Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls - 6 Days

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Brazil is a country of extremes both in nature and culture; it’s larger than the United States, boasting the longest beaches, largest rivers, and exotic rainforests. The urban nightlife is unrivaled, especially for music lovers, and its history comes to life in some of the oldest towns in the hemisphere. Then there’s Carnival, the biggest party in the world – need we say more?

This tour offers you the best of the city combined with the best nature has to offer. Rio de Janeiro is unlike any metropolis, sandwiched between tropical beaches and stunning mountains. There is never a dull moment in the city where Samba reigns. In contrast, you’ll also delve into a more natural scene, getting drenched by the powerful river as it tumbles over Iguassu Falls. Located on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, its beauty and magnitude will live on in your memories.

• See the statue on top of Corcovado, Christ, the Redeemer, overlooking the city
• Cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain
• Bay Cruise to a tropical island
• Trek along the edge of powerful Iguazu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Exotic Samba dinner show

Day 1: Arrive Rio de Janeiro

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our local representative who will escort you to your hotel via private coach. Welcome to the “Wonderful City” as locals like to call it. Rio is nestled between the mountains and the sea. Its magnificent shoreline includes charming bays and beautiful beaches, dotted with islands up and down the coast.

We’ll take an amazing morning tour to Corcovado. After a beautiful scenic drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, we arrive at the bottom of the Corcovado hill where we will board a comfortable cog train to climb through the Tijuca rainforest to the top of the mountain. Here stands the imposing statue of Christ, the Redeemer, overlooking the city. From the top, discover why Rio is known as the ‘Marvelous City.’ Take the rest of the afternoon to explore this magical city or join the locals on Ipanema or Copacabana beaches.

Today we’ll have a panoramic tour to downtown Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral which stands like a pyramid 300 feet high. Stroll through traditional Cinelandia Square. Finally, we’ll head to Urca to visit the world famous Sugar Loaf Mountain, symbol of the city, located in the middle of the Guanabara Bay. Two cable car rides whisk you to the top to enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the city from over 1100 feet in elevation. Your afternoon is free to enjoy the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

Board a sleek schooner or a fast cruiser and sit back to admire the coastline as we cruise into Sepetiba Bay or Guanabara Bay. Munch on tropical fruit as you spot dolphins, giant king-fishers, turtles and sting-rays. We’ll stop for a swim, and then spend some time on one of the lovely beaches. Be as active or relaxed as you wish.

Join in the fun tonight at a colorful samba extravaganza. Carnival has its origins in this glittering dance style with its exotic costumes. Feel the rhythm of the dancers and musicians in this spectacular show while you dine on a sumptuous dinner.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls. Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, both sides are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the most mesmerizing wonders of the continent. Its name means “Big Water” and you’ll soon see why! Spanning heights of 210 – 270 feet, the U-shaped cliff which is 490 x 2300 feet wide carries more water than you can imagine.

Your treat today is a walk on the wild side!A 1-mile trail takes you along the river’s edge, skirting many small waterfalls, right to the base of the biggest falls of all. Creep out onto the catwalk that extends out over the brink of Devil’s Throat for close-up views of the thundering water. Next, take the elevator to the top for another vantage point.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro to connect to your flight home.

• Accommodations: Rio de Janeiro 4 nights, Iguassu Falls 2 nights
• Meals: Continental breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner as noted in itinerary
• Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
• English speaking assistants and guides
• Admission tickets as outlined in itinerary