3-week luxury trip of Brazil

Day 2 | Rio de Janeiro

The famous Corcovado, with its enormous statue of Christ, is the very symbol of the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. Today, you’ll visit the statue accompanied by an English-speaking private guide and enjoy the magnificent view that unfolds before your eyes. You’ll then drive through the city to Sugarloaf Mountain, where you’ll take a cable car to the summit. From here, you’ll have a completely different view of the city and the Christ the Redeemer statue you were just standing by. The indigenous peoples called this mountain ‘pau-nd-acuqua’, which roughly translates as ‘high pointed peak’. To Brazilian ears, this sounded like ‘pão de açucar’, which is how the name Sugarloaf Mountain came about.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Teresa | bed and breakfast

Day 3 | Rio de Janeiro

Today you’ll be exploring the southern part of Rio de Janeiro by bike. You’ll discover both the famous landmarks and the traditional neighbourhoods where the Cariocas live. You’ll start at the iconic meeting point on the world-famous sandy beach of Copacabana, which is surrounded by wooded hills. Your cycle trip continues to Praia Vermelha, a small, peaceful oasis in the bustling metropolis. You’ll get a glimpse into the world of the Cariocas when you visit the lively Botafogo neighbourhood. Here you’ll find the colourful Dona Marta favela, the city’s first pacified favela. From the city, you’ll also discover a little bit of nature at the Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro’s largest lake. It is surrounded by green hills and upmarket neighbourhoods. In the evening, you’ll visit the best bars in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood like a true Carioca and get a taste of the city’s laid-back nightlife culture. A pleasant and positive surprise to round off your day.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Teresa | bed and breakfast

Day 4 | Rio de Janeiro – Paraty

(approx. 250 km | 4.5-hour drive)
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll be picked up and taken to Rio de Janeiro airport, where your rental car will be waiting for you. Once you’ve collected it, you can drive to Paraty at your own pace. You’ll mainly be driving along the Rodovia Rio-Santos, surrounded by Atlantic rainforest. This route is considered one of the most beautiful roads along the Brazilian coast. After this drive, you’ll arrive in Paraty with its distinctive colonial atmosphere. Paraty is beautifully situated on the waterfront, which made it an important transit port for sugar cane, gold and diamonds in the past. Paraty is surrounded by 65 small islands and has hundreds of beautiful beaches, making it the ideal destination for a refreshing dip.
Overnight stay: Pousada Literária de Paraty | bed and breakfast

Day 5 | Paraty

Today you will explore the charming town of Paraty accompanied by a professional local guide, who will be happy to tell you more about Paraty’s rich history. Paraty was founded in 1667 and enjoyed its heyday in the^17th century when gold and diamonds mined in the state of Minas Gerais were shipped to Europe. However, this came to an end following Brazil’s independence in 1822, though the beautiful colonial buildings remained intact. Since 1966, the picturesque town centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will explore the cobbled streets with their picturesque views of the green hills beyond. You will also visit the fish market with its famous fruit and vegetable market, and the Church of Santa Rita, which has been converted into a small art museum.
Overnight stay: Pousada Literária de Paraty | bed and breakfast

Day 6 | Paraty

Today’s itinerary features an active excursion: you’ll be kayaking in the waters of a sheltered bay, passing the many idyllic islands and beaches that Paraty has to offer. When you reach Sapeca Island, you can choose to take a refreshing dip or go snorkelling to explore the underwater world. You’ll continue on to Malvão Beach and the Corumbé mangrove swamp, where you can admire wildlife in its natural habitat. The rest of the day is free, so you can explore the area around Paraty at your leisure. You can set off in your rental car to one of the nearby villages, such as Ubatuba or the small fishing village of Picinguaba.
Overnight stay: Pousada Literária de Paraty | bed and breakfast

Day 7 | Paraty – São Paulo – Foz do Iguaçu

In the morning, you’ll leave Paraty and drive to São Paulo Airport. You can choose the quickest route, which takes you to São Paulo in under 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can opt for the longer, but stunning, route along the Costa Verde. You’ll be taken past Brazil’s most beautiful beaches and will see the remarkable Mata Atlântica rainforest during this 7.5-hour drive. As the icing on the cake, you’ll drive from the coast through the mountains to reach the São Paulo metropolitan area. Despite the many lombadas, or speed bumps, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this breathtaking and varied route. On arrival at the airport, you’ll return your rental car and board your domestic flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by one of our local staff and taken to your hotel.
Overnight stay: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas | bed and breakfast

Day 8 | Foz do Iguaçu

Today, you can visit the Brazilian side of the falls at your leisure. Foz do Iguaçu lies on the border of the tri-border area where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet. The Iguaçu River plunges down into the Paraná River via no fewer than 275 waterfalls. The lush, green national park in which the waterfalls and Foz do Iguaçu are situated adds an extra dimension to this magnificent spectacle. The entire area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The light reflecting off the water is at its most beautiful when you visit Foz do Iguaçu in the early morning hours as the sun rises, with rainbows appearing from all sides. There is a path leading right down to the base of the thundering cascade, with various viewing points to experience this impressive sight up close.
Accommodation: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas | bed and breakfast

Day 9 | Foz do Iguaçu

Today you’ll cross the border into Argentina for a day to admire the Argentine side of the falls. The bird’s-eye view of the ‘Garganta del Diablo’ – loosely translated as ‘Devil’s Throat’ – explains the origin of its name. Here, nature reveals its true nature. Standing so close to the Iguazu Falls is an authentic and surprising experience. You’ll end up getting soaked, mind you, but nature will see to it that the sun dries you off again.
Overnight stay: Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas | bed and breakfast

Day 10 | Foz do Iguaçu – Campo Grande

On this day, you will be taken to Foz do Iguaçu Airport, where you will board your domestic flight to Campo Grande. On arrival in Campo Grande, you will be welcomed by one of our local staff and taken to your hotel. You will stay here for one night before travelling on to the Pantanal nature reserve the following day.
Accommodation: Hotel Deville Prime | bed and breakfast

Day 11 | Campo Grande – Pantanal

After enjoying a Brazilian breakfast, you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation in the Pantanal. You’ll be staying in a stunning location, deep within the Pantanal wetland nature reserve. The area is flooded for half the year and dry for the other half. It is a biologically rich and diverse region teeming with wildlife. The Pantanal is renowned for its abundance of waterbirds and caimans in the rivers. You’ll also have the chance to spot the giant anteater, giant otter, anaconda or capybara as you explore this stunning nature reserve accompanied by professional English-speaking guides.
Overnight stay: Refugio Ecologico Caiman | full board

Days 12 & 13 | Pantanal

During this time, you’ll be staying in the Pantanal and, in consultation with professional guides, you can choose from a range of activities each day. During the day, you can take part in both a morning and an afternoon programme. You can also go on a night-time adventure once the sun has set. For example, you can join a photo safari or a walking trip that takes you through the stunning natural surroundings to admire the rich flora and fauna. You can also go canoeing on the rivers and enjoy the sunset. If you’re in the mood for a more adventurous excursion, you can opt for a jeep safari or a night safari. During this trip, you’ll set off with just a torch and discover the nightlife of the Pantanal, when most of the animals are out and about.
Accommodation: Refugio Ecologico Caiman | full board

Day 14 | Pantanal – Campo Grande – Salvador

Unfortunately, today you’ll have to say goodbye to this stunning nature reserve and travel on to your next destination. You will be transferred from your lodge to Campo Grande Airport, from where you will take a domestic flight to Salvador. On arrival, you will be welcomed by one of our staff members and taken to your accommodation. Salvador is a city with strong African influences, due to its history of slavery. In those days, slaves were transported to this region to work on the sugar cane plantations. Here, even more so than in other cities, you can taste and experience the vibrant atmosphere of a lively and bustling culture. It is not without reason that it is called the cradle of the national martial art, Capoeira. It originated amongst the African population during the Brazilian era of slavery. It combines elements of dance and music with fast and complex movements.
Accommodation: Villa Bahia | bed and breakfast

Read more here and find out why you shouldn’t miss Salvador on your trip

Day 15 | Salvador

In the morning, you’ll explore the historic centre known as Pelourinho, accompanied by a local guide who’ll be happy to tell you more about its history. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and is a prime example of colonial history. Here you’ll find various churches, museums, local artists’ studios, shops and restaurants. The house of the famous Brazilian writer Jorge Amado is one of the most popular attractions. The cultural group Olodum, known for Michael Jackson’s hit ‘They Don’t Care About Us’, and the Church of São Francisco are also located in the centre. You’ll visit the Elevador Lacerda, a lift built to connect Salvador’s upper town with the lower town. From here, you’ll enjoy a stunning panoramic view over All Saints’ Bay and the Mercado Modelo, where you’ll later find plenty of handicrafts and souvenirs. A perfect spot to buy souvenirs.
Overnight stay: Villa Bahia | bed and breakfast

Day 16 | Salvador – Morro de São Paulo

Today you will be taken by boat to your next accommodation in Morro de São Paulo. Morro de São Paulo is situated on the island of Tinharé in the north-eastern corner and boasts many beautiful sandy beaches. In the main square you will find plenty of lovely restaurants, markets and craft exhibitions.
Accommodation: Villa dos Orixás | bed and breakfast

Day 19 | Morro de São Paulo – Salvador – Rio de Janeiro

Once you have fully unwound during your stay in Morro de São Paulo, you will take the boat back to Salvador, from where you will be transferred to Salvador Airport. Here, you’ll board your domestic flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome and be taken to your hotel, where you’ll stay for one more night before flying back to the Netherlands.
Accommodation: Hotel Santa Teresa | bed and breakfast

Day 20 | Rio de Janeiro – Amsterdam

Unfortunately, your wonderful trip through Brazil comes to an end today. You will be taken to the airport, from where you will board your intercontinental flight to Amsterdam. You will arrive there the following day.

Day 21 | Amsterdam

You arrive in Amsterdam today.