Rainforest to Rio

Highlights

• Departure Date: 4 August 2012
• Spectacular waterfalls in Iguassu National Park
• Flamboyant Rio
• Architectural masterpieces in Brasilia
• Jungle wildlife of the Amazon
• Escorted Small Group *minimum numbers apply*
  

Day 1 - Arrive Iguassu Falls, Brazil
Morning arrival into Iguassu Falls; your hotel is confirmed for early check-in. During your stay, visit both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides of the falls, each offering a different perspective of the magnificent cascades. After a morning at leisure, embark on a walking tour of the more peaceful Brazilian side, following a winding trail populated by contis, long-tailed raccoon-like creatures with a well-developed sense of visitors' feeding habits. At the trail's end, take an elevator for speedy access to a viewing platform at the foot of the falls. This evening, attend a festive welcome dinner (D).
Hotel Das Cataratas

Day 2 - Iguassu Falls
Spend the morning exploring the Argentinean side of the falls. A train shuttle takes you to Cataratas Station, and from there you walk along paths that lead along and above the spectacular cascades. See beautiful flowers, ferns, tropical plants, butterflies and exotic birds on your way to the train to the Devil's Throat waterfall. Step out onto a suspended catwalk that extends 1km over the lush tropical basin of Devil's Gorge for spectacular views. Gaze at the panorama of the gulf and its seemingly endless series of cascades and walk the trail through the surrounding tropical rainforest as toucans and cobalt blue butterflies sail overhead (B).
Hotel Das Cataratas

Day 3 - Iguassu Falls - Rio de Janeiro
Fly to Rio de Janeiro and embark on a city sightseeing tour. When you visit Sugar Loaf, you may feel that you are stepping into a postcard. The height and unmistakable outline makes it - together with the statue of Christ the Redeemer - one of the two main attractions offering breathtaking views of Rio. This famous landmark is reached by cable car in two stages: first to the top of Urca Hill, where you catch a second car to the top. From Sugar Loaf, observe the endless beaches of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi that stretch to the horizon, the lush Atlantic rainforest and the historical buildings of the city. At sunset, toast your journey with a cocktail from above (B).
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro
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. This large urban forest is one of the last few remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest that at one time dominated the southern coast of Brazil. Also in the park is the Mayrink Chapel, boasting murals painted by Cândido Portinari, one of Brazil's best-known 20th-century artists. From there you can hike one of the many trails while your guide points out the rich variety of fauna and flora (B).
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro
Visit the Crianca Esperanca (Hope for Children) Centre, a social project whose objective is to respect and hear the voice of the local community by fostering education, culture and social inclusion. Next, visit Santa Teresa, one of Rio's most charming neighbourhoods and one of the few to resist development in order to retain its colonial ambience. Known for its winding, narrow streets, Santa Teresa is home to many artists and intellectuals. After lunch, learn the steps of the samba and how to beat to the rhythm. During the "beat out," try Brazilian cachaca, a popular rum-like liquor (B,L,D).
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

Day 6 - Rio de Janeiro - Brasilia
Fly to Brasília, the country's capital and "city of the future." A creation of mid-century politicians and architects, it was designed to draw Brazilians away from their much-loved coastal cities. From above, Brasilia looks like an aeroplane with a central avenue of government buildings intersected by a boomerang of residential streets; its "fuselage" is lined with spectacular modern architecture, including the National Congress and Senate and the Presidential Palace, set among reflecting pools and soaring modern sculpture. See these and more attractive local landmarks on an introductory tour. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the gleaming architectural masterpieces are an audacious symbol of the country's still-unfulfilled dreams of inland expansion (B).
Melia Brasil 21

Day 7 - Brasilia - Manaus
Board a flight to Manaus, a city that still displays the hallmarks of its early days as a boom town, when newly-rich rubber barons cut themselves a port city out of the Amazonian wilderness and proceeded to decorate it - and themselves - with the best that the capitals of Europe could provide. This afternoon, board 'Iberostar Gran Amazon,' a luxury hotel cruise ship that takes you on an unforgettable cruise along the Amazon River. This evening, meet the officers and crew at the captain's welcome party, where you can watch the sun set from the upper deck as you listen to classical music. Afterward, head to the ship's Kuarup restaurant for dinner and live music (B,D).
Iberostar Grand Amazon

Days 8 - 9 - Cruise the Amazon
Spend two days enjoying the incredible environs of the Amazon River. Listen to the sounds of parrots and monkeys, and 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 anaconda just skimming the surface or piranha swimming below. As you travel through the jungle, you enjoy 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 colourful birds you can spot. This is also a popular location for alligator, and you may spot some skimming the lake's surface. If you prefer, just relax on the deck and watch life on the Amazon pass by. Later, gather for a special farewell dinner, along with music in the party room and an open bar on the sundeck (B,L,D).
Iberostar Grand Amazon

Day 10 - Depart Manaus
Disembark and board your departure flight (B).

Departure Date: 4 August 2012

A&K Guides
Rio-born Marcela Granatiere is a true carioca who is a passionate enthusiast of Brazil. Since 1994, she has been a local guide in Rio de Janeiro and a Tour Director throughout Brazil and South America and commands expert knowledge of different cultures, architecture, poetry, art and history.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 10 day suggested journey in Brazil will cost from US$9,260 per person based on two adults and subject to availability.