Discover Brazil

Begin your adventure in Rio, an electric city of gold-sand beaches, samba music and lush mountains, all watched over by the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Around 6pm, say oi to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader ensures a big welcome over a group dinner tonight. Want more time in Rio? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Stay: Hotel Windsor Palace (or similar) (D).

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. Then, take a historic electric tram through Atlantic forest to an icon of Rio: the Christ the Redeemer statue. Standing at the feet of this New World Wonder, you can enjoy glorious views over the city, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Copacabana beach. A truly unforgettable experience. Stay: Hotel Windsor Palace (or similar) (B).

Our day begins with a scenic three-minute ride on the Sugarloaf cable car, one of the oldest working cable cars 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. Alternatively, you could join the optional Gold Trail and Waterfalls tour, which takes you on a guided nature walk along Colonial-era trails and ends with the chance to visit waterfalls and a traditional distillery. 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 spend three hours exploring one of the world's great natural wonders: the Iguaçu Falls. Dividing Brazil and Argentina, it is twice as wide as Niagara Falls and comprises between 150 and 300 different cascades, depending on the season.

Whenever you go, however, it's spectacular. Guided by our tour leader, we visit some of the most beautiful viewpoints, including a dramatic panorama of the Devil's Throat, the most powerful waterfall within the falls system. 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; if we're very lucky, we may see a jaguar or broad-snouted caiman. Stay: JL Hotel by Bourbon (or similar) (B).

We hop over to Argentina today (remember your passports!) to see Iguaçu Falls from a completely different angle.

Upon arrival, we ride the scenic Rainforest Ecological Train through Iguazú National Park. Our journey is divided in two: 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. If you're craving more explanation, you can opt to join La Gran Aventura: a two-hour exploration of the wild, taking adapted trucks and a powerboat to explore jungle trails and waterfalls. 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. Post dinner, you can embark on a one-hour canoe adventure along the river. Stay: Poranduba Lodge (or similar) (B/L/D).

Today we experience multiple sides of the Amazon, witnessing the rainforest from different angles. It starts with an exclusive 50-minute tractor tour, riding in comfortable sofa-style seating along a scenic trail, learning about the community and nature that lives here. After, cool off with a dip in the Rio Negro.

In the afternoon, we jump into speedboats for a three-hour tour through the vast Anavilhanas National Park, catching the sunset on the way back. Then, after dinner, we embark on a one-hour night hike with our expert local guides, listening as the forest comes to light after dark. Stay: Poranduba Lodge (or similar) (B/L/D).

We take a boat (30 minutes) 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 or Praia Alta via a delightful journey upstream. Whichever you visit, expect a slice of paradise and chance to relax.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a 1hr 30min canoe trip to admire nature and enjoy the sunset. Stay: Poranduba Lodge (or similar) (B/L/D).

Bid farewell to the Amazon after breakfast. Leaving at 9am, we have a 1hr 40min speedboat ride to Mirante Lucia Almeida in Manaus before transferring (25 minutes) to Manaus Airport. If you'd like more time to explore Brazil, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Manaus (B).