Passion is the right word for a trip to Brazil. Because you will always live the pure enthusiasm in this fascinating and gigantic country. The unique natural wonders and the open and realistic culture of Brazil have always conquered all the tourist centers. There is an extensive coastline, which offers large resorts with the best hotel infrastructure or small natural beaches with rural pousadas. And, of course, the greatest biological legacy of the earth, the mysterious Amazonia. A dream adventure for all travelers!
Arrival and transfer to the Hotel Belmond Copacabana Palace *****. Rest of the day at leisure. (Shopping, Swimming pool, beach or just rest)
About Rio de Janeiro:
Rio is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is nestled between the mountains and the sea. Numerous bays, small islands, rocks and enchanting coastal sections characterize the landscape. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are among the most beautiful urban beaches in the country and are world-famous. The city, which has about 6.5 million inhabitants (the “Cariocas”), also has many sights and local recreational destinations. The most famous is probably the Sugar Loaf 396 meters high (Pão de Açúcar) with views of Copacabana. The “mountain” Rio and its 710 meters high houses the Corcovado with the famous statue of Jesus (Cristo Redentor). In the run-up to the Olympic Games, Rio has collapsed in a number of ways and now presents itself to the visitor in a new light. It offers countless entertainment and cultural events such as concerts, theater and shows.
Today we spend a varied and contrasting day in Rio de Janeiro. We visit the rainforest and one of the world’s most famous sights, the Corcovado, next to the lively Santa Teresa artists’ district.
We travel by train through the world’s largest urban rainforest, the Tijuca Forest. It is located in the heart of Rio and separates the south from the north. Already on the road, which takes about 25 minutes, we enjoy the fresh air and wonderful views. From the terminal station, escalators and/or elevators lead to the 38-meter-high Christ statue. On the platform is Rio at our feet. The panorama is unique! On the way back, we will cross Santa Teresa, a neighborhood of life-loving artists. Stop and visit the galleries and shops.
Individual Dinner
Full day at leisure or individually and exclusively designed and accompanied by Brazil Insider tour guides:
– Helicopter sightseeing flights from “Morro da Urca” (Sugar Loaf middle station) or from the lagoon “Lagoa de Freitas”
– Hang gliding flight from the “Pedra da Gavea” in São Conrado
– Schooner or private yacht tours. With luck, dolphins can be observed
– Ascent on foot to the Sugar Loaf middle station and Corcovado
– Hiking in the rainforest
– Spectacular Jeep tours through the rainforest, to dream beaches or city tours
– Walking City tour partial ride on the modern, clean and safe metro or, if you wish, by bike
– Trekking/hiking tours. For example, ascent to the Sugar Loaf middle station. In around 45 minutes. (Steep path but very safe). We continue with the cable car to the top of the Sugar Loaf. Descent also with the cable car or on request again on foot from the middle station. Ascent “Pedra da Gavea” or hikes in the tropical rainforest. Depending on your wishes, easy to demanding tours, always accompanied by an experienced tour guide
– Rio by Night: Very large selection of great, exclusive restaurants, bars, shows, concerts and clubs
– Bar hopping / street food: Diverse top-level bar culture and/or the popular “botecos” (street bars, comparable to tapas bars) which offer great “street food”, cool beer, tasty caipirinhas with all sorts of exotic fruits in various varieties offer at reasonable prices. Here, the typical, contagious Brazilian nightlife is literally celebrated in the open air and with good music
– Gastronomy tours: Let yourself be surprised by the extremely varied, tasty and also exotic gastronomy. Brazil with continental proportions is one of the main producers of all kinds of food. Very large, exclusive selection of tasty fish and seafood thanks to 8000 kilometers of South Atlantic coast and the largest freshwater reservoir in the world. You will experience the interesting culinary influences from around the world as a result of traditional immigration flows from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Also possible for groups, chefs and restaurateurs.
Rio was founded in 1565 and was the capital of Brazil for 197 years. In the center are still many traces of the past. A typical visit takes visitors to the arcades of Lapa (the ancient aqueduct Carioca) dating from 1723. Another point of interest is the imperial palace where the Declaration of Independence of Brazil was signed. A charming art exhibition in the adjacent museum.
This beautiful historic restaurant in the center of Rio has more than 100 years. In a fraction of a second, you escape the hectic bustle of the modern city and feel transported back in time.
Freshly reinforced and equipped, we continue towards the Sugar Loaf world-famous in the district of Urca. On the Sugar Loaf, there is a cable car divided into two sectors: The first turn goes to the hill of Urca, 220 meters above sea level. After a first glance and a short walk, you take the second train to the top, 396 meters above sea level. From there you have an unforgettable and spectacular view of the city.
Optional: Rio by Night. Rio de Janeiro offers a very large selection of great, exclusive restaurants, bars and clubs.
The world-famous top Churrascarias (BBQ restaurants) are a special class gastronomic experience. Around 25 types of grilled meat are served at the table. Everything in the system: “à discretion / all you can eat”. The restaurants also offer a wide variety of buffets: Various fish dishes, seafood, sushi and sashimi, many local specialties from all over Brazil, a very large selection of salads, vegetables and finally a cheese buffet, desserts and exotic tropical fruits. Afterwards a great samba show in the Ginga Tropical theater or in the Rio Scenarium, a temple of dance and music that is very popular with the locals. In the main hall on the lower floor you can dance to live Brazilian music. There is an integrated club on the second floor where a DJ spins everything from “Flashback Disco, Pop, Rock to Electronics” and sets the mood. Dancing among and with locals! “Chill-out” is the order of the day on the third floor. There are great bars and seating areas on every floor where you can comfortably enjoy drinks or delicious snacks. The decoration and ambiance in the Rio Scenarium is very special. All this makes this place one of the best dance and music temples in the world. Do not miss it!
Our suggestions (5 hours):
De luxe option 1: «Marius Degustare» & Show Ginga Tropical
De luxe option 2: «Marius Degustare» & Rio Scenarium
Whether meat, fish, or vegetarian: a wonderful dinner awaits you!
Transfer to the airport of Rio de Janeiro. Flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Transfer to Hotel Belmond das Cataratas *****
The world’s most spectacular waterfalls, a huge national park and the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world, are the pride of the 270,000 inhabitants of Foz do Lguaçu. The waterfalls in the south of the city (at the frontiers of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil) are a natural wonder. 275 small and large waterfalls make their way between the rocks and the rainforest and fall with an incredible force up to 82 meters deep. Often, rainbows form and water varies depending on the content of lime and minerals. The flora and fauna of the region are extremely varied.
Waterfalls
You can observe this unique nature game at a short distance. There are 275 small and large waterfalls, most of which form a common front at high tide.
You will, first of all, enjoy the magnificent view of the waterfalls and the Argentine side. Then a one-kilometer path leads you through the forest where you will see more and more majestic waterfalls and possibly also birds, butterflies and other small animals. At the end of the itinerary, you reach a platform just a few meters from the fall of the water masses – a game of unforgettable nature! Then take the elevator to the main road. Lunch at the restaurant Porto Canoas
Near the Iguaçu National Park is a bird park. You can enjoy a guided tour through the enclosure, where colorful exotic species can move almost freely between tropical plants.
The regular helicopter flight over the waterfalls takes 10 minutes. 35-minute flights can also be arranged in advance. The flights pass over the falls, the triangle of three countries on the cities of Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil), Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) and Ciudad del Este (Paraguay), and on the Itaipu Dam (the largest in the world).
It is an adventurous way to discover the waterfalls and the national park. By jeep through the jungle and with the Zodiac outboard to the waterfalls. Departure from the hotel on the road Cataratas (hotels of the city center 30 minutes, hotel das Cataratas 10 minutes) to the “Macuco Trail”. With the classics “Willy” -Jeeps we go on a natural path through the forest. Stops to see the flora and fauna. After the jeep visit we continue on foot, 600 meters through the forest to the “Macuco Falls”, then on the banks of the river Iguaçu. Here, the most spectacular part of the tour begins: safely, Zodiac boats (motorboats with outboard engines) with a capacity of 12 to 20 passengers, we go below the waterfalls upstream to Iguaçu Canyon, where we admire the breathtaking view of the Iguaçu Falls. When the water level of the river allows, we can approach the waterfalls, which will be an unforgettable experience. Then return to the jeeps and buses.
Compared to Brazil, we are even closer to the cascades. A train will take you to a platform from which you have a spectacular view of the largest waterfall, the “Devil’s Throat”. On the upper path, you can discover the masses of water that fall from above. Then you go to the lower path, where you can admire the show from below.
Transfer to the airport of Foz do Iguaçu. Flight to Manaus. Transfer to the Boutique Hotel Vila Amazônia ****. Depending on the arrival time, city tour in the afternoon or next day.
The Brazilian part of the Amazon Basin is the largest freshwater and oxygen reservoir on the planet, whose tropical forest has inspired the imagination of many adventurers. More than half of all known forms of life thrive in the Amazon rainforest.
Manaus, the state capital of Amazonas (Brazil’s largest state), is the starting point for many exciting tours and tours in the seemingly endless Amazon. In Manaus, you can not miss a visit to Teatro Amazonas. Various materials from all over the world were shipped to Manaus for the construction and interior of this magnificent opera. The world-famous building was completed in 1896 and represents the region’s splendor as the longest-standing rubber supplier in the world.
During this half-day visit, you can admire the famous Adolpho Lisboa Market, built in 1883 with materials from Europe, the former government building known today as Rio Negro Palace and the famous opera of Manaus, Teatro Amazonas. Visiting this imposing building is an unforgettable experience.
Transfer to Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge (every day possible)
The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is superior accommodation in the Amazonian jungle, surrounded by pristine forests, rivers, lakes and islands. It lies exclusively on the Anavilhanas archipelago on the right bank of the Rio Negro. This freshwater archipelago – the largest in the world – consists of more than 400 islands covering an area of more than 90 km² of virgin forest. From Manaus, you reach the lodge in three hours. It has 16 chalets, four comfortable bungalows, and two panoramic suites, all built on wooden stilts overlooking the Rio Negro. All rooms have air conditioning, a private bathroom with hot water, a minibar, and a private veranda – in the middle of nature. The bungalows are equipped with a king-size bed, a safe and a hairdryer. In the standard room options in between queen size bed or two twin beds. For a third person, an extra bed is available. The bungalows have been decorated with the good taste of the area. In the restaurant, you will be spoiled with culinary treats from the Amazon, Brazil and the whole world. The lodge also has a comfortable lounge with a bar and billiard room, as well as a swimming pool with solarium and a fascinating nature view. The attitude particularly favorable to the environment of the owners is remarkable, they used solar energy and introduced a recycling program.
You will be picked up at the hotel in Manaus between 8 am and 9 am; The trip to the lodge lasts about three hours. Register, enjoy a welcome drink, let your mind wander. In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip through the archipelago of Anavilhanas and after dinner, we will have a nocturnal alligators-spotting tour.
After an early breakfast, you will undertake a two-hour jungle hike. With a delicious lunch, you can take a trip to the pink dolphins and visit the village of Novo Airão. The inhabitants live mainly from shipbuilding and artisanal production.
Return to lodge, dinner and free time.
Even in the dark, you can go canoeing to watch the wildlife that just woke up. After breakfast, fishing for piranhas. After lunch, a boat trip through the magnificent water labyrinth of the Anavilhanas archipelago to the municipality of Tirirca. In this village of Caboclos, you will discover the daily life of the Amazon. Return to lodge, dinner and free time.
Transfer from the lodge to the airport at 08:00. Alternatively: After breakfast, you can go through the canoes through the flooded forests (during the rainy season) and the side arms of the river. After lunch, we return to Manaus around 14h. Arrival in the late afternoon.
Or Amazon cruise with Amazon’s traditional Amazon Clipper Premium (possible Wednesday to Saturday)
Pick up at 2 pm in the lobby of the Tropical Hotel. Embarkation and departure upstream on the Rio Negro. While enjoying fresh juice, you will get all the information you need for your stay. After a snack, we meet in the reading room for an introduction to the ecology of the Amazon. After dinner, we explore the small streams, listen to the nocturnal animals in the jungle and try to discover the alligators. Birds, frogs and snakes can be observed with luck.
Early in the morning, we explore the surroundings of our canoes, while we see colorful birds such as parrots and toucans. After breakfast, we go for a walk in the jungle and let us surprise you with the variety of shapes, colors and perfumes. Towards noon we return and swim in the river. In the afternoon, we will sail in the Anavilhanas National Park, the largest freshwater archipelago in the world. At the end of the afternoon, we climb the canoes and slip silently into this fascinating labyrinth of streams.
In the early morning, we spend little time fishing piranhas and other fish. After breakfast, we visit a local village where we find many local fruits like Cupuaçu and Tapereba and palm trees like Açaï, Tucumã and Pupunha. We learn the preparation of cassava flour and the health and educational situation of children. After lunch, we land on one of the white sand beaches like snow, swimming in the dark waters of the Rio Negro and watch the pink dolphins. In the late afternoon, we explore the area by canoe and observe the wildlife. Then, on the way to the Amazon, dinner is served.
In the early morning, we explore the Janauari ecological park. This is usually a very good place to observe wild animals, and you have a good chance of seeing giant water lilies. Although we have breakfast, the boat takes us to meet the two largest rivers in the world, the Rio Negro with the Amazon (which is here called Solimões). Once you have experienced the legendary “Water Encounter”, it is time to return to Manaus. Arrival at 11:30. In the afternoon transfer to the airport. Flight Manaus – Salvador. Arrival Salvador and Transfer to Hotel Fasano *****
Their traditional construction is reminiscent of the legendary colonial era – and you still find aboard the superior clipper Clipper Amazon Premium of the 21st century. Thanks to its flat design, the ship can be used on all the Amazonian rivers and has its own canoes which allow exploring even more difficult areas of access.
Ideal for guests who want to experience the jungle up close and do not want to do it without comfort.
Facilities: Friendly lounge and restaurant with air conditioning; two observation and sun decks with hammocks; two hot tubs and a modern, generously equipped kitchen. Very good food and a great selection of drinks. Onboard, you can enjoy the full board, only beverages must be paid (in cash).
Cabins: The Amazon Clipper Premium has 16 very comfortable suites with air conditioning, double or single beds, bath/shower and toilet.
Hobbies: Videos and books are available for free time between trips. You can fish, relax on the terrace and swim in the river.
Excursions: canoe trips, jungle excursions, alligator-spotting, visit of the Caboclos, inhabitants of the region. They are accompanied on a trip by an anglophone scientific guide.
Included: overnight stays with full board, transfers, booked tours as described, English-speaking travel guide1
You walk from the hotel on foot through the old streets built in the famous colonial style. Visit of the Cathedral, the Church of St. Francis (Golden Church) and of course the famous Pelourinho, which UNESCO recognized as an important colonial complex of the 17th and 18th centuries and World Heritage Site. We also show you the panorama of Salvador: From the upper part of the city, you have a magnificent view of the lower parts of the city and the sea. With elevator (Elevador Lacerda) you see the suburb and Mercado Modelo. This market is definitely worth seeing. Here, there is nothing that is not salable and one can be harassed by traders. From the market, we go to the lighthouse of Barra, where you take a walk around the lighthouse. On the way, you will see the famous “2 de Julho” street, the Campo Grande square and the Castro Alves theater.
Salvador da Bahia, once the capital of Brazil and the center of slavery, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting cities in Brazil. The city is full of life and remains the cultural center of the country. In the lower part of the port is the famous Mercado Modelo, a market with a wide variety of crafts and souvenirs. The elevator “Elevador Lacerda” as well as the innumerable churches (there are 323!) Decorate the urban landscape. The Pelourinho is the upper town was created in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries and was declared World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1985. The old town is characterized by its renaissance and baroque buildings. Hundreds of colorful houses have been faithfully restored in recent years. Pelourinho is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful baroque districts in the world and is one of the most popular nightlife areas in the city center. But Salvador would not be Salvador without his music! The dance is in the blood of the inhabitants and the carnival of Salvador is considered one of the best in Brazil.
Discover what’s inside a moqueca, the traditional fish dish and the national dish of Brazil. You go to the market with the stove to buy the ingredients that you then prepare in his private kitchen. Communicate with your hands and feet (the cook only speaks Portuguese …), you will get to know the Bahian cuisine. After doing your work, enjoy lunch with your family. (Duration: 5-6 hours)
This exciting trip back in half a day will be held in the afternoon for the hidden beauties around Lençóis. Lookout, waterfalls, natural pools and a colored sand cave. We walk on the diamond path of the Serrano River. Many natural pools invite you to swim and we enjoy the beautiful view of Lençóis.
On our way, we get to Salão de Areia, a sand-colored maze of caves. We continue to a natural pool that is called by locals Halley. After a bath and we continue to the highest stone to stone in the river bed. Then we go up to 100 meters to the Primavera waterfall for a refreshing massage bath. From here we come to a viewpoint where you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of Lençóis and around. After a short descent, we visit the waterfall Cachoerinha then back to Lençois.
By car, we arrive at Lençóis Mucugezinho River and 20 minutes of walking, we arrive at “Poco do Diabo”. Those who fancy a bit of adventure can be transported directly from the waterfall by sliding rope. Rappelling is also possible. Below, you can swim wonderfully in the Poço do Diabo. After a short climb, we continue and cross the Serra do Sincorá. Once on the other side of the mountains, the landscape changes dramatically. Here there is a lot of droughts and we see many cacti. The next stop is “Gruta da Lapa Doce”, a limestone cave with impressive limestone formations. (Stalactites and stalagmites). Then we cross the longest cave 850m and take a typical lunch of the region in which we taste the cactus (Palma) or green bananas with toppings (Godó of banana) and other specialties to try. After lunch, we continue by car near the “Gruta da Pratinha” that can possibly explore with a snorkel, fins, and waterproof flashlight. A crystalline lake leads deep into the mysterious cave. Outside you can swim with small fish or sunbathe. the Pratinha also offers the ability to zip and recall. Right next to the Gruta Azul, a lake deep cave 18m. After the pleasure of swimming we drive to Pai Inácio, a majestic towers mesa the plane at the top of the Chapada. After 20 minutes of ascent, we enjoy the beautiful view on the shelf and expect good weather the spectacular sunset. After the descent, we return to Lençóis.
One of the most popular excursions leads us to the second-highest waterfall in Brazil with 380m. By car, we first just Lençóis in the neighboring valley of Palmeiras and a long gravel road of 17 km in the Capão Valley. After an hour’s climb with stunning views over the valley, we are 300 meters on the plateau with its specific vegetation. At an easy pace, we still master 60 minutes until we can admire the waterfall from above. Here, the waterfalls into the depths. To see the waterfall, you must lay flat on a ledge just to vertigo. The “smoke waterfall” got its name because the water evaporates almost completely during freefall spray that looks like “Smokey” or smoke. a swimming break will be provided for the Riachinho waterfall where you can cool off in the natural swimming pool on the way back.
Transfer by car (5-6 hours) or airplane (1 hour) to Salvador airport, flight to Recife. Arrival at Recife airport and transfer to Pousada do Amparo **** in Olinda or Hotel Gran Mercure Boa Viagem ****(*) in Recife
The region of Recife was established in 1537 by the Portuguese. But between 1630 and 1654 it was the main base and the commercial center of the Netherlands which dominated Brazil and disputed with the Portuguese. They set up their colony in the northeast. Thanks to the visionary governor-general Moritz von Nassau, the city experienced urban development. Moritz was considered the true founder of the city. He named the town of Mauritsstad (Moritzstadt, Portuguese: Maurícia) and tried to develop the new colony economically and culturally. The numerous marshes and islands were rendered habitable by the creation of canals. Many buildings were also preserved from this period.
The historic town of Olinda is located just north of Recife and can be reached in about 15 minutes. This old town has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is home to many cultural and artistic objects of the Baroque period. If you are interested in culture, this is the right place. There is impressive majestic architecture with many churches and ancient homes. But also for the bathing and diving holidays, the area is a dream. Splendid sandy beaches with deep blue waters, many small villages with breathtaking beaches, small reefs, and palm trees characterize this magical holiday destination.
The tour begins with the trip along the famous Boa Viagem beach and other coastal sections. In the old town of Recife, you will see historic buildings and monuments next to the old harbor. Then you will visit the famous town of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a unique baroque charm, including the famous monastery of São Bento.
Transfer to Recife airport in the morning. Flight to Fernando de Noronha. (Flight time 1 hour). Transfer to Pousada Teju Açu (3 dolphins, de luxe category)
Pousada Teju Açu
Surrounded by typical vegetation, the “Mata Atlântica”, this bold architectural project was built on piles to keep the soil as natural as possible. The wood comes from reforestation areas. The choice of water and energy supply and the drainage system is ecologically exemplary. Teju-Açu is the ideal place for travelers who appreciate peace and relaxation in contact with nature as well as exceptional service.
12 exclusive rooms, all with Broadband TV (32 “), king-size bed, air conditioning, terrace with hammock, telephone, Wi-Fi, minibar, box.
Visiting this group of islands 360 km from the Brazilian coast is a must for all divers and nature lovers. The Atlantic archipelago is of volcanic origin and forms the tip of a chain of submarine mountains whose base is 4000 m deep. Discovered in 1503 by Amerigo Vespucci, the islands were then conquered by the French and the Dutch and finally recovered by the Portuguese. Charles Darwin visited the island, a state prison was set up there, and during the Second World War, she served in the United States as a naval base. Today, Fernando de Noronha has about 3,000 inhabitants, most of them in the village: Vila dos Remédios. The landmark of the island is the 300 meter high Morro do Pico.
Dream berries with lush vegetation and beautiful beaches surround the main island. You can explore the best by renting a buggy with a driver. White sandy beaches and crystal clear water with rich flora and fauna make the stay in this natural park an unforgettable experience.
Diving and snorkeling! Visitors can enjoy an unparalleled natural spectacle in and underwater. The water is about 28 degrees warm and limpid – a dream! The average visibility is 30 meters. Of the 18 species of corals found in Brazil, 15 are from Fernando de Noronha. Between them, crustaceans live and a variety of fish that is unique in Brazil. During a dive, you will often encounter sharks, tuna, barracudas, turtles, rays and dolphins. Of course, shipwrecks also await exploration. Let yourself be enchanted by the unforgettable underwater world of Fernando de Noronha’s! The diving school “Atlantis Divers” accompanies you with a professional service on your dives. The base has two catamarans and a cabin boat, the dive instructors speak German, English, French and Spanish.
Sea excursions and fishing trips are also available on site. In the IBAMA, the official nature conservation organization in Brazil, you have the opportunity to discover the turtle projects of the island.
The boat trip begins in the bay of Santo Antônio. You will visit several beaches at the “Ponta da Sapata”. Different stops for swimming and diving. Visit the bay of dolphins.
At leisure
Transfer to the Recife airport and departure flight
First class/luxury accommodation:
Rio de Janeiro: Belmond Copacabana Palace *****
Foz do Iguaçu: Belmond das Cataratas *****
Manaus: Boutique Hotel Villa Amazonia ****
Amazonas: Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge or Amazon Clipper Premium
Salvador: Fasano *****
Chapada Diamantina: Cantos das Aguas ****
Recife/Olinda: Grand Mercure ****(*) or Pousada do Amparo **** in Olinda
Fernando de Noronha: Pousada Teju Açu (3 dolphins- de luxe category)
Price per person: R$ 38’659.00
Price basis: per person for 2 people in a double room. Other number of people and length of stay: on request
Price validity: 3.1. – 27.12.2023
Exceptions: Separate prices for Christmas, New Year, Carnival, Easter and local public holidays
Departure: Daily
Included:
• Overnight stays in the mentioned accommodations, according to the itinerary
• All excursions and transfers according to the itinerary
• Local English-speaking tour guide (exception: Portuguese-speaking drivers for the transfers Salvador – Chapada Diamantina – Salvador. English speaking is possible on request
• All meals mentioned in the program (full board at Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge or Amazon Clipper Premium)
• All taxes and services
Not included:
• Personal expenses such as drinks, etc.
• Gratuities for tour guides, crew etc. (voluntary)
• Travel insurance (e.g. luggage, cancellation, separate return flight)
• Flight tickets