Highlights of Brazil

Perfect for anyone who has limited time but wishes to see the cultural and natural highlights of this exciting and vibrant country. Visiting two of Brazil’s most dynamic cities, from world-famous Rio de Janeiro to the exotic beat of Salvador you will gain a fascinating insight into the culture and history of the country. A visit to the thundering Iguassu Falls on the border with Argentina will introduce you to the natural beauty of the country, leaving you with a desire to return for more.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Brazil (-)

Upon arrival at Rio de Janeiro’s international airport you will be warmly welcomed by a Blue World Journeys representative and escorted to your hotel on Copacabana Beach by private car. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure, exploring the area around your hotel. Copacabana is home to many great restaurants, bars and nightlife and is a great introduction to this great city.

Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro Tour (B,L)

This morning you will be met by your guide and escorted on a private tour of the city. Beginning in the downtown area you will first visit the city’s contemporary Metropolitan Cathedral, with it’s huge stained glass windows and nearby Aterro de Flamenco, a peaceful park offering views over the city. Next you will visit the historic Urca neighborhood on the way to the iconic Sugar Loaf mountain, where you will ascend to the top by cable car to enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the city.

Following a lunch break, your tour will continue to Corcovado Mountain, home of the world-famous Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue and an even more incredible view of Rio.

You can either return to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure or take part in other optional tours including a fascinating favela (slum) tour, or for the more adventurous, hang-gliding or paragliding from a mountain, flying over the city and landing directly on the beach.

Day 3 - Iguassu Falls (B)

After breakfast you will be escorted to Rio’s airport for your flight to Iguassu, on Brazil’s border with Argentina. Upon arrival you will be escorted to your hotel before beginning a visit to the Brazilian side of the falls. The falls are one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the entire continent, and the national park has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation, there are 275 separate falls here. From the visitor’s center you will drive to the falls themselves, where you will continue on foot along a walkway leading to incredible panoramic viewpoints.

Day 4 - Iguassu Falls Argentinian Side (B)

This morning you will enjoy a half day tour to the Argentinian side of the falls. On the way you will have lovely views over the beautiful IguaçuCanyon. Here you will visit the upper walkways, which offer an unforgettable bird’s-eye view over the cascades.

Saving the best for last, you will visit the ‘Devil’s Throat’. A catwalk begins just upstream from the falls, passing a number of islands before reaching a point where you can witness the river dramatically plunge as much as 500,000 cubic feet of water every second over a 270-foot vertical drop around a horseshoe shaped canyon - a truly amazing sight!

Day 5 - Salvador (B)

This morning you will be escorted to the nearby airport to catch your flight to Salvador. Known as the African Soul of Brazil, the city is unique in that its African descendants have preserved their cultural roots more than anywhere else in the Americas. Salvador is famous for combining Afro-Brazilian religious, culinary, musical, dance and martial art traditions. Walking around the vibrant historic center, it’s not uncommon to come across capoeira performers, drum corps pounding out samba beats, be able to munch on acarajé bean dumplings - the same as the ones sold on the streets of Nigeria, or even witness a Candomblé religious ceremony.

After checking in to your centrally located hotel you will have the rest of the afternoon to explore at your leisure.

Day 6 - Salvador City Tour (B)

A private, guided historical walking tour of this colorful city is a great way to experience the magical energy of Salvador. The Pelourinho is the vibrant heart of the city’s historical center and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is a wonderful example of the region’s colonial and slave history and filled with interesting sights, including numerous artist’s studios, churches, cultural groups, shops, galleries, bars and restaurants.

From the Lacerda Elevator connecting the upper and lower city regions you will enjoy a panoramic view over All Saints Bay and the Modelo Market. There’s plenty of time to browse the shops and galleries on today’s tour, giving you a great insight into this fascinating city.

Evening will be at your leisure to enjoy the city’s nightlife and dining.

Day 7 - Farewell to Brazil

This morning you will be escorted to Salvador’s airport for your flight home.

Hotels listed below are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Rio De Janeiro - Luxury - Arena Copacabana

This four-star hotel is situated in the heart of Copacabana Beach. With 123 modern rooms it is a great choice for a luxury Rio hotel. The rooftop pool terrace and open air bar is a great place to enjoy a panoramic view of this world-famous beach. The recently refurbished, modern rooms feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibar, soundproofed windows and laptop safes.

 

Rio De Janeiro - Deluxe - Belmond Copacabana Palace

This iconic hotel is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous landmarks and one of the city’s finest hotels. Opening in 1923, this historic hotel has beautifully decorated, stylish rooms featuring English antique furnishings and original artwork. All rooms have either city or beach views, and feature all the luxuries and services you would expect from a world-class five star, luxury hotel.

 

Iguassu - Luxury - San Martin

Located mere steps from the main entrance of Iguassu National Par, the San Martin is perfectly situated for visiting the falls. The hotel’s 135 rooms and suites are of a high standard and the public areas of the hotels feature a large pool area, bar, restaurant and immaculate lush, tropical gardens with nature trails where you can enjoy an educational stroll through the natural ecosystem.

 

Iguassu - Deluxe - Belmond Das Cataratas

Belmond’s Das Cataratas hotel is the only hotel that is situated within Iguassu National Park, a short walk from the spectacular falls. This is of particular note in the evenings when the park is closed to non-hotel guests. The hotel’s rooms are decorated in a classic Portuguese style featuring beautiful furnishings and decor. The hotel prides itself on its service and is the finest property in the area.

 

Salvador - Luxury - Casa do Amarelindo

A beautiful and intimate boutique hotel in a restored 16th century mansion in the heart of Pelourinho, the Casa do Amarelindo features high quality rooms, an excellent restaurant serving gastronomic local cuisine, two bars and two tropical patios. The individually furnished rooms feature comfortable beds, powerful showers in modern, fully equipped bathrooms. Some feature whirlpool baths and private balconies.

 

Salvador - Deluxe - Villa Bahia

Two magnificently restored 17th century mansions are home to the Villa Bahia. Located in the vibrant heart of the city’s Pelourinho district, the hotel has an authentic colonial atmosphere, featuring a panoramic terrace, a refreshing plunge pool and two delightful garden terraces. Each of the 17 rooms is individually furnished reflecting a period in Bahia’s history, some featuring private terraces overlooking the small square in front of the hotel.

 

Pricing

Price fromUS$3195 per person (Luxury Hotels), or US$3695 per person (Deluxe Hotels), for a private tour based on two people traveling in low season sharing a room.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Price Includes:

Hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of a Blue World Journeys representative while in Brazil
All transportation and tours as described in the itinerary in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver/guide
Domestic flights Rio - Iguassu - Salvador
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary

Price Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.)