Exotic Brazil: A week long experience

You are met upon arrival at the airport in Rio de Janeiro and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure as you rest and re-energize from your long flight, and prepare for the exciting adventure that lies ahead.

• Depart the hotel this morning after breakfast for a full-day privately guided tour of the city’s most famous landmarks. After a scenic drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, arrive at the bottom of Corcovado Hill in the Tijuca Forest and board a comfortable train which will climb the mountain where the statue of Christ the Redeemer is located (2,300 ft above sea level). The statue is known as the “wonder of Rio” and was recently elected one of the seven winners of the “New Wonders of the World”. Upon arrival at the top, continue to the foot of the statue, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, and discover why it is called the "Marvelous City".
• Retreat down the mountain via the same route and head towards Rio’s other world famous landmark, the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Each year, over a million tourists visit the world famous Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined sugar loaf. The tour is done in two steps by glass cable-cars to reach Sugar Loaf which rises 395 meters above sea level and offers a 360 degree view of the entire city including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, the Corcovado and downtown Rio. Return to your hotel later this afternoon after your adventure-filled day. (B, L)

Enjoy breakfast and spend your day at leisure, relaxing at the hotel or exploring the vibrant city of Rio. Tonight, you are treated to a spectacular Samba show with singers and dancers in elaborate costumes who present Brazil’s rich folkloric traditions and capture the famous rhythms of Carnaval. The show also includes dinner. Return to the hotel and get a good night’s sleep as you dream about what exciting adventures await in the days to come. (B, D)

This morning after breakfast, you are picked up from the hotel and driven to Petropolis, located just one hour from Rio de Janeiro in the forested hills of the Serra dos Orgaos. Your first stop is the Imperial Museum, which served as the summer residence of the Imperial family during the 19^th century. You may view various historical pieces such as the scepter and crown of Emperor Don Pedro II, historical documents, and priceless jewelry and pieces of art that belonged to the Imperial family. The tour also includes a visit to the Crystal Palace and the Sao Pedro de Alcantara Neolithic Cathedral. Return to your hotel before lunchtime and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

Your full-day tropical islands tour begins with a drive along the Santos River Highway, with its sinewy contours that span the distance between the Atlantic Forest and the Atlantic Ocean. Arrive at the city of Itacuruca, 96 km from Rio de Janeiro, and take a relaxing boat ride along the calm waters which are protected from the open sea by a sandbar of the Marambaia Restinga and form the Sepetiba Bay. The Sepetiba Bay is home to dozens of islands which are true tropical paradises and possess various inlets, beaches, restingas and flagstones covered with dense vegetation. During the tour, make a stop for lunch as well as swimming and snorkeling by one of the islands. Return to your hotel for your last overnight stay in Rio. (B)

Check out of the hotel this morning after breakfast and board your scheduled flight to Iguazu Falls. You are met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure this afternoon before you are taken to dinner at an international restaurant. Following the meal, you are treated to a musical performance that mixes Broadway with traditional folklore of the region. This theatrical performance showcases various traditional dances of Argentina (Tango, Bloeaderas, Malambo, Milonga), Brazil (Samba, Chorinho, Bossa Nova), and Paraguay (Harpa, Botellas, Guaranias). Return to your hotel after the show. (B, D)

• This morning, proceed to the Iguazu National Park, driving through the lush, subtropical vegetation of the park en route to the famous Iguazu Falls. The Iguazu National Park along with its “sister” park in Argentina form the most significant remaining rainforest in the southern cone of South America which along with the waterfalls have been declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO. Stroll along the trail descending the canyon that offers a panoramic view of the more than 240 spectacular falls. Take the glass elevator up the cliff face for an exquisite view from the upper deck.
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• Later this morning, embark on a Macuco Safari which begins within the National Park on the Brazilian side. Take a seat in an open wagon and drive through the forest, where you are able to observe birds, animals and exotic vegetation all while accompanied by a specialized guide. At the end of this 2 km ride, continue on foot to the margin of the Iguassu River to take a specially prepared motor boat for an exciting and unforgettable trip. You are taken as close as possible to the Iguazu Falls, where you can hear the thunderous roar of the walls of water and feel the mist of the falls. After your Iguazu Falls adventure, return to the hotel to spend your afternoon at leisure and your final overnight stay in Brazil. (B)

Transfer to the airport this morning after breakfast and board your departure flight home. (B)