12 days / 11 nights

• Flamboyant Rio
• Dramatic Iguassu Falls
• Wetland wildlife in the Pantanal
• Colonial architecture and beaches in Salvador
• Choice of accommodation

Insider Access

The Santa Teresa district of Rio is a haven for artists and intellectuals. It is a charming hilly area with many colonial and 19th century buildings set in narrow, curving, tree-lined streets. Meet accomplished chef Gustavo de Avila who owns one of the most interesting and well-located mansions in the area. He welcomes A&K guests into his superbly decorated home for an evening of home cooking and entertainment.

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in Brazil’s party capital and settle into your hotel before an afternoon touring the city’s highlights and a cable car ride up the famous Sugar Loaf.
Rio de Janeiro (Choice of category)

Days 02-03 Design Your Days Rio
Plot your own course. Take a private jeep tour to enjoy awesome views from Rio’s famous landmark, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, on top of Corcovado Hill. Spend an evening in the company of acclaimed chef Osvaldo Viteri who entertains you with dinner in his mansion in the hillside Santa Teresa district. Other suggestions to satisfy your time include a 2 hour samba lesson or a scenic helicopter flight over the city (B).
Rio de Janeiro (Choice of category)

Day 04 Rio-Iguassu
A flight south to Foz do Iguacu where your hotel offers panoramic views of the Falls being the only lodging situated in the national park. Tour the Iguassu Falls, one of the world’s largest and most impressive waterfalls. From the Brazilian side stroll down the canyon for the most panoramic view of more than 240 falls and take a glass elevator up the cliff face for a view from the upper deck (B).
Tropical das Cataratas (Choice of category)

Day 05 Iguassu
For another perspective today’s visit is on the Argentine side of the Falls where walkways allow you to experience the torrent close up. Wander through the jungle, teeming with butterflies and birdlife. Venture onto the suspended platform at the brink of the ‘Devil’s Throat’, the largest of the cataracts (B).
Tropical das Cataratas (Choice of category)

Day 06 Iguassu-Pantanal
Fly to Campo Grande your access point to the Pantanal. A four hour drive takes you into the heart of this vast wetland area famous for its abundant wildlife. The Pantanal is one of the last virgin areas on the face of the earth, entirely covered by vegetation and intertwining rivers and lakes. Accommodation is on a fazenda (hacienda)-style working ranch and ecological preserve (B,L,D).
Caiman Ecological Refuge

Days 07-08 Pantanal
Two days of adventure on the lookout for wild boar, caiman, capybara, Blue macaw, anaconda and even jaguar and bob-cat. A choice of three wilderness activities is given each day including boat trips, photo safaris, alligator spotting, horse riding, farm tours and an ecological trek (B,L,D).
Caiman Ecological Refuge

Day 09 Pantanal-Salvador da Bahia
Fly back to the Atlantic coast to Salvador, Brazil’s oldest city and one of the most beautiful and interesting in the country. Settle into the hotel and enjoy your afternoon at leisure (B).
Salvador (Choice of category)

Days 10-11 Design Your Days Salvador da Bahia
Two days to explore the colourful, cobbled streets and golden beaches of this vibrant colonial city. Choose from a day of guided touring which illustrates the fascinating mix of Portuguese and African influence, wandering through the Modelo Market in the “Lower City” for the finest Brazilian arts and crafts. Or you may choose to witness a ‘capoeira’ demonstration, the martial art developed by African slaves in Brazil, now a folkloric tradition. Stop to take in the pastel-coloured colonial architecture of the Pelourinho district in the “Upper City” which is now the cultural heart of Salvador. Lunch is included with the full day tour (B).
Salvador (Choice of category)

Day 12 Depart Salvador da Bahia
A fond farewell to Brazil as you depart Salvador (B).

Note: Peak season surcharges apply Christmas, New Year, 03 - 07 February 08; 20 - 23 March 08; 20 - 24 April 08; 01 - 04 May 08. Rates for Design your Day & Optional excursions available on request.

Departure Dates & Prices

Tour Departs: Daily

Tour Departs: Daily