Brazil Explorer

Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Rio de Janeiro founded in 1556, the city of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Colony of Brazil in 1776. In 1808 the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon and settled in Rio. This brought a surge of progress and the city became the main cultural, political and economic centre of the Portuguese empire. In 1889, when the republic was proclaimed, Rio was confirmed as the country's capital, which it remained until 1960, when the construction of the new capital, Brasilia, was founded. Rio is situated in a 15-mile-strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo, from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea, on the other by verdant hills. Between them lies a colourful state of mind called CARIOCA, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way through life, relaxed and high-spirited. That is just the way it should be in Rio, surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, with Christ the Redeemer perched on top of Corcovado blessing the city and Sugar Loaf, one of the most famous postcards of our country.

Overnight in Rio De Janeiro

After breakfast, set off on a half-day tour to explore some of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic sights. Begin with a scenic drive through the upscale Copacabana neighbourhood en route to Urca Station, the starting point for your ascent to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Board the first of two Swiss-engineered cable cars for a panoramic journey—first stopping at Morro da Urca, then continuing to the summit of Sugarloaf. Along the way, take in breathtaking 360° views of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach, and the dramatic coastline framed by lush forested hills. Next, visit the striking Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, a bold modernist structure with an awe-inspiring conical design. Step inside to admire its towering stained-glass windows that bathe the vast interior in a kaleidoscope of colour—unlike any cathedral you’ve seen before. Conclude your tour at the iconic Selarón Steps, a vibrant mosaic staircase created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. Composed of over 2,000 brightly coloured tiles from more than 60 countries, this eye-catching landmark offers the perfect backdrop for memorable photos. After this immersive journey through Rio’s natural beauty and artistic flair, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Rio De Janeiro

After breakfast, embark on a breathtaking tour to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Begin with a drive to Cosme Velho, a charming district at the base of Corcovado Mountain. From here, board a traditional cogwheel train (*), which winds its way through the lush greenery of the Tijuca Forest, one of the largest urban rainforests on the planet. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of Rio’s hills, cityscape, and coastline. At the summit, you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Standing 30 meters tall with arms outstretched, the statue is an enduring symbol of peace and a cultural icon of Brazil. From this privileged vantage point, take in spectacular panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the surrounding neighborhoods. After descending Corcovado, continue the tour with a scenic drive along Rio’s most famous beaches—Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon—each offering a unique blend of energy, beauty, and local flair. Return to your hotel after a truly unforgettable morning exploring the heart of Rio.

Note: In rare instances when the train is not operational, the ascent will be made via certified city vans from/to the Largo do Machado parking area.

Overnight in Rio de Janeiro

Admire some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world are present in our itineraries, such as: Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, Maracanã, the Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer – one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Routes that surprise Cariocas and tourists from all over the world. The aircraft carefully follow all the maintenance procedures recommended by the aircraft manufacturers and by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC); following international safety standards. We have highly qualified mechanics and pilots, with international qualification and on permanent duty. Everything is to offer you more tranquility in the unforgettable experience of knowing the Wonderful City.

Sail along Guanabara Bay just as the sun is setting below the horizon and experience Rio when it starts to come to life. This small-group sailing adventure is a perfect way to relax and see the sites such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio-Niteroi Bridge. Relax with complimentary drinks and light snacks while you sail.

• Sail around Rio’s Guanabara Bay during sunset
• Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks on board
• See iconic landmarks like the Sugarloaf Mountain

Get away from Rio’s raucous side and head deep into nature on this half-day tour. After pickup from your hotel, you’ll head to the city’s “Green Lungs,” aka Tijuca National Park, the largest urban rainforest on the planet. With your guide leading the way, you’ll wander amongst caves and waterfalls, watch for wildlife, and marvel at Brazilian biodiversity—bring your camera, your hiking shoes, and your exploring legs!

• Hassle-free round-trip transfers from your Rio hotel
• Enjoy the chauffeured drive to Tijuca National Park, the planet's largest urban rainforest
• Explore caves, hike to and under waterfalls, through the forest, and more

Ride through Tijuca National Park's rainforest in an open-top Jeep during this half-day trip from Rio. During guided eco-tour, hike through the forest to spot sloths, butterflies, monkeys, and birds. Enjoy panoramic views from Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) and marvel at the fact that this section of the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) is just 10 minutes outside the city limits. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

• Embark on a gentle trek through Tijuca National Park to Cachoeira dos Macacos (Waterfall of the Monkeys)
• Take photos at Vista Chinesa, Emperor's Table, and Mayrink Chapel
• Learn about the flora of the Mata Atlântica from your local guide

Prepare to be transferred to the airport in Rio De Janeiro for your flight to Iguassu. Upon arrival at the airport in Iguassu, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Later in the day visit the Brazilian side of the falls. The tour leaves from the hotel by coach and crossing Iguassu National Park as far as the Brazilian Falls. It follows a walk along the paths following cascades and then along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat to enjoy magnificent views. Take an elevator to go up to the road, and there board the coach to get back to the hotel.

Overnight in Iguassu

Today, after breakfast, you will visit the Argentinean side of the falls. Leave from the hotel on the Brazilian side for a drive and after a quick customs check, cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River, which forms the border between Argentina & Brazil. Once in Argentina, tour takes a scenic highway up the Argentinean Iguassu National Park. Stopping at the Visitors’ Centre and proceeding from there the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades, to the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls and then takes the Ecological Jungle Train that leads visitors to and from the most impressive observation point of the falls – The Devil's Throat . Return to the hotel.

**Remark: For the border crossing, travelers need their passports and visas (if necessary).

Overnight in Iguassu

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Manaus. Upon arrival in Manaus, you will be transferred to your hotel. Manaus is the capital of Amazonas State and the hub of the whole Amazon Region. It lies on the shore of the Negro River, 6 km (4 mi) far from the point where the Negro meets the Solimoes River to form the Brazilian Amazon River. The city underwent a great development in the 2nd half of the 19th century when it became rubber boomtown, in part because of the invention of the process of vulcanization. Swiftly transformed into a European-like capital, it was the first Brazilian city to have trolley buses and the second to have electric illumination on the streets. In the beginning of the 20th century, Manaus rubber market collapsed and the city declined into poverty. Nowadays Manaus is a busy commercial center, after having been transformed into a Free Trade Zone in 1966. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Manaus is the capital of Amazonas, which is the largest state in Brazil. It is a modern city and one of the fastest-growing in Brazil. It is also the perfect point of departure for exploring the rest of the Amazonian region. Visitors can discover the beautiful riverbanks and "igarapes" (creeks), swim and canoe in placid lakes, or simply walk through the evergreen forest.

Overnight in Manaus

After breakfast, transfer to the Manaus pier to start the Amazon Ecopark Lodge experience. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be welcomed with local juices. The Amazon Ecopark Lodge is located in Rio Tarumã – a tributary of Rio Negro – approximately one hour from Manaus airport (30 minutes by boat from the Tropical Hotel pier), in the middle of the Amazon Forest. Over 6 miles of jungle trails enable the client to explore the jungle, orchids and giant trees. Amazon Ecopark Lodge offers 60 apartments in 20 bungalows (3 each), made of wood. The apartments entrance, porch and bathroom are completely independent, are all air conditioned, with hot shower and screened windows. Rustic, but also charming decorated. Explore the variety of the flora and fauna of the Amazon region during various excursions on foot or with a canoe such as Jungle Trekking, visit to the Orchid Garden and the Lake of the “Quelônios” turtles, visit to a "Caboclo´s" house, fishing or a canoe tour at night.

**Remark: Activities according to Lodge’s schedule to be defined on the spot. All tours include bilingual guide assistance. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions as well as availability.

Overnight in the Amazon

Nature Hike Duration: 1 to 3 hours (depending on the physical fitness of the tour members). Time is approximate.

Biodiversity is the main characteristic of ECOPARK. It includes uncatalogued species in the virgin rainforest, natural savannahs, and beautiful creeks. Several streams of crystal-clear warm waters also run through the land. During this tour, the guide will lead clients to educate them about the local flora and fauna, and how and where they can find edible fruits and potable water, along with first aid, how to find their way in the forest, and so much more.

Visit to the Caboclo House Duration: 1 hour. Time is approximate.

Depart the lodge on a boat or motor canoe, to visit a local family. Dubbed the “caboclos”, learn about their local traditions and customs and discover the rich history of the Amazon, the rubber cycle, and much more. During this visit, you will see how the cassava meal is prepared and how they smoke the extracted rubber sap.  

Monkey Forest Duration: 40 minutes to 1 hour. Time is approximate

The Monkey Forest is a restricted area where wild animals come and go as the seasons pass by. There is always a feeding time schedule, under the supervision of the biologist and/or personnel with credentials to do so. Guests are welcome to visit, film, and photograph the animals which may be on-site in a safe and natural environment. The facilities for rehabilitation and re-introduction of wild animals in their habitat known as Monkey Forest was created in 1991 with the intention of receiving animals which have been confiscated from illegal commerce. This is a joint project with the Municipal Secretary of Environment and Sustainability. In this center, the animals are initially put into quarantine to be evaluated and taken care of by a team of veterinaries and biologists. In partnership with the FFV (Live Forest Foundation), a non-profit institution overseen by Amazon Ecopark Lodge, a unique feeding system has been developed. Twice a day (10:30 & 15:30), the animals receive supplements for their natural diet, ensuring that they are being fed the essential nutrients. The Monkey Forest is open to guests’ visits, always in the company of a facility professional. Guests are welcome to film and take as many photos as they wish in this safe and natural environment.

After breakfast, depart from the lodge on board of a regional double deck boat; the boat will go down the Negro River navigating along the shore of the City of Manaus, allowing you to enjoy view of the Amazonas Theatre, the Port of Manaus, the Customs and the interesting aspects of the local life - the stilt houses for instance.  Arrival at The Meeting of the Waters, a spectacular merge of Negro and Solimões Rivers. From this point on, both rivers form the famous Amazon River that runs all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Their waters run together for about 12km, side by side, without mingling. The phenomenon happens due to differences in temperature, density and speed of the waters from both rivers.

Overnight in the Amazon

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Manaus, where you will start the panoramic city tour, during which you will see the main sights of Manaus, such as the old part of Manaus that is a reminder from the rubber boom of the end of the last century, the São Sebastião Square, the customs office pre-fabricated in Liverpool and shipped to Manaus almost 100 years ago, the clock tower (called little Big Ben), the Matriz Square, Cathedral and the Municipal Market. You will also make a photo stop at the Opera House built almost entirely from European materials during the rubber boom and inaugurated in 1896.

Overnight in Manaus

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Salvador Da Bahia. Upon arrival, you will be received by the guide who will help you with the transfer to the hotel.

Salvador da Bahia is called by Brazilians “Land Of Happiness” because life there is a constant celebration of happiness. It is also called “The Land of All Saints”, not only for its location by the All Saints Bay, but also for the deep and extensive mysticism of its people. Salvador is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet, a world of beauty, magic, traditions and warm hospitality. It has its own special identity, almost a country within itself. The city is bounded by the ocean to the East and by All Saints Bay to the South. 

Overnight in Salvador da Bahia

After breakfast, meet the guide at the reception of the hotel and proceed for the city tour of Salvador Da Bahia. The focus of the historical city tour will be on the city sites related to the colonial Brazil and Afro-Brazilian history, taking advantage of Pelourinho being the greatest baroque neighborhood outside Europe, declared by UNESCO a world heritage site. If you're a history buff, there are lots of centuries-old buildings churches and even museums to tour. You will have the chance to see a little of the new and the old city. Beginning in the Barra neighborhood, with the Atlantic Ocean view and the first lighthouse of the American continent, at the Saint Antony Fort. Continue through the traditional neighborhoods of Corredor da Vitória, Campo Grande (big outdoor scene for Salvador’s carnival). Then, stop at the Municipal Square, and from there, you will have a view of the lower city and the Bay of All Saints. Then, towards Pelourinho, you walk along the narrow and stone-paved streets, seeing all this important site of Brazil colonial roots. In addition to many beautiful churches, and buildings, the promenade will have its end at Terreiro de Jesus square, by visiting the San Francisco church – with its gold leafed interior and Jacaranda wood furniture. The afternoon is free at leisure.

Overnight in Salvador da Bahia

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.