BRAZIL IN A NUTSHELL

Day 1 : Arrival in Rio De Janeiro (- / - / -)

On landing in Rio de Janeiro airport, a guide and vehicle will be ready and waiting to assist. From here, it is onward to your hotel in the heart of the Copacabana neighbourhood, which will be home for the next four nights. The rest of the day is best spent at leisure to regain some strength and acclimatise, building up energy for the coming days’ exploration.

Day 2 : Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado (B / L / -)

The tour begins in the Cosme Velho district to board a cog and pinion railway cart. This carriage climbs the steep, forested hillside leading to the peak of Corcovado, and the famous Christ the Redeemer monument. As iconic as the monument itself is; the breathtaking views of Copacabana, Ipanema and Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon are just as memorable and well worth taking the time to appreciate fully. Having digested the city from above, a gentle descent back down comes courtesy of the same shuttle train. The carriage will pass through the lush vegetation, streams and waterfalls of Tijuca Forest Reserve, and once at ground level; there is time for a quick photo stop at the famous Mário Filho or ‘Maracanã’ stadium and the Sambódromo, known as the centrepiece of Rio’s Carnival parade.

Lunch will be at a typical Brazilian churrascaria (all-you-can-eat barbeque), before moving on to the Urca neighbourhood, one of Rio’s older districts, located in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain. Here, a cable car ascends Morro da Urca and then proceeds all the way to the summit of Sugarloaf, some 400 metres above sea level. Dramatic views of Copacabana Beach, Guanabara Bay and the previously visited Christ the Redeemer are enjoyed from the cable car on the way up, with the vistas from the Summit being a real highlight of the day, even more so during sun set.

Day 3 : Walking Tour of Santa Teresa with visit to community-based art project (B / - / -)

This morning starts with a pleasant walking tour around Rio’s bohemian Santa Teresa district. From the early 20th-century and the times of Laurinda Santos Lobo, one of Rio’s great patrons of the arts, to today’s world famous street artists, this area has attracted creative types for generation after generation. One can feel the spirit of this neighbourhood and its people by strolling through its colourful streets and enjoy spectacular viewpoints of Guanabara Bay and Sugar Loaf Mountain before arriving at the Pereira da Silva or ‘Pereirão’ Community. The early part of this tour is as much about the iconic beauty of Rio as it is its characterful residents.

Once at Projeto Morrinho itself, visitors are met by the beguiling site of the 350 sq meter miniature reconstruction of the Rio favelas made entirely of painted mud bricks, complete with intricate streets, tiny graffiti, 3,000 individually placed residents and even armed checkpoints. The level of detail is nothing short of astounding and inspiring in equal measure, with the Maracanã, Tram of Santa Teresa and Arcos da Lapa clearly identifiable. Along the way, in the company of one of the Project’s founders, the history of Morrinho, which originally started out as a light-hearted game and has since turned into a beacon of expression for a young generation, will be told.

Day 4 : Historical walking tour of Rio de Janeiro (B / - / -)

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most historically and culturally significant cities in the world. The rich heritage of Brazil’s second largest city is found in the monuments and architecture of the historic centre, where Portuguese colonial and Renaissance-style buildings rub shoulders with modern skyscrapers in an eclectic mix of architectural styles. The tour is done on foot, which is the best way to discover this diverse area, and by public transport such as metro and bus – just like a real carioca.

The attractions you’ll see during this tour include: Cinelândia Square, where the Opera House, Museum of Fine Arts, Town Hall and National Library are all located, the modern cathedral of São Sebastião, the colonial churches of São Antônio and São Francisco da Penitência, with a short stop at the charming Colombo patisserie. You’ll also visit the interior of the Royal Portuguese Reading Chamber, the popular market of Uruguaiana, the square of Praça XV de Novembro, the former Imperial Palace, the State of Rio Parliament, the old cathedral of Nossa Senhora do Carmo and the historic alleyway of Travessa do Comércio, to finish by the impressive church of Nossa Senhora da Candelária.

The rest of the day is left at leisure. Rio’s Jardim Botânico, one of Brazil’s most impressive Botanical Gardens, is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon. Located in the heart of the buzzing metropolis, these lush, spacious gardens are an oasis of calm with an astonishing array of both native and foreign plant species, some of which grow to gigantic proportions in this ecological paradise. Tamarins (small omnivores related to monkeys) and a myriad of colourful bird species thrive amongst the flamboyant vegetation.

Day 5 : From Rio to Iguaçu Falls (B / - / -)

With the main sights, sounds, and smells of Rio covered, this morning a vehicle will be on hand ready for the transfer to the airport in time for an onward flight to Iguaçu, then transfer with a local guide to the hotel on arrival.

With its source located in the Serra do Mar near the Atlantic coast, and with the surrounding National Park covering both Brazil and Argentina, the Iguaçu River grows into a winding course more than 1.000 km in length, before emptying into the Paraná River through the famous 2.700 m wide Iguaçu Falls. The spectacle of approximately 275 drops culminates in the dauntingly titled ’Devil’s Throat’, where water plummets more than 80 metres; exploding onto the rocks below in a haze of fine mist.

Having checked into the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Domestic flight from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguaçu

Day 6 : Touring the Brazilian side of the Falls (B / - / -)

This morning it is time to head to the Iguaçu National Park for an excursion which will include both a gentle wildlife walk and the witnessing of an untamed force of nature. From the entrance to the park, a private vehicle will lead the drive to some of the trails which dissect this 1,700 km² reserve. The subtropical rainforests which cover the landscape are home to a huge variety of jungle plants, tropical trees, and 400 bird species.

The walkways offer incredible panoramic views at numerous lookout points along the route to the main falls, so ensure time is taken to enjoy these changing perspectives on the way. The spectacular Devil’s Throat is the big highlight of this experience and is clearly visible from various angles leading up to and on the climax of the trek, where the water drops more than 80 metres with a force strong enough to create a never-ending spray cloud 10 metres high, and hikers will have a fantastic view of this phenomenon on arrival.

Having taken in this spectacle of nature, prepare to get wet, as next up is a boat tour that will take you right up to the thundering waters of the falls. This excursion starts with a two kilometre drive in an open-top jeep through the tropical rainforest of Iguaçu National Park. The final 500 metres to the bank of the Iguaçu River are on foot, before you board a specially-equipped motor launch for a thrilling ride as the boat negotiates the rough waters and penetrates the mist created by the falls.

Day 7 : Full day tour of the Argentinian Falls (B / - / -)

Today enjoy a full day tour of the Argentinian side of the Falls and National Park. Upon arrival at the Park, the first stop will be the Visitors’ Centre, which offers an excellent insight into the rich biodiversity of the area. To visit the Falls, the most convenient option is by rail, courtesy of a track which was specially designed for the Park. The train connects three stations; Central Station (where the Visitors´ Centre is located), Cataratas Station, which gives access to lower and upper trails, and the Devil’s Throat Station, which leads to the main falls. It is a scenic 14 7 km route of around 20 minutes. The tracks run along the Iguazú River and the train runs at speeds of no more than 20 km/h, stopping whenever animals cross the lines.

The Park offers three well-signed walking trails: The Green Trail is a relaxed walk (650 m) passing a swamp and various native flora. Cataratas Station is the starting point of the longer Upper (1700 m) and Lower (1400 m) Trails, offering great panoramic views at numerous lookout points. The final Lower Trail offers a more intimate approach to the falls from below, showcasing the immensity of this natural wonder, as the water pounds relentlessly into the rocks at the foot of The Devils Throat.

Finally, if choosing an extended option, board the train for the final Station, Garganta del Diablo. From here, a scenic trail (2200 m in total) traverses the Iguaçu River to its breathtaking climax. Having explored the falls, trails, river and park, transfer back to the hotel for the evening.

Day 8 : From tropical Iguaçu to cultural Salvador (B / - / -)

This morning will involve a transfer to the airport in time for the flight to Salvador da Bahia. Brazil’s historical first capital sits proudly overlooking the Bay of All Saints. For Brazilians, Salvador is synonymous with a more relaxed pace of life compared with the other main cities such as Rio or São Paulo, though also represents the fusion of culture, history, dance and religion which spreads throughout the country.

On arrival in Salvador, a guide and vehicle will be ready and waiting to assist. From here, it is onward to the hotel for check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Domestic flight from Foz do Iguaçu to Salvador

Day 9 : Historical tour of Pelourinho (B / - / -)

To walk through the old town of Pelourinho, in Salvador’s historical centre, is an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the cultural heritage of the people here. Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1985, the district is awash with colonial buildings and traditional churches dating from the 17th and 18th century. Many of these buildings have since been turned into museums, artists’ studios, galleries, even restaurants, and there will be plenty of time to explore them all at leisure later in the day. Particular highlights of Pelourinho include the house of well-known writer Jorge Amado, São Francisco Church and the Cathedral Basílica, though in truth, merely walking the streets and alleyways is a fascinating history lesson in itself.

In addition to its colonial past, Bahia was an integral part of equality movements in the region and to this day has a strong connection with many of the residents’ Afro-Brazilian roots.

The rest of the day can be spent at leisure.

Day 10 : Homeward bound (B / - / -)

On the last day of the tour, a driver will be on hand at the required time for a transfer from the hotel to the airport, in preparation for onward flights.

End of the Tour