ESSENTIAL BRAZIL

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

On landing in Rio, a guide and vehicle will be ready to assist. From here, it is onward to the hotel to check in. The rest of the day day one can be enjoyed at leisure, relaxing after travelling and building up energy for the coming days of travel.

Day 2 : Full day tour of 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. Carriages will pass through the lush vegetation, streams and waterfalls of Tijuca Forest Reserve, and once at ground level; there is time for a brief 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 all the way up 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 : Exploring Rio’s historic centre (B / - / -)

Rio’s city centre is filled with lovely historic buildings, 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 carioca (inhabitant of Rio).

The attractions you’ll see during this tour include: Cinelandia 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.

Day 4 : Walking tour of Rio’s bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood (B / - / -)

This morning starts with a pleasant walking tour around Rio’s bohemian Santa Teresa district. With its cobbled streets and lovely turn-of-the-century homes on the hill overlooking Guanabara Bay and the city centre, Santa Teresa is a very special place. This colourful neighbourhood is home to many of Rio’s artists, musicians and poets, and is undoubtedly the most picturesque area in the city. It’s numerous cosy restaurants and bars and trendy shops attract ever increasing numbers of visitors.

Although essentially a walking tour, part of the route will be enjoyed from aboard Santa Teresa’s antique tram - which passes Rio’s famous ‘Arcos da Lapa’ aqueduct on its way to and from this higher laying neighbourhood. Continuing on foot, the tour reveals many of Santa Teresa’s secrets, such as the colourful, tile-lined stairway that leads to the studio of Jorge Selarón and the cultural centre of Parque das Ruínas with its impressive viewpoint over the bay.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, further exploring the hidden corners of Santa Teresa or relaxing at the beach near your hotel. Tonight get a taste of Rio’s energetic nightlife in Lapa and try to keep up with some samba steps.

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 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 leads the way 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 tall, 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 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 : A day of travel to Manaus (B / - / -)

This morning will involve a transfer to the airport in time for the flight to Manaus. Upon arrival, a support vehicle will be waiting for the transfer to the city hotel where you will spend the night before embarking on your Amazon adventure tomorrow.

Time permitting, we recommend to take a guided tour of the city’s historic centre, which developed as a result of the wealth generated by the rubber boom at the end of the nineteenth century. Highlights include the famous Teatro Amazonas opera house and the bustling Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market in the port area, where all sorts of exotic fruit, medicinal herbs and giant river fish are on sale.

Domestic flight from Foz do Iguaçu to Manaus.

Day 9 : Scenic journey to the Lodge (B / L / D)

An early morning departure to begin the beautiful route to your jungle lodge. First, a short drive to Ceasa river port, followed by a 30-minute boat ride across the Amazon to the village of Careiro. Along the way the boat passes the famous meeting point of the mighty Solimões and Negro Rivers. From Careiro it’s another hour and 15 minutes on paved and dirt road to Maçarico Rivero. During the journey, you will be able to enjoy the wonderful Amazon rainforest landscape and there will also be a brief stop to see the famous Vitória Régia water lilies in a nearby lake. A speedboat will be waiting for the final leg of the journey; a scenic one-hour voyage through small creeks and flooded forest to the lodge. On arrival at the lodge, enjoy a welcome drink and dinner, before settling into your room.

Journey time from Manaus to Amazon Lodge: approx. 30 min. by car + 30 min. by speedboat + 1h 15 min. by car + 1h 15 min by speedboat.

Day 10 : Sunrise boat tour and piranha fishing (B / L / D)

This morning you’re in for an early start; around 5.30 am you will set out in motorized canoes to admire the sunrise in the Amazon and witness the awakening of the rainforest. The early morning hours are the best time to observe wildlife activity, particularly birdlife. An expert guide will be on hand to ensure nothing is missed, before returning to the lodge for breakfast.

Next, an informative jungle trek will give an introduction to the flora of the Amazon, and its many potential uses, whether that be edible or medicinal.

This afternoon, board a motorboat for a fishing expedition in search of the infamous Amazonian piranha. The little fish with the sharp teeth are said to be quite easy to catch; all you need is a hook, small pieces of meat as bait and some patience. Upon return to the lodge, your guide will show you how to prepare and cook your catch, which will be served for dinner in true Amazon-style.

Day 11 : Visit to a local community and caiman spotting by night (B / L / D)

After breakfast your guide will take you on a canoe tour to further explore the surroundings of Amazon Lodge; 793 hectares of unspoiled dense primary rainforest. The region around Juma river is specially rich in wildlife, so keep your eyes open for monkeys, pink river dolphins, sloths and an endless variety of birds. When you enter the small waterways that cross the areas of flooded forest on either side of the river, the boat driver will turn off the engine and allow you to fully concentrate on the sounds of nature as you silently glide through the water.

In the afternoon, visit a local community to learn the day to day of those who live here. Among other things, insight will be given to the native understanding of medicinal plants, seasonal changes in the tropical vegetation, and the preparation of manioc flour, one of the region’s principal exports.

After dinner back at the lodge, take to the water once more for an evening expedition in search of caimans. Look out for the glistening reflection of the caimans’ eyes from the guide’s torch light as the boat navigates the riverbank. But this magical tour is not just about spotting the caiman; it’s about being in a boat in the dark Amazon night, listening to the sounds of the hidden wildlife and experiencing what true immersion in nature feels like.

Day 12 : From Manaus to Olinda (B / - / -)

Today is the last day of adventure in the Amazon, depart the lodge in time for a transfer from the lodge back to Manaus and the airport, taking the same route and combination of vehicles and boats used on arrival. Arriving at the airport, it is time to make the flight to Recife, where a driver and guide will be waiting to make the short journey to the coastal town of Olinda.

Founded in 1535, Olinda is one of Brazil’s best preserved colonial towns, recently becoming the country’s first Culture Capital. With its steep cobbled streets and colourful houses sitting majestically on the hillside overlooking Recife and the emerald sea, Olinda is surely one of Brazil’s most charming and picturesque attractions.

After checking in the evening is free to explore the handicraft boutiques or enjoy a nightcap overlooking the ocean.

Journey time from Amazon Lodge to Manaus airport: approx. 1h 15 min by speedboat + 1h 15 min. by car + 30 min. by speedboat + 30 min. by car.

Domestic flight from Manaus to Recife.

Journey time from Recife airport to Olinda: approx. 40 min. (20 km).

Day 13 : Colonial coastline (B / L / -)

Today will allow for both Recife and Olinda to be discovered. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on a walking tour through the historic centre of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and neighbouring Recife. Highlights include the lavishly decorated São Bento Monastery, which was built in 1582 and played home to Brazil’s first law school, and the Igreja da Sé with its sumptuous gold interior. After taking in the vibrant houses and vivid artists’ studios, your guide will also provide insight into the town’s darker past with a visit to the former slave market.

After sampling a delicious regional lunch, the afternoon will be spent exploring the rich heritage of Olinda’s twin city Recife. The first stop will be the islands, rivers and bridges of the historic centre, which have inspired comparisons between Recife and Venice. With part of the port area originally founded by the Dutch, Recife brought together multiple cultures, which is reflected in the architecture of its important sites.

Starting at the Praça da República, with its elegant buildings, the tour will wind through the old town, visiting gilt-clad churches and pleasant plazas before reaching Rua do Bom Jesus, formerly known as “Jews’ Street”, the location of the first synagogue in the Americas, which is now a Jewish museum. From here, it’s only a short walk to the nearby quayside, where former warehouses have transformed into restaurants, craft centres and museums dedicated to Recife’s cultural expressions, including frevo, the region’s unique carnival dance.

Day 14 : Homeward bound (B / - / -)

Enjoy a leisurely morning before the driver arrives to ensure a smooth transfer to the airport in time for the homeward journey.

Journey time from Olinda to Recife airport: approx. 40 min. (20 km).

End of the Tour