Best of Brazil

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Start your day with a panoramic tour of downtown Rio passing by the Sambodrome and stopping at the Metropolitan Cathedral. Continue to see Cinelandia Square with its historical buildings, the municipal theater, the national library and the National Museum of Fine Arts before reaching the neighborhood of Urca where one of the largest symbols of the city is located - the Sugar Loaf. You will travel all the way to the top in two steps by cable car. The first cable car will take you to Urca Hill at a height of 700 ft which already offers beautiful views of Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado Mountain. From here, a second cable car will take you up to the top. At 1,300 ft you will enjoy splendid views of Copacabana Beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress and several beaches of Niteroi. After taking the cable car back down, you will be transferred to a restaurant for lunch. After lunch proceed to Corcovado Mountain. Board a cog train from Cosme Velho Station for a ride to the Corcovado Mountain to visit one of the world’s most famous landmarks, the gigantic statue of Christ the Redeemer. During the 20-minute steep train journey which takes you through the dense Atlantic Tijuca Rain Forest you will have the opportunity to have a closer look at the forest's lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy a view of scenic landscapes, the beaches and the city. You will disembark at the top of Corcovado and then proceed up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. It is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. After descending by train, the tour continues passing by Rio's world-famous beaches. (B,L)

You will have a day at leisure to relax on the beach or take one of several optional excursions available. (B)

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Iguassu (not included). Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure or consider joining an optional tour to the Argentine Falls. (B)

After breakfast, head to the National Park of the Brazilian Falls. Your tour starts with a stop at the visitor center of the park, where you will have the opportunity to get some information about the local ecosystem. Continue with a walk following the main trail of the park and enjoy amazing views of the waterfalls. You will be able to see both the Brazilian and the Argentine side of the waterfalls. Return to the entrance of the park using the panoramic elevator. Consider extending your tour and join an optional visit the bird park. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

You will be transferred to Iguassu Airport for your flight to Manaus (not included). Upon arrival (by 5 pm) you will be transferred to your hotel in the Amazon jungle. Join a night tour in a canoe to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night, with the possibility to spot small alligators (or other nightly creatures). (B,D)

You will have two full days to explore the Amazon jungle accompanied by local guides. Your program will include: - a nature hike during which your guide will teach you about the local flora and fauna, how and where to find edible fruits and potable water, how to find your way in the forest and much more - a visit to the Monkey Forest that houses facilities for the rehabilitation and re-introduction of wild animals into their habitat - a visit to a native's house to learn about the traditions and customs of local Amazonians - a fishing trip and - a tour to the "Meeting of the Waters", the point where the Negro and Solimoes Rivers merge. From this point on both rivers form the Amazon River that runs all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The waters of the two rivers run side by side without mixing for about 7.5 miles. The phenomenon happens due to differences in temperature, density and speed of the waters of the rivers. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Manaus Airport (between 8.30 am 11.30 am) for your flight to Salvador (not included), a city of colonial history and African culture. You will be transferred to your hotel for overnight. (B)

Enjoy a city tour of Salvador and get acquainted with some of Bahia’s history and culture. First, you will visit one of the city’s main tourist points - the Barra Lighthouse. Next, you will pass by Corredor da Vitoria, Campo Grande and Piedade to arrive at Salvador’s Upper City (Cidade Alta). The highlight of this tour is a visit to Pelourinho, which is considered to be the most important architectural complex dating from the 17th and 18th centuries with historical monuments and great churches – the Cathedral Basilica, the Church of St. Peter of the Clergymen, and Church St. Francis, the famous gold church. You will walk to the Lacerda lift, the elevator that links the upper town (considered the old part of the city) with the lower town (considered the modern part of the city) to enjoy the view of the bay. The afternoon is at leisure or consider joining an optional panoramic tour. (B)

Spend a day at the beach or consider joining an optional tour to Itaparica and Frade Islands. Tonight enjoy a dinner and show at a typical Bahian restaurant. Taste a wide variety of Bahian food while watching a fascinating folklore show featuring some of the major Afro-Bahian cultural traditions such as Samba de Roda, Maculele, Candomble and Capoeira. (B,D)

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your next destination. (B)