Become an honorary Brazilian with a samba class in Rio de Janeiro. Then trek along the Amazon River and go canoeing, piranha fishing and alligator spotting. Enjoy stunning views from Sugarloaf and Corcovado (Hunchback) mountains in Rio, then feast on feijoada, a black bean stew made with beef and pork. You’ll also visit Paraty on Brazil’s Costa Verde, between Rio and São Paulo. Its Portuguese colonial center features cobbled streets and 17th– and 18th-century buildings dating to its time as a port during the Brazilian Gold Rush. Finally, you’ll see awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls, located on the border with Argentina.
Language
Portuguese
Time Zone
GMT -3
GMT -4 in the Amazon
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Average Temp
75° F
Brazil Expedition
Salvador, Samba & Saudade
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – MANAUS, BRAZIL
Arrive in Manaus
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Quality Hotel Manaus
Day 2 – AMAZON CRUISE
Private morning tour of Manaus:
- Rio Negro Palace
- São Sebastião Square
- Opera House & Teatro Amazonas
- Indian Museum
Board the Amazon Clipper:
- Preliminary information & lectures
- Explore small creeks in canoes & listen to the sounds of nocturnal animals
Accommodations: Amazon Clipper Premium
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – AMAZON CRUISE
- Explore the water’s edge in canoes in search of parrots & toucans
- Jungle walk & swim
- Anavilhanas National Park by canoe
Accommodations: Amazon Clipper Premium
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – AMAZON CRUISE
- Fish for piranhas & other fish
- Visit a Native Community
- Swim, canoe & see pink river dolphins & other wildlife
Accommodations: Amazon Clipper Premium
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – AMAZON CRUISE / SALVADOR (BAHIA)
- Explore the Lago Janauari Ecological Pier
Disembark & transfer to the airport for flight to Salvador
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Hotel Villa Bahia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – SALVADOR
Private full day tour:
- São Francisco Church
- Mercado Modelo & Lacerda Elevator from lookout point
- Pelourinho District
- Centenary Avenue drive through “low city”
Accommodations: Hotel Villa Bahia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – SALVADOR
Choice of one activity:
- Full-day schooner cruise to Itaparica
- Cachoeira colonial village
- Gastronomic tour & cooking class
Accommodations: Hotel Villa Bahia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – SALVADOR / RIO DE JANEIRO
Private transfer to airport for flight to Rio
Private afternoon tour:
- Drive through residential & downtown areas
- Cable car to top of Sugar Loaf Mountain
Evening samba lesson or visit to a gafierira (dance hall) (supplement applies)
Accommodations: Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – RIO DE JANEIRO
Private morning tour :
- Cosme Velho funicular to top of Corcovado Mountain – “Christ the Redeemer”
Optional afternoon Bicycle ride along Copacabana & Ipanema beaches (supplement applies)
Accommodations: Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – RIO DE JANEIRO – PETRÓPOLIS
Private tour of Petrópolis:
- Crystal Palace & Imperial Museum
- St. Peter of Alcantara Cathedral – royal burial sites
Accommodations: Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – RIO DE JANEIRO / PARATY
Private transfer to Paraty (approx. 4.5 hours)
Walking tour of colonial town on the Costa Verde
Accommodations: Pousada do Sandi
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – PARATY
Schooner cruise to islands & beaches:
- Swimming & snorkeling
Accommodations: Pousada do Sandi
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 – PARATY / IGUAÇU FALLS (BRAZIL SIDE)
Private transfer to Rio airport for flight to Iguaçu Falls
Private transfer to hotel within Iguaçu Park
Afternoon walking tour of the Brazilian side
Accommodations: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 – IGUAZÚ FALLS (ARGENTINA SIDE)
Train ride on the Argentine side of the falls:
- Upper & Lower circuits
- Hike catwalks over, under and into the falls
- Platform overlooking “Devil’s Throat”
Optional helicopter ride over the falls (supplement applies)
Accommodations: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 – IGUAZÚ FALLS / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private transfer to airport to connect to flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $6,200 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
The words “Thank You” simply cannot convey the perfection of each day and night. Each hotel was better than the last, with amazing amenities, fantastic locations and delightful staff. Italy is a beautiful country already, and somehow you made it even better!
Anne H.
Charlotte, NC
When to go:
Year-round
What to eat:
Moqueca (fish stew), Pão de queijo (cheese bread), Brigadeiro (chocolate truffles)
What to pack:
Shirts & t-shirts; trousers, jeans, shorts; light jacket or sweater; rain jacket; waterproof clothing; shawl or scarf; swimwear; comfortable walking & hiking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; universal adapter
