Brazil Exclusive Luxury
This luxury experience invites you to forget what you know about Brazil. There is so much more than carnival and football! From the South, with its canyons and the largest remnant of Atlantic forest in the country, to the North, with beautiful beaches, culture and tradition, Brazil offers options that appeal to all-different traveller profiles. Ecotourism is the natural vocation of the country, which has numerous conservation areas that preserve this amazing scenery, which will be visited along this journey.
- Rio de Janeiro
- Corcovado
- Foz do Iguaçu
- Devil’s Throat
- Brazilian and Argentinian Falls
- Pantanal Sul
- Barra de Sao Miguel
Rio de Janeiro
The whole world knows it as the Marvelous City, surrounded by majestic mountains, the intense green of its forests and the Atlantic Ocean’s blue that bathes its internationally famous beaches, Rio de Janeiro has one of the most spectacular locations on the planet.
The city’s name goes back to the arrival of the Portuguese in the region. When the navigators landed here in 1502, they mistook the bay for a river, naming it after the month they were in: January, in Portuguese, “Janeiro”. During the 17th century, Rio became an important city due to its port and the Sugar Cycle, but it was thanks to the 18th century Gold Cycle that it became the capital of Brazil in 1763, remaining as such until the creation of Brasilia, in 1960.
Foz do Iguaçú
Big water. This is the meaning of the word Iguaçu in Tupi, language of the people who originally inhabited this region. It is not hard to understand why: at this point on the map, the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers meet, forming a huge spring that harbours the spectacular Iguazu Falls. There are 275 waterfalls, some over 80 meters tall, such as the Devil’s Throat, which marks the border between Brazil and Argentina. On the Brazilian side, a walk leads to the lower part of the falls, with the best view of the Devil’s Throat, while on the Argentinean side, a wilder trail leads to the top of it. It is worth knowing both sides and having different perspectives on what is one of the world’s New 7 Wonders of Nature, according to the New 7 Wonders Foundation. However, the falls are not the only attraction in Foz. The Iguaçu National Park has 250,000 hectares of subtropical forest together with its extension on the Argentinean side (Iguazú National Park) and is considered a World Heritage Site.
Pantanal Sul
Considered a World Natural Heritage and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, the Pantanal concentrates one of the largest diversity of fauna and flora on the planet. This lush Brazilian biome extends through the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, and has different characteristics.
South Pantanal is located in the northwest of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. In the dry season, the animals that go out to hunt provide a spectacle. But in the rainy season, the immense freshwater sea that floods the plains fascinates the privileged visitors. It is one of the best places in Brazil for wildlife observation, especially jaguars and yacares caiman. Among the region’s main attractions are the Negro, Aquidauana and Paraguay rivers, the Pantanal train and the beautiful city of Corumbá, considered the capital of the Pantanal. Local cuisine is rich in fish and barbecue, and at the market fairs you can buy handicrafts made from clay and wood.
After you arrive at the airport, a representative will meet you and provide assistance including a private transfer to your hotel, an itinerary, and any information you need. The next day commences with the first of two tours you will enjoy this day.
Corcovado
Everything begins on board of a centenarian eco-friendly electric tram. It travels uphill through a well-preserved stretch of the Atlantic Forest, part of Tijuca’s National Park, ending at the most iconic attraction of Rio de Janeiro: the Christ the Redeemer statue. At the feet of one of the Seven New Wonders of the Modern World, you will be amazed by some of the most stunning views of the city.
Sugarloaf Hill
The ride on the Sugarloaf hill cable car reveals a 360º scenery of breathtaking views that include the Leme, Copacabana, and Flamengo beaches, the Pedra da Gávea, Maciço da Tijuca and Corcovado mountains, the Guanabara Bay, the downtown area, the Rio-Niterói bridge, and the Serra do Mar mountain range backdrop, with the famous Dedo de Deus (“God’s Finger”) peak.
Day 3 focuses on food, one of the best ways to experience the culture of the country.
Cook in Rio
Can food explain a culture? Cook in Rio offers hands on Brazilian cooking classes in English to foreign visitors wanting to learn about Brazil, and some of the most fun and delicious Brazilian meals and drinks, like cassava sticks, shrimp moqueca or pork feijoada, coconut cocktail, caipirinhas and pé de moleque (peanut brittle). Discover exotic ingredients, techniques and flavors to impress your guests in your dinner parties. The hilarious Chef Simone Almeida awaits you for messy and delicious fun!
- Duration: approx. 4 hrs
- Transfers included.
A private transfer and flight will take you from your hotel to Foz do Iguaçu airport and then to your hotel where you will stay the night.
The next day, explore the Brazilian side of the waterfalls on your doorstep.
Brazilian Falls
Get ready for the most stunning panoramic views of the greatest water spectacle in the world. The 275 falls of the Iguazu River spread out into a 2,700 meter-semicircle – approximately 800 meters in the Brazilian side, and 1,900 meters in the Argentinean side – right in front of you very eyes!
You will have the chance to almost walk into the most famous fall in the park, the Devil’s Throat, and feel the colossal power and deafening intensity of this natural wonder. Upon arriving at the park, there will be a short bus ride to the beginning of the trail, during which you can start to admire the beauty of the largest remaining stretch of Atlantic Forest in Southern Brazil. It is home to a rich biodiversity, consisting of representative species of the Brazilian fauna and flora, that includes the jaguar, broad-snouted caiman, purple parrot, harpy eagle, peroba pink ariticum, araucaria, and many others.
The walkway is 1,200 metres long and offers several lookout points for a closer view of some of the falls. There is a variety of angles and possibilities for photographers to capture the Brazilian falls with some of the Argentina-side falls in the background. At the end of the over-water boardwalk is stunning panoramic of the Devil’s Throat from just downstream. It is recommended you take this tour in the morning, but in case you prefer in the afternoon, or if your flight arrives during the day, you can enter the park until 5 p.m., as it closes at 7 p.m. And if you have the time, be sure to check out the Bird Park, for an incredible fauna experience, right next to the falls.
The next day, you will cross the boarder to the otherside of the falls.
Argentinian Falls
Such is the greatness of the Iguazu Falls that they spread across natural parks of two different nations! On the Argentine national park, you will board an ecological train that take you on a beautiful ride to the beginning of three different circuits. The lower circuit (2,800m round-trip) invites you into the jungle, on an immersive walk that offers close contact with the splendorous falls – be prepared to get wet!
The upper circuit (3,400m round-trip) offers amazing panoramic views of the upper Iguazu River along its flat pathways. Last but not least, the Devil’s Throat circuit (2,200m) allows you to get up-close with the tallest and most famous waterfall in the park, plunging more than 80 metres into the gorge and marked by a billowing cloud of spray. The Argentine side experience is more rustic and immersive than the Brazilian side, with its varied and exuberant trails.
Again, you will travel from Foz do Iguaçu to Pantanal Sul via private transfers and a flight, which is not included in the price.
While here, from days 7 to 9, you are encouraged to partake in some of the activities which the hotel provides. Some of these activities are listed below.
Walking tours:
Walking trails in the woods: enjoy many trails in the surrounding area of the lodge, the walk in the forest allowing you to observe a variety of birds, small animals and plants. This is the activity which provides the greatest contact with the environment. Reinforcing the ecological focus of this activity, the Caiman Ecological Refuge alternates the trails, minimizing the impacts upon the environment.
Caiman Tour:
Join on a walk through the surrounding main areas of the ranch, corral, and Environmental Interpretation Centre. The final destination is the Paizinho’s bridge, one of the most traditional destinations of the Caiman Ecological Refuge; a spot known to provide excellent observations of the Spectacled Caimans. It is a magical moment where guests can get up close and personal to the caimans, combined with the safety provided by the guides, allowing a once in a lifetime experience with one of the Pantanal’s historic symbols. Photographic Safari: Embark upon our specially adapted vehicles, enabling us the access to the most distant and wild areas of the farm. During the photographic safari, it will be possible to observe and learn about the peculiarities of the flora and fauna thriving in this area of Brazil.
Canadian canoe trip:
Paddling the bays of the ranch. The guests row in three-seat Canadian canoes, allowing for a peaceful and scenic observation of the vegetation and water birds. It is a great opportunity to hear the wildlife, chattering to themselves on the banks and trees, besides admiring the fantastic Pantanal sunset.
Nocturnal Wildlife Spotting:
This provides the opportunity to observe nocturnal creatures. The highlight of this tour are when caimans are spotted, and may be possible to see up close and personal.
Your final destination is Barra de São Miguel. You will receive private transfers to and from your flight.
Your final days in Brazil will be spent in this idyllic beach destination. Your time is all your own to spend as you wish, whether you stay and enjoy the sun on the beach, or if you wish to partake in more adventurous activities.
On Day 14, you will receive a private transfer from your hotel to Maceió Airport for your departing flight.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- Flights
- Meals (if not mentioned in any itinerary)
- Drinks
- Options, alternatives, updates and solutions
- Tips for drivers and guides
- Visa fees
- Airport Fees
Suitable for ages 65 to 5
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