Discover Brazil

Say oi (hi) to Rio de Janeiro, where our adventure kicks off. The excitement builds during our welcome meeting, in which we get to know each other a little, discuss important information about the days ahead and ask any questions you might have. Details on where the welcome meeting is held should be at the hotel reception. Want more time to explore? Extend your adventure in Rio by adding a pre-tour hotel stay through your sales representative. Stay: Hotel Windsor Palace (or similar).

Begin our Rio exploration in Tijuca National Park on the outskirts of the city – bring snacks, water, sunscreen and insect repellent in a small backpack. Our adventure begins with a scenic ride on a historic electric tram through Atlantic forest. Then, we embark on a 2hr 30min hike through the forest to discover key sites, including the Taunay Waterfall, Job de Alcântara Bridge and Mayrink Chapel. We take trails once used by coffee farmers, walk alongside rivers, and reach the Cascatinha summit (1,720ft/525m) for views of the valley, mountain range and Pico da Tijuca. Along the way, learn about Rio's history, rainforest and wildlife; after, cool down with a swim in the Maracanã River. It ends with a hike up the steps (elevator and escalator available too) to the Christ the Redeemer statue, where we can enjoy panoramas of Rio and stand next to one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Stay: Hotel Windsor Palace (or similar) (B).

Our day begins with a scenic three-minute ride on the Sugarloaf cable car, the third oldest working cable car in the world. Along the way, we enjoy panoramic views of Copacabana beach, the Tijuca and Corcovado mountains, downtown Rio, and more; at the top, we take time to admire the incredible views. Back at ground level, we bid farewell to Rio and take a private transfer (4hr 30min) to the colonial town of Paraty. The setting is magnificent with jungle-cloaked mountains behind and a beautiful bay in front. Stay: Pousada da Marquesa (or similar) (B).

Embark on a journey through the history of Paraty on a boat tour that begins at the pier. Our journey offers beautiful views of the historic centre and churches, while stopping at beaches and significant historic sites, such as the Defensor Perpétuo Fort, Tapera Fort ruins, and Coqueiro Distillery, which produces the national spirit, cachaça, an alcoholic drink made from sugarcane. After, we explore the 18th-century architecture and history of the town on a guided walk through the historic centre. Visit churches, the museum, House of Culture, and key monuments, while learning about Paraty's colonial past. Stay: Pousada da Marquesa (or similar) (B/L).

Enjoy a free day in this beautiful coastal town. Take time to walk the streets and admire the colonial architecture, try the treats the local people sell on the street, and sip the Gabriela brand of cachaça, which is made with an infusion with clove and cinnamon. Stay: Pousada da Marquesa (or similar) (B).

Following a very early start, take a transfer (four hours) to São Paulo Airport for our 1hr 45min flight to the city of Foz do Iguaçu. After arrival, we enjoy a three-hour visit to the Iguaçu Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Dividing Brazil and Argentina, it is twice as wide as Niagara Falls and comprises 275 different cascades. Our walk also passes through the largest remaining stretch of Atlantic forest in southern Brazil, home to diverse wildlife, including capybaras, tree frogs and monkeys. Stay: JL Hotel by Bourbon (or similar) (B).

We hop over to Argentina today to see the other side of the falls on a train ride. The lower circuit (9,185ft/2,800m) takes us through the jungle for close-up views of the falls – you might get wet! The upper circuit (11,155ft/3,400m) offers panoramic views of the river. The Argentine side offers a more rustic and immersive experience compared to the Brazilian side. Stay: JL Hotel by Bourbon (or similar) (B).

Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu Airport for our flight to Manaus, where our Amazon adventure begins. The journey usually involves a change of plane en route, typically in Sao Paulo. We take a very early morning flight, and the journey should take around eight hours, including the change in plane, though this can vary depending on flight schedules.

Upon arrival, we take a 30-minute boat ride along the Rio Negro to the indigenous village of Tatuyo, where we learn about their history and traditions on a one-hour cultural experience. We then continue by boat for another hour to Poranduba Lodge, our home in the heart of the Amazon. Nestled within the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, Poranduba provides an authentic insight into the lives of the riverside communities who live here, including the Tumbira and Santa Helena do Inglês people, whose livelihoods depend on fishing and tourism, and who we meet throughout our stay.

After a warm welcome and lunch, we enjoy a light trail walk, a refreshing swim in the river, and some relaxation before dinner. Stay: Poranduba Lodge (or similar) (B/L/D).

Embark on an exclusive 50-minute tractor tour, riding in comfortable sofa-style seating along a scenic trail to appreciate the Amazon forest. After, we return for lunch and some rest, then enjoy a peaceful canoe ride on the river, taking in the stunning sunset. Stay: Poranduba Lodge (or similar) (B/L/D).

We take a boat tour to one of the nearby beaches today, providing us a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of the region. From September to March, we visit Praia do Iluminado, a white-sand island; from April to August, we head to the sands of Praia Alta, accessible by a 20-minute boat ride.

In the afternoon, interact with the community, relax, or enjoy a swim in the river. Stay: Poranduba Lodge (or similar) (B/L/D).

Bid farewell to the Amazon after breakfast. We return by speedboat, leaving at 9am, then transfer to Manaus Airport. If you'd like more time to explore Brazil, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Manaus (B).