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Brazil Tours and Travel

Suggested Packages / Rio / Amazon / Pantanal / Iguassu / Salvador / Chapada Diamantina / Ilha Grande / Buzios
Paraty / Natal / Brasilia / Bonito / Fernando de Noronha / Florianopolis / Itacare / Chapada dos Veadeiros / Praia do Forte
Northeast 4x4 / Rio Grande do Sul / Ouro Preto/ Lencois Marenhenses / Curitiba Area / Morro de Sao Paulo / Group Suggestions

Rio Tours and Travel Packages

Rio is one of the cities on everybody's list of places to see:

• The American magazine Travel and Leisure elected the city of Rio de Janeiro the best destination in Latin America, receiving the prize “The World’s Best Awards 2003”. The same magazine has pointed Rio as one of the 5 world’s best destinations.
  
• The city of Rio was chosen, in a research carried out in two American universities – the University of Michigan and the University of California – as World Capital of Friendliness.
  
• A research among the readers of Recommend magazine had Rio chosen as the best Honeymoon destination in South America.
  
• Rio Carnival was elected by visitors of the Site Fun Party as the Best Party in the World.
  
• The World Travel Awards gave Rio de Janeiro and RIOCENTRO respectively the prizes for best tourist destination in South America and best Conventions Center in South America.
  
• Home of the 2016 Olympics and the happiest people in the world, according to a Forbes survey!

We can arrange all of the classic Rio tours in the area as well as some that are off the tourist path, but very rewarding.

***See Active Tours in the Rio Area - hiking, biking, kayaking, ***

Here is a sample Rio tour itinerary with the most popular tours
(we can delete tours to bring the price down):

Day 1 - arrive Rio. After getting your luggage and going through customs, walk out the exit door and look for a person holding a sign with your name on it. He will transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon you will be taken to the top of Corcovado mountain. From here the visitor can see nearly the entire city of Rio. Also located here is the Christ the Redeemer statue, 38 meters high. From any place in the city, the visitor can see the most beautiful postcard of Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer statue on the mountain of Corcovado, located at 710 meters above the sea level and inaugurated in 1931. This tour begins in Cosme Velho's neighborhood from where the cog train starts a trip through the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, up to the statue. Once there, a panoramic and extraordinary view of Rio will be seen including the Sugar Loaf, the Guanabara Bay, the beaches of Southern Zone and the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. After the visit of the Corcovado, the tour will continue to São Conrado area with a brief stop at the Pepino beach from where you can appreciate the flight of the hang gliding.

Day 2 - breakfast, then you will be picked up for a Sugarloaf tour. This tour begins with a drive through downtown Rio, passing by the Sambodrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral, in pyramid form, with internal diameter of 96 meters and height of 80 meters. Get to know the traditional Cinelândia square with the historical buildings, the Municipal Theater, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. By taking the Aterro do Flamengo, you will be taken to the neighborhood of Urca where it is located one of the largest symbols of the city: the Sugar Loaf. This visit is made in two steps by cable car. The first cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill which is 215 meters high and from where one can have a beautiful view from the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói bridge and Corcovado hill. From this stage, a second cable car will be taken up to the top with 395 meters to find a splendid view from Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress and some beaches of Niterói You will be delivered back to your hotel again at the end. Cost of cable car is included in the fare.Free afternoon.

Day 3 - breakfast, then choose from an optional tour from the list below:

Enter the Tijuca Rain Forest on a open jeep where is possible to see the contrast between the "Stone jungle and a tropical forest in the middle of a big city." We pass by the "Cachoeira dos macacos" (monkey's waterfall) At "Vista Chinesa" (chinese view) where you can take pictures, we explain the history of the reforestation process of that forest and the importance of the "Mata Atlântica" (Atlantic Forrest). We also pass by "the Mesa do Imperador" (emperor's table), Cascatinha (Taunay's waterfall), and Capela Mayrink (Mayrink chapel). Trekking of approximately 1 hour through an easy trail, where the botanical aspect is developed. Passengers will have straight contact with the local nature ecosystem. During this tour we will be able to see different types of tropical fruits, trees, animals like monkeys, various kind of birds and butterflies.

or

This tour begins at the historical center of Rio de Janeiro. The architectural assemblage of Praça XV, Teles' Arch, France-Brasil House (old Royal Customhouse), the Benedictine Monastery and the Lapa Arches are samples of the Brazilian colonial architecture - up to the 18th century. From the Brazilian imperial times - 19th century - the samples are the Banco do Brasil Cultural Center, the Municipal Theater, the Fine Arts Museum and the Public Library. Next we visit Sta.Teresa, a traditional district with a mild climate and big houses from the beginning of the century, built mainly by English railroad managers. In our days, it became an art center with lots of craftsmanship galleries and the only district in Rio where we can find the trolley car. (min. of 5 people to operate)

or

Schooner tour of Guanabara Bay. It is the largest bay of the world in volume of water; it has several islands, as the Governor’s island, Fundão and Snakes Island. In the west margin we see Rio de Janeiro, and East the municipal district of Niteroi. Neighborhoods of Botafogo, Flamengo, Urca, Sugar Loaf, Fort São Joao, Flagstone Island, Santa Cruz Fortress, Rio- Niteroi Bridge and all other surrounding beauty are seen from a different perspective as we as we leave “Marina da Gloria " by Saveiro (schooner). (operates Mon.-Sat.)

Day 4 - breakfast, then free day till you are transferred to the airport (if you have an evening flight out, why not add another optional tour?)

Sample 2012 Price per person in US$ for Rio only (many other hotels available):

These prices include transfer in with guide, standard rooms in hotels with breakfasts, group tours, transfer out with driver. We can price for private tours and upgraded rooms. Prices change for holidays and special occassions. The hotels have many rate categories and we used prices valid for much of the year in order to simplify the chart. We can customize the package to fit your desires.

extension to Buzios:
Just 105 miles from Rio de Janeiro, a pleasant 2-hour trip takes you to the peninsula of Búzios, whose more than 20 magnificent beaches and crystal-clear water contrast with the exuberantly sculptured landscape and exotic vegetation, which a prodigal "Mother Nature" has privileged with a wonderful year-round summer. Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders, this happy mixture of many bloods prospered and became a picturesque fishing village, elected one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world, famous for its unique combination of rustic charm, architectural harmony, incredible beauty and sophisticated boutiques and restaurants frequented by discerning visitors who come from all over the world to savour its magic.

Extension to Paraty:
A beautiful colonial city, considered a National Historical Monument, it preserves until today its countless natural and architectural charms. Explore on foot the historical center of Paraty, free of cars , and you will travel back in time, where walking has to be done in a leisurely pace due to the irregular rounded cobblestone pavement of its streets. The construction of its old housing and churches reflect a certain style of that time and the mysterious masonry symbols which decorate its walls, lead our imagination back to the old times of Brazil. The prohibition of motorized vehicles in the Center certainly adds to this feeling of a "time travel"

Extension to Ilha Grande:
a fascinating tropical paradise with more than one hundred beaches squeezed among mountains and the Atlantic forest, only a few hours drive from Rio de Janeiro. Ilha Grande has a cozy infrastructure of Inns. You can choose between village and beach, electric energy or the moon light. Our suggestion: Ilha Grande is an ecological paradise so, forget the urban life. Make sure you visit the waterfalls, walk on the trails into the woods and and do the indispensable schooner cruise around the Island. You might want to stay at the Adventure Spa for a total experience.

Extension to Petropolis, Tiradentes, Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto is a masterpiece of colonial Brazilian architecture and art. In fact, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. The former mining center of Congonhas is blessed with the twelve prophets sculpted in soapstone and the figures of the Stations of the Cross, completed from 1796 to 1799. The life-size sculptures constitute Brazil's most important artistic treasure. The architectonic and artistic complex of the Bom Jesus dos Matosinhos Basílica was recognized as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco in 1985. Tiradentes has plenty of colorful, harmonious colonial houses. The town seems to have been frozen in time, and attracts tourists seeking both peace and quiet cultural events.

Day Trips from Rio

HISTORIC RIO
This is an unusual walking tour which gives the visitor a feeling for the legends and stories woven around the narrow streets and old historical buildings of downtown Rio. The walk includes a visit to many interesting points, such as the São Bento Monastery, Candelaria (the candle-makers), Praça XV, the "Travessa do Mercado", Imperial Palace, the cultural centre located in the beautifully-restored Banco do Brasil, the Casa França-Brasil, Ouvidor (the listeners) Street and Gonçalves Dias Street with the traditional Colombo Coffee Shop. The walk continues on down Uruguaiana Street, Carioca Square up to the Metropolitan Cathedral where passengers will meet the transportation that will take them back to their hotels. This is an unusual walking tour which gives the visitor a feeling for the legends and stories woven around the narrow streets and old historical buildings of downtown Rio. The walk includes a visit to many interesting points, such as the São Bento Monastery, Candelaria (the candle-makers), Praça XV, the "Travessa do Mercado", Imperial Palace, the cultural centre located in the beautifully-restored Banco do Brasil, the Casa França-Brasil, Ouvidor (the listeners) Street and Gonçalves Dias Street with the traditional Colombo Coffee Shop. The walk continues on down Uruguaiana Street, Carioca Square up to the Metropolitan Cathedral where passengers will meet the transportation that will take them back to their hotels.
Tour/Package Length: 4 Hours
Departure Times: 2:00 PM - Days of Week:--Tuesday through Friday

CORCOVADO AND SANTA TERESA DISTRICT
At the Corcovado Hill, located in the Tijuca Atlantic Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, is the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of Rio’s most famous postcards. The Corcovado Hill, together with D.Marta belvedere, is a mandatory tour in Rio for the beauty of the sightseeing from both locations. From the Corcovado, we can see the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the Botanical Garden. From the D. Marta belvedere, the main attractions are, the Maracanã stadium, the Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf. This tour includes a visit to Sta. Teresa, a traditional district with a mild climate and big houses from the beginning of the century, built mainly by English railroad managers. In our days, it became an art center with lots of craftsmanship galleries and the only district in Rio where we can find the trolley car.
Route: Pick-up in convertible Jeeps at the hotel –Cosme Velho Street – stop at Corcovado - stop at D.Marta belvedere – Sta. Teresa District – Lapa Arches - return to the hotel.
Minimum of pax: 02. Duration: 3 hours
Pick-up time: 9:00 am and 2:00 pm (subject to changes)

TIJUCA FOREST AND BOTANICAL GARDEN
The Botanical Garden, created in 1817 by the king D.João IV, bound for the culture of exotic plants brought form allover the world, is a unique park due its the variety of species. Among them, we can find the Imperial Palm Trees, huge water lilies (Victorias-Regias), and some Red Wood trees (Pau Brasil) almost extinguished in the Atlantic Forest. Also, in its famous greenhouse, there are more than 500 kinds of orchids. Next, we visit the Tijuca Atlantic Forest, the largest urban forest in the world stopping at the Chinese View belvedere with a magnificent view of the Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, the Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf. During the tour, usually we can see tropical animals like monkeys, monkeys sloths and exotic birds.
On the way back to the hotel, we stop at the Pepino Beach to watch the hang gliders.
Minimum of pax : 4 Duration: 4 hours

NIGHT ON THE TOWN
Music and fun are key ingredients of Rio’s exciting nightlife! This atmosphere is brought to life at Plataforma’s nightly Carnaval Parade show... an experience of live music, brilliant costumes, rhythmic drumming and unbelievable dancing!Afterwards, passengers are returned to their hotels.
Tour/Package Length: 3Hours
Days of Week: daily

Full Day Sugarloaf and Corcovado
See the best of Rio, including Sugarloaf and Corcovado, in a full day tour that includes lunch (but not beverages)

Petropolis
The city of Petrópolis is located 60 km away from Rio and it's called the Imperial City since the Emperor Pedro II, enchanted by its fresh climate and beauty, bought a large property in 1830. Settled by the germans, Petrópolis keeps the memory of Brazilian history with its buildings and charming streets. This tour starts with the visit to the Imperial Museum which has been the summer residence of the emperor D. Pedro II and that keeps furniture and objects such as the crown of gold, pearls and diamonds used by D. Pedro I and D. Pedro II. The tour will continue on the Gothic Cathedral where Princess Isabel was buried along with the tombstones of D. Pedro II and his wife and then the Crystal Palace, built in France and mounted in Brazil, destined to shelter exhibitions and great parties promoted by Princess Isabel.
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

Burle Marx & Casa do Pontal
Roberto Burle Marx is internationally known as one of the most important landscape architects of the 20th century. An artist of multiple facets, besides being a landscape designer he was also a remarkable painter, sculptor, singer, and jewelry designer, with a sensibility that is shown throughout his work. Born in São Paulo in August 4th, 1909, Roberto Burle Marx moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1913. During the years of 1928 and 1929 he studied painting in Berlin - Germany, where he was often seen at the Dahlem Botanic Garden's greenhouses. In this garden he noticed for the first time the beauty of the tropical plants and the Brazilian flora. His first landscape project was a private garden for a house designed by the Architects Lucio Costa and Gregory Warchavchik in 1932. Since then, his landscape works improved as well as his painting and drawing. In 1949, he bought a 365,000 square meter estate in Barra de Guaratiba, in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, where he started to organize his big collection of plants. In 1985, he donated this estate to a federal government cultural organization, Pró-Memória National Foundation, which is nowadays called National Institute for Cultural Heritage - IPHAN. Roberto Burle Marx died in Rio de Janeiro in 1994, at the age of 84.

Sitio Burle Marx - In an area estimated in 100 acres, Burle Marx could bring together one of the most important collections of semi-tropical and tropical plants of the world. This valuable collection is considered a National Monument since 1985.
Casa do Pontal - The museum stands on one of the most beautiful sites of Rio de Janeiro, in a pleasant country house and grounds at Recreio dos Bandeirantes, between the sea and the Serra de Grumari Ecological Reserve. This is the largest museum of Brazilian Folk Art. The only one in Brazil to afford a comprehensive view of the life and culture of the Brazilian people.

09:00h -Transfer from hotel to Recreio Dos Bandeirantes, where Sitio Burle Marx is located.
10:00AM -Arrive in the Sitio Burle Marx and visit gardens, plant houses, 17th century chapel, museum.
14:00PM - Board on transfer from Burle Marx to Casa do Pontal
14:30PM - Arrive at Casa do Pontal and visit the biggest collection of folklore art; 5000 statues by 200 artists.