Highlights
- Visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro
- Enjoy the beautiful island and beaches along the Ilha Grande
- View the river phenomenon known as the Meeting of the Waters
- Go piranha fishing and embark on a nighttime nature tour in the Amazon
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 2 | Rio de Janeiro, Full-Day City Tour | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 4 | Fly to Manaus | Manaus |
| Day 5 | Visit Meeting of the Waters & Transfer to Amazon Jungle Lodge | Careiro |
| Day 6 | Amazon Jungle Lodge: Hiking, Fishing, and Nocturnal Nature Tour | Careiro |
| Day 7 | Depart from Manaus |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! A driver will pick you up at the airport to transport you to your hotel. After check-in, spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city at your own pace, before tomorrow’s full-day city tour.
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro, Full-day city tour
Today, spend some time getting to know Rio's main attractions. Take a full-day city tour to visit landmarks and natural monuments. The tour kicks off in Corcovado, where the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer is located.
The tour continues toward the scenic Tijuca Forest. Next, visit Maracanã Stadium to learn about the history of the World Cup Finals from 1950 and 2014. The tour continues toward the Sambadrome, which is the stage of the Samba School Parades performances during the Rio de Janeiro Carnival. Then, pass by the Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião, the patron of the city.
Enjoy a nice lunch at a local steakhouse (with vegetarian options included). Then, venture toward the Sugar Loaf complex, to board the famed cable car. Stationed nearby, visit Morro da Urca, which is located by the side of Praia Vermelha beach and the old Casino of Urca. The tour concludes with stops at the most famous beaches in the city: Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.
Note: During Carnival, the tour is shortened to include only Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf. To take advantage of the full tour, you must arrive in Rio a few days prior to Carnival.
Day 3: Day trip to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande
Today, take a day trip to Angra dos Reis, which is the coastal city that is home to Ilha Grande. Along the bay are an impressive 365 islands—so, if you could visit one per day, it would take an entire year to see them all.
The tour starts in air-conditioned transportation from Rio de Janeiro toward Costa Verde, a region that runs from the southern coast of Rio to the north coast of São Paulo. After 2 hours, arrive in Angra dos Reis, and launch into a boat tour around the bay of Ilha Grande and the main islands of the region. Make sure to pack a swimsuit to get the most out of the scenic, seaside excursion. The tour will include a lunch break. After your visit, head back to Rio, and enjoy your last night on the town on your own.
Day 4: Fly to Manaus
Today, make the transfer from your accommodation in Rio to the airport. After arriving in Manaus, meet a local guide who will transfer you to your accommodation.
Located on the banks of the Negro River in northwestern Brazil, Manaus is the capital of the Amazon region. It is a gateway to and from the Amazon rainforest. Take some time to explore on your own today:
- Visit the Amazon Theatre, a grand opera house located in the rainforest
- Shop at Mercado Adolpho, a historic marketplace that offers crafts and food
- Stroll the Manaus Botanical Gardens MUSA, a garden within a forest
Continue enjoying the evening at your leisure.
Day 5: Visit Meeting of the Waters & transfer to Amazon Jungle Lodge
Today, depart from Manaus Hotel to the Port of Ceasa. Arriving at Port of Ceasa, transfer by speedboat to the Careiro community, with a short stop at the Meeting of the Waters—a brown, muddy river phenomenon—to take some photos. Then, transfer by car or minibus to the Mamorí river. Along the way, there is a stop to photograph the Vitória Régia, as well.
Board a speedboat, and keep an eye out for birds, alligators, and other animals. Then, arrive at the Amazon Jungle Lodge and have some lunch. After lunch, embark on a canoe trip to get acquainted with the area. Then, return to the lodge to enjoy dinner.
Day 6: Amazon Jungle Lodge: Hiking, fishing, and nocturnal nature tour
After breakfast, take a morning walk in the jungle. An expert guide will teach you all about medicinal plants, survival techniques, and the local flora and fauna.
Next, take a break to enjoy the lunch buffet. Then, spend the afternoon out on the water fishing for piranhas. Then, return to the lodge to enjoy a buffet-style dinner, followed by a night tour. The nocturnal excursion will allow you to explore wildlife after sundown. Keep a close watch for alligators, especially.
Day 7: Depart Manaus
Enjoy breakfast, and head back to Manaus. A transfer will be provided from Amazon Jungle Lodge to the airport in Manaus, or the hotel, if you plan to extend your stay. Safe travels!
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