The Best of Brazil

Day 1: Arrival In Rio De Janeiro
Landing in Rio de Janeiro, our local representative will be waiting for you at the airport to greet you and take you to your hotel. 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. Stroll along the long boulevards next to the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon, and of course, Copacabana while humming the song, ‘Girl from Ipanema’. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of huts selling delicious freshly squeezed juices and coconuts which will refresh you as you soak up the breathtaking cityscape of Rio de Janeiro and realize why the city is known as, ‘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 caipirinha cocktail or a 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
Corcovado, Forest, 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 !!

Day 3: Rio De Janeiro
Free Day
This day is to spend at leisure.

Day 4: Foz Do Iguacu, Rio De Janeiro
Onto The Brazilian Falls
Today at the arranged time, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Iguazu! Upon arrival, you will head straight to the Natural Wonder of the World, the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls Situated inside the Iguazu National Park, the Iguazu Waterfalls enthrall visitors from all over the world. 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. Walking by a 1.2-km trail, you will be treated to an amazing panoramic view of the over 275 waterfalls. The best panoramic views of the world's most beautiful waterfall are from here, especially the frontal view of Garganta del Diablo or Devil's Throat, which is over 80 meters high and is the most powerful and spectacular waterfall of them all, this is the waterfall that made Eleanor Roosevelt say, 'Poor Niagara...'

Day 5: Foz Do Iguacu
Argentinean Falls, After breakfast this morning, you´ll begin your exclusive tour of the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls. You’ll head towards the Iguazu National Park where you’ll climb aboard a small train at the entrance of the National Park your first stop will be the ominously named Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) which stands 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 of both the upper and lower circuit. With over 270 separate waterfalls and surrounded by the verdant jungle of Iguazu, exploring the Natural World Wonder of Iguazu is one of the most unforgettable moments.<br> <br>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 will also take you to secluded viewpoints offering unimaginable views across the whole National Park. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure while visiting Iguazu, we highly recommend booking the optional (not included) Great Adventure rafting tour that takes you right under the rainbows and mist of Iguazu’s waterfalls…make sure to pack a change of clothes or swimwear and a watertight bag for your valuables because you will get wet! After a full day exploring Argentina’s side of Iguazu Falls, you’ll head back to the visitors' center, and from there, your transfer will take you to your hotel in Iguazu where having settled in, the rest of your evening is free to spend at your leisure.

Day 6: Bonito, Campo Grande, Foz Do Iguacu
Arrival In Bonito, Today a private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Campo Grande. Depending on the time of your arrival in Bonito and having settled into your accommodation, the rest of the day is free for you to relax after your long journey. Over the last few years, Bonito has become one of the top ecotourism destinations in Brazil and you will come to see why over the next few days. In the meantime, rest up and stroll down the main street in town, Coronel Pilad Rebua, where you will find everything you need, from local shops to charming bars and restaurants.

Day 7: Bonito
Rio Da Prata Tour
Starting with a gentle 1.24-mile walk through the beautiful Bonito forest that is rich in flora and fauna, you'll arrive at the Rio de la Prata (Silver River). Looking fabulous in your wetsuit, snorkeling gear, and life jackets you'll gently float down the Olho d'agua spring, sharing the river with all kinds of tropical fish and underwater vegetation. The water here is as crystal clear as any tropical sea and with fantastic visibility you'll be able to spot hundreds of colorful fish, don't worry if you're not the most confident swimmer or snorkeler, the rivers are shallow and as it flows softly downhill, you can relax and float your way downriver so even those with little experience will have no problem and will be able to enjoy this beautiful underwater world.

Day 8: Bonito
Free Day
This day is to spend at leisure.

Day 9: Bonito, Pantanal
Onto The Wetlands
Today, you will be picked up by your transfer which will take you from Bonito to your chosen lodge in the Pantanal. Upon arrival at your lodge located deep within the Pantanal Wetlands, the rest of your evening is free for you to relax and settle in. Make sure not to miss your first Pantanal sunset where you’ll witness thousands of birds filling the sky as the sun drops and the sky turns gold, pink, and purple. Following dinner at the lodge a night tour can be arranged to spot nocturnal wildlife. Many of the predators of the area, such as jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and wolves, hunt in the cool of the night and there are magnificent starry skies to be seen. As each lodge offers a different variety of activities set amidst a unique backdrop, your time spent enjoying Pantanal will be planned daily with the local expert guides.

Day 10: Pantanal
Pantanal Wildlife
After breakfast, today’s all about exploring even more of this spectacular natural habitat. The personnel at your lodge will be available to provide recommendations that will also take into account seasonal variations for both the wildlife and conditions. During the wet season, you can go horseback riding through the floodplains and forests of the Pantanal. The savannah and the flooded plains of this area make for a beautiful landscape, and the open spaces are perfect for unobstructed views of an array of creatures. With the biggest concentration of large animals in the New World, you’ll have to keep an eye out for giant anteaters, tapirs, capybaras, deer, and armadillos. Anacondas and giant otters can be spotted occasionally in the area and alligators are also visible during the daytime, lazing in the sun on the banks of the rivers and lakes. Arriving back at the lodge for lunch and having freshened up, there’s plenty more to experience in this vast wetland. We recommend taking a tour of the Pantanal’s Ecological Refuge where you can watch the feeding frenzy of alligators as they go in search of their lunch. During the dry season, you’ll be able to observe birds trying to compete for the few remaining fish in the wetlands. It’s then time for a spot of fishing with a difference. Today’s catch of the day is piranha! Despite their man-eating reputation, these toothy fish usually feast on fallen fruit instead of people but you should stay in the boat and keep your arms and legs well inside the boat.
Note: Activities may vary upon the selected lodge.

Day 11: Pantanal
Pantanal Wildlife
Different activities at the selected lodge.

Day 12: Buzios, Pantanal, Rio De Janeiro
Onto Buzios! This morning your private transfer will take you back to the airport in Campo Grande for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Buzios is about 105 miles (169km) northeast of Rio de Janeiro and is made up of three small settlements, which have expanded over the years to become one town. Ossos was an old fishing village and today its winding cobblestone streets are home to many of the town's shops and boutiques. The other two original towns of Manguinhos and Armação de Buzios are both great for exploring at night especially along Rua Orla Bardot and in Porto da Barras which have a great range of high-class restaurants and bars to choose from. Before rushing off to the beach, all we ask is that you first settle into your accommodation. We recommend that you download some offline maps of Buzios before arriving and bring your driving license as renting a buggy is the easiest way to explore Buzios’ surrounding 17 beaches. Tonight, go to Armação where you’ll discover the heart of Buzios’ nightlife and the Orla Bardot beachfront promenade which is the perfect place to enjoy an evening walk before heading back to your hotel.

Day 13: Buzios
Free Day
Today is free for you to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the beach. Buzios has 17 beaches to explore either on foot, by bike, on horseback, by boat, or if you remember to bring your driving license, by buggy. You can book trips from the harbor in Buzios that will take you to the more secluded beaches and tropical islands that lie just offshore. If you’ve got your scuba diving license or want to learn, there are several options available at one of Brazil’s best dive spots around the Cabo Frio Peninsula. You can also try your hand at surfing at Geriba Beach which has the best waves in Buzios or have a more gentle experience standup paddle boarding at many of the beaches in the area. The dunes and the lighthouse of Buzios also make for an interesting day trip. Whether you choose to sit and relax on the heavenly beaches of Buzios or explore the underwater marine life just off its coast, tonight we recommend discovering the former fishing village’s routes and sitting down to enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.

Day 14: Buzios
Free Day
This day is to spend at leisure.

Day 15: Buzios
Departure
Today, you will be transferred to the Airport in Rio de Janeiro for your flight back home or to another exciting destination