Ultimate Brazil honeymoon in 17 days

Galeão Airport (Gig) - Rio De Janeiro

Day 1: Rio de Janeiro

Transfer from Galeão Airport (GIG) to your hotel
Car Transfer: Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met by your driver at the airport and transferred by private service to your hotel. Estimated travel time: 30 minutes to 1 hour. Length of service will depend on traffic, and final destination/neighborhood. *This service includes a driver who may not speak English. Please advise if you would like to be greeted by a driver or guide who speaks fluent English.*

Rio's Downtown - Sugarloaf Mountain

Day 2: Rio de Janeiro

Rio's Downtown Tour: Christ the Redeemer and History of the City
Shared Excursion: This morning, pay a visit to the iconic statue overlooking Rio - Christ the Redeemer. An unmistakable presence, Christ the Redeemer is classified as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The statue’s distinctive Art Deco aesthetic serves as a reminder of Rio’s rich religious and cultural history, and rises an impressive 32m into the sky. Afterwards, stop off in Rio's historic district. Learn more about the colonial period and slave trade, as well as the city's current renovations for local communities.


Visit the Sugar Loaf
Excursion: The Sugarloaf mountain is an unmistakable feature in Rio’s landscape. From dawn to dusk, its magnificent peak guarantees unparalleled 360 degree views of the city. Gaze at the sandy fringes of Copacabana beach as they stretch out into the Atlantic and spot Cristo Redentor standing prominent on Mount Corcovado. The first stage of the ascent will take you from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca by cable car. These cable-ways were originally made of wood and designed by the renowned engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos in 1908, who did much to develop Rio’s built landscape. As you rise above the hustle and bustle of the city, the tranquillity of the mountains takes over, offering a new way of glimpsing Brazil’s vivid surroundings. A second cable car wisps you up from Urca hill to the pinnacle of the Sugarloaf, as you ready yourself for the jaw-dropping heights and unforgettable scenery. An assortment of small bars and stalls welcome you at the top, serving an array of flavoursome local treats.

Rio De Janeiro

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro

Free Day in Rio de Janeiro - Culture, Nature & Beaches
Excursion: Today is free for you to explore Rio de Janeiro- a city bursting with colour, culture and cachaça. Of course, there are the legendary sights: Christ the Redeemer stands tall on Mount Corcovado, the peak of the Sugarloaf guarantees jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city and the mosaics of the Selarón steps will make you feel part of Brazil’s renowned artistic community. For the nature-seekers, Jardim Botânico is widely revered for its iconic avenue of Royal Palm trees, radiant orchid farm and distinctive architecture. Nearby is the majestic lake, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Amble around it, paddle over it, or station yourself on its banks as you drink in its tranquil atmosphere or a lakeside Caipirinha. When it comes to the perfect beach spot, you’re spoilt for choice in Rio. From the vogue shores of Copacabana to the secluded bays of Prainha, it may be a struggle to pick one yourself, so our local expert is on hand with first-hand knowledge of where best to go. Of course, if the prospect of a free day is a little overwhelming, our local experts are on hand with tips, suggestions and unique tours to give you a bit more structure. These may include samba dance classes, hikes, sailing trips and more.


Sailing Tour in Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay
Shared Excursion: Take a break from exploring the city with a sailing tour in the Guanabara Bay at either 11 am or 3 pm (we would recommend the latter time). You'll have an experienced, English speaking skipper on board for the entire tour to point out Rio's spectacular sites. From the boat, you can relish panoramic views of Rio, the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Hill and get right up close to Sugarloaf mountain. You also pass by the city of Niteroi, connected to Rio by the Rio-Niteroi Bridge, where you can marvel at majestic, historic forts, São João, Lajes, and Santa Cruz. INCLUDES: includes light snacks, water, and a refreshing welcome drink on board. NOT INCLUDED: transfers. TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours

Rio De Janeiro

Day 4: Rio de Janeiro

Free Day in Rio de Janeiro - Downtown Rio Suggestion
Excursion: Be sure to explore downtown- Rio’s lively epicentre of culture and art. Step into it’s fascinating history as you trace its changing architectural landscapes and weave your way amongst colonial, neoclassical and Art Deco designs.The city’s vibrant murals embody expressive testimonials of Rio’s people throughout time, and offer an insightful political backdrop to Brazil’s streets. Delve into true carioca culture and order a cachaca, a distilled sugar cane spirit. The social spirit of Rio’s centre is infectious, with many locals sitting and chatting over a smooth cachaça on ice. And if you’re keen to really get under the skin of the city, lose yourself in a bustling fruit market: whether it’s açaí or avocado, pineapple or passion fruit, your taste-buds will be enlivened. Of course, if the prospect of a free day is a little overwhelming, our local experts are on hand with tips, suggestions and unique tours to give you a bit more structure. These may include samba dance classes, hikes, sailing trips and more.

Galeão Airport (Gig) - Manaus Airport (Mao) - Amazon Jungle

Day 5: Manaus - Autazes

Transfer from your hotel to Galeão Airport (GIG).
Car Transfer: Transfer from your hotel to the airport. Estimated travel time: 30 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic and hotel neighborhood.


Flight from Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to Manaus (MAO)
Shared Scheduled flight Transfer: You will board your flight at Galeão airport and travel north across the country to Manaus Airport (MAO). Estimated flight time: 3 hours 30 minutes Please note there is a time difference between these two cities, with Manaus being one hour behind Rio de Janeiro. Luggage allowance per person: - One personal item (small backpack, purse, max dimensions: 45x35x20 cm) - One carry-on up to 10 kg (max dimensions: 55x35x35 cm) - One checked bag up to 23 kg (max dimensions: 158 cm linear - total sum of dimensions)


Transfer from Manaus Airport (MAO) to your lodge in the Amazon Forest
Mixed Transfer: You will be met by your guide at Manaus Airport and transferred to your lodge in the middle of the jungle, taking a land transfer and boat. Estimated travel time: Depends on destination, weather and terrain. Usually 2-4 hours total travel time.


Juma Lodge - Arara Tour - Day 1
Excursion: Departure toward Juma begins early in the morning, with guests being picked up between 6:30 and 7:30am at their Manaus hotel or at the airport*. The journey to Juma takes a total of three hours divided into three parts: speed boat, van and speed boat again. En route to Juma, we stop to observe the magnificent Meeting of the Waters, where the muddy waters of the Solimões River meet the black waters of the Negro River. At this crucial junction point, the two rivers, without actually mixing, run side by side, thus forming the great Amazon River. Passengers will feel the difference in temperature between the two distinct rivers. Upon arrival at Juma Amazon Lodge, enjoy a warm greeting where a welcome drink with exotic fruits awaits you. You’ll then have your first lunch at the lodge, comprised of both regional and international cuisine. Following lunch, we will depart for a canoe trip. Our canoeing tour provides an in depth exploration of the igarapés (Amazonian creeks) and the igapós (flooded forest), an experience made possible only by paddle canoes. During the excursion, you’ll be encouraged to swim and may encounter some of the river’s most majestic creatures: pink dolphins. Return to the lodge for dinner. Later, we’ll embark on an evening expedition to observe frogs, birds and most importantly, caymans. Our guide uses his flashlight to help spot caymans. With this light, we can see the cayman’s eyes, which reflects a bright red dot, as the animal remains paralyzed and clearly visible. The guide is then able to bring the cayman aboard for participants to see. Afterward, the cayman is returned to the river, unharmed.

Amazon Jungle

Day 6: Manaus - Autazes

Juma Lodge - Arara Tour - Day 2
Excursion: Early in the morning we will depart for a sunrise excursion witnessing the transformation of the sky and listening to the sounds of the waking birds. Our guides are equipped with binoculars to complement this experience with bird watching. Enjoy a breakfast with typical fruits and regional food. Depart for a jungle hike. In this educational jungle walk, our expert guide will introduce you to the wildlife of the Amazon. He will show you plants and describe their uses, as many are edible or medicinal. The paths implemented in exploration walks are constantly changed to avoid damaging the forest with overuse. Return to the lodge for lunch with regional and international cuisine. Later in the afternoon we’ll board a motorboat with one of our guides to fish and learn more about the infamous piranha, as well as other Amazonian fish native to the river. While enjoying the sunset from the boat we’ll return to Juma. Dinner will be provided from the fish you caught earlier in the afternoon. Following dinner, one of our native guides will offer an informal lecture regarding everyday life in the Amazon, and the legends, traditions and culture of the region.

Amazon Jungle - Manaus

Day 7: Manaus

Juma Lodge - Arara Tour - Day 3
Excursion: Breakfast followed by departure from the lodge. On the way back to Manaus, we will stop at the Pirarucu Floating Dock to see the giant Pirarucu fish (also known as Arapaima), reaching 3 meters high (9,8 ft) and 200 kg (440 lbs)! From the Floating Dock you can feed the fish and observe their impressive strength. From there you will return to Manaus, arriving around 12:00pm. You will be dropped off either at the airport or your Manaus hotel.


Transfer from Novo Airão to Manaus Airport (MAO)
Car Transfer: Transfer from your lodge in the village of Novo Airão to catch a flight in Manaus. Estimated travel time: 2h30minutes - 3 hours

Manaus

Day 8: Manaus

Cultural City Tour in Manaus
Excursion: Today you embark on a 4-hour guided tour in Manaus. You'll visit its most important attractions such as Teatro Amazonas, an opera house built during the Belle Époque, where you step into a time when fortunes were made in the rubber boom. Another stop on the tour is the Mercado Municipal, one of the largest open markets in the city of Manaus. Here you can browse the numerous stalls brimming with exotic fruits, spices, fish and traditional indigenous medications and plenty of souvenirs for you to take home.

Manaus - Recife

Day 9: Recife

Transfer from your hotel to Manaus Airport (MAO)
Car Transfer: You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Manaus international airport with plenty of time for your onward flight. Estimated travel time: 25 minutes


Flight from Manaus (MAO) to Recife (REC)
Shared Scheduled flight Transfer: You will board your flight at Manaus international airport and travel east across the country to Recife. Estimated flight time: 4 hours

Recife - Porto De Galinhas

Day 10: Porto de Galinhas

Transfer from Recife to Porto de Galinhas
Car Transfer: You will be met at Recife by your driver and driven to your hotel in Porto de Galinhas. Estimated travel time: 1 hour

Porto De Galinhas

Day 11: Porto de Galinhas

At leisure in Porto de Galinhas
Excursion: Enjoy a free day in Porto de Galinhas. Beautiful beaches with light-coloured sands stretch several kilometres in both directions from the town! If you are fond of surfing then give the Praia De Maracaipe a visit or simply relax under the coconut trees on Muro Alto Beach where the water is calm and you can rent a kayak to explore the expansive reefs. Porto de Galinhas is known for its piscinas naturais, or natural pools, that form all year round when the tide goes out. You can check the tidal timetables with your guide beforehand to make sure that you experience the pools at the optimal time, as well as obtaining a free bracelet from a nearby Blitz Ambiental stall to gain access to the pools. You can walk or swim to the pools but we recommend hopping on board a raft tour or jangada, a traditional fishing boat, so that you are safely transported back to the beach when the waters rise. The natural pools that are available to the public have been roped off in order to protect the living coral beyond. Once at the pools, you can feed or swim amongst the huge shoals of fish in the clear and warm turquoise waters. We recommend taking a pair of flipflops or beach shoes as walking in the pools can be rough and you may find spiky, black sea urchins.

Porto De Galinhas

Day 12: Porto de Galinhas

At leisure in Porto de Galinhas - Day Two.
Excursion: Enjoy another free day in Porto de Galinhas to explore the seaside town at your own pace. Porto de Galinhas, literally 'Port of Hens', is a small town where everything is accessible on foot. The areas close to the beach are rife with restaurants, cafes and bars for you to explore. Why not try out a local "churrascarias" (or barbecue) or get a taste for the town's amazing seafood.

Porto De Galinhas

Day 13: Porto de Galinhas

Porto de Galinhas - Scuba diving in the coral reefs
Excursion: Today you are scuba-diving! This activity is perfect for someone who has never dived before and would like to give it a try. You will be accompanied by a certified instructor who will fully brief you with pre-diving training. All the necessary diving equipment will be provided for so you can relax as you sail in your jangada, the regional fishing boat, towards the reefs. As Porto de Galinhas has 2 km of coral reefs there is lots to explore. You can dive with your instructor to up to 6 meters deep. Once you have submerged into Porto de Galinhas's crystal-clear waters your instructor will help point out the different species of multicoloured fish. With warm and high visibility waters you can spend the day getting to know the world of the reefs first hand spotting colourful varieties of seahorses, crabs, lobsters, and fish.

Porto De Galinhas - Recife - Iguaçu Falls

Day 14: Iguazú Falls

Transfer from Porto de Galinhas to Recife or Olinda
Shared Car Transfer: You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Recife or Olinda. Estimated travel time: 1 hour


Flight from Recife (REC) to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU)
Shared Scheduled flight Transfer: You will board your flight at Recife airport and travel south-west across the country to Iguaçu. Estimated flight time: 3 hours 55 minutes


Transfer from Puerto Iguazú Airport (IGR) to your hotel in Puerto Iguazú
Car Transfer: You will be met by your driver at the airport and driven to your hotel in Puerto Iguazú. Estimated travel time: 30 minutes

Puerto Iguazú - Iguaçu Falls - Itaipu Dam

Day 15: Foz do Iguaçu - Iguazú Falls

Visit Iguaçu Falls - Brazilian Side
Excursion: The epic Iguaçu Falls are a sight to behold. Feast your eyes on the thundering torrents and breathe in the fresh mist of the water as you stand awe-struck on the Brazilian side of the falls. Not for no reason is it considered one of the greatest natural spectacles in the world: the falls are shared by the Iguazú National Park (Argentina) and Iguaçu National Park (Brazil) and make up the largest waterfall system on the planet. With 275 drops of varying heights, you will notice its distinctive stairway formation. The Brazilian side offers a wealth of walkways and viewpoints to lead you straight to the core of nature itself, alongside spectacular panoramic views. Walk along the edge of these waterfalls as the spray engulfs you, and feel even closer to Brazil’s natural splendour.


Admire Birdlife at Parque das Aves
Excursion: Enjoy a tour to this international revered bird wildlife conservation centre. Parque das Aves contains 16 hectares of Atlantic Rainforest and is home to more than 1,400 birds, more than 50% of which are rescued from trafficking, and has about 150 different species. You can get very close to many species of bird, including toucans, macaws, scarlet ibises, flamingos, Black-fronted Piping-guans, Alagoas Curassows and parrots. The walkway is around 1.5 km long and surrounded by the magical, lush Atlantic Rainforest. You'll learn about different species that are common in Brazil and the region, as well as the organization's work to preserve those that are endangered and trafficked. To relax take a break in the park restaurant with an exclusive view to the Flamingos Lake.


Visit to Itaipu Dam
Excursion: Dubbed one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Itaipu Dam is one of the largest clean energy dams in the world. On the border of Paraguay and Brazil runs the Parana River - see how it yields the dam with exhilarating power. Gaze at the plummeting depths of this whopping man-made construction, delve into its fascinating history and learn about the dam’s more practical masterminding. This tour will include a "Special Circuit" Tour, where you will see the dam from the inside. When you visit the technicians’ layer, be sure to keep an eye lifted for the yellow strip along the floor: this represents the border between Paraguay and Brazil, and serves a purely symbolic purpose.

Iguazú Falls - Argentina

Day 16: Puerto Iguazú - Iguazú Falls

Visit the Iguazú Falls - Argentine Side
Excursion: Having marvelled at the falls from one perspective, be further dazzled by them from another in an entirely different country: Argentina. Be exhilarated by possibly the most dramatic section of the falls: Garganta del Diablo, or the Devil’s Throat. As you tread along the walkway, prepare to be swallowed up whole by it’s cacophonous surge, and don’t forget to bring a waterproof as you’ll be a lot closer to the splash. This edge provides an almost aerial view of the waterfalls earth-shattering depths. Make sure your camera has waterproof protection if you wish to capture this. Given Iguazú National Park is notably larger than it’s Brazilian neighbour, there are even more opportunities for you to be roused by your heavenly surroundings. Peruse the options offered here, such as a jeep tour through the jungle or a boat tour into the falls from below. If you wish to take on the park alone, there are copious trails which lead to hidden spots and unique views. This tour is usually a full day - Arriving at the park at around 08-08:30, and leaving at around 16:00.


Interactive Argentine Dinner
Excursion: This evening you are invited to the 'Argentine Experience' dinner party. This interactive dining experience provides a three-dimensional aspect to your time in Buenos Aires. The dinner party's concept is to teach you the fundamentals of what being an Argentine is all about, whilst having a lot of fun in the process. You will learn all about Argentine cuisine and culture through key ingredients such as wine and steak. You will prepare sweets, Mate (a special caffeinated herbal tea brew) and empanadas (an Argentinian stuffed pastry). Enjoy the fun atmosphere as your Argentinian hosts teach you how to make your own custom-made empanadas and sit back as you exchange your stories over a rejuvenating Mate brew. Included: dinner.

Iguaçu Airport - São Paulo Airport - São Paulo

Day 17:

Transfer from your hotel to Foz do Iguaçu Airport (IGU).
Car Transfer: You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Iguaçu Airport with plenty of time for your onward flight. Estimated travel time: 25 minutes


Flight from Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) to São Paulo (GRU)
Shared Scheduled flight Transfer: Flight from Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Aiport (IGU) to São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Estimated travel time: 2 hours You will board your flight at Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Aiport and travel east across the country to São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Estimated flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes Luggage allowance per person: - One personal item (small backpack, purse, max dimensions: 45x35x20 cm) - One carry-on up to 10 kg (max dimensions: 55x35x35 cm) - One checked bag up to 23 kg (max dimensions: 158 cm linear - total sum of dimensions)