You must, for example, take part in an impromptu party of the world-renowned Copacabana Beach, or stroll along the water’s edge on Ipanema. You have to share the stunning view over Rio de Janeiro with the statue of Christ the Redeemer and you must visit the Iguassu Falls – on foot, by boat, or in a helicopter.
Similarly you will not be able to resist exploring the dense rainforest of the Pantanal, with its huge array of animals, reptiles and birds. And then there is the old capital of Salvador, a split level colonial city connected by lifts.
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro early evening. You’ll be met and taken to your hotel, from where you’ll be perfectly placed to discover the highlights of one of the world’s most vivacious cities. You’ll revel in glorious beaches, majestic colonial architecture, contemporary skyscrapers, soaring granite mountains and deep green forests.
Your first tour will take you to the top of mighty Sugarloaf Mountain – totally unmissable – by cable car, and through the 19th century streets to the old port where gold was once exported to Europe. A trip around the buzzing Santa Teresa area follows. Your second city tour will take you up to the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer with awe-inspiring views over the city, lagoon and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Stay: Three nights in a superior, partially open ocean view room in the Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel.
A short flight from Rio takes you to the world famous Iguassu Falls, where you’ll be met and taken to your hotel within the dense jungle of the Brazilian National Park. From here you’ll be able to see the falls from both the Brazilian and the Argentine perspectives, with tours of the surrounding rainforest, Devil’s Throat and San Martin Island. A zodiac boat will take you beneath the falls whilst an optional helicopter tour will give you an unforgettable opportunity to view, and photograph, the falls from above.
Stay: Two nights in a superior room in the Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel.
Fly from Iguassu to Cuiaba and onwards to Campo Grande and you’ll be in the heart of the fabulous Pantanal. Here you’ll be sharing the diverse landscape with a huge array of wild animals, reptiles and birds.
The Pantanal’s savannah lowlands, seasonal wetlands and dense forest habitats attract jaguars, hyacinth macaws, capybara, anaconda, giant river otters, rhea, caiman, monkeys, anteaters, armadillos and literally hundreds of different bird species. You’ll discover the wildlife on day and night expeditions with qualified guides; travelling by jeep, canoe, or on foot.
Stay: Three nights in a standard room at Refugio Caiman.
Salvador
Today you fly from Campo Grande to Salvador via Congonhas. Salvador was the colonial capital of Brazil and has retained much of its period charm, as well as its African soul, imported when slaves were brought over to work in the booming sugarcane and cocoa plantations.
The steep, cobbled streets and split levels connected by lifts, the grand colonial buildings and the views over the horizon-wide Todos dos Santos Bay will make your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site unforgettable.
Stay: Two nights in a standard room in Villa Bahia.
Tracoso
Take a flight to Porto Seguro and you’ll be within easy reach of Tracoso, a charming fishing village that has evolved into a mecca for well-heeled Brazilians. Life here revolves around the quaint square with its collection of little shops, good restaurants and opportunities to people-watch. Great beaches and a truly picturesque coastline are just a short trip away.
Stay: Three nights in a Quintal da Gloria studio at Casa Uxua.
Porto Seguro – Sao Paulo – Home
A short flight takes you to Sao Paulo where you’ll connect with your flight home.
