this trip and invites you to experience the transformative power of travel. Embarking on a journey with her is an opportunity to discover a vast realm of possibilities within ourselves. As a passionate explorer, she has traveled to 80 countries and is still counting. 

Price

Base Trip - Private Room

Base Trip - Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$8,595

Base Trip - Shared Room

Base Trip - Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member!

FROM$7,495

Optional Trip Extensions

Amazon Trip Extension - Private Room

Amazon Trip Extension - Private Room

Join us for a week in the Amazon featuring colorful wildlife, unique cuisine, kayaking and so much more!

FROM$4,495.00/pp

Amazon Trip Extension - Shared Room

Amazon Trip Extension - Shared Room

Join us for a week in the Amazon featuring colorful wildlife, unique cuisine, kayaking and so much more!

FROM$3,995.00/pp

Add Ons

Arrive one day early in Brazil

Arrive one day early in Brazil

Includes one night with breakfast at the Hotel Miramar

PRICE$260.00

ADD THIS
Boat ride at Iguacu National Park

Boat ride at Iguacu National Park

Boat ride is the best way to complement your Iguacu Falls experience

PRICE$105.00

ADD THIS

Natural and cultural centers of Brazil

Vibrant Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is the cultural hub of Brazil. Here, you'll experience the beaches and the thriving nightlife that makes Rio famous. Petropolis will round off the cultural experience before we head into the wild. The waterfalls and lush landscape of Foz do Iguacu will be just the change you need. We'll take nature hikes and learn about the different landscapes in the national forest.

Vibrant Brazil

What's Included

What's Included

Everything specifiied in the itinerary

All meals (except where indicated), including beer & wine with dinner

Accommodations at unique, 4-star or better hotels

All transportation during the trip (except where indicated)

Expert Guides and Trip Leaders

A small group experience

Domestic flights

International Flight

Additional wine, beer, and/or spirits beyond what’s offered at meals

All personal souvenirs

Travel Insurance (required)

FAQs

You should fly into the airport near Rio De Janeiro, International Airport Galeão.

The trip officially starts on October 20th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Rio, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax. 

If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know, and we will take care of booking your room and ensure that you are kept in the same room until the trip starts. 

We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips. Don't forget your bathing suit since there will be pools at all the hotels and you'll be kayaking on the river.

Our trip starts with temperatures around 77°F in Rio De Janeiro (with lows of 60°F at night). Daytime highs are hotter (though still reasonable), and the nights could be considerably cooler. 

The Amazon River will be warmer than Rio De Janeiro. The highs will be in the high 80s. There is always a chance of rain along the river. 

The closest airport to the end of the trip is Foz Do Iguacu Airport.

If you're not going on the extension trip to the Amazon rain forest, you can either fly back to other international airports or back to Rio De Janeiro. 

Inquire about this trip

Samba & Sunsets: Discovering Brazil's Charms

Brazil· 20 - 27 October 2024· 7 nights

FROM$8,595/pp