Brazil·July 17 - 24 2024

The Cultural Wonders of Brazil

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

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Overview

We've created a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the lively and breathtakingly beautiful country of Brazil, where we'll indulge in natural as well as the cultural wonders of this incredible South American country. We will take in the iconic views of Rio from the top of Corcovado Mountain, and marvel at the majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer. We will relax on the white sand beaches of Ipanema, sipping on caipirinhas and soaking up the sun plus we will satisfy our shopping desires at the lively markets and boutique stores of Rio. Then we'll decamp into nature as we delight in cascading waterfalls and lush foliage beyond the city, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling streets. And when it comes to food, we will indulge in delicious and authentic Brazilian cuisine, full of savory flavors and fresh ingredients that are sure to satisfy your desires. Why not extend your stay and explore the Amazon where we will immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the world's largest rainforest. We will spend three days venturing 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 connect with nature in a profound way and experience the wonder of the Amazon. Join us for an extraordinary journey to the heart of Brazil, where adventure and cultural immersion await you at every turn!

Highlights

Boutique shopping in iconic Ipanema

Boutique shopping in iconic Ipanema

View Christ the Redemer from a cog train

View Christ the Redemer from a cog train

View Rio from Sugarloaf Mountain

View Rio from Sugarloaf Mountain

Spent the day at the Imperial City of Petropolis

Spent the day at the Imperial City of Petropolis

Experience the flora and fauna in Iguacu National Park

Experience 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: Wednesday, July 17th, 2024

You'll be greeted at the airport by our English-speaking guide who will assist you and drive you to your Rio hotel, Hotel Miramar by Windsor

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

Tonight we will meet at 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

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Corcovado Mountain by Train

Day 2: Thursday, July 18th, 2024

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

Lunch will be at a must-visit restaurant! Marius Degustare invites you to taste its refined selection of meat, fish and seafood and enjoy their unique and fun atmosphere.

After a scrumptious lunch you will be driven to the barrio of Ipanema which gives the world-famous beach its name. A few streets behind the beach you'll discover the vibrant life of Rio. Here you'll discover small boutiques and shops with unique styles as well as shops where you can buy local chocolate, gin and fine South American wines. 

After some time to refresh, we'll dine as a group at a local restaurant known for their pasta. Cedilha is small and cozy, with attentive waiters and very good food. Leave room for dessert as they are exceptional. 

Sleep will come easy after a long day.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Trip to Sugarloaf Mountain

Day 3: Friday, July 19th, 2024

After breakfast, our morning will be spent at Sugarloaf Mountain. Due to the height and excellent views, both Sugarloaf and Corcovado are some of the most beautiful viewpoints in 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 relish a view of the beaches of Rio and Niteroi as well as the Atlantic Rainforest along the coast.
 
For lunch, we'll eat at Emile's. Their menu consists of fresh, local ingredients carefully prepared by a talented team. 

The afternoon will be at leisure allowing you to do what your heart desire.  More shopping? A sweet snack or  perhaps some beach time. 

For dinner, we'll dine at Satyricon, on authentic Mediterranean cuisine. From fresh fish and seafood to specialty meats, all carefully selected by the owners Marly and Miro Leopardi. 

Tonight we'll experience Rio by night at Rio Scenarium. Located in a former antique shop, local bands play here creating a lively atmosphere. You can mingle, dance, enjoy delicious local food and sip one of the best caipirinhas in town.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Imperial City

Day 4: Saturday, July 20th, 2024

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

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

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

After lunch will visit the Crystal Palace, built in France and installed in Brazil. 

In the late afternoon we'll head back to our hotel. Dinner will be at your leisure after a busy day.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

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Rio de Janeiro-Foz do Iguacu

Day 5: Sunday, July 21st, 2024

Today we'll fly to another part of Brazil world's away from Rio De Janeiro. 

Your guide will already be waiting for you when you touch down in Foz do Iguacu and will take you to straight to your accommodation, Hotel Belmond das Cataratas. Our hotel is located in the southern part of Foz do Iguacu, in the middle of the national park right in front of the waterfalls.

Enjoy your afternoon relaxing, exploring, or spending some time in the spa. 

Tonight we will have dinner at Ipe Restaurant where will will try some Gaucho-style BBQ of meats, fish, and vegetables.

Included

Breakfast

Dinner

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Foz do Iguaçu

Day 6: Monday, July 22nd, 2024

After a filling breakfast full of native delights, we'll drive together to Iguacu National Park. We'll walk along the well-developed panorama path and stop multiple times to take pictures or simply to let the impressive natural spectacle take its effect on you. Here we'll learn a lot of interesting facts about the immense waterfalls as well as the local flora and fauna. At the end of the path, a footbridge takes you very close to the water. 

A visit to the Tropicana Bird Park will complete the visit of the Brazilian side of the falls. In the huge aviaries, birds are kept humanely and the visitor gets to observe parrots and toucans in their native subtropical environment. 

At the park we will dine at Sabores da Floresta Restaurant and connect with nature through a special meal using hyper-local ingredients from their own gardens. 

After a plentiful day of exploration enjoy dinner on your own or order room service and rest well.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

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Waterfalls in Foz do Iguaçu

Day 7: Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024

In order to marvel at the natural spectacle of the waterfalls from all angles, we will go with our guide to the Argentinean side. We will coordinate with our guide to take 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. 

For lunch we'll savor regional cuisine at Aqva Restaurant

After a long day enjoying nature it's time to rest and relax. For our  farewell dinner we will dine at Itaipu Restaurant on signature Brazilian dishes and celebrate our time together reconnecting with nature and learning about Brazilian history whilst making new friends.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Not Included

Boat Tour

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Departure Day

Day 8: Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

Today will be the last day of our trip. We'll bid "adeus" to our new friends. 

After breakfast, you'll be escorted to the airport for flights back home.

If you are continuing on for the Amazonian extension, your adventure will continue.

Included

Breakfast

Airport transfer

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Manaus

Extension Day 1: Wednesday, July 24th, 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 will meet up at the Opera Resturante at the hotel for some divine gastronomy.

Included

Domestic Flights

Dinner

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Manaus

Extension Day 2: Thursday, July 25th, 2024

Today we'll have a city tour including the old town of Manaus. Here you learn about the history and religion of inhabitants of Manaus and the Amazon. Numerous famous buildings and monuments, such as the Opera House, the Rio Negro Palace and the City Market, will be visited on this tour. 

Lunch will be at the hip restaurant Caxiri offering a variety of local Brazilian food. Specialties include fish and grilled meat. 

The afternoon is yours to spend how you want. It will be a good time to catch up on your shopping before heading out to the river.

We'll have dinner as group at Banzeiro enjoying the unique tastes of Amazonia.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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From Manaus into the Wild

Extension Day 3: Friday, July 26th, 2024

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in Manaus to start your journey into the Amazon Rainforest. 

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

The journey to the lodge takes about 3 hours and is quite diversified due to land and water transportation. Eventually by boat, you will arrive at our lodge where friendly staff will receive you with a welcome drink. Your first jungle adventure is scheduled after lunch. 

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

Later on, dinner will be served at the lodge's restaurant before you head out on a night excursion to spot caimans and observe the nocturnal life of the Amazon.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Jungle Hike and Piranha Fishing

Extension Day 4: Saturday, July 27th, 2024

Before breakfast you will start the day early to witness the spectacular Amazon sunrise accompanied by the sound of the awaking rainforest. This time of the day is also excellent for bird watching.

After a delicious breakfast, including lots of tropical fruits, another excursion is waiting for you. During an easy hike through the forest your guide will explain interesting facts about local plants and their use as medicine and food, reveal some jungle survival techniques, and try to spot the local wildlife. It is possible to see howler monkeys, a tapir, or some colorful macaws.

Later, lunch will be served at the lodge's restaurant. Later we will go fishing for piranhas another great opportunity to spot wildlife on the riverbank. If you are successful, your catch of the day can be prepared for dinner. 

At night, an informal lecture will be held by one of the local guides on customs and traditions of the Amazon people. Dinner at the lodge.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Life in the Amazon

Extension Day 5: Sunday, July 28th, 2024

After breakfast, we'll begin another nature hike to explore the surrounding area further and discover more about the flora and fauna of the Amazon.

For lunch, the guides will prepare a picnic over an open fire in the jungle. Afterwards, you can relax and have a nap in a hammock. 

In the afternoon we'll will visit a local community 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. 

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 our incredible adventures.

Included

Breakfast

Picnic Lunch

Dinner

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Amazon River

Extension Day 6: Monday, July 29th, 2024

After breakfast we will transfer back to Manaus. We've built in a stop at a to observe huge pirarucu or arapaima fish which can reach up to 9.8 feet (3 meters) and 440 lbs (200 kg). 

We'll continue on to your hotel in Manaus or to the airport where you will arrive around noon. Our concierge can assist you with your transport back home.

Included

Breakfast

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 when we are in Rio. Spend some much-deserved down time on the rooftop pool or on the beach.

Hotel Das Cataratas

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.

Price

Cultural Wonders of Brazil

Cultural Wonders of Brazil

Everyone has their own fabulous room

FROM$8,595.00/pp

Add Ons

Cultural Wonders of Brazil

Cultural Wonders of Brazil

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

PRICE$5,275.00/pp

ADD THIS

Natural and cultural centers of Brazil

Vibrant Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is the cultural hub of Brazil. Here you'll get to experience the beaches and the jumpin nightlife that makes Rio famous. Petropolis will round out the cultural experience before we head out to 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'll want to fly into the airport near Rio De Janeiro, International Airport Galeão.

The trip officially starts on July 17th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Rio, you may want to 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 for you and make sure that you are kept in the same room as you will be in when 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.

It starts out 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 high 80's. There is always a chance of rain along the river. 

The closest airport to the end of the trip is Foz Do Iguacu Airport. You can either fly back to other international airports or back to Rio De Janeiro. 

Inquire about this trip

The Cultural Wonders of Brazil

Brazil· July 17 - 24 2024· 7 nights

FROM$8595/pp