Brazil, a Kaleidoscope of Nature and Culture

Arrival and welcome at Rio de Janeiro airport; private transfer to your hotel. Afternoon, departure to enjoy a tour of the most famous and beautiful sights in Rio. First, you’ll travel to the summit of picturesque Corcovado Mountain via a modern Swiss-made cogwheel railroad that passes through the scenic Tijuca Rain Forest. Standing atop Corcovado the close-up view of the massive representation of Christ the Redeemer is awe inspiring. The statue itself, covered with a soapstone mosaic, is one of Rio’s finest Art Nouveau monuments. It is located at an altitude of 700 meters (2996 feet), offering a breathtaking view of Rio de Janeiro Bay and Maracana Stadium.

Departure for Sugar Loaf Mountain. The cable-car ride to the top provides a thrilling view of the city of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay. The peak is 395 meters (1295 feet) high. Next, a panoramic city tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro. The tour takes you by the Sambodrome and the pyramid-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral, and also includes Cinelandia Square, the historical Municipal Theatre, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Free afternoon Tonight, Brazilian barbecue at the outstanding Mariu’s Restaurant – an all-you-can-eat "churrascaria". After dinner, enjoy samba music and dancing or a dance performance that is a sampling of the extravagant traditions of Carnaval. Enjoy the view of the city after the sun goes down. (b,d)

Entire day to enjoy, the beaches, shopping and music of Rio, Ciudade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) (b)

After breakfast you will be met at the hotel to begin a tour of the picturesque Santa Teresa district, sometimes called the “Montmartre” of Brazil because of the many artists who have their studios there. Here you will find mansions and castles, art galleries, restaurants and great views of the sea, mountains and bay. Take a ride on a tram dating from 1872! Lunch is served at one of the beautiful restaurants in the Santa Teresa district. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to majestic Iguassu Falls at the borders of Brazil, Argentina & Paraguay. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel (b,l)

Morning Visit to Iguassu falls. Make your close-up acquaintance with the falls aboard the Macuco Safari boat to really see and feel the falls in all their might. The tour begins with a 3-mile Jeep ride into the National Park, followed by a 500-meter trek emerging at the Iguassu River where, if you choose, you can ride the rapids/white waters to the waterfalls, for a thrilling experience you will never forget. After lunch we cross to Argentina for a visit to the National Park, including a short train ride to the Devils Throat Water Fall (b,l)

Glorious morning at leisure. In the afternoon enjoy a 3-hour tour of discovery around “Magic Island”. Your guide will acquaint you with the beautiful Florianópolis, starting downtown with a visit to the Cruz & Souza Palace, the Civic Center, the Old Customs House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, 15th of November Square, and the scenic Hercílio Luz Bridge connecting the island with the mainland. The trip continues to the north of the Island – Ingleses Beach, Canasvieiras Beach, and Jurerê Beach, one of the most affluent and sophisticated areas in Florianópolis. Jurerê Beach is one of the three Florianópolis beaches that earned the coveted “Blue Flag” eco-label. The tour winds up with a first-hand look at one of the main fortifications of the island, São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress, built in 1740. (b)

After breakfast you will take a short trip to Balneário Camboriú, one of the most popular tourist destinations of Santa Catarina state. Treat yourself to a ride on cable cars featuring the highest standards of safety and the world’s most advanced technology. Unipraias Park has 47 cable cars connecting three stations on the Southern coast of Balneário Camboriú. One branch goes way up to Aguda Hill and the other goes all the way down to Laranjeiras Beach. It is the only cable car in the world to link two beaches. Enjoy your journey in the sky, with an unmatched view of the Atlantic Forest and of the sea along the whole route. With an area of 85,000 square meters, Balneário Camboriú offers attractions for all tastes and ages – from visitors looking for beautiful scenery, to those seeking the excitement of adventure sports. Aside from its beautiful beaches and modern and innovative tourist attractions, the city also boasts a bustling commercial center. Free time to dine & enjoy its bars and restaurants, with live music and irresistible cuisine. We return to your hotel, late evening (b)

After a delicious breakfast, we move on to the town of Santinho to begin the hike. The first phase is an exploration the local nature reserve, with its remarkable dunes and unique vegetation called “restinga” (A restinga is a distinct type of coastal tropical and subtropical broadleaf forest) at the west face of Aranhas Mountain. The trek continues along the Lavadeiras Lagoon towards Moçambique Beach. Upon arrival at Moçambique beach, break for lunch and a swim, bask in the sun, or visit a small archaeological site. The return trek follows the east side of the mountain with a time for finishing on the southern coast of Santinho beach. (b,l)