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.

Our day begins with a scenic ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. We take two cable cars – one up to the first viewpoint, then the second to the top of Sugarloaf – though each ride doesn’t take more than a few minutes. 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 with time to visit the shops and cafes. After lunch back in Rio, take the 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.

Begin our morning in Tijuca National Park on the outskirts of the city – bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent in a small backpack. 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 splash in the downstream of the waterfall. From here, we bid farewell to Rio and take a private transfer (4hr 30min-5hr 30min) to the colonial town of Paraty. The setting is magnificent with jungle-cloaked mountains behind and a beautiful bay in front.

Starting at Paraty Pier, we hop on a boat to cruise the turquoise coast. Not only is it a scenic way to see this UNESCO-listed town, it also uncovers its fascinating history as a one-time gold port and reveals its well-preserved colonial architecture. We stop for a swim in the warm waters before heading to our lunch spot, a waterfront restaurant owned by local fishermen. After, we explore the 18th-century architecture and history of Paraty on a guided walk through the historic centre. If we’re lucky, we may see the intentional flooding of the cobbled streets, when sea water is allowed to enter and naturally wash the roads. Additionally, if you wish, your tour leader can take you to a cachaça merchant to try Brazil’s national spirit, which is made from sugarcane – seek out the Gabriela brand, which is made with an infusion of cloves and cinnamon.

Enjoy a free morning to explore. Take time to walk the streets, admire the colonial architecture, and try treats sold by local people. Paraty is also one of the most relaxing opportunities for shopping on the trip. In the early afternoon, we transfer (four to five hours) to São Paulo to prepare for our morning flight tomorrow.

This morning, we head to São Paulo Airport for our 1hr 45min flight to the city of Foz do Iguaçu. Upon arrival, we head directly to one of the world’s great natural wonders, the Iguaçu Falls, where we have three hours to explore. 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 pass through the largest remaining stretch of Atlantic forest in southern Brazil to visit some of the most beautiful viewpoints in the park, including a dramatic panorama at the base of the Devil’s Throat, the most powerful waterfall within the falls system. Marvel at the waterfalls and expect to get sprayed!

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 up to the top of the falls. After viewing the Devil’s Throat from the top of the falls, we walk the upper circuit (11,155ft/3,400m), which offers panoramic views of the water system. We may see various wildlife, including the South American coati, which populate the park. If you’re craving a more adrenaline-fuelled viewing of the falls, 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 going directly into the waterfalls. Prepare to get wet!