Tour description
We’ll kick off, probably quite literally, by spending one night at Sao Paulo before traveling to Foz do Iguaçu where the most impressive waterfalls in the world will be our focus of the next few days. We’ll visit both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of these extraordinary natural phenomena. But, for those who don’t just want to stand on the sidelines, an optional boat trip under the plunging water is definitely recommended.
A spectacular train-ride into the jungle
On day 5 we’ll drive to Curitiba in the heart of Brazil, a surprisingly Western city with Italian restaurants, cosy parks and squares. Then we’ll take a spectacular train-ride into the jungle, through many tunnels and alongside steep mountain cliffs, to the little coastal town of Morettes. Here we’ll enjoy a balmy micro-climate amidst mangrove forests, banana palms and tropical fruit. When in the jungle, you will have the option to go rafting, tubing or follow one of the fascinating mountain bike trails. On day 7 a six-hour scenic ride will take us back to São Paulo, a city famed for its night-life. There you’ll be able to choose from the many wonderful restaurants, bars and giant shopping malls that buzz deep into the night. Indeed, the bars and clubs stay open 24 hours a day!
Ilha Bela
On day 8 we’ll leave for Ilha Bela, or 'beautiful island'. This lush green paradise on the shores of the Atlantic is just a few hours’ drive from downtown São Paulo. The east side of the island, which is virtually-impenetrable jungle, can only be reached by 4x4s. Here we can arrange horse-riding, mountain-biking and waterfall abseiling.
Paraty
On day 11 we’ll return to the mainland and head for Paraty, a magnificent little colonial town with cobble-stone streets and cosy restaurants. Gold from the interior was shipped to Portugal through this harbour in the past. And that, not surprisingly, explains why many little islands along the coast were homes to pirates! Boat trips across the surface of these calm azure waters are a great opportunity to get to know some of these little tropical paradises, but they also offer snorkelling! What’s more there are also mountain-bike trails through the jungle.
Ilha Grande
On day 13 you’ll visit Ilha Grande, a former penal colony, where originally only prisoners and guards ever set foot ashore. It only stopped flogging inmates, and started ‘flogging’ souvenirs, in 1994. It has neither cars nor roads. But this is a blessing in disguise, encouraging you to walk through the jungle or go by boat along the coast. Incidentally, 'Lopes Mendes', the island’s westerly shore, has one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Brazil.
Rio!
Day 16 sees us taking the boat and bus to Rio and relaxing (or posing) on Copacabana’s famous beach. You can also see the Corcovado with the famous statue of Christ. Or head for the Pão de Açucar (Sugarloaf mountain) which you can ascend by cable-car. You will have four nights in this famous and exciting city.
Buzios
On day 20 we leave to spend a few days enjoying the delightful beaches and jet-set atmosphere of Buzios,the Brazilian equivalent of St. Tropez. Then on day 23 we’ll travel back to Rio where, upon arrival, the tour ends.