Brazil – Cities & Cascades

Day 1: Rio de Janeiro
Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your accommodation. Once you’ve settled into your accommodation in Rio de Janeiro, the rest of the day is free to explore some of our favorite local spots. Hit play and listen to the ‘Girl from Ipanema’ as you stroll along the boulevards next to the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon, and of course Copacabana. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of huts selling freshly squeezed juices and coconuts which will refresh you as you soak up the breathtaking cityscape of Rio de Janeiro. It won’t be long before you realize why it has the nickname of ‘The Marvelous City’!
Relax and watch the sunset at the beach before going out for dinner at one of the restaurants along the promenade. We recommend trying one of Brazil’s most famous and traditional dishes, feijoada carioca (stew of beans with beef and pork served with white rice and farofa) washed down with a refreshing local beer…Brahma and Skol are our favorites! Following dinner, you can go back to your hotel to relax or go to one of the local samba bars to dance the night away!

Day 2: Rio de Janeiro - Christ The Redeemer, Sugar Loaf & City Tour
Departing from your hotel, this tour will take you to the most visited sights of Rio de Janeiro. First, you will enter through the National Park of Tijuca which brings you to the top of Corcovado Mountain, where the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer can be found. In 2007, the statue was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and standing at the base of the 124 ft. tall statue, you'll be treated to some truly amazing views over the city. Afterward, you will go on an interesting tour in the heart of the historical city center passing by old colonial buildings and charming cobbled stone alleys. The tour then heads to the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain where you will take a cable car. In this tour, you will also get to taste the most famous and traditional Brazilian drink. And you will learn how to make a caipirinha !! The perfect end to a perfect day.

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro - Favela Visit
Your journey will begin at the meeting point, located at the border of Ipanema and Copacabana. Your knowledgeable guide will provide you with an introduction to the favelas, offering insights into their historical and social context in relation to the broader Rio de Janeiro landscape. As you start walking up towards the favelas, you will have the opportunity to admire and learn from a remarkable collection of street art. These captivating graffiti pieces serve as a living museum, curated by the resident and activist Acme. The artworks depict the memories, local culture, and historical narratives of the favelas. The installations include three access portals and 27 canvas houses, all designed to tell the story of the favelas that make up this territory. The artwork portrays significant moments, such as the era when runaway slaves sought shelter in the Maciço do Cantagalo, as well as the early construction of shacks in the early 1900s. Through these artistic expressions, the favelas' journey unfolds, leading up to the present day, where more than 20,000 residents strive for social inclusion and fight against the social segregation that favelas often face. These efforts are aimed at promoting functional urban development and socioeconomic integration within the vibrant neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana, which are renowned worldwide as tourist destinations. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to engage with the local community, learn about their daily lives, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and resilience of favela residents. Your guide will provide valuable insights and facilitate interactions, allowing you to appreciate the cultural richness and vibrant spirit that thrives within these communities. It's important to note that this tour promotes responsible and respectful tourism, with a focus on fostering dialogue, understanding, and support for the local community. By participating in this experience, you contribute to the empowerment and recognition of the favelas as integral parts of Rio de Janeiro's diverse social fabric.".

Day 4: Rio de Janeiro, Artur Nogueira - Escape To Ilha Grande
The small coastal town of Angra dos Reis, just a 3,5-hour drive south of Rio de Janeiro is where the smooth ferry ride to Ilha Grande will depart from, giving you plenty of time on board to appreciate the magnificent scenery of mountains, jungle, cliffs, islands, bays, and the deep blue ocean. After about 30 minutes, the ferry will arrive at the charming main village of Ilha Grande, Vila do Abraão. Stretching quietly along the coast, you’ll be able to explore the beautiful main village of the island with its quaint church and palm trees after settling into your accommodation. As cars are prohibited on the island, to preserve its natural beauty, and peace, you’ll make your way to your accommodation on foot. The rest of the day is free to explore the beautiful little beaches close to the Vila do Abraao such as Praia Abraãozinho and Praia Crena before watching the sunset over the Atlantic.

Day 5: Ilha Grande
Today you are free to roam the trails and relax on the beaches of Ilha Grande. Behind all the beauty of this paradise island, Ilha Grande has a very interesting history to explore. Centuries ago it was used as a leper colony, later as a prison, and the first Europeans to arrive here were pirates waiting to attack ships laden with gold leaving from the ports of Paraty and Angra dos Reis. The island's somewhat dark history meant it took it a while to be fully settled however, this slow development has helped make Ilha Grande into a picture-perfect paradise. Home to one of the richest ecosystems in the world, head out along the nature trails that crisscross the island, winding through the pristine Atlantic rainforest and jungle filled with monkeys, butterflies, and exotic birds. These enchanting trails will take you up hills to stunning viewpoints of the island and endless ocean views as well as bring you to secluded waterfalls and deserted beaches. We recommend hiking the trail that will take you to Lopes Mendes beach which year on year is voted as one of the best beaches in Brazil and the world. Despite being one of the most sought-after paradises on the planet, the long stretch of white sand will make you feel like you have this heavenly beach to yourself.

Day 6: Ilha Grande
Today you are free to roam the trails and relax on the beaches of Ilha Grande.

Day 7: The Historic Town Of Paraty
It’s time to hit the road again as you make your way to Paraty. Take the boat back to the mainland and drive along the Costa Verde that is one of Brazil’s most spectacular stretches of coastline. No matter where you are arriving from, you’ll be sure to enjoy the journey where you’ll be able to admire the verdant green jungle-covered mountains that drop directly into the blue ocean. Waterfalls can also be seen tumbling down the sides, while golden stretches of sand appear between the palm trees at the back of the beaches. Situated amid jutting peninsulas and secluded beaches you’ll discover the colonial town of Paraty. Having settled into your accommodation you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to stroll through the cobblestone streets admiring the whitewashed colonial buildings. In the evening, you can dine on some of the best seafood at one of the small local restaurants that line the cobbled streets under the stars.

Day 8: Paraty
This day is free for you to explore the charming center of Paraty by walking, its beautiful beaches in a boat, or its abundant nature in a jeep tour.

Day 9: Paraty
The day is at leisure

Day10: Paraty fly to Foz do Iguazu.
Today, you will be transferred back to the airport in Rio de Janeiro to take your flight into Foz do Iguazu. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to the hotel where you will be able to relax.

Day11: Foz Do Iguacu - Visit The Argentinean And Brazilian Falls
Today is the day you've been waiting for as you will visit the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of the Iguazu Falls. The Natural Wonder of the World borders Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay countries. This huge series of waterfalls plunges through a gorge onto the Iguazu River. They are more than three kilometers wide and 80 meters high. They are wider than Victoria Falls, higher than Niagara Falls, and are more beautiful than either. The falls create a never-ending spray of water and keep the sky decorated with rainbows. At Argentina's National Park of Iguazu you will go aboard a small train to your first stop, the ominously named Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) which standing at over 262ft. is the biggest waterfall of Iguazu. Having soaked up the enormity of the Devil's Throat your guide will take you along the wooden walkways and trails. You'll notice that the various trails that take you through the jungle, above and around waterfalls are built a few feet above the jungle floor and waterways. These raised platforms not only protect the natural habitat of the jungle wildlife, but they will also take you to secluded viewpoints offering unimaginable views across the whole National Park. Afterward, you will go to the Brazilian side, walking by a 1.2-km trail, you will be treated to an amazing panoramic view of the over 275 waterfalls. The best panoramic view of the world's most beautiful waterfall is from here, especially the frontal view of Garganta del Diablo or Devil's Throat, this is the waterfall that made Eleanor Roosevelt say, 'Poor Niagara.

Day12: Foz do Iguazu Airport for your Flight home
Today a private transfer will take you back to the airport for your flight back home!