Brazil Tourism Package II - Rio, Bahia and Iguassu Falls (8N)

Travel to Brazil and experience its main tourism attractions with this 9 Day / 8 Night Travel Package and Tour that includes Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Salvador and Praia do Forte

Destinations Visited

	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil When one thinks of Rio de Janeiro, the images that instantly spring to mind are of beautiful beaches with gorgeous suntanned bodies, carnival and soccer (Brazilian football), to list but a few. These are all an integral part of Rio's exuberant culture and help to make this state one of the most exciting and interesting places to visit in Brazil. Rio has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is blessed with stunning natural aspects and a year-round pleasant climate. Uniquely situated on a narrow strip of land between the green mountains and the deep blue sea it is surrounded by granite based mountains, coves and white sand beaches. The most famous landmark is the Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf), which has wonderful views of the city, the bay, and the Corcovado (the statue of Christ).
Iguassu Falls, Brazil The Iguassu Falls must be the most spectacular sight in the whole of South America, lying on the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. They are over 3km wide (1.86 miles) and 80m (263 feet) high and are located inside one of the largest national parks in South America. At the heart of this immense body of water lies the Devils Throat, where 14 separate falls join forces, pounding down the 90meter (296 feet) cliffs in a deafening crescendo of sound and spray. You are surrounded by the roaring water, the mist and white foam that are boiling up all around, the green of the jungle, uprooted trees and a 180-degree rainbow. It is an overwhelming sensation. Due to the biodiverse climate, wildlife in this area is incredibly rich and you will see hundreds of different species of the most beautiful butterflies, South American coatis and an abundance of exotic birds. Close to the falls is the Itaipu Dam, the worlds largest power station, which you will visit. An impressive 8km (5 mile) long the power station produces about 75 billion KW a year, enough electricity to power the whole of Southern Brazil and much of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais.
	Salvador, Bahia, Brazil Salvador is the third largest city in Brazil and is becoming the most visited travel destination in Brazil. Salvador is also called 'Africa in exile' because of the strong African presence in its culture and people, which can be seen in the religion, music, dance, and cuisine. Salvador is also one of the most famous historical cities in Brazil and the Pelourinho, the historic district, will make you travel back to the early years when colonialism and slavery were still alive. The beautiful colonial architecture of this part of the city is witness to this citys rich past. The Pelourinho is considered a national treasure, and is also protected by UNESCO as a Historical Heritage Site. In the Pelourinho you will find that the bohemian life is derived from the many artists' ateliers, antique and handicrafts stores, theaters and museums. Here you will also discover an exciting array of restaurants with splendid regional dishes, cafes, bars, and local music.
Praia do Forte, Bahia, Brazil Praia do Forte is a fisherman village which has in the last few years become one of the most sought after beach destination in Brazil. Part of this is due to the fact that the traditional Bahian village lifestyle has been conserved and that the TAMAR turtle NGO established its operations and Visitor Center here. The TAMAR project helps research and preserve sea turtles, 6 of the existing 7 species in the world lay their eggs in these sands. This village takes its name from the castle of Garcia D´Ávila, a Portuguese settler who founded the first farm in Brazil on the land adjacent to the Praia do Forte. It is believed that Garcia D´Ávila was the first colonist to bring cattle, mango and coconut trees to Brazil. If you decide to take a break from the beach, the village main strip has many restaurants, sidewalk cafes, bars, and Bahian artisan and handcraft shops to offer.

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1

You will arrive in Rio de Janeiro and be met at the airport by a private driver who will take you to the elegant oceanfront Miramar Palace Hotel. After checking in, you may want to relax and have some lunch. We suggest lunch at Porcão, a Brazilian barbecue buffet restaurant. In the afternoon you might like to take a wander around Copacabana and visit the famous beaches near your hotel.

Day 2

Today you will be taken by air-conditioned Land Rover on a city tour to visit some of the most famous sites of Rio. Driving on the scenic Castorina Road towards the Corcovado (the Christ statue) you will stop to see the Mesa do Imperador (the Emperor's Table) and the Vista Chinesa (Chinese Lookout point) before entering the Tijuca National Park. In the park you will visit the principal hotspots: the Taunay Waterfall, the Mayrink Chapel and not to mention the view of the beautiful flora and fauna of the forest and the sounds of the Atlantic Forest birds. Still driving through tranquil scenic roads in the Tijuca National Park, the tour will take you across the top of the mountain in the direction of Corcovado . After experiencing the panoramic 360º views from the top of the Corcovado, you next stop will be the neighborhood of Santa Tereza, a historical district of old Rio, where artisans and artists live and work. You will be able to visit authentic local artisan stores and have lunch in one of the local restaurants, where you will experience the flavors of Brazilian cuisine. After lunch you will visit the Chacara do Céu Museum, a special place where nature, panoramic views of the Guanabara Bay and art are in total harmony with the landscape. Ending your tour at the Sugar Loaf, where you will be able to watch the magnificent sunset over the city and the bay, you will no doubt have fallen in love with this enchanted city. We suggest dinner at Da Brambini (Italian seafood) in Praia do Leme.

Day 3

Rio de Janeiro at your convenience.If you happen to be in Rio on a Sunday the hippie fair (open-air handcrafts market) at Praça General Osório in Ipanema is worth a visit.
There is an evening dinner show (Samba show and dinner) available, if you are interested, which is not included in the above package. Please let us know if you would like us to book this for you.

Day 4

On your last day in the city of Rio de Janeiro you must check out of the Miramar Palace Hotel after breakfast, after which you will be driven in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the airport, where you will catch a flight to Foz do Iguacu. At the airport in Iguacu you will be met and driven to the Tropical das Cataratas Hotel where you will check in. We suggest dinner at the Restaurant Clube Maringá - their specialty is fresh water fish from the region.

Day 5

Your second day at the falls will comprise a full day tour of both sides of the falls. Firstly, you will be taken on a 3-hour tour of the Brazilian side of the falls by a private English-speaking guide. You will follow a trail inside the sub-tropical forest, which includes a visit to the bottom of Salto Floriano (Floriano Falls). During the walk there is an impressive view of the Devil's Throat from a bridge. At the end of your tour an elevator will take you up to the top of the falls. After your tour of the Brazilian side, there will be a break for lunch. Lunch is included in your package and you can choose from the following list: Bufalo Branco Churrascaria or Churrascaria Rafain (grilled meats with a mixed salads buffet), Maringá (good variety of seafood and sushi), La Mamma Galeteria (Italian food), Porto Canoas (grilled meats, pasta dishes and salads). Then on to see the Argentinian side of the Iguacu Falls (4-hour tour). You will be taken across the border into Argentina by private vehicle, into the Parque National del Iguazu, 40 km away from the Brazilian border. Once in Argentina you will go on a walking tour of the falls. The views are magnificent, especially the one right on top of the Devil's Throat, which is reached by a little boat taking you through breathtaking scenery. Throughout the day you will see numerous rainbows, hundreds of beautiful butterflies, lots of friendly little South American coatis, and dozens of exotic birds. (The entire tour takes about 8 hours).

Day 6

After breakfast on the last day of your trip you will be taken on a tour traveling the Macuco Trail in a rustic, open wagon, which allows you a view of the luxurious jungle in all its splendor. Our guides explain some of the stories, marvels and mysteries of the sub-tropical forest surrounded by orchids, bromeliads and thousands of butterflies. You will take a walk down the Iguacu Canyon Trail, visiting the picturesque Macuco Falls and enter the Brazilian jungle on foot to have more close contact with nature. Finally you will ride the rapids of the Iguacu Canyon in secure open boats (mild Rapid). This 3-hour tour gives you a unique and different view of the Iguacu Falls and allows you to feel the same emotions as the first pioneers did on discovering this untouched wilderness area. Before checking out of your hotel you may want to have one final look at the magnificent falls, before be driven in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the airport. Before checking out of your hotel you may want to have one final look at the magnificent falls, before be driven in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the airport. From Foz do Iguacu you will fly to Salvador where one of our English-speaking guides will meet you at the airport and drive you to the charming, historic hotel Catharina Paraguacu. (This packages does not include Flights. Please contact us for flight quotes.) After checking in you might want to relax a bit before dinner. We suggest dinner at the Lambreta Grill, an award winning seafood café in the Rio Vermelho district.

Day 7

Today you will begin your journey through Salvador visiting the Pelourinho, the historical district of the city, followed by a delicious Bahian lunch. Then you will visit the Mercado Modelo in Cidade Baixa. The Mercado Modelo is a handcraft market that used to be the merchandise and slave-trading outpost of the city. Here you can buy many handicrafts and local products. Make sure you visit the dungeon below the market where the slaves were kept prior to sale..

Day 8

You will check out of the hotel Catharina Paraguacu and be transported by a private vehicle to Praia do Forte. The journey takes roughly an hour and when you arrive you will check into the Pousada Farol das Tartarugas. We suggest having lunch at 'Bar do Souza'; try their delicious and famous 'bolinhos de peixe' (Bahian-style fish cakes) and/or a fish or shrimp moqueca (Bahian stew). After lunch we suggest you visit the TAMAR PROJECT (turtle NGO) Visitor Center and then on to Papa Gente's Natural Pools for snorkeling (times may vary due to the tide). It is now getting dark and you have worked up a hardy appetite so, we suggest having dinner at the Fata Morgana restaurant (Spanish food).

Day 9

On your last day in Praia do Forte you will check out of the Pousada Farol das Tartarugas very early and say goodbye to Praia do Forte, then be driven in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the Salvador's international Airport.

Brazil Tourism Package II - Rio, Bahia and Iguassu Falls (8N)

Travel to Brazil and experience its main tourism attractions with this 9 Day / 8 Night Travel Package and Tour that includes Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Salvador and Praia do Forte

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Iguassu Falls, Brazil

Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Praia do Forte, Bahia, Brazil