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8 Day Brazil Explorer
Highlights: Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Foz do Iguaçu
Trip start: Rio de Janeiro
Trip end: Rio de Janeiro
Price Range from £1,829 to £2,412 *
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Stimulate your senses with this private guided tour of vibrant Rio de Janeiro, the colonial gem of Paraty and majestic Foz do Iguaçu. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Rio de Janeirol as you take in the iconic landmarks including Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain for stunning views of the city. Travel by land to the costal town of Paraty. Situated between the mountains and the sea, the charming baroque village of Paraty offers attractions for all ages and its emerald bay is an invitation for many blissful days of rest. Fly to Foz do Iguaçu and enjoy a guided tour of the Brazilian and Argentinean Waterfalls and take part in any number of optional activities.

Note: A valid passport is required for all American or Canadians citizens, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where citizens were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Americans & Canadians are required to have a valid Brazilian Visa prior to their arrival in Brazil, and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country. For other nationalities it is the traveler's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil and its consulates for up-to-date information.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Rio de Janeiro
  • Meet and Greet
  • Rio de Janeiro: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • NOTE: Brazilian Visa is mandatory (not included)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Mar Ipanema Hotel
(Alt: Porto Bay Rio Internacional)
(Alt: Astoria Palace) (B)
Day 2
Rio de Janeiro
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - Corcovado & Sugarloaf Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
Mar Ipanema Hotel
(Alt: Porto Bay Rio Internacional)
(Alt: Astoria Palace) (B)
Day 3
Paraty
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Rio de Janeiro - Paraty [4 hrs ] - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Pousada Do Sandi (B)
Day 4
Paraty
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Paraty: Shared - Waterfalls, Hike & Distillery Tour by Jeep (6 hrs) - Jeep/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Pousada Do Sandi (B)
Day 5
Paraty
  • Shared - Schooner Cruise (5 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Pousada Do Sandi (B)
Day 6
Foz do Iguaçu
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Paraty - Rio de Janeiro [4 hrs ] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguaçu [Direct (2 hr) ] - Economy
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Foz do Iguaçu: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d Iguazu Falls: Brazilian Side - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Bourbon Cataratas Resort (B)
Day 7
Foz do Iguaçu
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - Argentine Side (Cataratas hotel) (6 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Optional activities
  • Dinner (not included)
Bourbon Cataratas Resort (B)
Day 8
Rio de Janeiro
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Air - Foz do Iguaçu - São Paulo [Direct - (1.5 hr)] - Economy
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the second major city of Brazil, behind São Paulo. The city delights people with its scenery, hospitality and infectious cheerfulness. The "Wonderful City" famous all over the world for its beautiful beaches, curvaceous geography and the way of life of its people - welcomes visitors with open arms and offers an infinite number of attractions throughout the year. Known for its natural settings, carnival celebrations, samba, beaches, Rio de Janeiro is a perfect destination for relaxation and entertainment.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer.

A valid passport is required for all American or Canadian citizens, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where citizens were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Americans & Canadians are required to have a valid Brazilian Visa prior to their arrival in Brazil, and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country.

This Rio De Janeiro hotel is 700 meters from Ipanema Beach, 800 meters from Leblon Beach, and 1.2 kilometers from the Platforma Theatre. Avenida Atlantica is 4.8 kilometers away. Mar Ipanema Hotel offers a bar and a restaurant as well as room service. Breakfast is complimentary each morning. Guestrooms at Mar Ipanema Hotel include minibars, refrigerators, hair dryers, in-room safes, and TVs with premium cable channels. Wireless Internet access is complimentary.

Overnight at Mar Ipanema Hotel.


Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer
Photo alt Text
Photo alt Text
Mar Ipanema Hotel
Mar Ipanema Hotel
Day 2 Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a full day private excursion with your own vehicle, professional driver and English speaking guide visiting Corcovado and Sugarloaf. Discover the city by a Panoramic City Tour by passing by the main monuments such as Sambódromo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Cinelandia Square with its Municipal Theatre, National Library and the Fine Art Museum, to name but a few. Arriving at the Sugar Loaf, you can take a cable car to get to the summit where you will have one of the most fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. From here, the stop on the tour is Cosme Velho district, a traditional neighborhood in the Southern part of Rio de Janeiro which houses the picturesque Largo do Boticário - a small square enclosed by several neocolonial style houses, built in the 1920s.

Here, you can take a train up to the Corcovado Mountain, through the Atlantic rainforests of Tijuca to see the famous Christ The Redeemer statue and admire the fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro below. Visit the São Conrado beach and observe the famous hang gliders flying over the beach. At the day's end, you will be brought back to your hotel.

Overnight at Mar Ipanema Hotel.


Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf
Day 3 Paraty

Paraty is located on the Costa Verde (Green Coast), a lush, green corridor that runs along the coastline of the state of Rio de Janeiro. A preserved Portuguese colonial and Brazilian Imperial (1822-1889) town, the town is located on the Bay of Ilha Grande, which is dotted with many tropical islands. Rising up some 1,000 meters behind the town are the tropical forests, mountains, and waterfalls.

Private transfer and vehicle with driver/guide from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty by road. The journey should take approximately 4 hours.

Offering comfortable accommodation and convenient facilities, the Pousada Do Sandi Hotel provides you with all of the quality amenities to make your stay a memorable one. Situated in the historic centre of the town, Pousada Do Sandi Hotel lies in the city of Paraty, a perfect place for you to reside. The hotel features small traditionally styled rooms, which have views of adjacent rooftops in the historic town, all equipped with modern amenities. Guests can dine at the onsite restaurant that serves wide variety of Brazilian specialities. During leisure, you can simply laze around the refreshing swimming pool or relax at the sauna.

Overnight at Pousada Do Sandi.


Pousada Casablanca
Pousada Casablanca
Day 4 Paraty

Enjoy a six hour shared tour discovering some of the natural beauty of Serra da Bocaina in the company of an English speaking Guide. Learn about the history of the Gold Trail as you start your guided hike to Tobogã’s waterfall. Continue onwards to Tarza's waterfall which is a superb swimming location. Visit the distillery of cachaça Engenho D’ouro, where you can see the artesianal process and sample some of the different kinds of cachaça, which is a poular distilled alcoholic beverage in Brazil. After lunch (own expense), visit Murycana’s Farm, and then continue onwards to Pedra Branca’s waterfall before finishing up with at a botanical gardens. At the end of your tour you will be brought back to your hotel.

Overnight at Pousada Do Sandi.


Day 5 Paraty

Paraty has 65 islands and many beaches. It is surrounded by exuberant vegetation that forms a secluded and stunning area. The waters are perfect for both swimming and snorkeling. The specific route depends on the day of the week, but regardless, you are sure to have an enjoyable day at sea! The tour makes 4 stops with about 40 minutes at each spot, and there is the option of having lunch on one of the beaches’ restaurants. Every stop presents the possibility for some snorkeling with great visibility of the water fauna.

Overnight at Pousada Do Sandi.


Schooner
Schooner
Day 6 Foz do Iguaçu

Iguazu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu) is one of the top attractions in Brazil. The city of the same name is beside the river, with over 100 hotels. The falls have a water flow equal to three Niagara Falls. Part of the falls are in the Brazilian side, others (including the "Garganta do Diabo" (Devil's Throat in Portuguese), the tallest of the falls, 97 m, 318 ft high) are in the Argentinean side, which can be done in a day tour across the border.

Transfer from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro today by road. The journey should take approximately 4 hours.

Relax on your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu. Flight time is typically 2 hours and prices are subject to changes based on availability.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and professional driver.

Enjoy a private half day guided tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. After being picked up from your hotel, a scenic drive takes you through Iguazu National Park along the Cataratas Highway that leads to the border between Brazil and Argentina. Here, the river drops into a breathtaking canyon. You can descend a walkway and gaze at both sides of the falls and stop at the elevator to ride to the Brazilian side lookout point. Fantastic scenic and photographic opportunities abound, and your expert English speaking Guide will provide an educational and fun tour. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel in Iguazu.

Ideally located on the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, this resort hotel offers modern accommodation just 22 km from the Iguassú Falls. The tastefully decorated rooms enjoy private balconies. They provide cable TV and private bathrooms with a bath and shower. Bourbon Cataratas is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. It offers a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by all, including 2 swimming pools, a tennis court, and Kids Club. For relaxation there is a day-spa with massage services and sauna. The Bourbon Cataratas offers a variety of restaurants and bars serving local and international cuisines. Alternatively, downtown Foz do Iguassú is 3 km from the hotel, where numerous restaurants and shops can be found.

Overnight at Bourbon Cataratas Resort.


Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
Bourbon Cataratas Resort, Iguassu Falls
Bourbon Cataratas Resort, Iguassu Falls
Day 7 Foz do Iguaçu

Enjoy a fun packed full day shared tour exploring the Argentine side of Iguazu falls. After being picked up at your hotel, you will be transferred into the subtropical jungle in the company of your Guide and Driver to view one of the seven Wonders of the World: the Iguassu Falls, formed by the spectacular fall of more than two hundred cascades. The falls are protected within the Iguassu National Park, an expanse of 67,500 hectares and which was created with the objective of conserving the splendid frame of the surrounding subtropical jungle. There is plenty of walking throughout the day as you explore the area as well as a chance to see the handmade products of the Maca Paraguayan ethnic tribe. Take the Jungle Ecological Train to Devil’s throat station and enjoy the 15 minute train ride going by the shore of the fabulous Iguazú River and discover the silent inhabitants such as the majestic yacarés. Disembarking the train, your Guide will accompany you on the footbridge of 1,100mts over the Iguazú River while they explain the bird diversity found in these parts such as condors and other wildlife as well as the Garganta del Diablo waterfall. Enjoy the wonderful views as you continue on your hike through the jungle passing other waterfalls. This is where the Mission movie was filmed.

Enjoy a wonderful Argentine barbeque lunch (not included), before continuing walking to see an incredibly panoramic view of the lower area of this wonderful stage. At the end of the day you will be returned to your hotel.

Although primarily famous for the Falls, Iguazu also has other attractions for visitors. Walk past the stunning Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque, the largest mosque outside the Middle East (please note that non-Muslim visitors cannot enter). The zoo, Bosque Guarani, is also popular, and the bird park is the perfect place to while away a few hours. If you feel like taking a private or shared half or full day guided tour, consider one of the following options: a panoramic helicopter tour, a zodiac boat ride under the falls, a jungle safari, tours focusing on birding, flora and trekking, visit to an Indian community, a tour of a precious stones mine, a trip to Cuidad del Este in Paraguay, a kayaking or biking tour, a day trip to a traditional farm where you can enjoy activities such as horse riding, floating and river bathing. Alternatively, consider a day trip to visit the remains of the World Heritage site of San Ignaciom, a Jesuitical Mission where the Catholic church attempted to Christianize the indigenous populations of the Americas in the 17th century. The site also has a fascinating Archaeological museum. Please speak to your Kensington Tours Sales Advisor if you are interested in any of these options.

Overnight at Bourbon Cataratas Resort.


Argentine Side of Iguassu Park
Argentine Side of Iguassu Park
San Ignacio
San Ignacio
Day 8 Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and professional driver.

Fly from Foz do Iguacu directly to Sao Paulo. Flights are subject to availability. Total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.