Brazil with Children

What makes it special

• Rio de Janeiro.
• Rio de Janeiro – City Tour and Sugar Loaf mountain
• Rio de Janeiro.
• Rio de Janeiro
• Rio de Janeiro - Iguazu.
• Iguazu – Brasilian Side
• Iguazu - Rio de Janeiro - Buzios.

Your journey, day by day

1. 1

   Day 1 —  Rio de Janeiro.

   Arriving in the airport, your driver will take you to your hotel. On the way, you will immediately be hit by the hustle and bustle of carioca (slang for Rio locals) life. The noise of city life, the favelas stretching into the background, the golden sands of Copacabana beach dotted with hundreds of volley-football players, the rainforest all around, monkeys climbing along the rooftops – this is Rio! Once in your hotel, you can spend the day as you wish. Why not take the short walk a few blocks to the beach, where you can rent a sun umbrella and deck chairs and the children can play in the shallow waters.

2. 2

   Day 2 —  Rio de Janeiro – City Tour and Sugar Loaf mountain

   Breakfast at the hotel. You start the day with a half-day excursion to the Sugar Loaf mountain. Your guide will take you to Praia Vermelha (Red Beach), a more intimate and tranquil beach than some of the others that seems to be from some ancient world when you look to your left and see the otherworldly shape of the Sugarloaf Mountain next to you. A thrilling cable car ride will take you up to the top of the mountain where a spectacular view of the city comes into focus. It is as if you are looking inwards from the ocean, and you can see everything that Rio has to offer: Christ the Redeemer to the North, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches curving towards the Two Brothers’ Mountain to the West, Botafogo beach and the Financial District to the East. It is truly a sight to behold. Keep an eye out for mischievous monkeys up to no good on the mountainside.

3. 3

   Day 3 —  Rio de Janeiro.

   Enjoy a typical Brazilian breakfast at the hotel in the morning, before jumping in your transport to have your driver take you to the foot of Corcovado mountain, via the leafy neighbourhoods of Botafogo and Laranjeiras. A small train, the same one that carried the statue of Christ the Redeemer piece by piece to the summit, will take you on a winding journey through lush rainforest where you will spot the dark flash of monkeys jumping from tree to tree. As you make your way up the mountain you can see the city becoming smaller and smaller and feel yourself getting closer and closer to the clouds, transporting you out of the metropolis to a holy place of worship up on high, the largest piece of Christian symbolism in the world. Upon arrival at the foot of the huge, 98ft tall statue, you will witness a stunning panoramic view of all of Rio de Janeiro, from the South Zone containing Leblon, Ipanema and the Lagoon, to the Center, down to the North Zone where you can clearly see the Maracana, the Carnival Sambadrome stadium and far beyond into the depths of the Guanabara Bay. The view is truly unrivalled and makes one feel as if they are looking down from heaven, such is your proximity to Jesus. Afterwards, take a tour around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lake, a perfect family spot where you can ride along the waterfront path on a bike or even a swan boat! Kids will love the variety of birds and display, and sometimes you can see families of capybaras, giant guinea pig-like animals that grow to enormous sizes.

4. 4

   Day 4 —  Rio de Janeiro

   Today you can choose to enjoy a free day or to go on one of the optional tours below. Botanical Garden The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens is a magnificent 137 hectare garden over 200 years old featuring over 7000 different species of plants. Some of the most beautiful exotic plants in the world such as orchids, bromeliads, cacti and giant bamboo are on display here, in the shadow of the Corcovado mountain. The botanical pond, featuring the giant waterlilies, is a favourite spot for the local wildlife, particularly capivara families which can be seen playing in the shallow waters. Tropical Islands The town of Itacuruça, situated on an island just a short drive from Rio de Janeiro, is a sleepy fishing town that has been revitalized in recent years by a burgeoning tourism scene. The low-rise fishermen’s houses give the village an intimate feel. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the tropical islands dotting the horizon. A journey out into the ocean may provide a chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and sometimes even whales, and you can take a swim in the crystal clear waters. After the boat trip, you can have lunch on the island, take a walk around the island, swim in the tranquil bay, and get ready for your return to Rio. Rocinha Favela Tour Discover Rocinha, one of Rio de Janeiro’s largest and most renowned communities, on a private 4-hour guided tour. Explore its vibrant streets and colourful neighbourhoods while learning about the history, culture and everyday life of the community from your local guide. An insightful experience offering a different perspective on Rio and its diverse urban landscape. Helicopter flight over Rio

5. 5

   Day 5 —  Rio de Janeiro - Iguazu.

   Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to airport, flight to Iguazu. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. If desired, you can order additional excursions to the waterfalls from the Argentinean side.

6. 6

   Day 6 —  Iguazu – Brasilian Side

   After a delicious jungle breakfast at your hotel, get ready for a tour of the Brazilian side of the Falls. A tranquil and calming walk along the edge of the falls provides the most spectacular view you have ever seen; over 250 overflowing with millions of gallons of water racing furiously down straight from the Amazon River. The sunlight flashing off the water has the mesmerising effect of creating hundreds of rainbows as far as the eye can see. It is almost hard to believe, such is the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest paradise. After taking in the incredible views, the path takes you to the eye of the storm, the largest waterfall in the park, The Devil’s Throat. Water crashes off an 80m cliff edge into the Iguazu River, but you have the chance to meet the water via a walkway that leads you into the heart of the waterfall. Feel the power of the water as it surrounds you from all sides, before heading up a stairway to look down from above on the mother of all waterfalls. You will also have the chance to take a “Makuko safari” jeep tour through the jungle. Clearing a path through the undergrowth, you will travel by jeep, giving you a chance to see the exotic wonders of the Brazilian rainforest from up close. Toucans, anteaters, all manner of colourful birds and several varieties of monkeys can be spotted. Following this, you will hop in a speedboat and prepare for the ride of your life! At top speed, you will sail right up to the falling water. Children will love the thrill of the top speed ride and the drenching from the powerful waterfall! Finally, you will walk through the Iguazu bird park, home to thousands of species of tropical birds that fill the rainforest canopy with vivid colour and enchanting birdsong. At the end of the tour, your guide will drop you off at your hotel.

7. 7

   Day 7 —  Iguazu - Rio de Janeiro - Buzios.

   Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport. After breakfast in your hotel, transfer to the airport for a flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, your tour guide awaits us. Your tour guide will accompany you for the short trip to Buzios, passing the mesmerizing rainforest scenery during the coastal drive Days 8, 9, 10, 11, Buzios This fishing village, 177 km north of Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most beautiful and little-known beach resorts in the world. The intimate feel, mild climate, exotic vegetation and picture-perfect beaches give this place a unique charm. The golden sands and crystal clear oceans offer incredible vistas of green mountains and rocky cliffs, with each beach boasting a truly stunning sunset, As well as relaxing by the sea, surfing, scuba diving, water skiing and kayaking are all popular activities here. The many piers leading onto the water are the perfect place to relax with great food and some cold beer and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Búzios. One unmissable activity is to take a trip out to sea with a fisherman and witness the jaw dropping amount of marine wildlife underwater, such as turtles, tropical fish and even whales. Chic restaurants and stylish bars open their doors as the sun goes down and the cobbled streets fill up with people enjoying their evening. This seaside town is the perfect family location to unwind after your Brazilian journey.

8. 12

   Day 12 —  Búzios - Rio de Janeiro

   Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the Airport in Rio de Janeiro, where it’s time to say goodbye and board your international flight.