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Archaeological & Ecological
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Galapagos - Machu Picchu
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Manu National Park
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Enchanted Isles of the Galapagos
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Rio - Ouro Preto - Iguaçu Falls - Manaus - Pantanal - Natal
Luxury Brazil Tours & Travel.
Land Price (21 days/20 nights)
De Luxe US$ 7,305
The land price includes escorted transfers, private excursions with professional guides and chauffeurs, entrance fees, indicated category of accommodations, all breakfasts and specified meals except beverages, all transportation except air flights, and travel insurance for guests through the age of 59 years. Over that age, there is a supplementary fee. All prices are per person based on two people sharing a guest room. For a detailed description of our services, see About Our Tours.
Intra-Tour Air Flights & Fares
Air fares are in addition to the land price. A "Visit Brazil Air Pass" is recommended.
This itinerary presents some of Brazil's most spectacular cultural and natural highlights in an exhilarating three-week journey to Rio, Ouro Preto, Iguaçu Falls, Manaus, the Pantanal and Natal.
Luxury Brazil Tours & Travel.
This fascinating classic roundtrip starts in one of the worlds most famous and beautiful cities: Rio de Janeiro. With a dreamlike beauty that exceeds even the greatest of expectations, Rio is a city that has to be seen to be believed. From its two famed peaks, the Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountain on top of which stands the statue of Christ with its outstretched arms, Rio de Janeiro is a "Wondrous City" with spectacular landforms that embrace sandy beaches, glittering bays, fine residential districts and towering forest-covered mountains. The landscape is so dramatic that even the largest areas of modern high-rise are still dwarfed by the overwhelming grandeur of numerous peaks and the largest urban tropical forest in the world, itself a monument to environmental preservation.
Day 1: Rio de Janeiro
Arrival at the airport, meet-and-greet with our local, bilingual guide and transfer in private, air conditioned vehicle to the hotel. After check-in, free time to relax in vicinity of the hotel and beachfront after the long journey. Time permitting, a delicious grill dinner, followed by a folkloric show with a variety of spectacles ranging from authentic samba to folklore and rhythms such as capoeira, lambada and even a taste of Carnival with samba drummers and dancers in lavish costume presenting the best of Brazil in alluring, glittering shows. Overnight at the hotel.
Luxury Brazil Tours & Travel.
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro
A fascinating full day tour takes the visitor to the top of the two most majestic landmarks of Rio de Janeiro: Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountain. After a tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro, the tour proceeds through the old Urca neighborhood towards the Sugarloaf, where a cable-car starts the steep, exhilarating 215m climb up Morro da Urca. From here, the cable-car travels high above the rugged, vegetated terrain to the Sugarloaf's 395m summit. Visitors can enjoy wonderful panoramic views over Rio de Janeiro from the top. After lunch at a typical grill restaurant, the Corcovado Mountain is visited. Perched atop the Corcovado (Hunchback) Mountain at an altitude of 710m, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is certainly one of the world's best-known and most-visited monuments. Clad with a soapstone mosaic, the statue is also one of Rio's finest Art Nouveau monuments and at night becomes a shining landmark visible from all over the city. A rack railway takes the visitor up to the foot of the statue, climbing the steep slopes through the Tijuca Forest. Located around the base of Corcovado and with many springs and waterfalls, this dense forest was proclaimed a National Park in the early sixties. After descending, the tour stops at Mário Filho Stadium, known worldwide as Maracanã, and the Sambódromo, designed by Oscar Niemeyer and the stage for the largest and most flamboyant carnival celebrations in Brazil. Evening free to explore Rio's vibrant city centre.
Day 3: Rio de Janeiro
Morning tour of Guanabara Bay by boat: Guanabara Bay is the second largest bay on the Brazilian coastline, its shores having been densely vegetated with Atlantic Rainforest and inhabited by native tribes. Aboard a schooner, passengers are treated to fabulous views of the Rio coastline, passing the ruins of various fortresses that overlook the entrance to the bay. The visitor will also see the extraordinary Contemporary Art Museum designed by Oscar Niemeyer to house the paintings and sculptures of Brazil's foremost modern art collectors. Further sights include the Rio-Niterói Bridge that spans the bay and the Fiscal Island with its green Neo-Gothic palace, designed by Adolfo Del Vecchio. During the afternoon, one of Brazil's most impressive botanical gardens is visited, the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, laid out in the 19th century. Located right in the heart of the city, these lush, spacious gardens are an oasis of calm in the middle of a buzzing metropolis. Visitors are met with an astounding array of native and foreign plant species (about 6,200 in all), 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. Overnight at the hotel.
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They don't make towns any prettier than Ouro Preto or Tiradentes, two picturesque mining towns with colonial buildings running up hillsides that culminate in beautiful churches and monasteries. In 1980, Ouro Preto became the first Brazilian City to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The name Ouro Preto originates from the strange black metal that was found in 1693 by the Bandeirantes (explorers from São Paulo who were looking for indians to capture) and which later turned out to be gold (alluvial gold mixed with iron ore). The resulting wealth and prosperity caused a profound surge in cultural expression and the advent of Brazilian Baroque, Ouro Preto's sister town Tiradentes also boasting a significant collection. With few signs of change over the past two centuries, both towns have retained their magic quality of former ages.
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro - Ouro Preto
Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Belo Horizonte and onward transfer through the remote Serra do Espinhaço mountain range to Ouro Preto. Mid-afternoon arrival at the hotel in Ouro Preto. Afternoon and evening free to explore Ouro Preto's old town centre. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Ouro Preto
Full day excursion of Ouro Preto and Mariana: Ouro Preto, previously known as Vila Rica and the former capital of the state of Minas Gerais, was named after the black metal that was found in 1693 (alluvial gold mixed with iron ore). Ouro Preto represents the largest homogeneous collection of Baroque in the world. Some of the masterpieces of Brazilian Baroque are the churches São Francisco de Assis (1771) and Nossa Senhora do Pilar (1730), one of Minas Gerais' most exuberant temples, both of which will be visited. Ouro Preto was also the site of a violent revolt (the Inconfidência Mineira of 1789) against the Portuguese, caused by unpopular taxes on gold. From Ouro Preto, the tour continues to Mariana, a pleasant little mining town only 12 km away, the birthplace of Athaíde. Once it was the administrative centre of the gold mines of central Minas. After lunch, the excursion visits the Cathedral Basílica da Sé, where weekly organ concerts of Baroque music are played on a 1701 German organ. Overnight at the hotel in Ouro Preto.
Day 6: Ouro Preto - Tiradentes
Full-day excursion combining visits to three towns: Congonhas, São João del Rei and Tiradentes. The town of Congonhas is adorned by Antônio Franciso Lisboa's two greatest sculpture masterpieces: The Twelve Prophets, in the Basílica do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, carved in soapstone; and 66 painted wooden statues, located in six chapels along the way to the main church and depicting Christ's Passion. Antônio Franciso Lisboa (1730-1814) is Brazil's most famous Baroque artist. He was also called Aleijadinho (The Little Cripple) because he lost the use of his hands and legs at the age of 30. However, with hammer and chisel strapped to his arms, he managed to make beautiful sculptures. The tour continues with a visit to São João del Rei. This city dates back to the 18th century and flourished thanks to the discovery of gold in the region, the expression of which can be seen in the opulent urban and religious architecture. In 1774 Aleijadinho's work began here too, with the São Francisco church. It is an exquisite Baroque church, full of curves and carvings, and the town's treasure. Tiradentes, a city with a turbulent past and a major collection of Baroque art, received its name from the martyred hero of the Inconfidência Mineira (Minas Conspiracy) of 1789, against the Portuguese. His original name was Joaquim da Silva Xavier. Together with six conspirators, he plotted the independence of Brazil, but spies exposed the plan, which led to Xavier's execution. There will be a visit to the Santo Antônio church, with its stone facade carved by Aleijadinho and the Museu do Padre Toledo, who was one of the leaders of the Minas Conspiracy. Overnight at the hotel in Tiradentes.
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Iguaçu means "great river" in the indigenous Guarani language and there could hardly be a more fitting name. After rising in the Brazilian highlands near Curitiba, the Iguaçu river runs westward on a 1,100km journey, receiving some 30 tributaries on its course to the plateau where, just before merging with the great Paraná river, it plunges thunderously over an 80m high cliff in virgin forest. The Iguaçu falls are the most spectacular in South America. A total of 275 falls cascade over a precipice that is 3km wide, sending up an endless wall of spray laced with rainbows. Iguaçu is also the meeting point of three countries: Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Straddling the Iguaçu River, the twin National Parks of Foz do Iguaçu were set up to preserve the region's precious rainforest environment.
Day 7: Tiradentes - Iguassu Falls
Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to the Iguaçu Falls, meet-and-greet with the local guide and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon visit to the Brazilian side of the Iguaçu Falls: The excursion begins at the Iguaçu National Park Visitors' Centre, from where tourists board a vehicle for a drive through the park's lush sub-tropical vegetation. Near the falls, visitors leave the vehicle and proceed on foot along a walkway that leads into the canyon and onto a spectacular panoramic viewpoint of the falls. The awe-inspiring trip along a walkway, which takes the visitors right into The Devil's Throat, leads to a glass elevator that climbs the cliff face for a view of the upper falls. The Iguaçu National Park, along with its sister park in Argentina, is the most significant area of remaining rainforest in the southern cone, and, together with the cataracts, has been declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the evening, there will be a dinner and musical show that combines Broadway with folklore and typical dances, demonstrating the exuberant culture of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Iguassu Falls
In the morning, there is a visit to the Bird Park, which is located at the entrance of the Iguaçu National Park and is fully integrated with its natural surroundings. The enclosures house more than 900 birds and 150 species. During the walk in the beautiful Mata Atlantica (Atlantic Rainforest) the visitor has the opportunity to interact with many spectacular native and exotic bird species, some of which are endangered. Toucans swoop low over tourists wandering along the special paths and, besides the different bird species, snakes, caimans, marmosets and beautiful butterflies can be seen. From here, visitors proceed to the Argentinean side of the Iguaçu Falls. The excursion offers lovely views over the Iguaçu Canyon on the way to the National Park. The upper walkways are visited, allowing a birds-eye view of the falls and adjoining rainforest. A highlight of this trip is a visit to a suspended platform at the edge of The Devil's Throat. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Iguassu Falls
In the morning, a visit to the Itaipú Hydroelectric Power Plant, the world's largest single power station. Situated on the Paraná River bordering Brazil and Paraguay, the plant took eighteen years to build, at a cost of around US$18 billion. Supplying 10 Brazilian states, including the Federal District of Brasília, as well as Paraguay, the plant produces over 26% of the electrical power generated in Brazil and 20.6% of the electricity produced in the countries that make up the MERCOSUL (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Bolivia). In addition to becoming a tourist attraction in its own right, the dam has brought the building of the town of Foz do Iguaçu, which has flourished through tourism and trade with the neighbouring countries. In addition to the Dam and its visitors' centre, the main observatory is visited to see the impressive water spectacle and a panorama of the plant. In the afternoon, option for an exciting rubber motorboat tour of the falls. It's a thrilling sensation, bringing the adventurous tourist close to the thundering waters. Participants should be prepared to get wet, as the boat navigates through the rough waters and mist of the falls.
Day 8: Iguassu Falls - Manaus - Jungle Lodge
Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Manaus. Pick-up from Manaus Airport and transfer by boat to one of the many lodges located along the Amazon River or its tributaries.
Luxury Brazil Tours & Travel.
The North or Amazonia is the largest region of Brazil and perhaps the most internationally famous. The Amazon is also the largest area of tropical rainforest in the world, having become a worldwide synonym of biodiversity. However, in relation to the rest of the country, it is sparsely populated and includes vast areas that are virtually inaccessible, despite countless attempts at taming the jungle through agriculture, industrial development and farming. In the Amazon, and especially along the Amazon River, there are numerous Jungle Lodges located in magnificent spots from which the visitor can enjoy various fascinating guided excursions. Most accommodation of this type provides a rustic yet luxurious ambience surrounded by the vast Amazon Rainforest.
Day 9 - 13: Jungle Lodge
On the day of arrival and during the days that follow, visitors will embark on excursions involving canoe trips to explore the surroundings of the lodge; an early morning tour to see the birds flying out during sunrise; exhilarating guided night tours in search of caimans (alligators), which are spotted by scanning the water surface with a strong flashlight; guided treks through the Amazon forest, followed by a visit to a fishermen's settlement; piranha fishing; observing spectacular sunsets and botos (freshwater dolphins). Visitors will also see the confluence of two great masses of water: the Negro and Solimões rivers. This is where the two tributaries join to form the Amazon River in a spectacular phenomenon in which the black waters of the Negro do not mix with the brown Solimões until several kilometres downstream.
Day 14: Jungle Lodge - Pantanal
Departure to Manaus and afternoon flight to the Pantanal. Meet-and-greet at airport and transfer to one of many beautifully located lodges. Overnight at the lodge.
Luxury Brazil Tours & Travel.
The Pantanal, a vast wetland area in western Brazil, which cuts across the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul (as well as western Brazil and northeastern Paraguay), is one of the world's great wildlife reserves. Because of the veldt-like open land, it is also the best place to see wildlife in Brazil. 650 species of birds, among which are storks (including the stately Tuiuiu or Jabiru stork), egrets, herons, coots, ducks and ibises, can be observed in the region. Animal life is represented by, among other species, alligators, jaguar, otters, emus, boa constrictors and monkeys.
Days 15, 16 & 17: Pantanal
In the Pantanal, and especially along the Transpantaneira Park Road, there are numerous lodges located in magnificent spots, the accommodation ranging from basic to luxurious according to customer preferences. During their stay, tourists will embark on excursions involving treks at sunrise to watch spectacular birds such as macaw, ibis and Tuiuiú; a discovery tour on horseback and fascinating canoe trips to enjoy the Pantanal and its wildlife from the water; piranha fishing; plus a safari along the Transpantaneira Park Road by car with several photo and film stops en route. The Transpantaneira has been described by many as the best stretch of road for wildlife spotting in South America. During the wet season, the road acts as an island, attracting large numbers of birds and other wildlife, whilst in the dry season, the roadside ditches act as ponds where many birds, capybaras and caimans gather. Wildlife along the Transpantaneira is therefore prolific and easily approached throughout the year. Excursions are usually for half a day, returning to the lodge for delicious buffet lunches and dinners.
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Day 18: Pantanal - Natal
Departure to Manaus and afternoon flight to Natal. Meet-and-greet at airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Natal
Luxury Brazil Tours & Travel.
With a population of 600 thousand, Natal is the capital of the small northeastern state of Rio Grande do Norte, a kind of miniature Ceará, where the semi-arid sertão meets the sea in a spectacular dune-lined coast. Over the years Natal ("Christmas" in Portuguese) has developed into the beach capital of the Northeast. The city is oxbow-shaped, embracing the Parque das Dunas nature reserve. Natal is a modern city of fine hotels, charming restaurants and excellent beaches. 80km south of Natal is the lively cliff-lined beach resort of Pipa, where youngsters from as far away as Recife congregate to enjoy the nature and nightlife of one of the Northeast's main attractions. A unique cliff-top nature trail and the presence of dolphins add to Pipa's charm, whilst the nearby beaches of Barra de Cunhaú and Baía Formosa are peaceful beauty spots.
Day 19: Natal - Pipa Beach
A full-day tour of Genipabu, located 20 km north of Natal. Genipabu is an unspoilt location where sheets of gold-and-white sands have built up impressively high dunes interspersed by narrow strips of scrub vegetation and shallow lagoons. Pick-up from the hotel in a buggy (a vehicle specially adapted to the deep sands of Genipabu. The buggy enables excellent sightseeing around Genipabu beach and its dune-scape. From here, the tour proceeds north, taking in seven more beaches and three freshwater lagoons. Stops are made along the way for photos or a swim. On return, transfer to the hotel at Pipa Beach to spend the night.
Day 20: Natal - Pipa Beach
Free day to relax and/or explore Pipa. The beauty of the powerful waves that crash on Pipa beach was unveiled to the wider public in the 1970s by a group of surfers. This terrific beach, with its overhanging cliffs and dolphin bay, attracts many locals and is considered by many to be a coastal paradise. Pipa's many bars and restaurants provide ample opportunity for tourists to enjoy this resort well into the night. Overnight at Pipa.
Luxury Brazil Tours & Travel.
Day 21: Pipa Beach - Natal - Your next destination
Depending on the time available, a late breakfast and the morning free to relax at Pipa. Transfer to Natal Airport for connecting flights back home.
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