Day 01: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
After being welcomed on your arrival in Rio de Janeiro, your Brazil Adventure Tours guide describes the Marvellous City during the journey to your hotel. You pass along the edge of Guanabara Bay, with first glimpses of the city, the statue of Christ The Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain before you arrive at Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches. After arriving at your hotel, we will go through the details of your Brazil Tour and give you some local tips for your time in the city. The day is then free to explore Rio and perhaps enjoy your first caipirinha cocktail at sunset from Arpoador, the headland between the two main beaches.

Day 02: Through Rio to Christ the Redeemer
Your first tour of Rio takes you to see the historic side of Rio, the Municipal Theatre and the grand buildings that date from the 19th Century and earlier. The modern Metropolitan Cathedral and the antique Arches of Lapa are two more of Rio’s postcard sights. You then travel to the top of Corcovado, the steep 710m/2,340ft high mountain topped by the 31m/102ft statue of Christ The Redeemer. The views from the base across Rio, its beaches and mountains, over the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are as spectacular as city views can be. The afternoon and evening are free to relax.

Day 03: Cable Cars and Sugar Loaf Views
Morning brings a journey around the lagoon to the Botanical Gardens in the shadow of Corcovado. The gardens contain an array of tropical species, with palms, orchids and the pau brasil tree that gave its name to the country watched over by monkeys and toucans. You then travel to the bottom of Sugar Loaf Mountain to ride the two cable cars to the 396m summit. The city views take in of Copacabana Beach, the mountains behind the statue of Christ the Redeemer and also those surrounding Rio on a clear day.

Day 04: Iguazu Falls Views
The morning flight takes you to Iguazu Falls, and your first chance to see the 275 separate falls of the Iguazu River comes as you land. On arrival you will be met for an immediate tour of the Brazilian national park, where you can enjoy the majestic panoramic views of Iguazu from across the gorge. Options include viewing the falls from above with helicopter rides above them. In the late afternoon you transfer to your hotel with the evening free. Please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for Iguazu Falls, as the walkways, paths and yourselves become wet from the spray. Camera protection is also a good idea.

Day 05: Mesmeric Iguazu
After breakfast you cross to the Argentinean national park, where walkways allow you to experience the majesty of Iguazu from very close quarters. The undoubted highlight is the mesmeric experience of looking down into The Devil’s Throat as the falling water pounds the bottom, creating the roar and mist that mean Iguazu Falls can be seen and heard for miles around. The afternoon finishes with the adventure boat ride which takes you right under the falling curtains of water. In the evening you may like to take in a Latin American Dance Show, or in the period around Full Moon, you can visit the falls to view Iguazu By Moonlight.

Day 06: Over the Amazon Jungle to Manaus
An early transfer takes you to the Iguazu airport for your journey to Manaus, flying above miles of nothing but green jungle and silver rivers for the final part, a special sight if the rainforest cloud clears for you. On arrival in the city, you will be met for the 3hr drive through the jungle to Novo Airao, completing the journey to Anavilhanas Lodge by boat amongst the sights and sounds of the Amazon. In the afternoon you can take a boat tour around islands of the Anavilhanas Archipelago before returning to the lodge for dinner. In the evening you have the opportunity to look for caiman alligators, the largest reptile of the Amazon River system.

Day 07: Explore the Amazon Jungle
Your day can be engaged in Amazon activities: hiking in the jungle with your expert guide; canoeing through the creeks and the trunks of the flooded forests; visiting local Tiririca communities to see how people make their lives on the edge of the world’s largest river system. You have the opportunity to fish for piranha too – the legendary Amazon fish is not as dangerous to humans as humans are to them. You can also learn how many uses of those sharp teeth there are in the Amazon. You return to the lodge in the late afternoon to enjoy the sounds of sunset before dinner, made with fresh local ingredients, possibly including your piranha…

Day 08: Amazon River Dolphins
At least one morning in the Amazon should be spent admiring the sunrise. The Amazon Dawn is a beautiful time, although not a peaceful one! The rainforest comes alive with bird, monkey and amphibian calls in a chorus of staggering volume. Parrots, parakeets and macaws seem to be competing to make the most noise as the sun rises over the canopy of trees. Among some of the calmer Amazon animals are the pink and grey river dolphins. These friendly creatures seem to enjoy the company of humans, and Anavilhanas is the only lodge in the Manaus area that always includes a trip to see and perhaps even swim with them at Novo Airao.

Day 09: From the Jungle to the Ocean
In the morning you return to Manaus from Anavilhanas, where the afternoon flight takes you to Bahia, connecting in Brasilia en route. You arrive in Salvador, the state capital of Bahia and the first capital of Brazil, where you will be met for transfer to your hotel in the historic centre. Salvador was founded in the 16th Century as the port to ship sugar cane and coffee from the New World plantations to the Old World in Europe. Africans were also shipped in as slaves to work the fields, and the colonial history of Salvador can be seen in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pelourinho, the high part of the city overlooking the harbour and All Saints Bay.

Day 10: Afro-Brazilian Cultural Capital
Your morning tour of Salvador begins by the lighthouse and fort at the entrance of All Saints Bay and continues via the port which unloaded boats from Africa. Ascending to the Upper City, the Lacerda Elevator has exceptional views over the bay. The tour continues on foot through squares and narrow streets lined with colorful colonial buildings to Pelourinho, the heart of the city. This square contained the whipping post where Africans were sold as slaves. The afternoon is free to browse the historic area. Evening brings a spectacular Bahia Folkloric Show, with representations of candomble rituals and capoeira demonstrations.

Day 11: Paradise Beaches of Bahia
Following breakfast you begin the short journey up the coast to Praia do Forte. The Coconut Highway north of Salvador runs past rocky coastline and quaint fishing villages on the 50km journey to Praia do Forte. After arriving at your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore. There are 13km of beautiful beaches around Praia do Forte and this delightful old fishing village also has a number of restaurants and boutiques lining its sandy streets. The old fort ruins of Garcia D’Ávila Castle and the little lighthouse are also worth a browse. Dining amongst the palm trees under a twinkling sky or a tropical moon is a real pleasure in Praia do Forte.

Day 12: Palms & Reefs of Praia do Forte
With a free day in Praia do Forte you can relax on the paradise beaches of Bahia, some of the finest in Brazil. The reef just off of the beach acts as a natural breakwater making the turquoise sea calm and clear. The tidal pools that form amongst the coral reef warm up in the sun, making swimming and snorkelling amongst the colorful tropical fish an enjoyable experience for anybody. There are also boat rides on the Atlantic Ocean, deep-sea fishing trips, buggies to rent, or you can kayak in the lagoon, while the Sapiranga Nature Reserve is a protected area of Atlantic Rainforest, with trails, river and waterfalls to enjoy.

Day 13: Turtle & Whale Watching in Bahia
Another free day gives you the chance for turtle spotting, as hundreds of female turtles visit each year between May and September to lay their eggs in the sands of Praia do Forte. The turtles and their nesting sites are protected by TAMAR, the Brazilian Sea Turtle Project based near the lighthouse. A sighting of one of these beautiful creatures making her way up the beach to bury her eggs at night, or the hatching turtlets making their way to the ocean some two months later is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Brazil. There are also whale-watching trips between July and October to see the increasing numbers of humpback whales.

Day 14: Bye-bye Brazil!
After breakfast at your hotel you will be picked up for the 90 minute transfer back to the airport in Salvador for your flight away from Bahia, possibly connecting in Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo.

Day 01: Arrive in Bahia
Your flight arrives in Salvador after flying over the beautiful coastline of Bahia in Brazil’s north-east. A window seat should give you a view of endless miles of white sand, palm-tree groves and blue ocean. On arrival in Salvador, the state capital of Bahia and first capital of Brazil, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the historic centre of the city around Pelourinho. Your day is then free to recover from the journey and enjoy Bahian cuisine such as acarajé or moqueca, usually based around seafood, spices and coconut milk.

Day 02: Afro-Brazilian Cultural Capital
Your morning tour of Salvador begins by the lighthouse and fort at the entrance of All Saints Bay and continues via the port which unloaded boats from Africa. Ascending to the Upper City, the Lacerda Elevator has exceptional views over the bay. The tour continues on foot through squares and narrow streets lined with colorful colonial buildings to Pelourinho, the heart of the city. This square contained the whipping post where Africans were sold as slaves. The afternoon is free to browse the historic area. Evening brings a spectacular Bahia Folkloric Show, with representations of candomble rituals and capoeira demonstrations.

Day 03: The Chapada Diamantina National Park
After breakfast you travel to Lençois in the Bahia interior, either by plane (Thursday/Sunday only), public bus or private vehicle. The road west from Salvador passes market towns, plantations, and the dry lands of the Sertao, the Brazilian desert interior. The area around the old diamond mining town of Lençois and the National Park of Chapada Diamantina is an oasis in the dusty outback. Flat-topped mountains rise to 1600m, and the valleys between them are covered in lush forests and tumbling waterfalls. After arriving you can explore the cobbled streets of the charming colonial town, or swim at the beautiful Serrano Falls a short walk upriver.

Day 04:The Caves of Mountains of Chapada Diamantina
A full day around the Chapada Diamantina National Park begins with a visit to the Rio Mucugezinho and a short walk to the Poço do Diabo (Devil’s Well) Waterfall, with a short stop for a swim there. After lunch, you visit the Gruta Azul (Blue Cave) to see the sun hitting the crystal clear water at the optimum moment. You wander amongst huge limestone stalactites and stalagmites of the Gruta da Lapa Doce cave system before finishing the day with the short hike to the top of Morro do Pai Inácio. The flat summits allow 360˚ panoramic views as the sun sets on the Chapada Diamantina National Park, a memorable finish before you return to Lençois.

Day 05: Hiking to the Highest Waterfall in Brazil
The hike to the top of Cachoeira da Fumaça, the highest waterfall in Brazil, begins with the drive around to the village of Caete-Açu in the Vale do Capao. The hike begins up a steep path rising 2km from the floor of the valley to the top of the Serra do Sincora. The views along the valley and to other chapadas are stunning. The next 4km are on the flat summit until you reach the top of Cachoeira da Fumaça. At almost 400m, the falls are so high that the water doesn’t reach the bottom! The fall disappears into the spray for which the falls are named. You can also peer down to the lake from an overhanging rock… if you dare! A stop for a swim in the Riachinho Waterfall is included during the journey back to Lençois.

Day 06: Mosquito Falls Hike
Today’s hike takes you out of Lençois to one of the least-visited waterfalls in the region, Cachoeira do Mosquito. The trail to the falls has only been opened in recent years, and so remains an experience that has been enjoyed by few people. After driving out of town, you reach the ranch at the start of the trail which takes you through the gorge to the bottom of the 60m high falls. After time for photos and a swim, you then hike upwards to the superior level, where natural pools provide another swimming opportunity as you relax and enjoy the views down into the valley. A trail lunch is provided while you enjoy the views before returning to the ranch and driving back to Lençois in the afternoon.

Day 07: Paradise Beaches of Bahia
Following breakfast you begin the journey to Praia do Forte with the return to Salvador (by plane if possible). The Coconut Highway north of Salvador runs past rocky coastline and quaint fishing villages on the 50km journey to Praia do Forte. After arriving, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore. There are 13km of paradise beaches around Praia do Forte, which developed from the old fishing village into a modern beach village. The old fort ruins of Garcia D’Ávila Castle and the little lighthouse are also worth a browse. Dining amongst the palm trees under a twinkling sky or a tropical moon is a real pleasure in Praia do Forte.

Day 08: Turtle & Whale Watching in Bahia
Another free day gives you the chance for turtle spotting, as hundreds of female turtles visit each year between May and September to lay their eggs in the sands of Praia do Forte. The turtles and their nesting sites are protected by TAMAR, the Brazilian Sea Turtle Project based near the lighthouse. A sighting of one of these beautiful creatures making her way up the beach to bury her eggs at night, or the hatching turtlets making their way to the ocean some two months later is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Brazil. There are also whale-watching trips between July and October to see the increasing numbers of humpback whales.

Day 09: Palms & Reefs of Praia do Forte
With a free day in Praia do Forte you can relax on the paradise beaches of Bahia, some of the finest in Brazil. The reef just off of the beach acts as a natural breakwater making the turquoise sea calm and clear. The tidal pools that form amongst the coral reef warm up in the sun, making swimming and snorkelling amongst the colorful tropical fish an enjoyable experience for anybody. There are also boat rides on the Atlantic Ocean, deep-sea fishing trips, buggies to rent, or you can kayak in the lagoon, while the Sapiranga Nature Reserve is a protected area of Atlantic Rainforest, with trails, river and waterfalls to enjoy.

Day 10: Bye-bye Bahia!
After breakfast at your hotel you will be picked up for the 90 minute transfer back to the airport in Salvador for your flight back to home.

Day 01: Arrive in Bahia
Your flight arrives in Salvador after flying over the beautiful coastline of Bahia in Brazil\’s north-east. A window seat should give you a view of endless miles of white sand, palm-tree groves and blue ocean. On arrival in Salvador, the state capital of Bahia and first capital of Brazil, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the historic centre of the city around Pelourinho. Your day is then free to recover from the journey and enjoy Bahian cuisine such as acarajé or moqueca, usually based around seafood, spices and coconut milk.

Day 02: Afro-Brazilian Cultural Capital
Your morning tour of Salvador begins by the lighthouse and fort at the entrance of All Saints Bay and continues via the port which unloaded boats from Africa. Ascending to the Upper City, the Lacerda Elevator has exceptional views over the bay. The tour continues on foot through squares and narrow streets lined with colorful colonial buildings to Pelourinho, the heart of the city. This square contained the whipping post where Africans were sold as slaves. The afternoon is free to browse the historic area. Evening brings a spectacular Bahia Folkloric Show, with representations of candomble rituals and capoeira demonstrations.

Day 03: The Chapada Diamantina National Park
After breakfast you travel to Lençois in the Bahia interior, either by plane (Thursday/Sunday only), public bus or private vehicle. The road west from Salvador passes market towns, plantations, and the dry lands of the Sertao, the Brazilian desert interior. The area around the old diamond mining town of Lençois and the National Park of Chapada Diamantina is an oasis in the dusty outback. Flat-topped mountains rise to 1600m, and the valleys between them are covered in lush forests and tumbling waterfalls. After arriving you can explore the cobbled streets of the charming colonial town, or swim at the beautiful Serrano Falls a short walk upriver.

Day 04:The Caves of Mountains of Chapada Diamantina
A full day around the Chapada Diamantina National Park begins with a visit to the Rio Mucugezinho and a short walk to the Poço do Diabo (Devil\’s Well) Waterfall, with a short stop for a swim there. After lunch, you visit the Gruta Azul (Blue Cave) to see the sun hitting the crystal clear water at the optimum moment. You wander amongst huge limestone stalactites and stalagmites of the Gruta da Lapa Doce cave system before finishing the day with the short hike to the top of Morro do Pai Inácio. The flat summits allow 360˚ panoramic views as the sun sets on the Chapada Diamantina National Park, a memorable finish before you return to Lençois.

Day 05: Hiking to the Highest Waterfall in Brazil
The hike to the top of Cachoeira da Fumaça, the highest waterfall in Brazil, begins with the drive around to the village of Caete-Açu in the Vale do Capao. The hike begins up a steep path rising 2km from the floor of the valley to the top of the Serra do Sincora. The views along the valley and to other chapadas are stunning. The next 4km are on the flat summit until you reach the top of Cachoeira da Fumaça. At almost 400m, the falls are so high that the water doesn\’t reach the bottom! The fall disappears into the spray for which the falls are named. You can also peer down to the lake from an overhanging rock… if you dare! A stop for a swim in the Riachinho Waterfall is included during the journey back to Lençois.

Day 06: Valley Vistas
Today\’s hike takes you first by car a little further into the Vale do Capao where you begin a hike of 22km with the trail out of the valley. Climbing up the Bomba trail, you reach the head of the valley with stunning views all the way down the Vale do Capao, and verdant chapadas stretching up on either side. After traversing the high meadows of the Gerais do Vieira and the Rio Preto, a stop for lunch high on the escarpment gives a wonderful view of the Serra da Lapinha in the middle of the valley and down into the Vale do Pati below it. The final part of the trek is the descent of the Morro do Beco, the old pack-horse trail to Pati. The trail drops steeply through a chasm in the escarpment to Guine, from where you drive to Mucuge.

Day 07: The Hidden Waterfall of Burucao
Every day in the Chapada Diamantina National Park is special. This day is even more special then most, with a visit to Buracao, a waterfall that seems to disappear into a big hole in the earth. The adventurous journey to it begins with the drive to Ibicoara and a hike along the banks of the Rio Espalhado, past Orquideas Falls. A descent takes you into the narrow canyon formed by the Buracao waters, with a short swim in lifejackets or a walk along the rocks to the large opening at the bottom of the falls. After taking some stunning photos at the bottom, you ascend the trail out of the canyon to enjoy the views and lunch at the top of the falls. You return by the same trail to your vehicle and then to Mucuge.

Day 08: Tres Barras Waterfall & Igatu
Today\’s hike takes you to the Tres Barras Waterfall, first following the riverbed trail of the Rio Piaba. At the waterfall, a stop for swimming and lunch comes. The Cachoeira dos Cristais is another waterfall further along the trail that can be visited. Another possibility is to visit the Projeto Sempre-Viva on the return journey to Mucuge, with information on the perennial grasses endemic to the region. Piabinhas and Tiburtino are two more waterfalls that can be seen during the project visit. After returning to Mucuge, you travel on by road to the next local village, Igatu. This is perhaps the most striking village of the Chapada Diamantina National Park, with the houses and little church built from local rocks.

Day 09: Blue Waters of Chapada Diamantina
The final day of the Sincora Route around the Chapada Diamantina National Park takes you to two of the postcard sights. Before then, a look around Igatu takes you to the ghost town houses abandoned by diamond miners. After a short drive, Poço Encantado is the enchanted pool with water inside a limestone cave that is turned electric blue by a ray of light. Poço Azul is the blue pool with more crystal clear cave water illuminted and turned blue by daylight. You can swim in the waters of the pool and watch your body turn blue in the light. After a regional lunch in the locality, you return to Lençois by road and stay in the town for your final night.

Day 10: Postcards of Chapada Diamantina
After breakfast you begin the journey back to Salvador by road or the biweekly flight (Thu/Sun only). On arrival catch flight back to home.

Day 01: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
After being welcomed on arrival in Rio de Janeiro, your Brazil Adventure Tours guide describes the Marvellous City during the journey to your hotel close to Ipanema or Copacabana Beaches. You pass along the edge of Guanabara Bay, with first glimpses of the city, the statue of Christ The Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain. After a little orientation of the city and the area around your hotel, the rest of the day is then free to explore Rio and perhaps enjoy your first coconut water or a caipirinha cocktail at sunset from Arpoador, the headland between the two main beaches. Evening brings the chance to enjoy Brazilian cuisine for the first time.

Day 02: Rio & Christ the Redeemer
Your first tour of Rio takes you to the top of Corcovado, the steep 710m high mountain topped by the 31m statue of Christ The Redeemer. The views from the base across the city, beaches, mountains, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are as spectacular as city views can be. You then drop through Santa Teresa and the Selaron Staircase to see the historic side of Rio, the Municipal Theatre and the grand buildings that date from the 19th Century and earlier. The modern Metropolitan Cathedral and the antique Arches of Lapa are two more of Rio\’s postcard sights. The afternoon and evening are free to relax.

Day 03:Cable Cars and Sugar Loaf Views
Morning brings a journey around the lagoon to the Botanical Gardens in the shadow of Christ the Redeemer. The gardens contain an array of tropical species, with palms, orchids and the pau brasil tree that gave its name to the country watched over by monkeys and toucans. You then travel to Sugar Loaf Mountain to ride the cable cars to the 396m summit. The views take in Copacabana Beach, the mountains behind the statue and those surrounding Rio on a clear day. Afternoon and evening are free with a typical Brazilian churrascaria barbeque being one option, while weekend evenings can bring a trip to the samba clubs of Lapa.

Day 04: Beaches, Lagoons and More…
Your day in Rio can be spent relaxing on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach or walking around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. If you prefer to fill your days there are many other ideas around Rio that might appeal. You can take boat trips out on the ocean or around the bay; museum tours can include the Imperial & National Museums, Samba City, the Carmen Miranda or the Diamond Museums. You can cross the bay to MAC, with impressive views back to Rio. A day at the wild beaches at the edge of the city, Prainha & Grumari, is another possibility. Adventurous activities such as hiking, tandem hang-gliding and kayaking can also be included.

Day 05: Iguazu Falls Views
The morning flight takes you to Iguazu Falls, and your first chance to see the 275 separate falls of the Iguazu River comes as you land. On arrival you will be met for an immediate tour of the Brazilian national park, where you can enjoy the majestic panoramic views of Iguazu from across the gorge. Options include viewing the falls from above with helicopter rides above them. In the late afternoon you transfer to your hotel with the evening free. Please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for Iguazu Falls, as the walkways, paths and yourselves become wet from the spray. Camera protection is also a good idea.

Day 06: Mesmeric Iguazu
After breakfast you cross to the Argentinean national park, where walkways allow you to experience the majesty of Iguazu from very close quarters. The undoubted highlight is the mesmeric experience of looking down into The Devil\\\’s Throat as the falling water pounds the bottom, creating the roar and mist that mean Iguazu Falls can be seen and heard for miles around. The afternoon finishes with the adventure boat ride which takes you right under the falling curtains of water. In the evening you may like to take in a Latin American Dance Show, or in the period around Full Moon, you can visit the falls to view Iguazu By Moonlight.

Day 07: Flying Away from Brazil
With your flight from Iguazu back to Rio likely to be in the afternoon, you may have time to visit more Iguazu attractions. The Bird Park has hundreds of colourful tropical species free to fly around huge aviaries, including parrots, macaws and toucans, accompanied by huge butterflies too. A tour to Itaipu Dam takes you to the Rio Parana to see what was the largest hydroelectric plant on earth until recently. Mid-afternoon, you transfer to the airport for your domestic flight back to Rio, connecting there with your flight home.

Day 01: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
After being welcomed on arrival in Rio de Janeiro, your Brazil Adventure Tours guide describes the Marvellous City during the journey to your hotel close to Ipanema or Copacabana Beaches. You pass along the edge of Guanabara Bay, with first glimpses of the city, the statue of Christ The Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain. After a little orientation of the city and the area around your hotel, the rest of the day is then free to explore Rio and perhaps enjoy your first coconut water or a caipirinha cocktail at sunset from Arpoador, the headland between the two main beaches. Evening brings the chance to enjoy Brazilian cuisine for the first time.

Day 02: Rio & Christ the Redeemer
Your first tour of Rio takes you to the top of Corcovado, the steep 710m high mountain topped by the 31m statue of Christ The Redeemer. The views from the base across the city, beaches, mountains, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are as spectacular as city views can be. You then drop through Santa Teresa and the Selaron Staircase to see the historic side of Rio, the Municipal Theatre and the grand buildings that date from the 19th Century and earlier. The modern Metropolitan Cathedral and the antique Arches of Lapa are two more of Rio’s postcard sights. The afternoon and evening are free to relax.

Day 03: Cable Cars and Sugar Loaf Views
Morning brings a journey around the lagoon to the Botanical Gardens in the shadow of Christ the Redeemer. The gardens contain an array of tropical species, with palms, orchids and the pau brasil tree that gave its name to the country watched over by monkeys and toucans. You then travel to Sugar Loaf Mountain to ride the cable cars to the 396m summit. The views take in Copacabana Beach, the mountains behind the statue and those surrounding Rio on a clear day. Afternoon and evening are free with a typical Brazilian churrascaria barbeque being one option, while weekend evenings can bring a trip to the samba clubs of Lapa.

Day 04: Beaches, Lagoons and More…
Your day in Rio can be spent relaxing on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach or walking around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. If you prefer to fill your days there are many other ideas around Rio that might appeal. You can take boat trips out on the ocean or around the bay; museum tours can include the Imperial & National Museums, Samba City, the Carmen Miranda or the Diamond Museums. You can cross the bay to MAC, with impressive views back to Rio. A day at the wild beaches at the edge of the city, Prainha & Grumari, is another possibility. Adventurous activities such as hiking, tandem hang-gliding and kayaking can also be included.

Day 05: Iguazu Falls Views
The morning flight takes you to Iguazu Falls, and your first chance to see the 275 separate falls of the Rio Iguazu comes as you land. On arrival you will be met for an immediate tour of the Brazil National Park, where you can enjoy the majestic panoramic views of Iguazu from across the gorge. Options include viewing the falls from above with helicopter rides above them. In the late afternoon you transfer to your hotel on the Argentina side of the river with the evening free. Please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for Iguazu Falls, as walkways, paths and yourselves become wet from the spray. Camera protection is also a good idea.

Day 06: Mesmeric Iguazu
After breakfast you cross to the Argentinean national park, where walkways allow you to experience the majesty of Iguazu from very close quarters. The undoubted highlight is the mesmeric experience of looking down into The Devil’s Throat as the falling water pounds the bottom, creating the roar and mist that mean Iguazu Falls can be seen and heard for miles around. The afternoon finishes with the adventure boat ride which takes you right under the falling curtains of water. In the evening you may like to take in the Rafain Latin American Dance Show with Dinner, or in the period around Full Moon, you can visit the falls to view Iguazu By Moonlight.

Day 07: From the Falls to the Rainforest
An early transfer takes you to the Iguazu airport for your journey to Manaus, flying above miles of nothing but green jungle and silver rivers for the final part, a special sight if the rainforest cloud clears for you. On arrival in the city, you will be met for the 3hr drive through the jungle to Novo Airao, completing the journey to Anavilhanas Lodge by boat amongst the sights and sounds of the Amazon. In the afternoon you can take a boat tour around islands of the Anavilhanas Archipelago before returning to the lodge for dinner. In the evening you have the opportunity to look for caiman alligators, the largest reptile of the Amazon River system.

Day 08:Explore the Amazon Jungle
Your day can be engaged in Amazon activities: hiking in the jungle with your expert guide; canoeing through the creeks and the trunks of the flooded forests; visiting local Tiririca communities to see how people make their lives on the edge of the world’s largest river system. You have the opportunity to fish for piranha too – the legendary Amazon fish is not as dangerous to humans as humans are to them. You can also learn how many uses of those sharp teeth there are in the Amazon. You return to the lodge in the late afternoon to enjoy the sounds of sunset before dinner, made with fresh local ingredients, possibly including your piranha…

Day 09: Amazon River Dolphins
At least one morning in the Amazon should be spent admiring the sunrise. The Amazon Dawn is a beautiful time, although not a peaceful one! The rainforest comes alive with bird, monkey and amphibian calls in a chorus of staggering volume. Parrots, parakeets and macaws seem to be competing to make the most noise as the sun rises over the canopy of trees. Among some of the calmer Amazon animals are the pink and grey river dolphins. These friendly creatures seem to enjoy the company of humans, and Anavilhanas is the only lodge in the Manaus area that always includes a trip to see and perhaps even swim with them at Novo Airao.

Day 10: Flying Away from The Amazon
After breakfast, you begin the journey from Anavilhanas Lodge back to the Real World. The morning boat takes you back to the road, where you drive on to the airport in Manaus for flight back to home.