Brazil in Depth
Duration: 21 days
Highlights: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Manaus, Salvador da Bahia, Trancoso.
Join us on this 21-day journey, which will allow you to witness some of the most iconic sceneries of this wonderful country.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Meet your tour conductor at the Rio de Janeiro airport and transfer to the selected hotel.
Your tour director will provide you with some introductory information about Rio de Janeiro as you arrive. You will see the famous Tijuca Rainforest that hosts the Christ Redeemer statue.
Overnight: Belmond Copacabana
Meal Plan:
Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro, a Natural Wonder of the World
Today, you will see why Rio is considered one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world. The exceptional urban setting encompassing the key natural elements that have shaped and inspired the development of the city: from the highest points of the Tijuca National Park’s mountains down to the sea is considered by UNESCO of value to global heritage. This also includes the Botanical Gardens, established in 1808, Corcovado Mountain with its celebrated statue of Christ, and the hills around Guanabara Bay, as well as the extensive designed landscapes along Copacabana Bay that contributes to the outdoor living culture of the city. These natural features of Rio are among the most popular mentions in famous classic Brazilian songs of all genres.
Today we’ll visit the famous Christ-the-Redeemer statue. From the top of Corcovado, the views are breathtaking.
Enjoy lunch at the historic Cafeteria Colombo, in Rio’s downtown. Not only it is known to be one of the best restaurants in town, but Colombo’s well-preserved art deco style architecture and decoration is also a historic attraction itself.
Monday thru Saturday (lunch only) Traditional Brazilian buffet lunch.
In the afternoon the tour continues to Urca district where a cable car rides up Sugar Loaf Mountain which rises 396m above the harbor and delivers incredible views from all around.
Overnight: Belmond Copacabana
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 3 - Botanic Rio
After breakfast, depart for a half-day tour of the Botanical Garden.
Rio de Janeiro’s Botanic Garden is one of the ten most important ecological sanctuaries in the entire world. The Garden, founded by Dom João VI in 1808 as an Acclimation Garden for exotic plants, it was transformed over nearly two centuries into the Research Institute of the Botanic Garden of Rio de Janeiro. Although the collection is composed mainly of Brazilian species, there are also foreign plants and hybrids. The 140-hectare park lies at the foot of Corcovado Mountain, far below the right arm of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, and contains more than 6,000 different species of tropical and subtropical plants and trees, including 900 varieties of palm trees. A 750 m line of 134 palms forms the Avenue of Royal Palms leading from the entrance into the gardens. These palms all descended from a single tree, the Palma Mater, long since destroyed by lightning. Visitors can stroll along the pathways of the park to the sounds of native birds like the “curios” and the “sabiás.” The exuberance of nature in all its colors and glory provides images that visitors will keep in their memories and souls forever.
Overnight: Belmond Copacabana
Meal Plan: B
Day 4 - Classic Rio
After breakfast depart for a half-day tour of Ancient Rio and the Santa Teresa district.
Leave the hotel and off to Downtown Rio. Enjoy a walking tour in Rio`s historic center with your private guide and transportation for a unique view of the City`s history. During the walk pass by many interesting points, such as the São Bento Monastery, Candelária Church, Praça XV, Imperial Palace, the cultural center located in the beautifully restored Banco do Brasil, and the Casa França-Brasil.
Then the tour goes up to the Metropolitan Cathedral and continues to the Santa Teresa district. The neighborhood is located on Morro do Desterro (Exile Hill), which during the XVIII century served as a convent. The hill is in the heart of the city and has been well-maintained in order to preserve aspects of Old Rio. Artists and bohemians go to Santa Teresa because of its architectural and cultural charm. Old-fashion cable cars maneuver the narrow streets and are considered one of the city’s historical heritages.
The first stop is the Castelinho (‘Little Castle’), where Commander Antonio Valentim lived during the XIX century. Next, we will stop by Ruins Park where visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro. Afterwards, alight at Chacará do Céu Museum, which has a very interesting collection of Brazilian and European art, highlighting Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, Matisse, and Modigliani.
The tour continues to Largo do Guimarães, considered the heart of the neighborhood, with several art studios, bars, and restaurants. After this tour, guests will feel as if they know a little more about the history and culture of Rio de Janeiro.
Overnight: Belmond Copacabana
Meal Plan: B
Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro/Foz do Iguaçu
Transfer to Rio airport for flight to Iguassu.
Iguaçu Falls is right on the border of the State of Parana, and is one of the most famous attractions of Brazil. The 275 massive waterfalls sit in Argentina and Brazil and provide vastly different views and experiences, no matter the side.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. It is located within Brazil’s Iguassu National Park, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas enjoys an unrivaled location just a short stroll from the sensational waterfalls, and guests have exclusive access even when the park is closed to other visitors.
A Portuguese-colonial residence, this is one of the most inspiring hotels in Brazil. The classic ambiance is redolent of lazy days lounging on a veranda or beneath sub-tropical palms.
After check-in, we will go for a walking tour from the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. You will take a descending trail of the canyon, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of more than 240 falls. You will board a glass elevator, which takes us to a platform where more exquisite views will be revealed.
Overnight: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
Meal Plan: B
Day 6 - The Argentine Side of the Falls
After breakfast, depart for an amazing tour of the Argentine Falls National Park.
At the park entrance, a small train takes visitors on a tour through the park, making 2 stops: upper and lower circuit. Follow the walkways to the top of the waterfalls that provide spectacularly unique views of the ‘Cataratas’, amidst the abundant nature filled with orchids, colorful birds, and other wildlife. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the suspended platform at the very brink of the Devil’s Throat – the largest waterfall.
Overnight: Belmond das Cataratas
Meal Plan: B
Day 7 - Iguassu Adventure
Today, enjoy two of the most exciting activities in Iguassu, the Macuco Boat tour and the Bird’s Park.
The big adventure begins at the Macuco Safari entrance gates, inside the Iguassu National Park. You will embark in open jeep-towed wagons permitting a free view of the scenery along the trail. During the three kilometers stretch through the jungle, multi-lingual guides point out and explain the flora and fauna of the Park.
The second stage of the tour is an optional hike of 600 meters, which leads us to the waterfall baptized Macuco Falls. The Macuco Falls, perfect for a refreshing dip on days of intense heat, spills down from a height of approximately 20 meters. Access is via a stairway carved into ancient rock. The last stop is the Macuco Safari dock on the Brazilian side of the Iguassu River. In the water, the inflatable bi-motor boats are secure and efficient vessels, specially constructed to withstand the rigors of the excursion. The boat travels upstream, passing the canyon, and facing the rapids, allowing the appreciation of the scenery until we reach the great falls. To top the tour off, the pilot will give everyone a splash by navigating through the spray of one of the falls!
The Bird Park gives guests the opportunity to experience the native flora and fauna firsthand. By following the trails through the forest, visitors have the opportunity to closely see native Brazilian bird species, some of which are classified as endangered.
Overnight: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
Meal Plan: B
Day 8 - Foz do Iguaçu /Manaus
Transfer to the airport for your Manaus flight. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Villa Amazonia Hotel.
Enjoy the evening at the boutique Villa Amazonia Hotel. Located in the historic center of Manaus, just a few steps from the Amazon Theater, the Hotel provides all the comfort to rest and relax before the long trip home with spacious rooms and an indoor garden, and a natural stone pool.
The façade, reception, and restaurant preserve the design of a restored historic mansion that dates back to the golden rubber age. The rooms have a modern and sophisticated design and include a bathtub*, balcony, special linen, convenient amenities, and a whole infrastructure of equipment and services offered by the most premium hotels. The Fitz Carraldo Bistro offers a contemporaneous menu, blending international classic dishes with exotic Amazonian cuisine.
In the afternoon depart for a half-day city tour of the city.
During the sightseeing drive, we will show you the end of old Manaus, remembering the rubber boom time, the 19th-century Provincial Palace building dating from 1874 which now houses several museums. Proceed as far as the floating Harbor, which was built by the English in 1903 keeping in mind the annual rise and fall of the Rio Negro, the Customs House, pre-fabricated in Liverpool (England) and shipped to Manaus most of one hundred years ago, the clock tower (called little Big Ben), Matriz Square and the Cathedral. Walk through the Municipal Market, the art nouveau building. Stop at the 19th century Palácio Rio Negro built to be the private residence of a German rubber baron and later the Governor's office until 1997, transformed after this date into the Cultural Center, the Rio Negro Palace shelters today several exhibitions. The highlight of the tour will be a visit to the lavish Opera House built almost entirely of European material during the rubber boom and inaugurated in 1896.
Overnight: Villa Amazonia Hotel
Meal Plan: B
Day 9 - Welcome to Amazon!
After breakfast shared transfer service will take you directly to Anavilhanas lodge for 4 nights and 5 days package including overnight, guided activities in the jungle, and full board.
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is an exclusive hotel right in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Resting in front of the Anavilhanas archipelago, the lodge is touched by the black waters of the Rio Negro and is blessed with the sounds, aromas, and mysteries of the Amazon Jungle. Free of mosquitoes and nested within a vast stretch of untouched rainforest, the hotel offers a wonderful balance between nature, comfort, adventure, and peace.
All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a minibar, a private safe, a hair dryer, and a hot shower. There is also a hammock on the balcony to admire the view. Single, double, or triple rooms. The queen size bed is 198cm long and 176cm wide. Single beds are 198cm long and 88cm wide. The extra bed is 188cm long and 88cm wide.
Overnight: Anavilhanas Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 10 - Amazon Adventure
Enjoy the activities at Anavilhanas Lodge.
Activities Available in Anavilhanas Lodge
Visit the Local Community: Canoe trip on Rio Negro and visit a local caboclo community.
Canoeing Through the Igapós And Igarapés: Hear the sounds of the forest and explore the rivers, on 2-guest canoes. Watch the scenery change as you paddle.
Anavilhanas Archipelago Nocturnal Sightseeing: Enjoy the feeling of nightlife in the forest, lit up by the stars. Spot birds, sloths, snakes, and alligators hidden in the dark.
Recognition Tour on The Region: Regional ships are used to explore the countless canals, lakes, and islands of this beautiful archipelago – one of the largest in the world.
Hiking on Dryland Forests: Led by experienced guides, explore non-floodable areas. Learn about trees, fruits and wild fruits, survival strategies, and medicinal herbs.
Visit Pink River Dolphins and the Handicraft Fair in Novo Airão: Visit a floating deck where Pink River Dolphins come close searching for food. Then, meander through the arts and crafts center where artisans make handicrafts with wood, straw, and seeds.
Recreational Piranha Fishing: Enjoy the amazing scenery and catch some fish during this fun activity done in wooden canoes along the igarapés.
Sunrise Contemplation: Leaving at dawn, guests will be taken to the islands to watch the birds flying and the beauty of all the colors when the sun rises in the Amazon sky.
Overnight: Anavilhanas Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 11 - Explore the Amazon
Guests will enjoy the activities at Anavilhanas Lodge.
Overnight: Anavilhanas Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 12 - Embrace the Amazon
Enjoy the last activities at Anavilhanas Lodge
Overnight: Anavilhanas Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 13 - Welcome to Salvador de Bahia
Transfer to Manaus airport for flight to Salvador. On arrival in Salvador transfer to the selected hotel.
Overnight: Fasano Salvador
Meal Plan: B
Day 14 - Trace the African roots of Salvador de Bahia
We retrace the African roots of Salvador on a city tour, which combines the newer, modern section and the older Historical Center of Salvador, the Pelourinho area, so-called after the pillory, which stood, in the main square, in front of the central slave market. We visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum, which traces the West African origins of the city, and see the superb wooden sculpted panels of the Orixá’s by Salvador’s most celebrated artist, Carybé. Museum entrance fee included. We visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the famous Black church, built with meager resources over a period of almost 100 years. Nextdoor is the intimate Bahian Gastronomy Museum which focuses on the African influence on Bahia cuisine.
Overnight: Fasano Salvador
Meal Plan: B
Day 15 - Visit a Traditional Market
Visit the São Joaquim market, the best place to seek and understand the local culture. Through the centuries, Salvador’s São Joaquim market provided an essential link to the farming hinterland of the bay's western shores, which exported sugarcane, tobacco, and produce to supply the city came. Ever bustling and borderline chaotic, today the market still sells a myriad of products and produce, from fruits, vegetables, and spare parts for domestic appliances, to sacred herbs, religious artifacts of the candomblé, and the ingredients for Bahia cuisine’s signature dish, the moqueca - cilantro, limes, garlic, coconut milk, and dendê palm oil. After the tour, savor the famous moqueca dish in a local city restaurant.
Overnight: Fasano Salvador
Meal Plan: B
Day 16 - Welcome to Trancoso!
Transfer to Salvador airport for flight to Porto Seguro.
Arrival in Porto Seguro and 1-h land transfer to the villa of Trancoso. It is a quiet, charming, preserved village with a young and globalized atmosphere.
Founded at the beginning of the Portuguese colonization by the Jesuits as an indigenous village for the catechization of the Indians under the name of St. John of the Indians.
A few years ago, it ceased to be the rustic and isolated village, discovered by the hippies in the 70s it became the tourist destination for VIPs.
The Square, the wide square in the center of the village, framed by colorful houses and the white church in the background, remains the heart of the place and where everything happens.
In the simple and colorful houses of the Square, you will find bars, restaurants, stylish inns, craft shops, and famous designer boutiques.
All the charm of this village is surrounded by beautiful beaches and an exuberant nature with a mild climate all year round.
Check-in at Pousada Tutabel.
Discover Trancoso in this privileged location: with the foot in the sand of Itapororoca Beach and only 8 minutes from Trancoso’s Quadrado center. It offers an outdoor pool and exclusive activities (not included) in and around Trancoso, like cycling and hiking, which will surely make your stay more enjoyable and fun in this, which is one of the most beautiful places in Bahia.
Overnight: Tutabel
Meal Plan: B
Day 17 - Enjoy Trancoso
Day at leisure to relax.
Overnight: Tutabel
Meal Plan: B
Day 18 - Explore Trancoso
Day at leisure to explore the beaches of the city.
Overnight: Tutabel
Meal Plan: B
Day 19 - Day at Leisure in Trancoso
Day at leisure to relax and explore the city.
Overnight: Tutabel
Meal Plan: B
Day 20 - Trancoso
Days at leisure to relax and explore the beaches and landscapes of the city.
Overnight: Pousada Estrela D’Agua
Meal Plan: B
Day 21 - Departure
Transfer to Porto Seguro airport and catch your departure flight.
Overnight:
Meal Plan: B