Brazil Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Manaus

Welcome to the gateway to the Mighty Amazon. Situated on the banks of the Rio Negro, Manaus, capital of massive Amazonas state, was founded in 1669. The storied city still displays the opulence of its rubber boom era, when it suddenly became one of the world’s most prosperous cities. Today’s Manaus serves as the Upper Amazon’s travel hub and distribution center. Balance of day to relax unwind and unpack and enjoy the ground of the hotel.
Overnight Tropical Hotel Manaus.

Day 2: Manaus – Eco Park Jungle Lodge

Morning City tour Manaus, capital of Brazil’s massive Amazonas state, was founded in 1669. During the past century’s rubber boom Manaus became one of the world’s most prosperous cities, and the opulence of those days may still be appreciated viewing the city’s magnificent Teatro Amazonas Opera House. After competition slowed the rubber industry, the city fell into decline. Today, however, Manaus is thriving once again as the Upper Amazon’s transportation hub and distribution center as well as gateway to Amazon jungle explorations.

This afternoon we transfer to the pier for a 1-hour boat-ride to Amazon Ecopark. Along the way we may see pink freshwater dolphins swimming in the river before arriving at the lodge. After a welcome drink you will visit the Monkey Jungle Reserve on an island dedicated to the rehabilitation of Amazon primates. Most of these animals have been confiscated from illegal sales and exports, and are both treated and scientifically evaluated with the purpose of eventually reintroducing them into the jungle. Macaws, parrots, toucans and huge butterflies are also seen regularly around the lodge. Dinner at the lodge is a buffet with a selection of meats, delicious Amazon fish, and a few of the many different fruits that can be found in the forest. After a spectacular Amazon sunset a guide will take you on a canoe trip to spot caiman alligators along the edges of the river. The night-time expedition will teach you how to gauge the size of the Amazon’s largest reptile by the reflections from their eyes. You may even get to hold one, but only one of the smaller ones!
Overnight at the Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Amazon Ecopark Lodge

Today we head into the Amazon Jungle on a guided trek along the trails in the area. Your expert bilingual guide will show you some of the immense variety of flora and fauna that make up the world’s largest ecosystem and will also teach you some of the techniques that have enabled people to survive in the dense jungle for millennia. You can also learn how to use traditional Amazonian Indian hunting tools like bows and arrows and blowpipes. You will also be able to see the trees that give us both rubber and chewing gum, as well as delicate orchids before returning to the lodge for lunch. Following a delicious meal a motorized canoe takes you on a guided tour to visit a local village t o learn how the native people have adapted their lives to suit the conditions and climate of the rainforest. Here you will be able to discover the different uses of some of the millions of plant species native to the Amazon, including those used for medicinal, culinary and hunting purposes. There is also an opportunity for you to go piranha fishing before returning to the lodge for the evening.
Dinner and overnight at the Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Amazon Ecopark Lodge

Today we take a boat for a full day excursion where we will see the “Meeting of the Waters”, a natural phenomenon that takes place at the confluence of the dark waters of the Rio Negro with the muddy waters of the Solimões River. Due to the differences in density, temperature and velocity the two rivers do not blend fully until several miles downstream creating this natural marvel. Continue navigating towards Lake January to view the huge Victoria Amazonica water plant. The tour also visits a rubber plantation for you to learn about the art of extracting latex from the rubber tree and the process of curing it, which led to the Amazon Rubber Boom of the 19th Century. As an optional extra one may choose to undertake a canoe trip to fish for piranha after returning to the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at the Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Amazon Jungle – Manaus / Salvador

Morning opportunity to relax in the natural pools that form in the surrounding areas. You may spend time walking the trails in the area should you choose where you can view wildlife and admire the huge trees and the tiny flowers before leaving for Manaus. Early afternoon we transfer back to the pier and to the airport for the flight to Salvador, Bahia. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 6: Salvador (City Tour, Dinner & Show)

This morning we tour the old quarter of Salvador, Brazil's first capital city founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Salvador (also known as "Bahia") is today considered to be the spiritual and cultural center of Brazil. Bahia has produced many of the country’s best writers, musicians and artists, and it is also famous for its exquisite beaches, fiery cuisine, magnificent colonial churches, and exotic voodoo sessions. This morning we enjoy a comprehensive tour of the city, including the colorful colonial quarter, with its pastel facades, ornate churches, cobblestone streets and traditional food vendors. We visit the Pelourinho colonial district, peruse the numerous galleries and music shops, interact with local artists and try the delicious Bahian cuisine. We also visit Porto da Barra, landmark of the foundation of Salvador passing along the Church of Saint Antonio of Barra, Plaza and Chuch of Vitoria, Carlos Costa Pinto Museum.

This evening a special treat as we experience the Afro-Brazilian flavor of Bahia. First, your guide will take you to the Santana Theater, located in the heart of the colonial quarter, where you will attend a fabulous show performed by the Bahian National Dance Ensemble. The show is an exotic array of African songs and ritual dances including the Candomble, Caboclo, a hunting dance, Maculele, a dance performed with a sword and a stick, and, of course, the Capoeira, the spectacular combination of martial arts and dance, which is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. After the show, your guide will walk you to one of the most traditional restaurants in Salvador, where you will be able to taste spectacular dishes of undeniable African origin.
Overnight at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 7: Salvador

Day free or take an optional tour.

Optional Praia do Forte and Projeto Tamar:
Full day excursion to Praia do Forte and Projeto Tamar (Marine Turtle Protection Project). We depart 8:00am along the Coconut Highway, providing panoramic views of the many beaches, palm and coconut trees and the lagoons that fill the Salvador’s North Shore, up to the beautiful white sanded Guarajuba Beach where cozy restaurants and bars are available. Praia do Forte, former fishing village on a beautiful Coconut-lined coast, has recently been transformed into an ecologically sensitive resort. Praia do Forte derives received its name from the Fortress in order to stimulate colonization of the Portuguese colony in the 17th Century. It is one of the biggest fortifications built in Latin America. The rainforest surrounding Praia do Forte is protected by the Sapiranga Rain Forest reserve. An interesting place to visit is the Sea Turtle Research Project (Projeto Tamar), where turtle eggs are nursed before bringing them safely to sea. Following lunch we visit the Tamar Project to learn about their work to save the sea turtles. Return to the hotel by the end of the day.
Overnight at the hotel. (B,L-optional)

Day 8: Salvador / Iguassu (Argentine side of Falls)

This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Iguassu Falls where Argentina and Brazil share borders. Here you will be treated to a sensational sound and light show brought to you courtesy of Mother Nature. A show with no intermissions - 275 separate waterfalls, spanning 2-miles, wider than Victoria, higher than Niagara and more magnificent than both. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the Das Cataratas Hotel.

This afternoon we cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River which also forms the border between Argentina and Brazil to visit the Argentine side of the falls including the national park. Upon arrival to the park we walk the paths along lush tropical basin, over and under the splashing torrents of falling water. Beautiful flowers, ferns, tropical plants, butterflies and exotic birds add to the exciting experience of close contact with nature. A short train trip will take us to the pathways leading to the Devil’s Throat, one of the most impressive points where 14 separate falls cascade down 350 foot cliff. Return to the brazil side for overnight.
Overnight at the Das Cataratas Hotel. (B)

Day 9: Iguassu (Brazil side of Falls & Macuco Safari)

More than just a thundering water falls, Iguassu is also a national park of tropical forests sheltering more than 1,100 species of birds and mammals and this morning we take an unforgettable guided walking tour to visit the Brazilian side of the falls offering the best vantage points to appreciate the wondrous spectacle. Next we join the Macuco Safari excursion combining nature and adventure. You are seated in an open trailer towed by jeep as we make our way through the forest viewing the exotic flora and fauna of the exotic remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest. At the end of the drive we walk through an old Indian track ending at the river shore along the Macuco Falls where we board zodiacs and travel upstream of the Iguassu River close to the thundering waters of the Iguassu falls. Return to the hotel for overnight.
Overnight at the Das Cataratas Hotel. (B,L)

Day 10: Iguassu / Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Rio…the very sound of it evokes images of sun, fun and rhythm of the sensuous Samba. Welcome to one of the most spectacular cities on our planet. Flanked by gorgeous mountains, white-sand beaches and verdant rainforests fronting deep blue sea, Rio occupies one of the most spectacular settings of any metropolis in the world. With the seductive sounds of sambato the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema; the restaurants and open-air cafes, the cariocas (residents of Rio) live for the moment without a care in the world. This idea of paradise has enchanted visitors for centuries. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to our hotel. Balance of day to relax, unpack and take in the magical surroundings of this magical city.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Rio de Janeiro (Full day Corcovado & Sugarloaf Mountains)

This morning we drive through the fashionable Lagoa District to the base of Corcovado Mountain for a short train ride to the summit. Here, at 2,400 feet above the city stands one of South America's most famous landmarks, the 125-foot statue of "Christ the Redeemer", one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The panorama of the city below is testament to why most visitors consider Rio to be one of the most spectacular and beautiful cities in the world. On a clear day a 360 degree panorama view covering the entire city, the beaches, the forest, mountains, Maracana (soccer) Stadium, Rio Niteroi Bridge, Botanic Garden and more. Continue to have lunch at one of Rio’s famous Churrascaria’s (barbecue house) for a sampling of Brazil’s appreciation for beef and fun eating. Here you’ll be introduced Brazil’s national cocktail, the “Caipirinha”, a traditional Brazilian drink prepared with “cachaça” (made of sugar cane). Continue our tour this afternoon as we drive along Copacabana and Ipanema, two of the world's most famous beaches as we make our way to Flamingo Park where we board the cable cars to ascend to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain - 1,200 feet of sheer rock overlooking Guanabara Bay for a breathtaking view of the beaches, a view of Corcovado with opportunity for great sunsets. Balance of day at leisure.

Optional Rio by night Dinner & Show: This evening a special treat as we set out for the Rio by night Tour. First stop for dinner at one of Rio’s best restaurants, followed by a Brazilian Extravaganza show at Plataforma where you will be treated to the contagious rhythms of the Brazilian samba with the percussion instruments unique to Brazil. The show consists of lavishly and colorfully costumed dancers and musicians presenting the richness of the nation's musical and cultural heritage. The grand finale displays some of the dazzling costumes used in the Carnival parade.
Overnight at the hotel. (B,L– D optional)

Day 12: Depart Rio de Janeiro

morning free for last minute shopping or sunbathing.
This evening transfer to the airport for the overnight flight back home. (B)

Remarks

Special rates apply over Carnival, New Year's, and certain holidays. Please inquire. U.S. Citizens require Brazilian visa. Other citizens, please inquire.

Inquire about our special airfare on TAM or American Airlines for this program.

Use the Brazil Pass for your flights within Brazil and save!