Best of Brazil

A warm welcome to Brazil! You will be greeted at the arrival’s hall by your English-speaking guide who will accompany you on your transfer (30-minute drive) to your hotel, the Windsor California in Copacabana. 

After breakfast, you will embark on an 8-hour guided tour of Rio de Janeiro with your journey beginning with a visit to Corcovado. You’ll ride an eco-friendly electric tram up the hills and through the Atlantic Forest, part of Tijuca’s National Park, to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. At the feet of one of the seven wonders of the world, you will be amazed by some of the most stunning views of Rio.  

The tour will then see you visit Sugarloaf Hill via a unique 360º cable car ride, offering the most scenic views of the surrounding area. Along the way you will see Leme, Copacabana and Flamengo beaches, the Pedra da Gávea, Maciço da Tijuca and Corcovado mountains, the Guanabara Bay, the downtown area, the Rio-Niterói bridge, and the Serra do Mar Mountain range backdrop, with the famous Dedo de Deus (“God’s Finger”) peak. 

To finish the day, there is a private 2-hour Favela tour at Morro da Babilôna with a guide originally from the community itself. This offers you a unique insight to learn about the way of life and structure of the Favelas in Rio. The location also offers spectacular views of Rio’s beaches.

A private transfer will take you to Rio de Janeiro Airport to fly to Foz do Iguacu (IGU Airport) where you will be greeted by an English-speaking guide to accompany you on your private transfer to the Brazilian Falls tour (approx. 3 hours). Interestingly the Falls also act as a natural border between Argentina and Brazil. The tour provides one of the greatest water spectacles on earth, certainly a treat for any keen photographers. Upon arrival to the park, there’s a short bus ride to the beginning of the trail, during which you can admire the beauty of the largest remaining stretch of Atlantic Forest in Southern Brazil, filled with diverse wildlife like Jaguars and the Purple Parrot. 

The 275 falls of the Iguassu River spread out into a 2,700 meter-semicircle - approximately 800 meters in the Brazilian side, and 1,900 meters in the Argentinean side - right in front of you very eyes! You will have the chance to almost walk into the most famous fall in the park, the Devil’s Throat, and feel the colossal power and deafening intensity of this natural wonder. The walkway is 1,200 meters long and offers several lookout points for a closer view of some of the falls. There is a variety of angles and possibilities for photographers to capture the Brazilian falls with some of the Argentina-side falls in the background. At the end of the over-water boardwalk is stunning panoramic of the Devil’s Throat from just downstream.  

You can enter the park until 3 p.m., as it closes at 4 p.m. and the park is closed for visitors on Mondays. If you have the time, be sure to check out the Bird Park, for an incredible fauna experience, right next to the falls. 

In the evening you will have chance to settle and unwind at the JL Hotel by Bourbon with a breakfast included in the morning.  

After breakfast, you will have a private journey to the great Argentinian Falls with you English-speaking guide to accompany you. You will experience the grandeur of the Iguazu Falls that spread across natural parks of two different nations! Upon arrival to the Argentine national park, you will board an ecological train which will take you on a beautifully scenic journey to the three different captivating circuits.  

The lower circuit (2,800m round-trip) invites you into the jungle, on an immersive walk that offers close contact with the splendorous falls - be prepared to get wet though! The upper circuit (3,400m round-trip) offers amazing panoramic views of the upper Iguazu River along its flat pathways. The Argentine experience of the Falls is more rustic and immersive than the Brazilian side, with its varied and exuberant trails. 

The time spent at the Falls is approximately 5 hours with an hour’s journey to and then from the Falls. There are also no Visa requirements for this trip into Argentina for British Citizens, though for Citizens of other countries, it may be useful to contact the appropriate authorities to check any Visa requirements.  

After breakfast you will be greeted by your English-speaking guide for your transfer to IGU Airport to fly to São Paulo. Upon arrival, you will be greeted in the arrival’s hall by your next English-speaking guide to privately tour (approx. 4 hours) and explore the largest city in Latin America and financial capital of Brazil. São Paulo is home to both beautiful historical architecture and feats of modern engineering, helping you get a sense of what everyday life is like in the city.  

As the tour journeys through the streets, you will feel the life and routine of São Paulo, passing by the Luz station, a grand building and the first railway access the city had. Then onto the historic Sé Cathedral with its unique architecture, the grand Municipal Theatre, among many other great and characterful sights. Make sure you also explore the luscious greenery of Ibirapuera Park, spanning over 1 million square meters.  

You will then have the evening to unwind and relax at the Blue Tree Premium Paulista hotel.

After breakfast you will be collected for a private transfer from São Paulo to head up the coast to Ilha Grande via Angra dos Reis, with a 30-minute boat ride of the scenic coastline included (6 hours total). An English-speaking guide will meet you upon arrival and assist with luggage to your hotel, the Pousada Naturalia, which is just a short walk away from the beach.  

After breakfast, you will have a 20-minute stroll to board a day boat at the Vila Abraão pier on Mangues beach. Those hungering for more adventure may walk for another 20 minutes to the beautiful and secluded Santo Antonio Beach. In the meantime, those staying in Lopes Mendes will enjoy its fine powdery sand, crystal clear waters and just the right number of waves, that uniquely pleases both occasional swimmers and experienced surfers. 

The beach is 2.4 km long, with a small creek that runs into the ocean at one of its ends, in addition to a small chapel and a mosaic on a large buoy that broke loose from a ship, created by the artist Silvio Cavalheiro. Make sure you bring some water, since there are no kiosks there - but there’s one at Pouso Beach, the next stop on the 6-hour tour, where you can have a snack and a refreshing drink. Along the way you will see untouched coastlines, luscious forests and palm-fringed beaches that look too good to be true. 

Departure times vary, and a minimum of 10 participants required. Refunds or alternative tours available if this number is not met.

Beaches and culture make Ilha Grande a great place to find yourself walking and exploring with no schedule, just sunny serenity. Just go and find new places, meet the locals, and try the local gastronomy that is full of fishes and sea food. Not to mention the gorgeous beaches that have hidden gems around every corner. 

Experience a private transfer from Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro via Conceição de Jacareí. Head to Abraão pier for your departure, where you'll enjoy a 20-minute speedboat ride followed by a 2-hour journey in a private vehicle covering 128 km. Once in Rio, you will arrive back at your first hotel of the trip, the Windsor California.  

Free day to enjoy the city. Check out our tips list for visiting Rio: 

Best Breakfast Spot: Parque Lage. For a memorable breakfast in Rio, it has to be Parque Lage. Away from Rio’s main attractions, this grand park offers a delicious breakfast surrounded by a mix of romantic-style gardens and the Mata Atlântica forest. 

After breakfast, head to the stately mansion in the centre of the park, home to Rio de Janeiro’s School of Visual Arts, which is open to the public. 

Best Lunch Spot: The Aprazível Restaurant. It's located in the gorgeous Santa Teresa area. Enjoy typical Brazilian food on the terrace with stunning views over the city and bay area. 

Best Dinner Spot: Churrascaria Fogo de Chão is a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, cooking the best barbecue the city has to offer. Seriously great kebabs. 

Best Brunch Spot: Confeitaria Colombo. Enjoy a feast of traditional sweets, pastries, and waffles for brunch at Confeitaria Colombo. The Confectionery Cafe is located at the Copacabana Fortress, with unique views of the Copacabana beach – it’s a must for anyone seeing Rio for the first time.  

Best Bar: Rio Scenarium. The Rio Scenarium offers a taste of Carioca’s culture (local to Rio). With a mix of samba dancing, authentic food, and lively locals, it makes for a very memorable evening. Be sure to check out their website, as they have a daily changing programme featuring live Brazilian music for every night of the week. 

Best Street Food Vendor: Globo Biscuit or Açaí Bowl. Our travellers love to explore the colourful back alleys of Rio, bursting with vibrant vendors selling typical Brazilian cuisine. Try the renowned Globo Biscuit, a sweet snack that is sold on Rio’s beaches, or for a healthier option, the Açaí bowl, a thick smoothie of red fruits, topped with oatmeal and peanut butter. 

Your journey through the very best of Brazil has come to an end, though we’re sure you’ll have had an unforgettable adventure. After breakfast you will have a private transfer from hotel Windsor California in Copacabana to the airport in Rio de Janeiro (approx. 30 minutes).