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Day 1 Welcome to Rio de Janeiro!

Arrive in the bustling beachy city of Rio de Janeiro, otherwise known as the Marvelous City! You'll immediately feel immersed in Brazil's vibrant culture and picture-perfect scenery. Nestled between soaring mountains and the bright blue sea, colorful Rio will sweep you off your feet from the moment you land.

Enjoy a comfortable, convenient transfer to your first luxurious accommodation. A bilingual guide will welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Spend your first night relaxing in your hotel - you'll need to be well-rested for the adventures that await you!

Day 2 Rio de Janeiro

Ahhh, wake up in the rich land of Rio de Janeiro. Recharge with an energizing breakfast, then grab your camera and make your way to the Cosme Velho Station, where you'll hop on-board a cog-train through Tijuca Forest! Glide up the 748 meter-high Corcovado Mountain and begin your full-day tour. See famous statues, breathtaking views, picture-perfect beaches, downtown city highlights, and Sugar Loaf Mountain!

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a pleasant breakfast, then spend a beautiful day at leisure. You may want to check out the upscale neighborhood of Leblon, which is chock full of lively bars, stunning beaches, and top-notch restaurants! Then, immerse yourself in the paradise of Ipanema, a bright beachfront neighborhood made famous by the well-known song The Girl from Ipanema.

After a perfect day of sand and sea, head to the vibrant neighborhood of Lapa and experience the best of Brazilian nightlife!

Day 4 Rio de Janeiro - Salvador

Today, you'll wave goodbye to Rio and you''ll say hello to Salvador! After breakfast, grab your bags and hop in a comfortable transfer to the airport. Board your plane, and in no time, you'll be landing in a world of colorful beauty, cultural tradition, and warm hospitality. Brazilians call this capital city the "Land of Happiness" because Salvadorian life feels like a constant celebration! 

Day 5 Salvador

Today is all yours! Explore this fascinating city at your own pace. Indulge in a yummy breakfast, then make your way to Salvador's storybook-like Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Stroll through this cobblestone wonderland of amazing architecture and brightly-colored buildings. In this area, be sure to find the impressive, lavishly decorated Cathedral of Salvador and Sao Francisco Church and Convent.

Take postcard-worthy photos of the cascading pastel buildings of Pelourinho, then watch the sunset over the turquoise Baia de Todos Santos. Best spots to catch it? From the old art deco Elevador Lacerda or any of the nearby waterfront restaurants! 

Day 6 Salvador - Recife

Today's the perfect day for adventure! Meet your bilingual guide and enjoy a convenient transfer to the airport. Enjoy a quick flight to Recife, then check-in to your next accommodation. Once you're all settled, get to know the city!

Wander through the beachfront neighborhood of Boa Viagem, then treat yourself to a delicious dinner.

Day 7 Recife

After breakfast, embark on a special sightseeing tour of Olinda! See famous landmarks up-close, gawk at incredible artwork, and take tons of photos of amazing views. 

Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own!

Day 8 Recife - Fortaleza

Enjoy breakfast, then jet off to your final Brazilian destination: Fortaleza! Once you land in this coastal city, a guide will transfer you to your last hotel. During the drive, look out the window and take in the unbeatable beauty of Fortaleza! This beachfront playground is known for its incredible coastlines, lined with red cliffs, palm trees, dunes, and lagoons. While Fortaleza feels like nothing more than a natural paradise, it's also a very important industrial center that specializes in embroidery and apparel manufacturing!

Settle in to your hotel and take advantage of its amenities. Spend the night relaxing, or venture out and begin to explore Fortaleza!

Day 9 Fortaleza

Another Brazilian buffet breakfast? Yes please. Although your tummy will be full, you'll still be hungry for adventure! Meet your guide and enjoy a half-day tour around Fortaleza. Travel through time as you visit the old and new neighborhoods, which are both filled with tons of amazing sights!

Take the afternoon to relax. Plan your next day, hang out on the beach, or treat yourself to a lovely seaside dinner.

Day 10 Depart Brazil

Squeeze all your souvenirs into your bags and hop in your final transfer to the airport. Say goodbye to your guide, board your plane, and spend your flight dreaming about your next adventure!

Day 1 Join trip in Salvador

Arrive in Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia and one of Brazil's most historic cities. Its roots stem back to 1501 when the navigator Amerigo Vespucci first sailed into its bay. Initially considered to be the nation's capital due to the natural protection of the cliffs rearing from the sea, its bay was one of the finest anchorages on the eastern shores of the New World. Due to the number of evening flights into Salvador, your Leader plans to do the welcome meeting on the morning of day two, and will leave a message in reception with details on timings and everything else that you'll need for the day. For those of you who have already arrived in the morning, our Leader will be in reception at 6pm if you would like to go out for an evening meal. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Salvador at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Salvador-Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhaes International Airport (airport code: SSA), approximately a one hour drive from our hotel.

Meals Provided : None

Day 2 Guided tour of the city; free afternoon

This morning we have a guided orientation tour of the city. The Pelourinho area is considered to be the most important collection of 17th-18th century architecture in the whole of the Americas. The area is a jumble of centuries old churches, narrow cobbled streets and spacious plazas bordered by once elegant but now gently decaying mansions. The natural setting is magnificent overlooking the Todos os Santos Bay. What immediately strikes the traveller is that despite its Portuguese architecture, the spirit, cuisine, culture and people are predominantly African. The area's riches were originally based on sugar cane and tobacco, with the majority of the workforce coming from the west coast of Africa - for over 300 years Salvador was the centre of a thriving slave trade. The modern day population is mostly of African descent - this can be heard in the rhythms of the music and in the dance, the cuisine and Candomble, a mixture of African and Christian deities and rites. This afternoon is left free for personal exploration of the area or to relax on the beach. If you'd like to stay active, there are easy cycling excursions available in the city - these guided cycle trips take in either the shorelines of the lower city and its landmarks or the Barra district, home to Brazil's largest street festivities during Carnival time, and leading to some of the most beautiful beaches on Salvador's long coastline. The flat areas around the city are perfect for cycling.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 3 Fly to Manaus, gateway to the Amazon

We have a free morning to spend in beautiful Salvador before our indirect flight to the airport today. Our destination is the city of Manaus, set in the heart of the Amazon basin on the banks of the Negro river. The bustle of an urban community seems almost other-worldly in the midst of vast tracts of jungle stretching in all directions. Once rich and fashionable, the capital Amazonas is now quickly expanding as a free trade zone. When we arrive, we will transfer to our accommodation, arriving late in the evening. Flight times are subject to change. While we'll usually have a free morning in Salvador and a late arrival into Manaus, the schedule may change to a morning flight, arriving earlier to the Amazon.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 4 Journey by bus and boat to reach our Amazon lodge

This morning, we drive to the port where we board our boat and cross the Amazon, seeing the 'Meeting of the Waters' phenomenon en route - the point at which the black Rio Negro and the brown Solimoes come together and continue towards the coast under the name of the Amazon. The rivers run separately for several miles, creating an usual two-toned effect as the river runs. We take another short private bus journey, and a final speedboat trip up the Parana do Mamora as we journey through the rainforest to our remote Amazon lodge. This amazing place is one of the best ways to experience the rainforest - right on the banks of the Rio Juma, and surrounded by lush forest. Our excursions here will be flexible depending on the weather and various other factors, but on arrival we may take the opportunity to go out by canoe or take a night tour to spot the eye shine from caiman along the river.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 In the Amazon; Jungle walk , visit the local community and search for caiman on a night boat trip

There are a whole host of activities on offer here, to make the most of our time in the heart of Brazil's Amazon region. We may visit the local Caboclo community; these forest villagers are descended from the mixing of indigenous populations and white adventurers, such as rubber tappers or prospectors. We can fish for piranha in the river (surprisingly tasty!) or take nature walks into the jungle, accompanied by a local guide. At night, we'll spot caiman by torchlight, seeing their beady eyes float as red pinpricks in the darkness. Our stay here is dedicated to discovering this incredible region, giving us an appreciation for the precariously balanced ecosystem and the efforts being made to protect it.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 Return to Manaus and fly to Cuiaba

It's a long travel day as we depart the Amazon, and the first half will be part of the adventure as we travel by launch along the Rivers Juma and Macarico, to Careiro Village. From there we return to Manaus by bus, and then boat across the Amazon River. We'll head straight to the airport on arrival, and board our indirect plane to Cuiaba. We will arrive to Cuiaba late today, and go straight to the hotel, ready for our drive into the Pantanal tomorrow.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 7 Drive to the Pantanal Wildlife Reserve

Driving from Cuiaba to the Pantanal Wildlife Reserve along the Transpantaneira road we have our first encounters with wildlife at the waterholes. We have two full days to explore this paradise for birds and wildlife. There are over 600 bird species including waders, toucan, heron, stork, duck and coot and 350 varieties of fish, including the piranha. Animals include deer, armadillo, tapir, boar, the unusual capivara and thousands of Jacare caiman (alligator). Few visitors discover the remote Pantanal, so there is little infrastructure for tourists. Our lodge is located by a river and has a pool to relax beside - a wonderful combination of relaxation and a chance to see the most readily accessible and prolific wildlife in Latin America. Lie in your hammock and appreciate the evening birdsong.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 Explore the Pantanal on foot and by 4x4 or boat

Much like in the Amazon, our time here in the Pantanal is flexible and we have two full days to explore. We may head out on foot, in small boats, on horseback, or by jeep safari to explore the area around our lodge. Boat trips in the Pantanal take place only during the high water period; typically November to April. Early morning and dusk is the best time for wildlife spotting, and we split large groups into two for better viewing opportunities. We will also have the opportunity to do some piranha fishing in the evening.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 In Pantanal; jeep safari or boat ride

Today we continue exploring Pantanal Wildlife Reserve on foot, by 4x4 or by boat, with plenty of opportunities to spot the incredible wealth of wildlife on offer. Again, our day will be flexible depending on the season, the weather and the wildlife patterns - no two days in the Pantanal are the same! For those who wish there is one full day option (not included) for you to spend the day searching for the Pantanal's elusive jaguar. In recent years the Pantanal has emerged as one of the best places to spot jaguars in the wild - although daily sightings cannot be guaranteed as these vary according to the temperature, rainfall and seasonal water changes. The excursion leaves our lodge at around 5.30am, returning at approximately 7pm, giving around 7-8 hours of boat time to spot these beautiful creatures. You'll spend most of the day sailing on the Rio Claro, as jaguars are more easily spotted from the banks with the help of the eagle eyes of the boat captains.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 Fly to Iguazu Falls, overnight in Foz do Iguacu

This morning we return to Cuiaba by road for an indirect afternoon flight to Iguazu. The connections can be long and it may take around 10 hours to arrive into Iguazu (although schedules vary). We will experience the vastness of the Amazonian plains below, as the flight takes up the majority of the day, building anticipation for our visit to the falls tomorrow. Set amidst the lush landscapes of the Parque Nacional do Iguazú Reserve, the falls are one of nature's true masterpieces, a spectacular cascade of some 275 interconnecting falls that hurtle over high cliffs into a marvellous curved amphitheatre- a breathtaking sight that extends 3km across the Rio Iguazu.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 11 Visit the Brazilian side of the falls

Today we visit the falls on the Brazilian side. Set in a national park, the Iguacu River hurtles over high cliffs into a marvellous curved amphitheatre several miles wide - a breathtaking sight. The noise is tremendous and huge clouds of mist are churned up by the cascade. The surrounding spray-soaked forest is alive with brightly plumaged toucans, parrots, hummingbirds and colourful butterflies. From here it may be possible to arrange a visit to the Argentinian side of the falls to get a close up of the fitfully churning 'Devil's Throat' by navigating a series of catwalks.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 12 Fly to Rio de Janeiro; Free afternoon

Leaving the Iguazu area, we fly to Rio de Janeiro. Very few direct flight options exist, but we will try and take one if possible. The spectacular setting of Rio is hard to beat. With 120 miles of marvelous beaches and a mountain backdrop it really is a tropical paradise. Flight time permitting this afternoon is free to relax - visit the Botanical Gardens existing in the city for more than 200 years, visit the historic centre and see the enormous stained glass windows of the Metropolitan Cathedral, or sip a caipirinha overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This evening you could finish off your Brazilian experience with an optional samba show, or sample the sounds and rhythms of the city in the nightlife district of Lapa.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 13 Visit to Santa Teresa and Sugar Loaf Mountain

A busy day lies ahead of us. In the morning, you have the option to visit the towering summit of Corcovado topped by the immense statue of Christ the Redeemer or relax on the beaches before our afternoon city tour. After lunch our local guide will take us to the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, with its winding streets, famous street cars and colourful buildings, whose hilltop setting gives us an excellent view out to the Guanabara Bay coastline. We'll do a walking tour of the neighbourhood, which is home to many of Rio's artists, musicians and poets, and is undoubtedly the most picturesque area in the city. Revealing many of the area's highlights, we'll walk through the colourful, tile-lined stairway that leads to the studio of Jorge Selaron, as well as the cultural centre of Parque das Ruinas, which overlooks the bay. Please note that on festivals or special holidays, the queues for the tramway to Santa Teresa can be enormous, and cause delays to our program. The Tour Leader might in that situation decide to take you into the heart of the historical centre to discover that district instead. In a city the size of Rio, there are numerous districts to explore, each with a character and interest all of their own. After our visit we will take a cable car up to the huge Sugar Loaf Mountain from where the late afternoon views of Rio are breathtaking.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 14 Tour ends Rio de Janeiro

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Rio. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Rio at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Rio de Janeiro International Airport (airport code: GIG), which is approximately a one hour drive from our hotel.

Meals Provided : Breakfast