Brazil Tour

From Portuguese Flavors to Tropical Bliss

Upon landing in Rio de Janeiro, you will discover one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world, often referred to as “The Marvelous City.” Located along the Atlantic Ocean, Rio is nestled between granite cliffs, tropical forests, and stunning beaches. The city features charming neighborhoods alongside favelas that stretch across the hillsides. The residents, known as “Cariocas,” are warm, friendly, and love to enjoy life. Despite the challenges of poverty, everything in the city ends with samba. Brazilians are passionate about parties and dancing, with the highlight being the famous Carnival.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

After breakfast, we will drive through the streets of Rio towards Christ the Redeemer, known locally as “Corcovado.” We will take a funicular ride up to the statue, which stands 38 meters tall at an elevation of 710 meters above the city, providing a stunning panoramic view of Rio below.

Next, we will continue to another viewpoint at Sugarloaf Mountain, where we will ascend via cable car to one of Rio’s iconic peaks.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

This will be a private tour.

After breakfast, we will embark on a half-day shared tour of the favelas of Rio and Tijuca Forest. The favelas are the famous impoverished neighborhoods situated on the surrounding hills. This is an excellent opportunity to observe the daily lives and culture of the Brazilian people.
We will explore Rocinha, one of the largest favelas in South America, home to over 150,000 residents (the depth of our entry into the favela will depend on personal safety conditions). During our visit, we will navigate through narrow alleys and learn about the lives of the locals and social programs aimed at improving the quality of life in the area, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the rainforest and the sea from our open-roof jeep.

Next, we will continue with our jeeps to Tijuca Forest, the largest urban rainforest in the world, located in the heart of the Rio metropolitan area. During the tour, we will disembark for a leisurely walk to experience the beautiful local nature up close. We will make a stop at the Cascatinha Taunay waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip if you wish.

For this day, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, swimwear, and bring a towel.
A modest donation is required for the favela tour, which goes directly to community members.
This tour will be conducted in a group, and there may be slight changes to the itinerary or order of visits without prior notice.

In the afternoon, we will embark on a private tour of the Old Rio area. We will visit Carioca Square, where you can see the Santo Antonio Church. We will continue to the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Theatre, the Opera House, and the Municipal Library.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day of leisure in Rio de Janeiro.
Later, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cuiabá.

Cuiabá is the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, located in the eastern region of the Pantanal, the largest wetland in the world. The city was founded in 1719 during the gold rush and is known as an agricultural center and cattle ranching hub. Positioned at the very heart of South America, it consists of two twin cities: Old Cuiabá and Varzea Grande. Often referred to as the “Southern Gateway to the Amazon,” it features a warm, humid tropical climate.
Cuiabá boasts a rich blend of European, African, and Indigenous influences, which is reflected in its numerous museums throughout the city.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in Cuiabá.

After breakfast, we will embark on a shared drive of approximately 3 hours to the lodge in the Pantanal.

The Pantanal is located in western Brazil, near the borders with Bolivia and Paraguay. It is a breathtaking wetland area characterized by vibrant greens and blues, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. This region boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem, home to nearly 700 species of birds, including colorful parrots and toucans, waterfowl, a wide variety of fish, reptiles, and mammals. In the Pantanal, you will encounter unique vegetation, including trees with twisted trunks, aquatic plants, and those growing along riverbanks and marshes.
During your stay, you will enjoy a variety of activities in the Pantanal, including hiking excursions, visits to local villages, canoeing, and more.
Overnight in the Pantanal on a full-board basis.

Shared tours will be organized during your stay.

Please note: Staying in the Pantanal offers a unique experience that differs significantly from what you may be used to. The lodge is relatively simple, isolated, and surrounded by rainforests, rivers, and lakes. The rooms do not have phones or televisions, and internet access is often unstable, typically available only in the dining area/lobby/reception. This lodge is suitable for those who love nature and seek an experience away from the developed Western world.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a day filled with shared activities in the Pantanal.

Engage in various excursions such as guided hikes, wildlife watching, canoeing, and visits to local villages, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.

Overnight in the Pantanal on a full-board basis.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a day filled with shared activities in the Pantanal.

Engage in various excursions such as guided hikes, wildlife watching, canoeing, and visits to local villages, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.

Overnight in the Pantanal on a full-board basis.

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, we will embark on a shared drive back to Cuiabá Airport for your flight to Salvador de Bahia.

Bahia is known for its rich history, being the most African-influenced state in Brazil and one of the country’s most beautiful regions, renowned for Candomblé and capoeira. Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religious ceremony that was outlawed until the early 1970s, characterized by trance dances and a sense of mystery. The men drum while women in lace skirts dance and sing continuously in African languages. Capoeira is an African martial dance developed by enslaved people on plantations, disguised as an innocent acrobatic dance.

Salvador was founded in the 16th century by explorer Amerigo Vespucci. By the mid-18th century, the city thrived on the sugar trade and became the second largest city in the Portuguese Empire after Lisbon. For a long time, it served as the capital of Brazil. However, it stagnated for many years due to the shift of economic focus to Rio and the decline of Brazil’s agricultural economy. Only in recent years, with the growth of tourism and the discovery of oil fields nearby, has Salvador started to experience economic development.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in Salvador.

After breakfast, we will embark on a day tour of Salvador.
We will visit the historic old town known as Pelourinho, where we will explore the Baroque Church of São Francisco and continue to Praça do Pelourinho, which was once a center for the slave trade and is now the heart of the picturesque old city.

Next, we will venture into the new part of the city to appreciate its colonial (Portuguese) heritage. We will stroll through the vibrant and famous Mercado Modelo, where we can experience the scents and tastes of Afro-Brazilian culture.
Overnight in Salvador.

After breakfast, we will set out for a tour of the town of Cachoeira, known for its sugar, cotton, and tobacco production. On the way, we will stop at the colorful local market in Santo Amaro, an authentic market that offers a glimpse into the beauty of Brazil—its people, local foods, and vibrant colors.

Continuing on, we will arrive in Cachoeira, where we will embark on an intriguing tour of the town. We will see the city hall, which once served as a prison, and visit the Tobacco Museum to learn more about the region’s historical significance.

After our explorations, we will drive back to Salvador and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Salvador.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the harbor, where we will embark on a shared catamaran cruise of approximately two and a half hours to Morro de São Paulo. This fishing village is located on the northern part of Tinharé Island. The Tinharé and Boipeba islands create a natural reserve known for its pristine beaches, warm waters, and Atlantic rainforest. Morro de São Paulo is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing vacation.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in Morro de São Paulo.

Enjoy a free day in Morro de São Paulo with breakfast included.

Take this opportunity to relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the charming village, or partake in various activities such as snorkeling, hiking, or enjoying the local cuisine. The stunning natural scenery and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal setting for unwinding.

Overnight in Morro de São Paulo.

After breakfast, we will embark on a shared boat ride back to Salvador.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Iguazu.

Iguazu Falls are the largest waterfalls in the world by area, with tremendous water flows cascading from all sides, originating from a pristine jungle. The width of the water’s edge reaches 4 kilometers, and the tallest waterfall drops 82 meters. Approximately 275 waterfalls and rapids plunge from the heights of the geological fault of the Iguazu River, a few kilometers before it merges with the Paraná River.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in Iguazu.

After breakfast, we will head out for a visit to the waterfalls located on the Brazilian side. This visit offers a panoramic view of the falls that extends for hundreds of meters. We will approach the waterfalls via a bridge built over the water, and there is an elevator that provides a spectacular vantage point from above the falls.
Next, we will visit the nearby Bird Park, which is home to over 500 different species of birds, allowing you to experience the incredible diversity of avian life up close.

We will also make a stop at the Itaipu Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world.
Overnight in Iguazu.

After breakfast, we will drive to the Iguazu National Park on the Argentine side. Upon arrival, we will board an open train from the visitor center for a 15-minute ride to the “Falls Station.” Here, we will take a walk along the trails that offer stunning and close-up views of the waterfalls.

Next, we will continue along another path built on a wooden bridge that leads to the viewing platform overlooking the famous “Devil’s Throat” (Garganta del Diablo), the main waterfall plunging 1,200 meters into the river.

Afterward, we will enjoy a short drive in a jeep through the rainforest leading to the dock, where we will embark on a shared Zodiac boat tour to experience the falls up close.

Following our exciting adventure, we will transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Iguazu.

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.