The Best of Brazil

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and our local representative will meet you at the airport, give you a nice warm welcome, and take you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore several favourite local spots. Walk on the long boulevards beside the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana. Find a variety of huts selling delectable freshly squeezed juices and coconuts and feel completely rejuvenated as you take in the beautiful cityscape vibe of Rio de Janeiro.

Also, relax and enjoy the sunset at the beach before you head for dinner at one of the nice restaurants on the promenade. Do try one of Brazil’s famous and traditional dishes, feijoada carioca (stew of beans with beef and pork served with white rice and farofa) coupled with a fantastic caipirinha cocktail or local beer such as Skol and Brahma.

As you depart from your hotel, explore the most visited sights of Rio de Janeiro. Start with the National Park of Tijuca which takes you to the top of Corcovado Mountain, where the world-renowned statue of Christ the Redeemer is present. At its base, you can enjoy spectacular views of the city. Further, head for an interesting tour in the heart of the historical city centre as you pass by old colonial buildings and stunning cobbled stone alleys. The tour further proceeds to the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain where you take a cable car. You will also learn how to make and relish the delicious Brazilian drink, caipirinha.

The day is free for you to spend at leisure.

On this day, at the arranged time, head to the airport for your flight to Iguazu. Once you arrive, head for the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder of the world, located inside the Iguazu National Park.

As you walk by the 1.2-km trail, get treated to exceptional panoramic views of over 275 waterfalls, especially the frontal view of Garganta del Diablo or Devil’s Throat, which is an 80-metre high and powerful waterfall.

Have your breakfast in the morning and begin your exclusive tour of the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls. Proceed towards the Iguazu National Park and climb aboard a small train at the entrance of the national park. The first stop is the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), standing over 262 ft. is the biggest waterfall of Iguazu. Your guide will further take you through both the upper and lower circuits.

Notice various trails taking you through the jungle, above and around waterfalls, are built some feet above the jungle floor and waterways. The platforms not only protect the natural habitat of the jungle wildlife but take you to secluded viewpoints that offer unparalleled views of the whole park.

To experience adventure while visiting Iguazu, it is recommended to book the optional (non-included) Great Adventure Rafting tour. It takes you right below the rainbows and mist of Iguazu’s waterfalls. Do pack a change of clothes or swimwear and a watertight bag for your valuables to protect them from getting wet. Once you are done with a full day exploring Argentina’s side of Iguazu Falls, head back to the visitor’s centre. Next, transfer to your hotel in Iguazu, settle in and spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Get a private transfer that will take you to the airport for your flight to Campo Grande. As per your arrival time in Bonito and having settled into your accommodation, the remainder of the day is for you to relax. You can stroll down the main street in Coronel Pilad Rebua where you will find everything you need from restaurants, bars and local shops.

Begin your day with a gentle 1.24-mile walk through the gorgeous Bonito forest, known for its rich biodiversity, before you arrive at the Rio de la Prata (Silver River). With your wetsuit on, snorkelling gear and life jacket, gently float down the Olho d'agua spring. Crystal-clean waters will allow you to spot hundreds of colourful fish. Also, since the rivers are shallow and flow softly downhill, relax and float your way downriver as you witness the beautiful underwater world.

The day is free for you to spend at leisure.

Get picked up for your transfer taking you from Bonito to your lodge in the Pantanal. Once you arrive at your lodge (located deep within the Pantanal Wetlands), the remainder of the evening is free for you to relax and enjoy. Do not miss out on your first Pantanal sunset as you witness thousands of birds enveloping the sky as it turns gold, pink and purple.

Have your dinner at the lodge. A night tour can be arranged to spot nocturnal wildlife — pumas, ocelots, jaguars, and wolves. Getting dazzled by the beautiful starry skies is alone worth the trouble.

Note: each lodge has a different set of activities amidst a unique backdrop. Thus, the routine for each day will be planned with the local guide accordingly.

Have your breakfast and get ready for more exploration of this stunning natural habitat. The personnel available at your lodge will provide you with recommendations taking into account the seasonal variations. When it is wet season, head for horseback riding through the floodplains and forests of the Pantanal.

Enjoy the spectacular landscape of the savannah and the flooded plains and also keep an eye out for tapirs, deer, capybaras, giant anteaters, and armadillos. Even giant otters and anacondas can be spotted.

Head back to the lodge for lunch and freshen up. It is recommended to take a tour of the Pantanal’s Ecological Refuge where you can enjoy the fascinating sight of seeing a plethora of alligators in their search for food in their natural habitat. Enjoy some time fishing and you may even catch a piranha.

Note: Activities may vary upon the selected lodge.

Enjoy a variety of activities at your lodge.

In the morning, get a private transfer back to the airport in Campo Grande to board your flight to Rio de Janeiro.

The town of Buzios is 105 miles northeast of Rio de Janeiro. Ossos is an old fishing village where you can find winding cobblestone streets home to several of the town's shops and boutiques. Besides, Manguinhos and Armação de Buzios are amazing for nighttime explorations, especially along Rua Orla Bardot and Porto da Barras has a range of high-class restaurants and bars to select from.

Recommended: Before you rush off to the beach, settle into your accommodation. Do download some offline maps of Buzios for ease. You should have a driver’s license with you to rent a buggy which is the easiest way to explore Buzios’ surrounding 17 beaches. Head for Armação which is the main point of Buzio’s nightlife — Orla Bardot beachfront promenade is the best place to spend an unforgettable evening before you head back to the hotel.

The day is free for you to explore on your own accord. Start with relishing a delicious breakfast before heading to the beach.

Note: Buzios has 17 beaches which can be explored on foot, bike, boat, horseback, and on a buggy (license required). You have the option to book trips from the harbour in Buzios to more secluded beaches and tropical islands lying offshore. Also, scuba enthusiasts (whether they have a license or want to learn) have the option to enjoy the thrill at one of Brazil's best diving spots around the Cabo Frio Peninsula.

Further, you can enjoy surfing at Geriba Beach which has the best waves in Buzios or gentle standup paddle boarding at several of the beaches in the region. Enjoy sighting the dunes and the lighthouse of Buzios for an amazing day trip. Discover the former fishing village’s routes and relish some delicious fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.

The day is free for you to spend at leisure.

On this day, get transferred to the airport in Rio de Janeiro to connect with your onward flight