Best of Brazil 10 Days of Culture, Wildlife, and Nature Brazil | Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguacu, Manaus, Amazon
This journey will take you to the most beautiful places in Brazil: the tropical metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, the spectacular waterfalls of Foz do Iguacu and the exceptional nature of the Amazon Rainforest. Many different and individual day trips and excursions are on the program. You will gain distinct impressions of Brazil's diversity, visit the most famous sights, and get to know the breathtaking variety of animals and plants of the jungle. Our local English-speaking guides will make sure that you have a great time and show you the best of Brazil.
Highlights
- Ride on the cable railway up to Christ the Redeemer
- Be amazed by Rio's skyline on Sugarloaf Mountain
- Enjoy sandy feet on the world-famous beaches of Rio
- Get blown away by the waterfalls in Foz do Iguacu
- Observe the wildlife in the Amazon Rainforest
- Visit local communities and see pink dolphins
- Experience the historical center of Manaus
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Included: Airport Transfer (private)
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most sung-about cities in the world. Sing along and be carried away by the Brazilian rhythm of the metropolis. During the next few days you will get to know the culture and history of this fascinating city. Your English-speaking guide will be anxiously awaiting your arrival at the airport. On the way to your hotel in Copacabana, your guide will provide general information about your stay in Rio de Janeiro and brief you on the upcoming days.
Overnight: Hotel Arena Copacabana, Deluxe room with ocean view
Day 2: Stunning Views Accompanied by Christ the Redeemer
Included: Day Trip to Christ the Redeemer (private, 4h) | Breakfast
Located on top of Corcovado Mountain at a height of 2,330 feet (710 meters), Christ the Redeemer is certainly one of the most admired and most visited monuments in the world. The trip up Corcovado begins in Cosme Velho district aboard a comfortable cogwheel train, whose path to the statue is surrounded by breathtaking beauty and views of the city. Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Jardim Botanico, the Jockey Club, Lagoa… The whole city of Rio de Janeiro spreads out before your eyes in its full glory. Christ the Redeemer watches over the whole bay and blesses the city, its inhabitants, and its guests from the peak of Corcovado Mountain. Following the visit, your guide will take you back to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Arena Copacabana, Deluxe room with ocean view
Day 3: Sugarloaf Mountain by Cable Car
Included: Day Trip to Sugarloaf Mountain (private, 4h) | Breakfast
You will be picked up by your guide and transported to Urca district, where you will get on the cable car. The panoramic view from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, at 1,296 feet (395 meters) above sea level, is incredible. Two different cable cars will take you to the top of Sugarloaf on this private tour. The first will take you up to Urca Hill and the second to Sugarloaf, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view over golden beaches, green forests, and a vibrant city.
Overnight: Hotel Arena Copacabana, Deluxe room with ocean view
Day 4: Panoramic Walk Among the Waterfalls in Foz do Iguacu
Included: Airport Transfers (private) | Walking Tour in Foz do Iguacu (private, 2h) | Breakfast
In the morning you will be picked up by your guide and taken to the airport in Rio. The direct flight to Foz do Iguacu takes about 2 hours. Your new English-speaking guide will already be waiting for you when you touch down and will take you to your accommodation. Hotel das Cataratas, where you will be staying, is located in the southern part of Foz do Iguacu, in the middle of the national park right in front of the waterfalls. After you have checked in, you will take a walk for about 2 hours with your guide along the visitor paths to experience beautiful panoramic views of this natural spectacle.
Overnight: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Superior room
Day 5: Visit to the Waterfalls in Puerto Iguazu
Included: Argentinean Side of the Falls (private, 7h) | Breakfast
After breakfast, you will set off on a day trip with your guide to the Argentinean side of the falls. You will have the opportunity to get closer to the waterfalls on one of several trails: an upper tour (about 50 minutes), a lower tour (about 1 hour), a trail to the island of San Martin, and the impressive "Devil's Throat". At the end of the day, your guide will take you back to the hotel in Brazil.
Overnight: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Superior room
Day 6: Journey to Manaus in the Heart of the Amazon
Included: Airport Transfers (private) | Breakfast
Your guide will take you to the airport where your journey continues to Manaus, gateway to the Amazon region. Manaus is the capital of the state of Amazonas and is located on the Rio Negro, 7 miles (11 kilometers) away from its confluence with the Rio Solimoes. Your English-speaking guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Villa Amazonia, Superior room
Day 7: Arrival to the Lodge and Jungle Observation Trip at Night
Included: Transfer (in-group, 3h) | Canoe Tour, Jungle Night Tour (in-group) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Manaus and taken by van on an approximately three-hour drive to Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, where you will be greeted with a welcome drink by your English-speaking guide. After a short information tour through the lodge, you can relax a little in your room before lunch is served.
Activities and excursions in the surrounding areas of Anavilhanas Lodge will start in the afternoon with a canoe tour where you will discover the region around the Anavilhanas Archipelago. With a little luck, you will be able to see many animals and exotic plants in their natural habitat.
At night, your guide will take you on a night-time observation trip. There is a unique sensation in the forest at night, illuminated by the stars and immersed in the sounds of darkness as you explore small rivers in search of sloths, birds, snakes, and caimans.
Overnight: Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, Standard cottage
Day 8: Wildlife of the Anavilhanas Archipelago
Included: Wildlife Observation by Boat, Piranha Fishing or Jungle Hike (in-group) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning you will hop on a boat to explore the Anavilhanas Archipelago and try to spot pink dolphins. You will do so while exploring numerous canals, lakes, and islands of one of the largest river archipelagos in the world. In the afternoon, you can go piranha fishing or do another jungle hike. Your guide at the lodge will arrange the schedule of events with you.
Overnight: Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, Standard cottage
Day 9: Primary Forest, Tree Giants, and Life of the Locals
Included: Sunrise Tour, Hike Through the Rainforest, Visit of a Local Community (in-group) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will get up early and enjoy the sunrise over the river. See and feel how nature wakes up. After breakfast you will go by boat into the depths of the Amazon Rainforest. In the primary forest (mata firme), giant trees, tropical palms, and the animal world under the dense canopy of leaves await you. On a short hike you will experience nature up close and your guide will explain secrets of the forest and its inhabitants. After returning to the lodge for lunch, a local family will await you in the afternoon and you can visit their village and experience a day in the life of the local river people.
Overnight: Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, Standard cottage
Day 10: Sightseeing in Manaus at Night and Departure
Included: Hunting Techniques (in-group) | Manaus by Night (private, 4h) | Airport Transfer (private) | Breakfast, Lunch
On your last day you will have time in the morning to relax, enjoy the scenery, or participate in another activity such as canoeing or practicing local hunting techniques. After lunch you will be taken back to Manaus, where your guide will be waiting. He will take you to the riverfront, where you can enjoy the sunset over the Rio Negro and watch the hustle and bustle of the locals at the piers. Afterwards you will visit the historical center and see the famous theater. Your guide will recommend a local restaurant for dinner (not included). It could be either rustic and native, or with upscale cuisine and a fine ambiance. You can of course elect to stay in the old town and enjoy the evening atmosphere. Soon after, your guide will take you to the airport in Manaus for your departure.
Included
- All transfers detailed above
- 5 day trips (with a private English-speaking guide)
- 8 lodge excursions (in-group with an English-speaking guide)
- 3 nights at Hotel Arena Copacabana, Deluxe room with ocean view
- 2 nights at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Superior room
- 1 night at Hotel Villa Amazonia, Superior room
- 3 nights at Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, Standard cottage
- 9 breakfasts + 4 lunches + 3 dinners
- Entrance fees for all included day trips
Not included are airfare, insurance, single supplement, beverages, meals not indicated in the itinerary, tips, and personal expenses.
Info
- On the day of arrival, check-in is from 2:00 p.m. If you arrive earlier, we can include an early check-in if you wish.
- In case of very early departures or late arrivals, meals may be omitted.
- The itinerary can be adjusted according to weather conditions. The order of excursions can change and animal sightings cannot be guaranteed.
- Our tours are tailor-made and we are happy to change room categories, routes, and day trips according to your wishes.
Items to Bring
- Light-colored clothinges
- Shirts with long sleeves
- Long pants/jeans
- Comfortable shoes for hiking in the rainforest
- Rucksack for day trips
- Sandals
- Swimming gear
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Rain jacket
Please avoid dark-colored clothing as it attracts mosquitoes. Camouflage clothing is ideal for wildlife observation in the Amazon.
Experience the unique and breathtaking nature and amazing variety of flora and fauna in the Amazon and the Pantanal in Brazil. On many different excursions you will explore the equatorial rainforest and one of the largest wetlands on earth by boat, jeep, and on foot. On this tour, wildlife observation and the experience of nature are in the foreground. Apart from exotic plants and giant trees, you will have the chance to see countless bird species, different monkeys, caimans, anteaters, tapirs, and even jaguars. Immerse yourself in the dense foliage of the Amazon Rainforest, explore the waterways of the Pantanal, and let yourself be enchanted by the wonders of Brazil's nature.
This journey will expose you to the wide diversity of Bahia: the famous historical center of Salvador, adventurous tours in Chapada Diamantina National Park, and palm-lined dream beaches. Colorful little streets, waterfalls, caves, table mountains, tropical culinary specialties, and much more await you on this tour to the most beautiful places in Bahia.
Visit one of the natural highlights of Brazil: the worldwide unique landscape of Lencois Maranhenses National Park. The wavy sand dunes spread like an endless bed sheet and give the region its name. This remote region between dunes and the ocean is home to indigenous villages and nature along rivers such as the spectacular Rio Preguicas.