Day 01: Arrive Rio de Janeiro

Upon arrival at Rio de Janeiro International Airport, we are met and transferred to the hotel.

Rio de Janeiro founded in 1556, the city of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Colony of Brazil in 1776. In 1808 the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon and settled in Rio. This brought a surge of progress and the city became the main cultural, political and economic centre of the Portuguese empire. In 1889, when the republic was proclaimed, Rio was confirmed as the country's capital, which it remained until 1960, when the construction of the new capital, Brasilia, was founded. Rio is situated in a 15-mile-strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo, from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea, on the other by verdant hills. Between them lies a colourful state of mind called CARIOCA, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way through life, relaxed and high-spirited. That is just the way it should be in Rio, surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, with Christ the Redeemer perched on top of Corcovado blessing the city and Sugar Loaf, one of the most famous postcards of our country.

Overnight: Hotel Mirador Rio Copacabana (Standard - 4-star)/Hotel Windsor Excelsior (Superior - 4-star), Rio de Janeiro (3 nights)

Day 02: Rio de Janeiro

Leave your hotel and drive through the Copacabana neighbourhood to the next stop at Urca Station, where you’ll take two cable cars to reach the top of the monolithic granite rocks known as Sugarloaf Mountain. Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding lush landscape and the iconic natural monument. To reach the summit, passengers take two cable cars: one to the shorter Morro da Urca and then to the top of Sugarloaf. The Swiss-made bubble-shaped cars provide passengers with 360° views of the city, the open sea, and Guanabara Bay.

The tour then continues to the striking Metropolitan Cathedral, a modern architectural masterpiece with a cylindrical design. Its impressive stained-glass windows and vast interior make it a distinctive landmark in Rio's skyline. The final stop is the vibrant Selarón Steps, renowned for its colourful tiles, offering the perfect setting for memorable photos. These steps are adorned with thousands of brightly coloured tiles from around the world, making it a lively and iconic spot. After this captivating journey through Rio’s historic and cultural landmarks, we will return you to your hotel. (B)

Day 03: Rio de Janeiro

Drive to the Cosme Velho district, where you will take a cogwheel train (*) through the Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain. Along the way, appreciate the lush rainforest and scenic views. Upon reaching the top, admire the world-renowned Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. From one of Rio's most privileged viewpoints, enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Afterward, make your way back down and conclude the tour with stops at the famous white sandy beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, before returning to your hotel.. (B)

**Please Note: (*) In the unusual case that the train does not operate, the drive will instead take place with vans certified by the city’s administration from/to the Largo do Machado parking.

Day free at leisure to explore on your own or take an optional tour, extra charge:

Optional: Half day Tour to Olympic Boulevard including Museum of Tomorrow & Rio Art Museum (6h)
After the demolition of the Perimetral elevated highway (replaced by expressways, tunnels and a new boulevard), downtown Rio de Janeiro was completely revitalized, becoming a centre of cultural and gastronomic activities for local people and tourists.

The construction of Orla Conde, the city’s new shore (3.5 km long promenade) outlining the Guanabara Bay, rescued the area allowing people to enjoy a place that that was previously restricted to the Marine officers. Open for pedestrians and cyclists, it’s an invitation for relaxing and contemplation that gives the visitors the opportunity of seeing the city from a new angle. The revitalization of this area is one of the most important legacies of the Olympic Games to the city. The new Port Zone is called “Porto Maravilha”, marvellous harbour. After a stroll at the Olympic Boulevard guests will visit the Museum of Art of Rio de Janeiro – MAR and the Museum of Tomorrow designed by Santiago Calatrava.

Optional: Rio by night – Show in the evening
Visit a folklore and Carnival show featuring skilled dancers, entertainers, samba bands and wonderful costumes in a wonderful display of Brazilian folklore and Carnival.

**Please Note: Tour can also be booked including dinner.

Day 04: Rio de Janeiro/Iguassu (Flight)

Transfer to the airport Rio de Janeiro and flight to Iguassu.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Iguassu – one of the biggest wonders of nature in South America: located amidst a sub-tropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, a gigantic row of waterfalls goes down into the river Iguassu.

Later in the day visit the Brazilian side of the falls. The tour leaves from the hotel by coach and crossing Iguassu National Park as far as the Brazilian Falls. It follows a walk along the paths following cascades and then along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat to enjoy magnificent views. Take an elevator to go up to the road, and there board the coach to get back to the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Viale Cataratas (Standard - 4-star)/Hotel Bourbon Cataratas (Superior - 5-star) or Hotel Belmond Das Cataratas (Superior - 5-star), Iguassu (2 nights) (B)

Day 05: Iguassu

Today visit the Argentinean side of the falls. Leaving from the hotel on the Brazilian side for a drive and a quick customs check, crossing the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River, which forms the border between Argentina & Brazil. Once in Argentina, tour takes a scenic highway up the Argentinean Iguassu National Park. Stopping at the Visitors’ Centre and proceeding from there the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades, to the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls and then takes the Ecological Jungle Train that leads visitors to and from the most impressive observation point of the falls – The Devil's Throat . Return to the hotel. (B)

**Please Note: For the border crossing, travellers need their passports and visas (if necessary).

Day 06: Iguassu/Manaus (Flight)

In the morning leave Iguassu and take a flight to Manaus. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in. If time allows, the following optional tour can be booked at our office:

Optional: Bird Park including transfers (2h)
This tour includes a visit the Bird Park, an environmental area that combines ecological tourism and preservation. The walking tour goes through a trail of 1000 square meters in native woods, where you have the opportunity to spot more than 900 tropical birds from 150 species. This is a unique park in South America that allows tourists to get in the aviaries to get closer to the birds. Among other attractions, there is a butterfly cage, hummingbird aviaries, and reptile sector. The Park offers a safe and comfortable infrastructure for visitors. Transfer to the airport and flight to Manaus in the Amazon region.

Manaus is the capital of Amazonas State and the hub of the whole Amazon Region. It lies on the shore of the Negro River, 6 km (4 mi) far from the point where the Negro meets the Solimoes River to form the Brazilian Amazon River. The city underwent a great development in the 2nd half of the 19th century when it became rubber boomtown, in part because of the invention of the process of vulcanization. Swiftly transformed into a European-like capital, it was the first Brazilian city to have trolley buses and the second to have electric illumination on the streets. In the beginning of the 20th century, Manaus rubber market collapsed, and the city declined into poverty. Nowadays Manaus is a busy commercial centre, after having been transformed into a Free Trade Zone in 1966.

Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel in Manaus. Depending on the flight schedule and if time allows, the following optional tour can be booked at our office:

Optional: Half day Ecological Tour Fauna & Flora (4h)
Leaving the hotel to visit the Bosque da Ciência - INPA (Amazonas National Research Institute), for a guided tour to observe the local fauna and flora in a natural forest, the current research project. Between them, the project to preserve the Peixe boi (Trichecus inunguis). The Bosque da Ciência is an ecological park inaugurated in 1995, in celebration of 40 years of INPA foundation. There, it is possible to observe some animals that is live freely in the park, as well as the vegetation including fruit, medicinal and regional trees like Mahogany. Visit also the Army Zoo with where more than 76 spices of Amazonian animals are a held in nicely and clean surrounding, rounded by preserved forest with structure able to shelter animals from local fauna with care of the veterinary. (Only possible if you arrive in Manaus by 3:00 p.m. at the latest).

Overnight: Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus (Standard - 4-star Superior room)/Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus (Superior - 4-star Deluxe room), Manaus (1 night) (B)

Day 07: Manaus/Amazon

Transfer to the pier to start the Amazon Ecopark Lodge experience. Continue to the lodge where you will be welcomed with local juices.

The Amazon Ecopark Lodge is located in Rio Tarumã – a tributary of Rio Negro – approximately one hour from Manaus airport (30 minutes by boat from the Tropical Hotel pier), in the middle of the Amazon Forest. Over 6 miles of jungle trails enable the client to explore the jungle, orchids and giant trees. Amazon Ecopark Lodge offers 60 apartments in 20 bungalows (3 each), made of wood. The apartments entrance, porch and bathroom are completely independent, are all air conditioned, with hot shower and screened windows. Rustic, but also charming decorated. Explore the variety of the flora and fauna of the Amazon region during various excursions on foot or with a canoe such as Jungle Trekking, visit to the Orchid Garden and the Lake of the “Quelônios” turtles, visit to a "Caboclo´s" house, fishing or a canoe tour at night.

Overnight: Amazon Ecopark (Standard room)/Amazon Ecopark (Superior room), Amazon (2 nights) (B, L, D)

**Please Note:
1) The Lodge Package is shared with international travellers and accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
2) Activities according to Lodge’s schedule to be defined on the spot. All tours include bilingual guide assistance. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions as well as availability.

Day 08: Amazon

Depart from the lodge on board of a regional double deck boat; the boat will go down the Negro River navigating along the shore of the City of Manaus, allowing you to enjoy view of the Amazonas Theatre, the Port of Manaus, the Customs and the interesting aspects of the local life - the stilt houses for instance.

Arrival at The Meeting of the Waters, a spectacular merge of Negro and Solimões Rivers. From this point on, both rivers form the famous Amazon River that runs all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Their waters run together for about 12km, side by side, without mingling. The phenomenon happens due to differences in temperature, density and speed of the waters from both rivers. (B, L, D)

Day 09: Amazon/Manaus

After breakfast transfer back to Manaus.

During a panoramic city tour you will see the main sights of Manaus, such as the old part of Manaus that is a reminder from the rubber boom of the end of the last century, the São Sebastião Square, the customs office pre-fabricated in Liverpool and shipped to Manaus almost 100 years ago, the clock tower (called little Big Ben), the Matriz Square, Cathedral and the Municipal Market. You will also make a photo stop at the Opera House built almost entirely from European materials during the rubber boom and inaugurated in 1896.

Overnight: Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus (Standard - 4-star Superior room)/Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus (Superior - 4-star Deluxe room), Manaus (1 night) (B)

Day 10: Manaus/Salvador da Bahia (Flight)

In the morning leave Manaus and take a flight to Salvador da Bahia. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Salvador da Bahia is called by Brazilians “Land Of Happiness” because life there is a constant celebration of happiness. It is also called “The Land of All Saints”, not only for its location by the All Saints Bay, but also for the deep and extensive mysticism of its people. Salvador is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet, a world of beauty, magic, traditions and warm hospitality. It has its own special identity, almost a country within itself. The city is bounded by the ocean to the East and by All Saints Bay to the South.

Overnight: Novotel Rio Vermelho (Standard - 4-star)/Hotel Fera Palace (Superior - 5-star), Salvador da Bahia (2 nights) (B)

Day 11: Salvador da Bahia

The focus of the historical city tour will be on the city sites related to the colonial Brazil and Afro-Brazilian history, taking advantage of Pelourinho being the greatest baroque neighbourhood outside Europe, declared by UNESCO a world heritage site. If you're a history buff, there are lots of centuries-old buildings churches and even museums to tour. You will have the chance to see a little of the new and the old city.

Beginning in the Barra neighbourhood, with the Atlantic Ocean view and the first lighthouse of the American continent, at the Saint Antony Fort. Continue through the traditional neighbourhoods of Corredor da Vitória, Campo Grande (big outdoor scene for Salvador’s carnival). Then, stop at the Municipal Square, and from there, you will have a view of the lower city and the Bay of All Saints. Then, towards Pelourinho, you walk along the narrow and stone-paved streets, seeing all this important site of Brazil colonial roots. In addition to many beautiful churches, and buildings, the promenade will have its end at Terreiro de Jesus square. (B)

Day free at leisure to explore on your own or take an optional tour, extra charge:

Optional: Bahia by night: show & dinner
Enjoy regional Bahia food at a typical restaurant followed by a colourful dance and music show presenting Bahia’s rich Afro-Brazilian culture.

Day 12: Depart Salvador da Bahia

Transfer from the hotel to the airport and flight back home. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
Email us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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