Highlights of Brazil

Today, you will leave home via your chosen airport and head to Brazil with connecting flights along the way.

At the airport in Rio de Janeiro, you will be picked up by an English-speaking guide who drives you to your hotel. Depending on the traffic, the drive from the airport to your hotel takes about an hour.

Rio is both wonderful and chaotic at the same time, and this can give even the most seasoned traveller butterflies in their stomach – in a good way. To ensure that your visit to Brazil gets off to the best possible start, our partner will come to your hotel and hold a short welcome meeting of around 30–60 minutes. This is an opportunity for you to run through your tour together and get answers to any questions you may have about the tour or other practical questions about Brazil.

At midday, you will be picked up from the hotel and be taken on an exciting, guided tour of Rio’s major sights. You visit the cosy neighbourhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa, before driving up to Mount Corcovado in the middle of Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban forest. At the top of the mountain stands the 38-metre-high Christ the Redeemer statue, watching over Rio from a height of 710 metres above sea level. Over time, the statue has become the city’s landmark and has been named one of the seven new wonders of the world. From the top of the mountain, you are rewarded with stunning views of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the colourful favelas, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the famous Maracaña football stadium. Lunch is not included on this tour, but it is possible to buy a sandwich and other snacks along the way.

You then move on to the 396-metre-high Pão de Açúcar, also known as Sugarloaf, another of the absolute highlights of the city. A cable car takes you first to the top of the Urca mountain, from which there are views of the coast and the area’s small islands. Another cable car then takes you from Urca to the top of Sugarloaf where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset over Rio.

You’ll be back at your hotel at 7-8 pm and have the rest of the evening to yourself.

Rio is a captivating metropolis with plenty to explore, and you have the days free to delve into the city at your own pace. Perhaps a relaxing day on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the lively beach atmosphere appeals to you. If you’re in the mood for adventure and new experiences, we offer a wealth of exhilarating excursions.

Discover the city’s natural beauty on our full day tour “Rio’s Natural Gems” or our “Tijuca National Park and Hike to Pedra Bonita,” both taking you to some of the most breathtaking spots in the area. Although Rio is a bustling city, you’ll be surprised by how many small oases and serene beaches it actually harbours. If you’re a foodie, we suggest our “Cooking Class in Rio,” where you can learn to master local dishes.

Gain a unique insight into the vibrant tradition behind the carnival with our “Behind the Scenes at the Carnival” tour, where you’ll have the chance to uncover the festival’s intricate planning and preparations. You can also explore Rio’s African roots on our “Rio’s African cultural Heritage” tour.

Perhaps you’d prefer to experience Rio on two wheels, in which case we warmly recommend joining our “Bike ride in Rio,” allowing you to take in the city’s attractions at a leisurely pace.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the pulsating culture with a visit to a spectacular “Dinner Show in Rio,” or dive into the vibrant nightlife on the “discover Rio’s Nightlife” excursion, guaranteeing a night full of energy where you can safely join a guide and experience the festive street parties firsthand, not to mention tasting Brazil’s national drink, the caipirinha. Alternatively, combine samba dancing with the bustling city nightlife on our evening excursion “Samba Lesson and Tour of the city” for a fun and rhythmic adventure.

Whatever you choose, we promise experiences that bring you up close to Rio’s rich culture and fantastic nature. Make your days in Rio unforgettable by adding one or more of these excursions to your tour!

It’s time to say goodbye to Rio and head to Foz do Iguaçu, which is a base for trips to Iguazú Falls.

Iguazú Falls are nothing short of a natural wonder, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Consisting of 275 waterfalls of various sizes, located over a 2.7-km-long horseshoe-shaped stretch on the Iguazú River, they make up the world’s largest waterfall.

It’s a wonderful experience to see the waterfalls from both the Argentinian side and the Brazilian side, and today you’re Brazil bound.

On your arrival at the airport in Foz do Iguaçu, you will be picked up by your guide and driven the short distance to the entrance of Foz do Iguaçu National Park. The Brazilian side is where you enjoy the most spectacular panoramic view of the waterfalls and can really admire the scale of them.

You walk along small paths through the rainforest which take you to different viewing platforms from which you can admire the waterfalls from various angles and, not least, take some fantastic photos. On your walk along the paths, you are in with a good chance of seeing butterflies, exotic plants and birds and the curious little coati scampering about you in the eternal hope of being fed.

After the visit, you will be driven to your hotel and have the evening on your own in Foz do Iguaçu.

Today, you’ll be exploring Iguazú Falls from the Argentinian side. You will be picked up from your hotel by your guide and taken across the Tancredo Neves bridge over the Iguazú River, which forms the border between Brazil and Argentina.

Most of the falls are on the Argentinian side, and you will be guided through the rainforest via an extensive network of paths, stairs and footbridges to the many impressive waterfalls.

From the entrance to the national park, you’ll take a small train out to the largest of the waterfalls, Garganta del Diablo, which means the Devil’s Throat. You’ll be left in no doubt about why this waterfall has been given this particular name! The rush of the water here is deafening and the spray feels like you’re under the shower and can give you quite a soaking. But standing in the midst of these mighty forces of nature is a completely indescribable experience.

The lush nature around the waterfalls is home to unique flora and fauna, and your guide will tell you all about the nature you encounter in the park, such as orchids, toucans, giant lizards and, with a little luck, monkeys, too.

Lunch is enjoyed at one of the restaurants in the park (at your own expense). You return to your hotel in the afternoon.

PLEASE NOTE: Remember to bring your passport today, as you will be crossing the border to Argentina.

More unique nature experiences await you, because today your journey continues to the Amazon jungle, the world’s largest rainforest!

You will be driven to the airport in Foz do Iguaçu and fly to Manaus, which is located in the middle of the rainforest and is the capital of the state of Amazonas. You might be a little taken aback at landing in the heart of a modern metropolis with more than 2 million inhabitants here in the middle of the rainforest, when there has only been green jungle as far as the eye could see from the plane.

On your arrival, you will be driven to your hotel, and you have the rest of the day to yourself. If you have the time and inclination, we recommend a trip to the city’s beautiful theatre and opera house, Teatro Amazonas, built in 1896.

Your Amazon adventure begins in earnest tomorrow, when you will venture deeper into the jungle, and we guarantee that you’ll find the contrast with the big city mindblowing and not least unforgettable.

Your day will start early with around four hours of travel (by car and boat) to your jungle lodge, where you’ll spend the next three nights. But this isn’t just a transfer – it’s the beginning of your Amazon adventure. En route, you’ll witness, among other things, the point where the two great rivers, the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimões, meet to form the Amazon River. One river is brown and muddy, while the other is black, and the dividing line between the two bodies of water is strikingly clear. This fascinating natural phenomenon is known as the Meeting of the Waters.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing welcome drink and shown to your room. Lunch is then served in the lodge’s restaurant, followed by a brief welcome meeting with information about the programme for the coming days.

During your stay, you’ll take part in a range of activities – typically two a day: one early in the morning after breakfast and another in the late afternoon as the temperature begins to drop.

The programme in the Amazon rainforest is subject to change. Activities may be adjusted and depend on the weather conditions.

Please note: You may bring a maximum of 15 kg of luggage to the lodge. Any remaining luggage can be handed to the driver and stored at the lodge’s office in Manaus until you return to the city.

The next couple of days offer exciting activities in the rainforest. Below are examples of experiences that may be included; these can vary depending on the season and the lodge.

You’ll enjoy lunch and dinner back at the lodge, with plenty of time to unwind after the day’s many experiences – to savour the beautiful sunsets and fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest. Being this close to nature in the world’s largest rainforest is a truly special experience.

Boat trip on the river
In a motorised canoe, you’ll glide slowly downstream, soaking up the lush scenery while you scan for fascinating birdlife and – with a bit of luck – other wildlife such as monkeys and the pink river dolphin that lives here.

Walk in the rainforest
Your guide will take you on an easy walk into the jungle and help you spot wildlife high up in the treetops. Along the way, your guide will show you the rainforest’s incredible diversity – from massive tree trunks and giant leaves to twisting branches and lianas. You’ll also learn about the importance of plants and their medicinal uses for the region’s indigenous communities.

Evening trip on the river
As darkness falls, you’ll head out in search of caiman. Your guide will sweep a torch beam across the water and, when it catches a caiman’s eyes, they’ll glow in the darkness, revealing their position. Caimans live in South and Central America and are related to crocodiles and alligators.

Fishing trip on the river
There are many fascinating fish species in the river, but today’s aim is to try to catch the famous piranha. Your guide will, of course, take care of the fish if you’re lucky enough to get a bite.

Visit to a local riverside community
You’ll visit a traditional caboclo home in a small riverside community, where locals will share their knowledge of the rainforest’s medicinal plants. You’ll also learn about the production of traditional cassava flour, the area’s primary livelihood. It is a fascinating and unique insight into life in an Amazon community.

Canoe trip through flooded forests and small streams
You’ll set off in traditional wooden canoes, just like those used by locals in the riverside communities. Along the way, you’ll learn to paddle like a true Amazonian as you glide quietly through the dense rainforest. There’s a good chance you’ll hear the wildlife – and, with a little luck, see it too. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Please note: This activity is only possible during the high-water season from May to July.

Overnight in a hammock in the jungle
If you’re staying at Amazon Tupana Lodge, you’ll have the chance to spend the night in a simple jungle camp, sleeping in a hammock with a mosquito net. A communal dinner will be cooked over the campfire, and you’ll drift off to the many sounds of the jungle.
Please note: This activity is held upon request and only possible if you are staying at Tupana Lodge. Read our blog about what it’s like to spend a night in a hammock in the jungle here.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to life in the rainforest and head back to the city of Manaus, from where you’ll fly on to Salvador.

You’ll arrive in Salvador late in the evening, where you’ll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel.

Salvador enjoys an amazingly scenic location right on the bay of Bahia de Todos os Santos. The city was founded by the Portuguese in 1549 and became Brazil’s first capital. At that time, Salvador was a major port for the slave trade, so a large percentage of the population has African blood in its veins. This Afro-Brazilian culture is quite unique, and you can see and experience the food, the music, the religion and not least the goods sold on the street corners.

Salvador’s historic centre, Pelourinho, has some of the best-preserved colonial architecture, earning it a listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Today, you will enjoy an exciting city tour and learn much more about the city’s history. You will experience the pleasant street life in the cobblestone streets and enjoy the impressive architecture. You will, among other things, experience iconic churches, the house of the famous Brazilian author Jorge Amado, and the Barra Lighthouse, from where you can take stunning photos over the city.

The tour takes around 4 hours, and the rest of the day is yours.

Much of Salvador is built on a slope, and the city is therefore divided into an upper part and a lower part. Pelourinho is located in the upper part of Salvador, and if you would like to experience more of what the lower part of the city has to offer, you can purchase an extra tour in the afternoon. This tour takes you to past the impressive fort of Mont Serrat and the large market, Mercado Modelo, where you can buy everything the heart desires.

You have the day to yourself in Salvador. You can stroll around in the pleasant streets or walk down to the beach, praia do farol da Barra and go for a swim.

Your Brazilian adventure has come to an end and you will be picked up and driven to Salvador airport. The time depends on your flight connection home.

You will land at your chosen airport after an eventful tour of Brazil.