Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro & Salvador

Upon arrival, meet your guide just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it) for your private transfer to your accommodations at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas.

Staying here gives you access to the Brazilian side of the Iguacu Falls and you’re able to explore the area and catwalks at your leisure.

Iguaçu Falls, located on the border of the State of Parana is one of the most famous attractions in all of Brazil. The almost 300 different waterfalls span geographically between Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. The immensity of these waterfalls can be enjoyed up close aboard a ship or from far away atop the catwalks interlaced throughout the falls for panoramic views.

Meet your guide at the hotel this morning for your transfer to the Argentina side of the Iguazu Falls. (We suggest an early start, to help avoid lines, and be sure to bring your passport for the border crossing!) You’ll board the gas-powered train which will take you to the catwalks along the upper falls, ending just above La Garganta del Diablo, or the Devil’s Throat, the largest and most impressive waterfall in the park.Next, you will descend to explore the lower catwalks closer to the Iguazu River to witness the wide expanse of waterfalls from a much different perspective – there are various trails you can choose from with your guide.There are places for snacks within the park, and we recommend not leaving for lunch as it takes a lot more time.

As you will be staying inside the national park, we recommend an early wake up to explore the Brazilian side of the falls before the park opens to the general public. You may just have the catwalks all to yourselves! A good time to start the walk would be 7:45 AM.

In the afternoon, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for your private transfer to the Iguaçu airport.

Rio de Janeiro the previous capital of Brazil, is one of the most-visited cities in the Southern Hemispheres. It is known for its picturesque landscapes of mountains and seaside, as well the famous attractions like Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana. Rio de Janeiro lives up to its nickname of the “Cidade Maravilhosa” or “The Marvelous City.”

Meet your guide just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it) for your private transfer to your hotel.

This morning, meet your guide at the lobby and head to the Corcovado Mountain, where the Christ the Redeemer statue is located – Rio’s most famous postcard image. You will board a historic train that goes uphill through the forest until you reach this important landmark and its sweeping views of the city. We suggest an early start to get ahead of the crowds.

Then, continue on to Santa Teresa to see a smaller and more intimate neighborhood of Rio that makes you feel truly apart of the culture and lifestyle of the city. As the home to many artists and chefs, you can see the art along the street, smell the foods from nearby restaurants, and hear the music playing from local homes.This afternoon, you’ll have an enlightening tour of Rio’s historic city center. Discover how this city came to be, born as an unexpected result of the Portuguese crown’s escape from Europe during Napoleon’s invasion. Explore the heart of Rio, the first area to be developed due to its safer location away from the shore, when exploring these distant lands was a challenge.

To cap off the day, you’ll visit the uniquely shaped Sugar Loaf Mountain – whose name comes from the cone-like molds that were once used in the production of sugar in the 16th century. Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of Brazil’s most famous tourist attractions. Aboard the cable car to the top, you’ll be given a unique view of the mountain and the city behind you through the glass walls of the car.

This morning your guide and driver take you to the sprawling wonderland of Floresta da Tijuca, the largest urban forest on the planet. This enchanting park, woven with historic remnants, cascading waterfalls, and a labyrinth of trails leading to panoramic vistas of Rio, awaits your exploration. Here you’ll hike to Bico do Papagaio, a hidden gem cherished for its unspoiled allure and awe-inspiring panoramas. The hike to the pinnacle clocks in at approximately 1 to 1.5 hours each way, and we’ll provide snacks and beverages for you along the way. (This is a moderate level hike. The first half is gradually steadily up to the peak, and then back down.)

Afternoon at leisure.

A day at leisure to explore Rio at a slower pace, local style, including walking along the city’s famed beachfront sidewalks.

After check-out, meet your guide and driver for your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Salvador.

Considered an epicenter of Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador was once a a large hub for the slave trade which heavily influenced Brazil’s culture and language. Now it boasts vibrant arts, music, dance and cuisine that are all heavily influenced by its African roots. The city itself has impressive Baroque architecture while its outskirts have some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil like Praia do Forte and Costa do Sauipe.

Meet your guide just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it) for your private transfer to your hotel.

Salvador is a key place to begin to understanding the complexity of Brazil’s rich and diverse culture. This city, the country’s first capital, has been shaped by a unique blend of African and European influences. After breakfast, head out with your guide to stroll through the historic city center, where you’ll discover the impact of colonization and slavery on Brazilian society.

You’ll then stop by an all-women percussion group, founded in the 1980s, where you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at traditional instruments and jam to the mesmerizing beat of afoxé. This special rhythm, born in Bahia, is just one example of how the city’s multifaceted history permeates its daily life.

After some free time for lunch, your guide will take you to the São Joaquim market, one of the biggest in town. Brace yourself to witness an eclectic range of offerings ranging from holy relics to live critters, freshly-picked fruits and vegetables, and everything in between. This bustling hub is an undeniable feast for the senses, and a great spot to snag some souvenirs to carry back home.

If you’re into cooking, we can arrange a special afternoon cooking class & lunch in a local home (additional cost applies).

Head out with your guide and driver today to discover the rich history and natural beauty of Recôncavo Baiano, located around the Baía de Todos-os-Santos. This region was a major agricultural hub in the 16th century, with tobacco, cotton, and sugar cane sailing along the Paraguaçu River until arriving into the then-capital, Salvador.

You’ll explore fascinating small towns like Santo Amaro, Cachoeira, and São Felix, where you can step back in time and witness preserved cobbled streets, houses, and monuments from the last century. Cachoeira, in particular, boasts significant religious events and an appreciation for preserving its origins that will transport you to another era. Santo Amaro, founded in 1557, boasts a breathtaking array of historical homes and landmarks. This is the same city where Brazilian music legends Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia were born and raised. The journey out to these villages takes approx. 2 hours per way.

Meet your guide and driver for your private transfer to the airport for your journey onward.