Rio, Paraty and Iguassu Falls

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, transfer to Hotel

You will be met upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, either at the airport or the bus station and have a transfer to your chosen hotel, just a few blocks from Copacabana beach.  Depending on your arrival time you might want to explore the area around your hotel on foot, stopping for a fresh coconut juice or a Skol beer on Copacabana or Ipanema beach.  Spend the night at our Standard hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2: Full day tour to Rio’s Four Wonders by Jeep

You will be picked up at around 9am for your full day group tour with an English speaking guide, travelling in a comfortable Jeep.  The first destination is Tijuca Forest – an ecologically protected area of rainforest in the city - the biggest urban forest in the world.  On the way into the National Park you will stop at the Chinese View point where you can see Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.  You will also stop at the Monkey Waterfall and for a short walk through the forest trails.  Continuing uphill through the forest you will drive up to Corcovado Hill, where the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue and fantastic 360 degree views of the City of Rio await you.  After stopping for photos, you will head back down for a buffet lunch at a waterfront restaurant on Botafogo beach.  

After lunch, you continue by Jeep to the Sugar Loaf Mountain, and take the cable car up to the top for more fantastic views over the city.  The last stop on your tour is the Botanical Gardens, created in 1817 to allow the cultivation and preservation of exotic plants.  You will be back at your hotel by around 5pm.  Spend the night at our Standard hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 3: Travel Rio de Janeiro to Paraty

After a buffet breakfast at your hotel, you will board a bus to Paraty.  The scenery is great on the ride as you will be travelling along the Costa Verde.  It takes about 4 hours to get there, so you should arrive in time for lunch.  There are plenty of restaurants to choose from either in the old centre of Paraty or on the beach.   Spend the night at our Standard hotel in Paraty.

Day 4: Full day boat trip

You have a full day boat trip around the Paraty bay today.  The boat will make 4 stops so that you can swim.  These will probably include Praia da Lula and Praia Vermelha (red beach).  There is a bar onboard and while alcoholic drinks are not included, your lunch onboard is included.  There is an inside seating area but you will probably want to sit outside – just remember your sun screen!  You will be back at your hotel by approximately 5pm.  Paraty has an exciting nightlife so you may want to step out and enjoy some of the restaurants and bars tonight.  Spend the night at our Standard hotel in Paraty.

Day 5: Free day in Paraty

Breakfast at your hotel is included today, but no activities are planned.  You might want to take a day trip to Trinidade (you can book this locally) to visit pristine beaches and walking trails in the protected area of Serra da Bocaina National Park.  Spend the night at our Standard hotel in Paraty.

Day 6: Travel from Paraty to Rio and then fly to Foz do Iguassu (Flight not included)

You will leave Paraty early this morning on a bus back to Rio de Janeiro.  Depending on your flight time you might want to go to Copacabana or Ipanema for lunch, or just eat at the airport (your flight is not included – make sure you book an afternoon flight).

Upon arrival in Foz do Iguassu, you will have a shared transfer from the airport to your hotel.  Spend the night at our Standard hotel in Foz do Iguassu.

Day 7: Half day tour of the Argentinean side of the falls

You will be picked up from your hotel to join a group tour this morning to the Argentinean side of the Iguassu Falls.  Your guide will help you through the border crossing.  Make sure you have your visa for Argentina if you need one (British passport holders are given a visa upon arrival).  The entrance ticket, which you will buy in local currency, includes use of the ecological train which will take you around the park.  There are also upper and lower walkways to explore.  If you are feeling daring you can take the “Gran Aventura” boat trip to surf in the spray of the falls (you can organise and pay for this within the park).  You will be back at your hotel in Brazil at around 1pm, and there is a choice of restaurants in town for lunch.   From your hotel it is easy to visit the Brazilian side of the falls and the nearby bird park independently.  The staff at your hotel can tell you how to get there by bus or taxi.  You may want to go this afternoon or leave it until tomorrow depending on your flight time.  Otherwise, relax and enjoy the semi-tropical climate, and a dip in the hotel pool.   Spend the night at our Standard hotel in Foz do Iguassu.

Day 8: Depart Foz do Iguassu