Discover Brazil
Experience Overview
Fall in love with Brazil on this culture-packed adventure, which takes us from the rhythms of Rio to the atmospheric Amazon. Guided by our expert tour leader, we get to the soul of the country, climbing to the Christ the Redeemer statue, marvelling at the majestic Iguaçu Falls (from both Brazil and Argentina), and exploring the jungle-backed colonial town of Paraty. It ends in the Amazon with an immersive stay in a local community – a special opportunity to experience authentic indigenous culture and learn from the people themselves about their lives in the heart of the rainforest.
Profile
— 10 Classic nights (7 hotel, 3 guesthouse) — Travel by minibus, internal flight, train, boat
At a Glance
— 10 Classic nights (7 hotel, 3 guesthouse) — Travel by minibus, internal flight, train, boat
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Journeys: There are some long days of travelling, particularly on the two days with internal flights.
Eating Drinking
Food is likely to be a mix of dishes using a lot of local produce. The local fruit is normally very good. Meat is a staple part of the Brazilian diet, but vegetarians can be catered for throughout the trip. Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements.
Transportation
On this trip we use a mixture of private minibus, internal flights, train and boat.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Windsor Palace, R. Domingos Ferreira, 6 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22050-010
Phone: +55 21 2195-6600
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for those booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
The regions of southern Brazil that we visit (Rio, Paraty and Iguaçu Falls) have a subtropical climate with hot summers (November to March) and cooler winters (April to October). It can get very hot in summer (more than 40C/104F) with rain most afternoons. Winter has little rain with highs of around 24C (75F) and lows of around 15C (59F) – layers will be useful at this time.
The Amazon has two distinct seasons: wet and dry. In the wet season (January to May), average temperatures are around 22C-31C (72F-88F). During the dry season (June to December), temperatures are 24C-31C (75F-88F) on average, although it can get much hotter.
Spending Money
Budget US$10-US$15 for each lunch not included in the itinerary or US$12‐US$20 for each dinner, excluding drinks, although it is easy to spend less than this depending on the standard of restaurant. Beer and local spirits are generally slightly cheaper than in Western Europe and North America, and soft drinks about the same.
Tipping
Although tips are not compulsory, they are very much part of life throughout Latin America, and Brazil is no exception. We recommend each person budgets US$5-US$10 per day for tips.
Highlights
— Discover the highlights of Brazil with the expertise of our local tour leader — Gaze over Rio from Christ the Redeemer, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World — Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for stretching views — See a different side to Brazil in the coastal colonial town of Paraty — Admire the majestic Iguaçu Falls from both Brazil and Argentina — Immerse yourself in indigenous culture with an Amazon community stay
Trip Details
Product Code: 31482
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: otorboat.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: ABR
Starts: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Finishes: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— Meals listed on the day-to-day itinerary — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
HotelsWe aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines. Named accommodation: The itinerary indicates the typical accommodation used on each day; however, these may need to be changed for alternative accommodation of a similar standard. Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book. Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7,600 ($691 /day)
Itinerary
Say oi (hi) to Rio de Janeiro, where our adventure kicks off. The excitement builds during our welcome meeting, in which we get to know each other a little, discuss important information about the days ahead and ask any questions you might have. Details on where the welcome meeting is held should be at the hotel reception. Want more time to explore? Extend your adventure in Rio by adding a pre-tour hotel stay through your sales representative. Accommodation: Hotel Windsor Palace (or similar)
Begin our Rio exploration in Tijuca National Park on the outskirts of the city – bring snacks, water, sunscreen and insect repellent in a small backpack. Our adventure begins with a scenic ride on a historic electric tram through Atlantic forest. Then, we embark on a 2hr 30min hike through the forest to discover key sites, including the Taunay Waterfall, Job de Alcântara Bridge and Mayrink Chapel. We take trails once used by coffee farmers, walk alongside rivers, and reach the Cascatinha summit (1,720ft/525m) for views of the valley, mountain range and Pico da Tijuca. Along the way, learn about Rio’s history, rainforest and wildlife; after, cool down with a swim in the Maracanã River. It ends with a hike up the steps (elevator and escalator available too) to the Christ the Redeemer statue, where we can enjoy panoramas of Rio and stand next to one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Accommodation: Hotel Windsor Palace (or similar)
Our day begins with a scenic three-minute ride on the Sugarloaf cable car, the third oldest working cable car in the world. Along the way, we enjoy panoramic views of Copacabana beach, the Tijuca and Corcovado mountains, downtown Rio, and more; at the top, we take time to admire the incredible views. Back at ground level, we bid farewell to Rio and take a private transfer (4hr 30min) to the colonial town of Paraty. The setting is magnificent with jungle-cloaked mountains behind and a beautiful bay in front. Accommodation: Pousada da Marquesa (or similar)
Embark on a journey through the history of Paraty on a boat tour that begins at the pier. Our journey offers beautiful views of the historic centre and churches, while stopping at beaches and significant historic sites, such as the Defensor Perpétuo Fort, Tapera Fort ruins, and Coqueiro Distillery, which produces the national spirit, cachaça, an alcoholic drink made from sugarcane. After, we explore the 18th-century architecture and history of the town on a guided walk through the historic centre. Visit churches, the museum, House of Culture, and key monuments, while learning about Paraty’s colonial past. Accommodation: Pousada da Marquesa (or similar)
Enjoy a free day in this beautiful coastal town. Take time to walk the streets and admire the colonial architecture, try the treats the local people sell on the street, and sip the Gabriela brand of cachaça, which is made with an infusion with clove and cinnamon. Accommodation: Pousada da Marquesa (or similar)
Following a very early start, take a transfer (four hours) to São Paulo Airport for our 1hr 45min flight to the city of Foz do Iguaçu. After arrival, we enjoy a three-hour visit to the Iguaçu Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Dividing Brazil and Argentina, it is twice as wide as Niagara Falls and comprises 275 different cascades. Our walk also passes through the largest remaining stretch of Atlantic forest in southern Brazil, home to diverse wildlife, including capybaras, tree frogs and monkeys. Accommodation: JL Hotel by Bourbon (or similar)
We hop over to Argentina today to see the other side of the falls on a train ride. The lower circuit (9,185ft/2,800m) takes us through the jungle for close-up views of the falls – you might get wet! The upper circuit (11,155ft/3,400m) offers panoramic views of the river. The Argentine side offers a more rustic and immersive experience compared to the Brazilian side. Accommodation: JL Hotel by Bourbon (or similar)
Transfer to Foz do Iguaçu Airport for our flight to Manaus, where our Amazon adventure begins. The journey usually involves a change of plane en route, typically in Sao Paulo. We take a very early morning flight, and the journey should take around eight hours, including the change in plane, though this can vary depending on flight schedules. Upon arrival, we take a 30-minute boat ride along the Rio Negro to the indigenous village of Tatuyo, where we learn about their history and traditions on a one-hour cultural experience. We then continue by boat for another hour to Poranduba Lodge, our home in the heart of the Amazon. Nestled within the Rio Negro Sustainable Development Reserve, Poranduba provides an authentic insight into the lives of the riverside communities who live here, including the Tumbira and Santa Helena do Inglês people, whose livelihoods depend on fishing and tourism, and who we meet throughout our stay. After a warm welcome and lunch, we enjoy a light trail walk, a refreshing swim in the river, and some relaxation before dinner. Accommodation: Poranduba Lodge (or similar)
Embark on an exclusive 50-minute tractor tour, riding in comfortable sofa-style seating along a scenic trail to appreciate the Amazon forest. After, we return for lunch and some rest, then enjoy a peaceful canoe ride on the river, taking in the stunning sunset. Accommodation: Poranduba Lodge (or similar)
We take a boat tour to one of the nearby beaches today, providing us a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of the region. From September to March, we visit Praia do Iluminado, a white-sand island; from April to August, we head to the sands of Praia Alta, accessible by a 20-minute boat ride. In the afternoon, interact with the community, relax, or enjoy a swim in the river. Accommodation: Poranduba Lodge (or similar)
Bid farewell to the Amazon after breakfast. We return by speedboat, leaving at 9am, then transfer to Manaus Airport. If you’d like more time to explore Brazil, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Manaus.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
