Rio, the Amazon & Iguazu Falls (Superior) - 9 days

On arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met and transferred to our hotel in the city. Hotel check-in is from 14:00. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore the vibrant city.

Tour Style: This tour includes selected excursions, transportation, and a choice of standard or superior accommodation, with bilingual guides for each activity. Although this is a private tour, some included sightseeing and transfers are shared, meaning you will be joined by other travellers.

Today, you will enjoy a full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro’s highlights, starting with pick-up at 08:00. You will visit the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You will travel by train through Tijuca Forest to the summit for panoramic views of the city.

Next, you will pass by Maracana Stadium and the Sambadrome, and visit the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, inspired by Central American pyramids. Explore the vibrant Selaron Steps and take photos of this colourful landmark.

After a traditional Brazilian churrascaria lunch, you will ride two cable cars to Sugarloaf Mountain’s summit, stopping at Urca Hill for stunning views.

You have a choice today. You can spend the day independently exploring, or you can opt to join a hike to Petra Bonita, a Carnival experience or join a boat tour of Guanabara Bay.

Hiking to Pedra Bonita

Embark on a 3.2km hike (approximately 2 hours) to one of Rio’s best viewpoints! Pedra Bonita, located in the Tijuca Forest National Park, is a popular spot for hang gliders, with a takeoff ramp at 517 meters. Your easy hike will take you to the summit at 695 meters, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Pedra da Gavea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Rocinha Favela, and the Sierra dos Dois Irmãos. To the west, you’ll also see Barra da Tijuca, a modern and rapidly developing neighbourhood. On the way back, stop at the hang gliding ramp to watch adventurers soar through the sky.

Carnival Experience

Experience the vibrant world of Rio Carnival with a behind-the-scenes tour of the City of Samba and the Rio Grande Samba School Factory. Discover how floats and costumes are crafted, meet the people behind the spectacle, and learn about samba’s rich history. Try on authentic costumes, join a samba class, and finish with a traditional Brazilian cocktail.

Boat Tour of Guanabara Bay

Enjoy a 2-hour tour showcasing Rio's natural beauty, stories, and modern architecture. Discover the stunning views of Guanabara Bay, with its sparkling waters and surrounding mountains, offering a unique perspective of the city. This tour is perfect for all ages, allowing you to experience Rio from its famous beaches to its vibrant urban landscapes.

Rio de Janeiro - Manuas. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Manaus. Upon arrival, you will make your way to the pier, where you will board a speedboat for a direct journey to your ecolodge. The flight to Manaus is not included, we can assist with booking this domestic flight.

The rest of today and the next two days are spent exploring the Amazon with a range of included activities as organised by the lodge. An expert guide will lead several nature hikes, giving you the chance to see and learn about the rainforest's flora and fauna.

Visit the Monkey Forest, where rescued and rehabilitated primates live in a semi-wild environment, and witness feeding time. You will also visit a local Amazonian village to meet the native people, and enjoy fishing for piranhas and other species on a fishing tour. After dark, head out in a paddle or motorized canoe to appreciate the sounds of the jungle (listen out for the coughing roar of the jaguar) and spot caiman crocodiles and other nocturnal creatures. Your itinerary in the Amazon is flexible, and the team at the lodge will ensure you have ample opportunity to see the resident wildlife and enjoy all manner of activities.

Manuas - Iguazu Falls - Foz do Iguazu. After breakfast, enjoy some free time before checking out and heading to the airport by speedboat for your flight from Manaus to Iguazu. Upon arrival at Iguazu Airport, you will be greeted and transferred directly to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. The flight to Iguazu is not included, we can assist with booking this domestic flight.

You’ll take a 1 km walk from the Hotel das Cataratas, bringing you up close to one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. The Iguazu River, which travels 1,320 km from the Sierra do Mar, creates around 280 waterfalls, each standing at an impressive 60 metres.

As you explore the lush park, you’ll reach a viewpoint with a breathtaking view of the falls, accompanied by their thunderous roar. Continuing along the trails, you’ll get even closer to the waterfalls, feeling the mist and hearing the powerful rush of water.

Finally, you’ll witness the magnificent Devil’s Throat, the largest waterfall in the system, a true spectacle of nature’s might.

Macuco Safari tour

You can join an optional half-day Macuco Safari tour, where you’ll explore the tropical jungle of Iguazu by jeep, discovering plants like orchids and heart of palm, while tropical birds accompany you. After 3 km, you’ll walk 600 metres to Macuco Falls, nestled in a canyon. At the Iguazu River, you’ll board an inflatable boat to navigate rapids and reach the base of the falls, feeling the power of the water and experiencing an unforgettable thrill.

Foz do Iguazu - Iguazu Falls (Argentina) - Foz do Iguazu (Brazil). Today, you will explore Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side. Crossing the Iguazu River over the Tancredo Neves Bridge, just 28 km from Foz do Iguazu, you’ll reach the Argentine National Park. After passing through the visitor centre, you’ll take the train to the impressive Devil’s Throat, the largest waterfall in Iguazu, where you’ll experience the raw power of the water.

Your adventure continues on foot along the Upper Circuit, a 1,200-metre trail, and, weather permitting, the Lower Circuit, a 1,750-metre path. Both trails take you through lush forests, accompanied by the constant roar of the falls. Later, you’ll visit 'La Aripuca', a 17-metre structure made from 30 rescued native tree species, inspired by a traditional Guarani trap.

Argentinian Culinary Experience

Later, you’ll have the opportunity to join a unique culinary experience, tasting the best local cuisine in a relaxed setting. The five-course dinner is paired with four exceptional wines from Argentina’s regions.

The evening begins with Patagonian trout tartar and a wine-based cocktail, followed by an Empanada Class. Next, you’ll enjoy a Picada of grilled provolone cheese, chorizo, black sausage, sausage roll, and skirt pork steak. The main course features a 200g tenderloin steak with grilled vegetables. Finally, you’ll take part in a Mate and Alfajor class, tasting Dulce de Leche mousse with red berries and a selection of sweet treats and cheese. Please note: This optional activity does not commence on Mondays.

Latin Dinner & Show at Rafain Cataratas

Alternatively, later once you have arrived back in Foz do Iguazu. You can also opt to join a 4-hour activity tour in Foz do Iguazu, where you’ll enjoy a folklore show and a traditional Brazilian barbecue dinner. You’ll savour a variety of meats and sides while watching a performance that highlights the rich diversity of Brazilian culture.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Foz do Iguazu for your onward flight home.