Brazil: Rainforests to Rio

Marco Polo Club Invitationals: Exclusive trips, accompanied by A&K's most accomplished guides

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Iguassu Falls, Brazil

Arrive in Iguassu Falls, where you are met and transferred to your hotel, the only one located within the Brazilian National Park. Explore the Brazilian side of the falls, walking a winding trail through the tropical rainforest. Join your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner this evening.

Hotel Das Cataratas   |   Meals: D

Day 2: Iguassu Falls

After a morning at leisure, explore the Argentinian side of Iguassu Falls. Board a train shuttle to Cataratas Station, and from there walk paths that lead along and above the spectacular 275 cascades. See beautiful flowers, ferns, tropical plants, butterflies and exotic birds on your way to the train that takes you to Devil’s Throat. Continue onto a catwalk that extends 1,200 yards over the lush tropical basin of Devil’s Gorge. Following your visit, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Hotel Das Cataratas   |   Meals: B

Day 3: Iguassu Falls/Rio de Janeiro

This afternoon, fly to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, you are taken to your hotel, located in front of famous Copacabana Beach and close to Ipanema. Later, enjoy a Brazilian barbecue dinner in a local restaurant.

Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana   |   Meals: B D

Day 4: Rio de Janeiro

Travel to the heights of Corcovado (“Hunchback”) Mountain for a spectacular glimpse of the city. Crowning Corcovado at 2,400 feet above sea level is the majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Rio is literally sliced down the middle by the impressive Tijuca Mountains, making it possible to go to the beach in the morning and enjoy the chill of the rainforest, natural pools and waterfalls in the afternoon. Embark on an excursion through the rainforest in open-air Jeeps along the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon and past the Jardim Botânico, finally stopping at the Vista Chinesa in Tijuca National Park for wonderful views. See the park’s Mayrink Chapel, boasting beautiful murals. From there you can hike one of the many trails and admire the rich variety of fauna and flora.

Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana   |   Meals: B

Day 5: Rio de Janeiro

Visit the Crianca Esperanca (Hope for Children) Center, a social project whose objective is to empower the local community by fostering education, culture and social inclusion. Continue to Santa Teresa, a picturesque neighborhood that still retains its colonial ambience. Nicknamed “Montmartre Carioca” after the famous district of Paris, it is known for the large number of artists who live here. After lunch, learn the steps of the samba and how to move to the rhythm. During the “beat out,” try Brazilian cachaca, a popular liquor similar to rum. Afterward, visit Sugarloaf Mountain, another iconic feature of the Rio skyline. Take the glass-sided cable car to the top, where you enjoy a cocktail at sunset.

Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana   |   Meals: B L

Day 6: Rio de Janeiro/Brasilia

Board a flight to Brasilia, a creation of mid-century politicians and architects designed to draw Brazilians away from their much-loved coastal cities. From above, Brasilia looks like a jet plane with a central avenue of government buildings intersected by a boomerang of residential streets; its “fuselage” is lined with spectacular — and controversial — modern architecture. On an introductory tour, view Oscar Niemeyer’s gleaming architectural masterpieces.

Royal Tulip Brasília Alvorada   |   Meals: B

Day 7: Brasilia/Manaus/Iberostar ‘Grand Amazon’

Fly to Manaus and embark on a tour of the city’s highlights. This afternoon, board Iberostar ‘Grand Amazon’ to begin your unforgettable cruise along the Amazon River. This evening, meet the officers and crew at the captain’s welcome party, followed by dinner and live music in the ship’s Kuarup restaurant.

'Iberostar Grand Amazon'   |   Meals: B D

Days 8-9: Iberostar ‘Grand Amazon’

Spend two days enjoying the incredible environs of the Amazon River. Listen to the sounds of parrots and monkeys, take in the fragrant aroma of the tropical rainforest and feel the warm mist in the air and on your skin. As your ship leisurely makes its way through the water, watch for anacondas just skimming the surface or piranhas swimming below. Travel through the jungle, enjoying the comfort of your five-star floating hotel. During your journey, consider going on a photo safari in the Rio Manacapuru region or a boat excursion through Igarapes and Igapos. When the ship reaches Lake Rei, try your hand at piranha fishing or see how many colorful birds you can spot. If you prefer, just relax on the deck and watch life on the Amazon pass by. Gather tonight for a special farewell dinner.

'Iberostar Grand Amazon'   |   Meals: B L D

Day 10: Iberostar ‘Grand Amazon’/ Manaus/Depart

Disembark and transfer to Manaus to board your flight home.

Meals: B