What to expect
Rio de Janeiro Carnival
Experience the world's greatest party
Natural Wonders
Admire the jaw-dropping Iguazú Falls
Iconic Landmarks
Ride a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain
Boat Tour
Explore Paraty Bay's secluded beaches
About this trip...
What's Included
Internal flight & transfers-
Airport taxes & charges for internal flight
Double/Twin room for single use
Breakfast daily, 7 dinners & 6 lunches
Iguazu falls entrance to Argentinean National Park and Brazil National Park-
Schooner cruise over Guanabara Bay
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Schooner cruise to Cotia Island
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Tickets to Sambadrome Carnival Winners' Parade
-
Transportation, guides and entrance fees: Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain Statue of Christ, Maracana Football Stadium, Paraty city tour, Jeep tour Waterfalls & Cachaça destillery
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Itinerary
- Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
- Rio de Janeiro
- Rio de Janeiro
- Carnival Winners' Parade
- Day at leisure in Rio de Janeiro
- Rio de Janeiro - Paraty
- Paraty
- Paraty
- Paraty - Iguazú Falls via Rio de Janeiro
- Iguazú Falls Brazil NP
- Iguazú Falls Argentina NP
- Departure Day
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
- Dinner Included
- Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana
Day Two: Journey to Sugarloaf Mountain & Maracana Football Stadium
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Maracana Football Stadium, to include a visit inside. Getting to know the backstage of Maracanã and, of course, getting close to the sacred lawn of the stage for the finals of two World Cups and an edition of the Olympic Games is once again possible. Those who go to the stadium can visit the historical collection, the mixed zone, one of the locker rooms, the players’ warm-up room and the press conference area. In the locker room, a video with historic football moments serves as a warm-up for the highest point of the day - entering the pitch.
In addition to the lawn, in the historic collection area, visitors will also be able to see items related to players who marked their names in the history of the stadium, such as Pelé, Garrincha and Zico. On display are, among other items, a Brazil number 7 shirt worn by Mané in the 1962 World Cup and the ball and net from the game of the thousandth goal of the King of football (Vasco x Santos, in 1969).
We will have lunch at Galeto Sats Botafogo (no drinks included).
After lunch we continue via Flamengo Park, with its beautiful landscape by Burle Marx, until reaching the traditional and residential Urca neighbourhood and Praia Vermelha cable car station. Here, we board a glass cable car to travel up the Urca mountain (mid-way station/first stage) to see its gardens and look-out points. The second part of the ride takes us to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, 1300 ft. above sea level (second stage). At the top, majestic views of Rio de Janeiro’s Guanabara Bay await us.
Sugar Loaf is powerfully positioned at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, where Rio’s Marina is located. It is a group of two mountains, with one called Urca Mountain and the other called Sugar Loaf. The original cable cars were inaugurated in 1912. In 1972, the construction of a new aerial path was concluded within new standards and using modern technology. During the day, our local guide will introduce us to a taste of the cultural, historical and lifestyle aspects of Rio de Janeiro.
This evening, we transfer to Belmont Leme Restaurant, located in the Leme Area for dinner - a three-course Brazilian menu (drinks not included).
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana
Day Three: Christ The Redeemer
This morning, we have a half day (4 hrs) tour to Corcovado Mountain Statue of Christ. It is Rio’s second world-famous landmark. The ‘Corcovado-Mountain’ with the statue of Christ The Redeemer, is a must for the visitors of this city. It is set right in the ‘Tijuca Rainforest National Park’, the largest urban park in the world, found in the heart of the city of Rio, being considered by locals as the ‘lung of the city’. From Copacabana, the bus takes the route through tunnel ‘Rebouças’, which intersects the surrounding mountain range, reaching the “Laranjeiras District”.
From here, a cogwheel train, constructed by Swiss engineers, takes visitors up, passing lovely parts of the forest allowing visitors to have panoramic views of the city while climbing up. Finally, after reaching the mountain top, escalators are available, as well as an elevator to assist us reaching the statue, which stands at 28 meters in height and offers the most incredible views of the city.
After lunch we enjoy a cultural tour of Rio and visit iconic sites like Olympic Boulevard, Tomorrow Museum (outside), Metropolitan Cathedral, Selaron Steps, Municipal Theater (external) before we return to our hotel.
- Breakfast & Lunch Included
- Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana
Day Four: Carnival Winners' Parade
Today we have busy day and night ahead! After breakfast, we board a schooner for a cruise around Guanabara Bay. We enjoy views of the Villegaignon Island and its fortress, the beach districts that surround the bay; 'Flamengo' - a result of the largest urban project in Brazil, 'Botafogo' - which features the Monument to Estácio de Sá who founded Rio de Janeiro city, and Urca - a district where one of the most important symbols of the city can be seen – the Sugarloaf. View São João Fortress, which marks the entrance of Guanabara Bay and the Santa Cruz Fortress, built in 1555. These two fortresses were built to protect the harbour of the city from eventual invaders.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana
Day Five: Day at Leisure - Rio de Janeiro
After our fabulous evening, we enjoy a full day at leisure in Rio de Janeiro.
- Breakfast Included
- Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana
Day Six: A scenic drive to Paraty
Today we transfer to Paraty. We can enjoy the drive from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty (approx 5 hrs), experiencing scenic landscapes, nature and history along the way.
Paraty, a stunning colonial city, is revered as both a National and World Historical Monument, preserving a myriad of natural and architectural wonders. Upon arrival we will have lunch at a local restaurant (no drinks included).
After check-in, we embark on a two-hour historical walking tour of the city. Paraty was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognised for its natural and cultural wealth, which also earned it the title of Creative City of Gastronomy. The City Tour is a pleasant walk, accompanied by an expert guide who will take the participants on a journey through time. We visit beautiful art workshops, churches, and mansions in the city. With irregular sidewalks, thick decorated walls, colonial townhouses with iron balconies and symbols of Masonic culture, these represent the essence of the historic centre of Paraty. At the end of our walk, there is a stop to taste cachaça and spirits at the local Cachaçarias.
We have an evening at leisure which gives us the chance to enjoy the historical city on our own and maybe dinner at one of the local charming restaurants located in the historic centre of Paraty.
- Breakfast & Lunch Included
- Hotel Pousada Condessa
Day Seven: Boat Tour through Paraty Bay & Cotia Island
After breakfast, we walk from our hotel to the pier to embark on a schooner boat tour at Paraty Bay and Cotia Island (approx 5 hrs). The tour through the Bay of Paraty and its surroundings allows us to appreciate the natural beauty and exuberant vegetation. The waters behind the island are so well protected, it feels like a swimming pool. We stop at the best places for snorkelling and see the best beaches in the region. We enjoy lunch on board the boat which includes a mineral water. A float, mask and snorkel are also provided. Important: Wear comfortable clothes, swimsuit, hat, towel, sunglasses, repellent and sunscreen.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Hotel Pousada Condessa
Day Eight: Paraty
Today we take part in a fantastic jeep tour (approx. 4 hrs). We travel inside the National Park of Serra da Bocaina - also known as the ‘trekking paradise in Brazil’ - visiting several waterfalls, distilleries of cachaça and the beginning of the famous Gold trail. Lunch will be served at Engenho D’Ouro Restaurant, with local cuisine. The evening can be enjoyed at leisure in Paraty.
- Breakfast & Lunch Included
- Hotel Pousada Condessa
Day Nine: Paraty - Iguazu Falls via Rio de Janeiro
Today we transfer from Paraty (Approx. 5 hours) to Sao Paulo Congonhas Airport for our internal flight to Iguazu Falls - our next destination. Upon arrival, we meet our local guide and transfer to the hotel to relax. In the evening we have a dinner at the hotel (drinks not included)
- Breakfast & Dinner Included
- Wyndham Golden Foz Suites
Day Ten: Iguazu Falls
After breakfast at our hotel, we have a private half- day guided tour (4 hrs) of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls - considered one of the 'Wonders of the World'. Here we will see the waters of the Paraná River plunge through 32 individual falls into a 2.5-mile-wide, 200-foot precipice. We can admire the jaw-dropping series of waterfalls and enjoy unforgettable scenery. In the evening, we have dinner at the hotel (drinks not included)
- Breakfast & Dinner Included
- Wyndham Golden Foz Suites
Day Eleven: Iguazu Falls
Today we cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, encountering incredible views of the Iguazu Canyon en-route to the Iguazu National Park in Argentina. We visit the upper and lower walkways which allow a different perspective and more intimate contact with the falls adjoining rainforest, filled with orchids, bromeliads, birds and other wildlife. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the suspended platform at the very brink of the Devil’s Throat – the largest of the waterfalls.
- Breakfast & Dinner Included
- Wyndham Golden Foz Suites
Day Twelve: Departure Day
After breakfast, we will get ready to head to the Iguazú Falls Airport for our flight back.
- Breakfast Included
Accommodation
Brazil
- Three-star Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana - 5 Nights
- Three-star Pousada Condessa - 3 Nights
- Four-star Wyndham Golden Foz Suites - 3 Nights
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking on several trails, so it’s crucial to bring comfortable shoes. Closed-toe athletic or hiking shoes are recommended.
- Sunscreen: The area around Iguazu Falls is located in the north of Argentina (south of Brazil), and the sun can be intense during the summer. Carry your sunscreen with you to protect your skin.
- Hat: Don’t forget to pack a hat to protect your head from the sun.
- Insect Repellant: As a subtropical jungle area, Iguazu Falls has many mosquitoes and insects. Prevent mosquito bites with insect repellent.
- Clothing: Light clothing or a bathing suit is recommended as you will get wet. Depending on the weather and the season, it’s a good idea to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect against sunburn and mosquito bites. It’s also a good idea to bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket.
- Towel and Waterproof Bag: The area around the falls is wet, so don’t forget to pack a towel and a change of clothes. Carry a waterproof bag to protect your camera, lens, passport, and other items from getting wet, especially if you’re taking any of the boat navigations available in the area. Realize that no matter what, you are going to get soaked. And it’s fantastic!
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses are important to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays during summer.
- Passport: when you travel to Argentinian side.
