Classic Brazil

Board a day flight from the UK to Rio de Janeiro.

Note: British Airways currently have a daily service between London Heathrow and Rio de Janeiro. There are also connecting flights with Iberia & LATAM via Madrid, KLM via Amsterdam and Air France via Paris. There are also flights via Lisbon with TAP (Air Portugal).

Known as ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ (Marvellous City), Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil but hands-down the most vibrant.

Famous for Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ the Redeemer Statue and the picturesque Sugar Loaf Mountain, its landmarks and vivacious locals make it one of the most electric cities in all of the world.

Your hotel overlooks the iconic Copacabana beach and you’ll find yourself superbly positioned for exploring the city. 

During the day you can take a guided tour to the soaring heights of Corcovado where you’ll share unrivalled views with the statue of Christ the Redeemer – international symbol of Rio de Janeiro.

You can also explore the bohemian neighbourhood of Lapa, known for its traditional bars, open-air samba jams and the famous Selarón staircase (a mosaic staircase). It’s also possible to organise a guided visit into the shanty towns on the outskirts the city, or favelas as they’re locally known. 

Stay: Three nights at the Belmond Copacabana Palace – Bed & breakfast

From Rio you will board a short flight to the mighty Iguassu Falls, sitting on the border between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

You will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your sumptuous five-star hotel set amidst the lush rainforest, within walking distance of the thundering, World Heritage-listed Iguassu Falls. A series of separate cataracts that form a mighty cascade of water crashing over the edge of a cliff. Surely one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles in Latin America.

Staying at the only hotel situated within the Iguassu National Park, you will find yourself in the perfect position from which to explore this world wonder from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. You can take a zodiac boat to the base of the falls or choose a helicopter tour to gain an unbeatable view of the falls from above. You’ll also have time to explore the surrounding rainforest and its rich biodiversity.

Stay: Three nights at Belmond Das Cataratas – Bed & breakfast

Now for something entirely different. Today you will fly to Manaus (via São Paulo), gateway to Brazil’s vast Amazon Rainforest.

You will be met and transferred to your jungle lodge on the edge of the mighty Rio Negro, with prime access to the Anavilhanas National Park. The lush jungle provides sanctuary to a myriad of different creatures, including monkeys, giant otters, jaguars and an abundance of exotic birds.

You will spend the following days fully immersing yourself in the surrounding wilderness, choosing from a variety of guided excursions that range from piranha fishing and night walks to canoeing along the jungle’s meandering tributaries. Visits to nearby indigenous communities offer you the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and way of life.

Stay: Four nights at Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge – Full-board

Leaving the rich jungle behind, your Brazilian adventure now brings you to Salvador where you’ll find a lively Afro-Brazilian culture, exquisitely preserved colonial architecture and a gorgeous tropical coastline.

You will fly from Manaus to Salvador, connecting in possibly Brasilia or São Paulo.

You’ll be staying in the city’s UNESCO-sponsored historical heart with its quaint cobblestone alleyways, bright buildings and large squares, just steps from the famous Church of San Francisco.

Stay: Two nights at the Fasano Salvador – Bed & breakfast

Today you say farewell and board your overnight flight back to the UK from Salvador, connecting en route in São Paulo. You will arrive into the UK the following morning.

Note: There are no flights from Salvador with British Airways to the UK, so the quickest route with them is back via São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. However, there are flights from Salvador with TAP (Air Portugal) to the UK, via Lisbon. There are also connecting flights with Iberia & LATAM via Madrid, KLM via Amsterdam and Air France via Paris, but majority are from São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.