Day 1 – Arrival Rio de Janeiro

On arrival your local tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the Hotel Windsor Excelsior located at Atlantica Av – Copacabana. Your guide will give an arrival briefing and let you know about the area and recommend a good restaurant as well as the shopping area.

 Jammed into the world’s most beautiful setting are 6 million Cariocas, as Rio’s inhabitants are called.  The Cariocas pursue pleasure like no other people: beaches and the body beautiful; samba & music, beer & caipirinha; football and the local firewater, cachaça.

 Day 2 – Half- day tour to see Christ Statue

After breakfast you will be met by your guide in order to visit one of theSeven Wonders of the World…Christ the Redeemer.

 The tour will leave the hotel travelling along the Copacabana beach,  Lagoon Rodrigo de Freitas and the Rebouças tunnel, a2,7 kmlong complex that links the southern and northern parts of the city. Reaching the Cosme Velho train station we will embark in a Swiss cogwheel train up to the top at 710m / 2.330ft.  The view from the summit is breathtaking and were you can see Sugar Loaf mountain, the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon  the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Botanical Garden, Maracanã Football Stadium and the Financial District. After the tour you will return to your hotel leaving the remainder of your evening free to relax and explore the vibrant atmosphere of the city or to take a optional tour to the Botanical Garden.

Meals: breakfast 

Day 3 – Half-day tour to Sugar Loaf mountain

A half-day tour in private to the Sugar Loaf will start right after your beakfast . The height and unmistakable outline of Sugar Loaf makes it together with Christ the Redeemer, one of the two main attractions offering breathtaking views of Rio. Its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar.  This famous landmark is reached by cable car in two stages: first stop at Urca Hill at 236 metres, where visitors will have special view to the beaches of Botafogo and Flamengo.  After we will take the second stage cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf at 396 metresabove sea level. From the top we will see the endless beaches of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi stretching to the horizon. Set against the lush Atlantic Rainforest, the scene is dotted with historical buildings such as the Santa Cruz Fort and the miniature palace on Fiscal Island.

Meals : breakfast

Day 4 – Rio de Janeiro to Paraty

After breakfast you will check out of your hotel and be met by your driver for the private transfer by road to the stunning setting of Paraty. It will take about 4hs since the distance between the cities is 252km. There you will stay at Pousada do Corsario (DBL STD Room). The waters are crystal clear as the forest kisses the sea giving you nature’s best. The remainder of the day is at leisure but your guide will be happy to assist you in any way should you care to take any additional excursions.

Day 5 – Paraty at leisure

Paraty (or Parati)  is a preserved Portuguese colonial (1500-1822) and Brazilian Imperial (1822-1889) town. It is located on the Costa Verde (Green Coast), a lush, green corridor that runs along the coastline of the state of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil. Paraty has become a popular tourist area in recent years, renowned for the historic town and the coast and mountains in the region. Today you can explore on foot and relax by the river as your hotel offers excellent facilities. Enjoy the day exploring the fantastic coastline surrounded by islands and beaches. At the pier there are dozens of boats leaving every hour for daytrip excursions; you can just book these locally if you wish.

 Meals: breakfast

Day 6 – Paraty to Iguaçu Falls.

After breakfast you will be met by your guide and transfer back to Rio by road to the International airport for your domestic flight to Iguaçu.  On the arrival your local Guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the Hotel Das Cataratas….the only one  located  within the Iguassu National Park just a 10 minutes strolling away. As the only hotel in the National Park, guests are able to enjoy exclusive access to the falls each morning before the park opens.

The remainder of the day is to explore the Brazilian side of the Falls. Meals: breakfast 

 Day 7 – Iguaçu at leisure.

Optional tour: Enjoy the day visiting the Bird Park which is a private enterprise, situated in one of the most attractive parts of the world: near the Iguaçu Falls. Rare and colourful birds fly in the huge aviaries which have been built to blend in with the humid subtropical florest. Visitors are able to enter these aviaries and view the birds at close quarters. They will also see alligators, anacondas, pythons, marmosets and butterflies

Day 8 – Iguaçu to Buenos Aires.

Your adventure comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport for your flight to BA. Arriving into Ezeiza International airport where you will be met by your guide.  You will then be escorted to your hotel (1 hour) and you will be advised of possibilities for dining and given a short briefing on your time in this amazing city.

 Meals: breakfast        

Day 9 – City tour evening show

In the morning you will be taken on a “City Tour” of Buenos Aires(approximately 3½hrs.).  This excursion provides an opportunity to learn a little about the city of Buenos Aires. Amongst the places you will visit are Avenida 9 de Julio, Teatro Colón, Obelisco, Congreso, Viejo Congreso, Manzana de Las Luces, Plaza de Mayo, La Boca, El Caminito, Palermoand Recoleta.  You will be free during the afternoon to enjoy Buenos Airesat your leisure.  In the evening you will be picked up at your hotel in order to enjoy the Tango in an intimate environment while you enjoy a special show. The evening meal and wine are included. You will see and hear how the traditional Tango is expressed and listen to a Tango orchestra while watching a sophisticated choreography as you enjoy your festive meal.

 Meals: breakfast – evening meal

Day 10 – Full day tour

After breakfast you will travel to a traditional estancia to enjoy a day with the gauchos. On arrival, you will be welcomed and received in a small traditional outhouse with savoury empanadas (a kind of pasty), soft drinks and wine. You will then be escorted around the estancia and visit the main residence, the museum, the bakery, the stables and other building essential to the daily management of a typical Argentine estancia. You will then be given an opportunity to be driven by horse and carriage, or ride your own horse. Following the equestrian activities will be a “Gaucho Show” and an asado, a feast of roast meats, vegetables, bread and wine. While you enjoy your asado, professional dancers and singers entertain you with traditional Argentine folklore dances and songs. In the afternoon, Gauchos on horseback demonstrate their skills as they carry out their equestrian activities and games. This can be followed by a stroll around the lands of the estancia while enjoying the rural landscapes of the Argentine Pampas. There are also shops where regional crafts are available.  Late afternoon you will be returned to your hotel.

Meals: breakfast

Day 11 – flight to Esquel

In timing with your flight times you will be transferred to the airport (30 mins) where you will board a flight to Esquel (2hrs 30mins).  On arrival at Esquel airport you will be met by a representative who will escort you to your hotel. Here you will have an arrival briefing and time to relax and explore after your journey.

Day 12 – La Trochita steam train

Excursion – (am): After breakfast you will be taken to Esquel’s railway station (5 minutes) to board theLa Trochitasteam train.  One of the characteristics of the railway that the Trochita train runs along is the narrowness of its gauge of only75 centimetres(29.5 inches).  This railway has changed little since 1922 and a there are a number of unique steam engines.  The train will run to and from Nahuel Pan, some200 metres(650 feet) higher up through a ravine where you will see magnificent views of the steppe, baked from the activity of ancient volcanoes, and ofNahuel PanMountain(Mynydd Llwyd). The whole journey takes about 4 hours after which you will either be taken to your hotel.

Day 13 – transfer to Bariloche

In timing with your coach times you will be transferred to the coach terminal (5 mins) where you will board a coach to Bariloche (4hrs 30mins).  On arrival at Bariloche coach terminal you will be met by a representative who will escort you to your hotel. Here you will have an arrival briefing and time to relax and explore after your journey.

Day 14 – Excursion full day 

After breakfast you will be picked up and driven along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi until arriving to Puerto Pañuelos (20mins) where you will board a boat to take you on an excursion toVictoria Islandand the Arrayanes forest National Park. Victoria Islandrepresents an important natural reserve that also has cave paintings over 5000 years old.  The boat will dock at Puerto Anchorena at IslaVictoria. Once there, you may visit the ex-pine nursery, or ascend Bella Vista hill, at 900m (2,953ft), by chairlift that takes you through a narrow gorge of hundred year-old coíhue trees and native cypresses. The return down hill walk will take you to a series of spectacular natural vantage points. Returning to your hotel you again have the evening free to relax and enjoy the local cuisine in a restaurant.

Day 15 – Excursion full day 

Excursion (pm):  In the afternoon you will be picked up at the hotel to travel to the base of Cerro Otto. Only5 km(8 miles) away from Bariloche is the base of Cerro Otto mountain. Here there is a cable car that ascends to the revolving café at 1,405m (4,560ft) just below the summit. The revolving platform turns smoothly and with clockwork precision. The rotation speed of the restaurant is normally between 20 to 40 minutes per revolution.The summit offers varied activities: an art gallery, guided walks through the forest, cycling excursions on mountain bikes, rock climbing, sled trips and Nordic skiing in winter. Once at the summit you will enjoy the spectacular views of Nahuel Huapi and Gutierrez lakes, Tronador and Catedral mountains, and San Pedro and Llao Llao peninsulas. The cable car transports 500 people an hour and travels 2,100m (6,800ft) at a regular speed of3 metersper second in both descent and ascent. The journey is completely protected against weather conditions as the 42 cars are enclosed and fully glazed.

Day 16 – transfer to Calafate

In timing with your flight times you will be transferred to the airport (20 mins) where you will board a flight to El Calafate.  Upon arrival you will be met and escorted you to your hotel were you will have a short briefing on your time in this area.

Day 17 – Excursion full day

After breakfast you will be picked up the hotel to travel toLosGlaciaresNational Park(1 hour). The tour to the Perito Moreno glacier begins along the shores of Lake Lago Argentino on the right while observing the botanical transition between vegetation of the Patagonian steppe to that of Andean Patagonian, consisting of ‘lenga’ and ‘nire’ beech trees, and intensely coloured flowers, among which the redness of Embothrium (Chilean Firetree) stands out.

Once inside the National Park, you will be able to amble along the long and wide walkways, arranged on three different levels, from where we will be dazzled by the spectacular views of the Perito Moreno Glacier, further enhanced every now and then by the rupture, sometimes significant, of its front wall.

The national park has a surface area of some 6,000 km2 (2,316 miles2) with 47 glaciers, namely the Viedma, Moyano, Marconi, Upsala, Agassiz, Bolado, Onelli, Peineta, Spegazzini, Mayo, Ameghino, Moreno and the Frías glaciers, all of them located within the Atlantic basin.

Day 18 – Excursion full day

After breakfast you will be picked up the hotel to travel to Punta Banderas (47 km30 mins) where you will embark on an amazing lake voyage to the heart of the ice cap. The tour starts at the Punta Banderas quay, sailing the northern arm of Lago Argentino toward the Upsala glacier, the largest glacier of the Patagonian ice cap and has walls of between 60-80 meters(200-265 ft) in height. You will then navigate along the 6km front wall of the glacier and then head for Onelli bay.  At Onelli bay you may disembark and start an 800 meter(0.5 miles) walk through a typical Andean-Patagonian forest, with abundant ‘lenga’ and ‘ñire’ beech trees, and ‘guindo’ cherry plum trees, leading to Lago Onelli where you will see the convergence of the Onelli, Bonelli and Agassi glaciers sliding through the valley outlined by their neighbouring mountains.  The voyage continues to the Upsala glacier, with an area of 595 Km² (230 miles²), which produces the largest and most amazing icebergs due to their shapes and shades. The journey will return you to Punta Banderaand El Calafate.

Day 19 – free day to rest or explore further

Today you are free to enjoy the town ofEl Calafate. Suggestions are to visit the natural history museum Museo de El Calafate, or wander to Laguna Nimez on the shores of LagoArgentinawhere there is a wildlife reserve and a prime bird watching habitat.

Day 20 – flight to buenos Aires

In timing with your flight you will be transferred to the airport (20 mins) where you will board a flight toBuenos Aires(3hrs).  On arrival you will be met by a representative who will escort you to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to enjoy your last night in the city.

Day 20 – international flight home

In timing with your flight times you will be transferred to the international airport (1 hour) where you will board your outward bound international flight.

FAVELA TOURS

You will experience the excitement that is a visit to a favela, which is one of the most sought after tours currently in Rio. Through this tour, you will develop a different view of the slum, which in fact represents the soul of this city. After that you will never be the same!

There are close to 720 favelas in Rio. Mostly placed on former public areas on the hillsides, they are now home to 20% of Rio’s population, however they remain a mystery for most people who don’t live there. The tour is not only to explain about favelas, but to give you a whole new understanding about different aspects of Brazilian society.

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We offer you 3 options and we can say that each one of that will give you a completally different experience.

. Favela da Rocinha & Vila das Canoas (São Conrado)
. Morro dos Prazeres (Santa Teresa)
. Projeto Morrinho - Favela Pereira da Silva (Santa Teresa)

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ROCINHA & VILA DAS CANOAS TOUR

Half -day tour –  estimated time 4 hours.

- Hotel pick-up in a mini van or an open top Jeeps. Introduction comments about the context of favelas in Rio city and Brazilian society.

- Arriving in Rocinha, welcoming, explanation about the architecture, public services, carnival, etc.

- Going to a local terrace, pause for pictures of a breathtaking view over Rio, talks about the security, local infrastructure and other aspects of favelas.

- Driving down through the “Estrada da Gávea”, a former F1 race track.

- Stop at the Rocinha Handcraft Center.

- Visiting the commercial area.

- Arriving in Vila Canoas, visiting the community school. Besides regular classes, the school teaches local kids initial computer skills and the art of making handcrafts that can also be purchased by the visitor.

- Walk through the Favela community.

- Optional stop for a drink in a local botequim/boteco (traditional bar style in old Rio)

- Stop at the local square. Informations about the “Favela Bairro” urbanization project. Information about PAC – Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento (Program for Accelerated Growth)

- Return to the hotel through all the south zone beaches.

- Final talks.

MORRO DOS PRAZERES/HILL

Half -day tour –  estimated time 4 hours.

- Hotel pick-up in a mini van or an open top Jeep.  Introduction comments about the context of favelas in Rio city and the complexities of the Brazilian society.

- Arriving in Morro dos Prazeres (Pleasure Hills), welcoming, explanation about the architecture, public services, social activities and the community projects.

- Going to a local terraces (“lajes”), pause for pictures of a breathtaking view over Rio, talks about the security, local infrastructure and other aspects of favelas.

- Arriving at the football field on the top of Morro dos Prazeres, which has one of the most stunning panoramic views among the Carioca Favelas.

- Talking about the history of “Morro dos Prazeres”.

- Visiting the commercial area: the Japonese Restaurant, the snooker bars and the bakery.

- Optional stop for a refreshment or a drink in one of the many local “botequim/boteco” (traditional bars).

- Stop at the community square. Informations about the “Favela Bairro” urbanization project. Information about PAC – Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento (Program for Accelerated Growth).

- Stop at project Galera.com to introduce Charles Siqueira (director of that project) and Chris (president of PROA Rio) which will talk about their projects in Morro dos Prazeres. Screening of 2 short films done by people from that slum: an animations called “Qual é” (7′) and Affection (7′) awarded at the European students Film Festival, 2009.

- Final talks.

- Return to the hotel through the Santa Teresa neighbourhood / optional: lunch in Santa Teresa.

MORRINHO PROJECT

Half -day tour –  estimated time 4 hours.

The model above was built from brick, sand, paint, and other found materials in London, South Bank Centre, 2010.

The original one is a work done by young people from the Pereira da Silva favela in Rio de Janeiro. Morrinho project, a social and cultural project created 12 years ago that aims to challenge the negative perceptions of Brazil’s favelas — namely, that they are entirely dominated by guns, drugs, and violence.
RioNative support this project and want to show why Morrinho is becoming one of the most well-know projects from Favelas in Rio.
Come to visit it and meet the locals which have started that since Morrinho was just a dream from boys from that slum to a formidable and powerfull minded project for citzenship.

- Hotel pick-up in a  mini van or an open top Jeep. Introduction comments about the context of favelas in Rio city and Brazilian society.

- Arriving in Santa Teresa, welcoming, explanation about the architecture, public services and Santa Teresa tram.

- Going to a local terraces (“lajes”), pause for pictures of a breathtaking view over to the Guanabara Bay, talks about the security, local infrastructure and other aspects of favelas.

- Visiting the Projecto Morrinho for pictures, history about Morrinho Project and Q&A.

- Return to the hotel through the Santa Teresa neighbourhood / optional: lunch in Santa Teresa.

“Rio will have more then 300km of Cycle Routes till the end of 2012″ Eduardo P. (Rio Mayor)

This is an perfect starting of seeing various Rio landscapes in just one exciting pedaling. During this tour you will understand why the the Cariocas are so active and why Rio de Janeiro Botanic Garden is known worldwide for its exquisite beauty and variety. Beaches, mountains, lagoon, emotions and the bike ride itself are the highlights of this Bike Tour in Rio de Janeiro.

Come Ride with us!

South Zone: Arpoador, Ipanema and Leblon beaches, laggon, Botanic Garden and more:

• - Meeting point is at General Osório Square in front the subway station exit: greetings and talking about this bike ride.
• - Quick stop at the end of Ipanema to understand how Arpoador, Ipanema and Leblon are divided into 3 beaches all at the same area.
• - Then, we ride back to the route through Jardim de Ala to reach Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (Lagoon).
• - The bike ride continues around the Lagoon towards the Botanic Garden.
• - Water break to enjoy the views of the Lagoon and Corcovado Mountain and take pictures at the Skating Park.
• - Visit to the Botanic Gardens to see the featured Japonese Garden, Orchids and Bromelias green house and more…
• - Ride back to the Lagoon and around to reach Catacumba Park.
• - We will ride back to Ipanema and end of the tour at at the same place we started, General Osorio Square.

If you are planning to visit a place which is not mentioned bellow, please let us know and we will provide it to you.

If you want to take the advantage to customize your stay  and enjoy the flexibility of our personal and private tour guides please choose the sightseeing  of your interest.

Reviewed 13 March 2012 NEW

We waited until the last minute to book a tour guide to see Rio (afternoon before). After calling three or four listings, we found Daniel. He’s a very friendly guy and went out of his way to find someone that could take us around town (he was busy).

Eugenio Souza picked us up at the Copacabana Palace Hotel (on his birthday!) and whisked us away in a very comfortable car to see the sites. Leave your hotel early (8 AM) to miss potential cues at the popular destinations. We never had to wait in line and the pace of the day went as fast or slow as we wanted. I’m not going to list what we saw; that’s pretty much standard on all tours. Eugenio did a great job giving us his opinion on any topic we desired to learn more about. When we were ready for a break, we stopped in a market district for a great snack and coffee at Confeitaria Colombo. The eatery is very beautiful and well worth a stop.

We decided to do Sugar Loaf on our own for a little personal adventure time. The walk from Sugar Loaf back to the main road is pretty cool with lots of “professional” graffiti to ponder. It’s a very safe area. Walk until you’re too hot, then jump in a taxi and head off to a museum.

We paid when the tour was over after Eugenio helped us find a licensed football shop and pointed out some other stores we wanted to visit later in the day.

We were lucky enough to meet Eugenio’s son (also a guide) and Daniel during our excursion day. They are all obviously great colleagues with good humor and a sincere desire to please and share their culture.

Many thanks for opening Rio to us  Eugenio!- Kate, USA

 “ Eugenio treated us like family”

 Reviewed 12 March 2012 NEW

We located Daniel through the Web and were impressed with his obvious passion for the city and the sites. While he was unavailable on such short notice (one day), he passed us along to his trusted colleague Eugenio Souza, who was a delight and took excellent care of us. He picked us up at 8:00AM in a nice sedan and set off for the Corcovado to beat the crowds. We also visited the national park, another great lookout, the neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa, the bustling financial district and the funky cathedral, the shopping area and coffee at the beatiful Colombo cafe. All along the way he informed us and was very engaging and genuine. When my friend wanted an authentic soccar jersey from the local team, who knew just where to go. We also got a chance to meet Daniel and he was as professional, nice and relaxed as Eugenio. This is the team to work with while in Rio. You will have a great time and having a private guide for a day is a great way to get your bearings for the rest of your trip.  - David K. – Washington-DC

 ”We just returned from a fantastic vacation in Brazil. I cannot express my gratitude for the wonderful travel services provided by RioNative.

Mr Eugenio truly cares about making sure every detail is worked out. He took us to many places and answered our myriad of questions carefully and thoughtfully. We had questions on social, political, historical, and geographic areas as well as about the birds, plants, animals and local customs and language. His excellent English skills made the answers easy to understand.

When our scheduled time to visit the Christ statue was a cloudy day, he quickly rearranged things so that we got to go on a ‘blue sky day’ instead and had an awesome view of the Redeemer as well as the city laid out below.

He found me the best place to buy coffee beans, jewelry & anything else we asked about. The restaurants he recommended were all ones we’ll return to on the next visit. We asked if he knew of an ice cream store visited a couple years ago & he spent time walking the block around the hotel to locate it for us!

I know we will return to Brazil and we will contact RioNative for ALL future travel plans! Eugenio is the best – you will not be diappointed if you use the services of RioNative – absolutely top-notch service & care”  – Deborah – Michigan

   ”We had an amazing time in Rio thanks to Mr Eugene from Rionative who looked after us so well during our trip and showed us the best of Rio. We not only wanted to see the sights such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain but we also wanted to relax on the beaches, enjoy the fine cuisine and squeeze in a football match at Maracana Stadium. Eugene tailored his tours to our needs and really over exceeded our expectations. His perfect English was very welcome and his in-depth knowledge of Rio meant that each car ride on the way back from the airport or on the way to a particular sight was so enjoyable, filled with lots of interesting information about the city, we really learned a lot! He also recommended restaurants which were well kept secrets rather than the main tourist traps. We will never forget going to Maracana with Eugene and Claudia to watch Flamengo play Botofogo in the final of the league. What an atmosphere with 80,000 football crazy Brazilians! It was unforgettable! We would love to go back to Rio one day – it has the best weather, the best beaches, the best food, the best football, the best parties, the best people… and now the best guide. For anyone that wants to see the real Rio and feel like a local, look no further than Rionative“  -  Farhad & Shazma Mawani-UK

“We arrived in Rio without specific plans for any tours. Fortunately, we were contacted by Mr Eugene from Rio Native shortly after our arrival. He came to our hotel and in a few minutes, we mapped out an agenda for the following three days. It was perfect. Portuguese is a difficult language for us, so his perfect English was a welcome relief. With Eugene’s help, we were able to maximize our time and see the things that we really wanted to see. By having a guide who knows the city so well, we were able to avoid long lines and see much more than we ever could have in a large group. We have been fortunate to see a lot of the world, but our experience in Rio was one of the best because of the services of Eugene. I would recommend him to anyone. Thanks Eugene for making this a memorable trip. - Jim, Temple, Texas

Just want to say “thanks” for your excellent assistance in organising all of my trips to Brasil. In the last few years, with your help, I have had the opportunity to see the Formula 1 races, the Jogos Pan Americanas and get to know Rio like a “Carioca” every year for Carnaval, and to see all that Rio de Janeiro has to offer. With your help, I also have had the opportunity to visit and get to know Fortaleza, São Paulo and Salvador Bahia. I look forward to seeing you again for Carnaval 2009″ .  Jessie Cornish, Los Angeles, Califiornia

” We want to thank Mr Eugenio Souza for showing us “his city”. We only had 5 hours to see beautiful Rio de Janeiro. Eugenio made it possible for us to see the “Best of Rio”, not only the sights but to get a special feel for the the lifestyle of the warm and friendly “Cariocas” .There is so much to see and do and we hope to come back soon. We know we will be in good hands when we let him make all the arrangements. Eugenio’s command of the English language combined with his knowledge of the city made this an excellent travel experience. Thank you very much”  - Magdalena and Charles Willis, Mount Dora, Florida

” Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! We loved Rio and all it had to offer. Eugene made our trip very special and memorable, we only wish we could of stayed longer. Seeing Flamengo beat Sãu Paulo with 70,000 Brazilians was amazing and the early morning rise to Christ Redeemer was more than worth it! – Rich and Beck, Banbury.

Package  11 nights

Package 14 nights

 Package 11 nights

 Package 9 nights

Day 1 - Arrival in Rio and your buddy guide will transfer you from Airpot to the hotel Porto Bay Rio International (DBL LUX ocean view) for 4 nights. Upgrade to a DBL Suite Ocean View Room is available under request.

www.portobay.com.br (Breakfast Included )

Day 2- Rio: Half-day (6 hours with stop for lunch at Confeitaria Colombo)

Meet your guide and embark on a morning private tour to down-town of Rio driving along Copacabana,  Botafogo and Flamengo park.

At Lapa District you will find the modern Metropolitan Cathedral located on the way to 15th of November square in the heart of the city center. At downtown you will have the opportunity to see the influence from the French architecture among these: Banco do Brasil Cultural Cente rand Casa Franca-Brasil ( France-Brasil foundation). The Casa Franca-Brasil was designed by the famous French architect Grandjean de Montigny, and is the finest example of neoclassical style inRio de Janeiro.

The tour continues to the Marechal Floriano Square, also known as Cinelandia. This square concentrates the best of late 18th century French style architecture in Rio de Janeiro: the Municipal Theatre, a scaled-down of the Paris Opera; the Fine Arts Museum; the National Library (reputed worldwide for the copies of Gutemberg’s bible and other first editions dating back to 1500 – brought to Brazil by the Imperial Family of Portugal when they moved to Brazil fleeing Napoleon’s threat). Return to the hotel. 

Afternoom at leisure

Day 3 -  Rio:  Full Day excursion : Christ Redeemer + BBQ lunch  at Porcão Rios + Sugar Loaf .

Located atop the Corcovado Mountain 2300 feet / 710m, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is certainly one of the world’s best known and most visited monuments. This outing begins in the Cosme Velho District, aboard a miniature train that runs through the steep Atlantic Rainforest up to the foot of the statue, offering stunning glimpses ofRiofrom many different angles. From the top, the view is nothing short of heavenly: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botanical Gardens, the Jockey Club, and the Lagoon. The entire city spreads out in a magnificent panorama during the day, glittering and magic after dark and always protected by Christ the Redeemer, who blesses visitors and residents from on high. 

Every year, over 1 million people visit the statue of Christ using the Corcovado Train, the oldest touristic ride in the country. Besides being overwhelmed by Rio’s beautiful landscape, passengers have the chance to ride throughoutBrazil’s history. The Corcovado Train was inaugurated 114 years ago, by Brazilian Emperor Dom Pedro II, and among its passengers there were Popes, Kings, Princes, Presidents, Artists and Scientists. The train crosses the biggest urban forest in the world, theTijucaNational Park, a part of theAtlanticForestconsidered an example of nature preservation. Those who ride in the Corcovado Train help in preserving the forest, since the train doesn’t harm nature – it is electric – and also part of the funds generated by the entrance tickets are destined to Ibama, the Brazilian Institute for the Preservation of Nature.

Then stop for lunch at one of the best barbequeue  restaurant in town known as Porcao Rios. Anchored on the Flamengo  beach, this restaurant  offers a tempting buffet with a  variety of antipasti, Japanese cuisine, salads, cold cuts and hot dishes. As the charcoal is popping, a non-stop parade of prime Brazilian cuts of beef are served at your table, including succulent sirloin, ribs and white meats, in addition to lamb and game, including wild boar.

Afterwards, continue to the Sugar Loaf.  The height and unmistakable outline of Sugar Loaf makes it – together with Christ the Redeemer, one of the two main attractions offering breathtaking views ofRio. Its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar.This famous landmark is reached by cable car in two stages: first to the top of Urca Hill, where visitors catch the second car to their final destination.

Return to the Hotel.

 Day 4 – Rio: At leisure…. but if you want to keep your self busy please see some options available: Tijuca Forest and Hiking tour; Boat trip at Guanabara Bay; Santa Teresa combined with panaromic driving to Niteroi; Favela Rocinha tour and more.

Day 5 – Rio de Janeiro to Buzios. Your buddy guide will collect you at the hotel after breakfast and drive about 165km / 105 miles NE from the city of Rio. It will take about 2 1/2 hs to get there.

In Buzios you are going to stay  for  3 nights at the Boutique Hotel Casas Brancas. 

www.casasbrancas.com.br ( DBL STD Room) – breakfast included. 

 Days 6 – Buzios : at leisure to enjoy at your pace.

Day 7 – Buzios: at leisure  Optional Tour : Schooner trip ; snorkling

Day 8 – Buzios to Iguaçu Falls

Your buddy guide will collect you in Buzios and transfer you to Rio de Janeiro International  Airport inorder to take your internal flight to Iguaçu Falls.

Flight details:

GOL Airlines G3# 1756 depart Rio at 13:30hs arrive Igu at 15:30hs.

On arrival in Iguaçu you will be transferred in private to the Orient Express owned Hotel Das Cataratas …….located  within the Iguaçu National Park just a few minutes walking to the Falls. As the only hotel in the National Park, guests are able to enjoy exclusive access to the falls each morning before the park opens.

Remain of the day at leisure. 

www.dascataratas.com.br ( DBL STD breakfast included )

Day 9 – Iguaçu : At leisure – Optional tours : Visit the Argentineam side of the Falls; Helicopter Tour ; Bird Park: Macuco boat trip  & more. 

Day 10 -  Leaving Iguaçu……. your adventure comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport for your flight back home or your next  South America City.

- Price guide start at  U$ 3.700,00  per person based on a Double occupancy

What is included in this  package :

- domestic / internal  flight from Rio de Janeiro to Iguaçu

- transfers and tours with English Speaking guide.

- accomodation as mentioned in the itinerary.

- breakfast.

What is NOT included :

- International flights.

- cost of obtaining  visa.

- any recommended vaccination and  travel insurance.

- drinks / beverage.

 For further informations please do not hesitate to contac us at : info@rionative.com