Culture and Nature Highlights of Brazil
Seasonal Information
Discover the wonders of Brazil by visiting the most unmissable attractions! The combination of Rio de Janeiro, Paraty & Iguaçu can give you a glimpse of its natural and cultural treasures. The optional extension to add The Pantanal, The Amazon Rainforest and Salvador will add to this mesmerising experience.
Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain with amazing views of the Marvelous City
- Visit Paraty, recognized for UNESCO as natural and cultural heritage
- The Iguaçu Falls, one of the world’s seven natural wonders
- Unique wildlife on The Pantanal wetlands
- A Rainforest experience in the Amazon
- Learn more about the traditional Brazilian culture in Salvador
Brazil has a lot to offer and this itinerary would make it a memorable first visit:
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, known as the Marvelous city, is nothing if not exhilarating. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, white-sand beaches and verdant rainforests fronting deep blue sea, Rio occupies one of the most spectacular settings of any metropolis in the world
Paraty
Paraty, a historical town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage, because of the architectural buildings and also the Atlantic Rain Forest. Nowadays, the Atlantic Forest is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the planet, and the Paraty area was deemed extremely important for the preservation of flora, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as climatic, hydrological and geomorphological factors that support these forms of life.
Iguaçu Falls
The Iguaçu Falls – a place to watch the force of the nature from so close it takes your breath away. They are made up of a chain of waterfalls nearly 3km in length!
You don´t have to be a wildlife enthusiast to fall in love with The Pantanal. It´s the world´s largest interior wetland and the third largest environmental reserve in the world. It´s ecological important is immense as it´s home to one of the richest ecosystems ever found to date, with seasonal flooded forests.
Amazon
The Brazilian Amazon is an unforgettable land of adventure and legend. This jungle and surrounding rivers are one of the world’s last great unexplored frontiers, home to the most diverse collection of wildlife and vegetation on earth. In this fabled place, giant trees grow up to 200 feet tall, vast rivers snake through pristine forests, and indigenous Indians survive unaffected by the outside world.
Salvador
First capital of colonial Brazil, Salvador is notable throughout the country for its cuisine, music, religion and architecture. The African influence in many cultural aspects of the city makes it the centre of the African – Brazilian culture.
Day 1
Private transfer from the airport to the hotel in Rio de Janeiro (approx 17km – 30 min). Included: Transfer in with Bilingual Guide (English), Room & Breakfast.
Day 2
On Day 2 we’ll visit Rio’s main attractions: Corcovado & Sugar Loaf. Everything begins on board a centenarian eco-friendly electric train. It cuts through the well-preserved Atlantic Forest, which is part of Tijuca’s National Park. At the foot of Cristo Redentor, one of the Seven New Wonders of the Modern World, the most beautiful view overlooking Rio de Janeiro opens out in front of you. The ride to the Sugar Loaf cable Car unfolds a 360º scenery of breathtaking views, including Leme, Copacabana and Flamengo beaches; the Pedra da Gávea, Maciço da Tijuca and Corcovado mountains, the latter showcasing the statue of Christ the Redeemer; Guanabara Bay; the downtown area; the Santos Dumont Airport; Governador Island; the neighboring city of Niterói; the Rio-Niterói bridge; and the Serra do Mar mountain backdrop, with the famous Dedo de Deus (“God’s Finger”) peak. The cable car ride is included in the tour.
- Included: Guide Expenses, Bilingual Guide (English), Excursion, Room & Breakfast
Day 3
Day 3 is free to enjoy Rio de Janeiro.
- Included: Room & Breakfast
Day 4
At proper time, Private transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty (250 km / 4h30 approx). We’ll do a Walking tour in Paraty Half Day (Private tour). Find out more about Paraty, a UNESCO nominated World Heritage site, on this fascinating walking tour of the old town. Your expert local guide will take you back in time to the Portuguese discovery of Brazil and trace the development of Paraty through the sugar, gold and coffee economic booms. Beautiful colonial architecture, street design ahead of its time, exiled Portuguese royalty and the dark past of the slave trade – these are just some of the ingredients that make up Paraty’s rich and colourful history from the past to the present day.
- Level of difficulty: easy. Duration: 2 to 3 hours. Included: Transport, Excursion, English bilingual guide, Room & Breakfast
Day 5
On day 5 we’ll do a Kayak Tour. Paddle the warm, sheltered waters of the bay of Paraty on this guided kayak trip to various islands and beaches. Swim, snorkel, and experience wildlife in the mangroves while you escape the busy boat-tripping crowds! No previous experience necessary. We give paddling and safety instruction for sea kayaks. Level of Difficulty: all levels catered for – easy/ medium/challenging.
- Included: Excursion, Room & Breakfast
Day 6
At proper time, Private transfer from Paraty to Sao Paulo (approx 268 km – 4h). Driver guide transfer in Foz do Iguaçu + Tour to Brazilian Falls. The 275 falls of the Iguaçu River, creating Foz do Iguaçu, are considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the planet. A World Heritage site, the National Park and its attractions are even more impressive in the months of December and January, when the volume of water is greater, but the entire year is good to visit the region anyway. To enjoy the landscapes that spread over an area of 186 hectares there are lookouts, scenic walkways and hiking paths. By land, the tour is done by bus to the scenic walkway 1,200 meters long, guaranteeing a breathtaking experience.
There are multiple viewpoints – but first, the coatis, racoons and butterflies demand equal attention with the Salto Floriano, the point in which the waters reach great flow. At the second, witness the falls from interesting angles to really experience the wonder of nature. Besides the falls, the park also is home to several species of plants and birds. They are fig trees, trumpet trees, pine trees, bromeliads and orchids, as well as toucans, macaws and parrots which ensure a bright and vibrant addition to the experience. Be sure to set aside time before or after the tour to check out the bird park. Included: Transport, English bilingual guide, Excursion, Room & Breakfast
Day 7
Argentinean Falls
On day 7 we’ll visit the Argentinean Falls. The limits of the Brazilian park extends to Argentina. On the Argentine side of the park, we will embark upon the train that leads to two circuits – the Lower being 1,700 metres with walkways running along the falls to the Moorhen level; and the Superior, stretching 650 metres plus hanging bridges that reveal a complete picture of all the falls. Both routes end at the edge of the biggest and most exciting Falls: the Devil’s Throat. At 90 metres high, it is one of the picture perfect postcards of the region. The Argentine side is more rustic than the Brazilian, with exuberant and heart exhilarating hiking trails. For this tour it is necessary to cross the border to Argentina. Please check visa requirements in advance. Included: English bilingual guide, Local guide, Excursion, Room & Breakfast. Driver guide in Foz do Iguaçu for Argentinean Falls tour.
Pantanal
You don´t have to be a wildlife enthusiast to fall in love with The Pantanal. It´s the world´s largest interior wetland and the third largest environmental reserve in the world. It´s ecological important is immense, since it´s home to one of the richest ecosystems ever found to date, with seasonal flooded forests.
Transfer from Iguaçu to Campo Grande and on to your Pantanal Lodge.
Afternoon activities after you have checked in. Included: Transport, English bilingual guide, Excursion, Room, Breakfast & Dinner on the first day and then English bilingual guide, Excursion, Room & Full Board on the next days.
During your stay at Pantanal will have the chance to enjoy two activities a day, to be scheduled by the lodge according to weather conditions. The activities vary in each lodge but some of them may be:
- Horseback riding
- Trails in the nature
- Photography Safari
- Piranha fishing
- Night spotlighting by boat or jeep
- Kayak or boat tour
*Activities are determined by the Lodge. Tours at the Lodge are conducted in small groups of guests.
At proper time, transfer from Pantanal to Campo Grande.
- Arrival in Manaus & transfer to the Hotel
- Overnight in Manaus
- Included: Transport, Room & Breakfast
Transfer from Manaus in to the Amazon with amazing views on the way to the lodge. Activities determined by the lodge.
Activities in Amazon according to each Lodge schedule.
- Included: Excursion, English bilingual guide, Room & Full Board
*Activities are determined by the Lodge. Tours at the Lodge are conducted in small groups of guests.
Transfer from the lodge back to Manaus. Arrive in Salvador & transfer to the hotel of you choice.
- Included: Transport, Room & Breakfast
Day 16
On day 16 We’ll do a nice Historic Tour in Salvador. In this Historic tour, you will see some of the most famous postcards of Brazil. We will start with a visit to the Barra’s Lighthouse, where you can enjoy all the beauty and magnificence of the place and take several pictures. Continuing our tour, we will pass by the Corredor da Vitória and Campo Grande, which during the carnival serve as walkways for the famous Trios Elétricos. Arriving at the Historical Centre, the tour walks you around the narrow streets, slopes and many old houses, which will make you travel back in time. Squares, churches, museums and art galleries give a special charm to the Pelourinho. Highlights include: Terreiro de Jesus, St. Francisco Church, Museum da Misericórdia, Jorge Amado’s House and Olodum’s house are among other must-see attractions. It is worth the experience to see the joy of the native people.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Included: Excursion, English bilingual guide, Transport, Room & Breakfast
Transfer to the airport & end of our services.
- Included: Transport
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- Private transfers to an from all destinations
- Bilingual guide when mentioned on the itinerary
- Meals mentioned on the itinerary
- Tours & Tickets according to the itinerary
- All accommodation which is on a bed and breakfast basis
- Domestic flights
- International flights
- Meals & drinks not mentioned
- Options and extensions
- Drivers’ and guides’ tips
- Visa fees if necessary
- Airport fees
- Travel insurance
Suitable for ages 4 to 80
All of these destinations are accessible and activities can be tailored to the customer's profile, if required. As the Amazon Lodges are in a more remote area, it is recommended that children are already used to nature activities. Some Exclusive Hotels have restrictions on children.
