Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Real travelers love South America. Andean peaks, Amazonian rainforest, Patagonian glaciers, Incan ruins, colonial towns, white-sand beaches and vertiginous nightlife: the wonders of South America set the stage for incredible adventures. It is as though the continent was built for travel; a place that excites, thrills, challenges & infuriates.

Welcome to amazing Brazil – one of the world's most captivating places. A country of powdery white-sand beaches, verdant rainforests & wild, rhythm-filled metropolises, Brazil's attractions extend from frozen-in-time colonial towns to otherworldly landscapes of red-rock canyons, thundering waterfalls & coral-fringed tropical islands.

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, the ‘marvelous city’ with golden beaches, lush mountains, samba-fueled nightlife & spectacular football matches.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax & discover on your own or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

 Tropical Landscapes|Captivating Beaches| Joie de Vivre & the Rhythms

Rio de Janeiro or River of January in English, was the capital of the Portuguese empire and of the country up until 1960. Nicknamed A Cidade Maravilhosa - "The Marvelous City" is world renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and location, nestled between steep, green mountains & crystal clear seas. Lushly forested mountains fringe the city, shimmering beaches trace the shoreline & a string of tiny islands lie scattered along the seafront. 

Rio is one of the most important cultural cities in Brazil & features some of country's most famous attractions such as Copacabana & Ipanema beaches, 38 meters Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado & for Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak with cable cars to its summit. The city is also known for its sprawling favelas (shanty towns). Its raucous Carnaval festival, featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes & samba dancers, is considered the world’s largest.

The city is full of energy & Cariocas, the locals of Rio, are known for their care free spirit & charm. For them, the beach is Rio's backyard - a playground that is free and open to all, offering endless enjoyment in the form of football, volleyball, surfing, snacking, drinking or simply relaxing amid the passing parade of people.

Rio's beaches have long seduced visitors. Copacabana Beach became a symbol of Rio during the 1940s, when international starlets would jet in for the weekend. Hogging the spotlight these days is Ipanema Beach, its fame & beauty unabated since bossa nova stars Tom Jobim & Vinicius de Moraes introduced the world to its allure in the 1960s

Music is the lifeblood of Rio, with a soundtrack comprising rock, old-school bossa nova, hip-hop, funk & Brazil's many regional styles. Above all there is samba, a rapid-fire style of music with African influences & an infectious beat that is synonymous with Rio. You can hear it all over town, but the soul of samba resides in Lapa, an edgy red-light district that is home to dozens of live-music halls & an enormous weekend street party that draws revelers from all walks of life. Samba is also the integral sound during Carnaval, and the danceable backing music to street parties & all-night parades.

Speaking of Carnaval, Rio knows how to party. Whether you call it joie de vivre, Lebensfreude or lust for life, the ‘cariocas’ have it in spades. Carnaval & the buildup to it, is the most obvious manifestation of this celebratory spirit. But Rio has many other occasions for revelry: celebrations after a big Flamengo (or Vasco, Fluminense or Botafogo) soccer match; weekend samba & bossa nova parties around town; baile funk parties in the favelas (slums, informal communities); & boat parties on the bay - not to mention major fests such as Reveillon (New Year's Eve) & Festas Juninas.

Far from being mere cinematic backdrop, this seaside beauty hosts outstanding outdoor adventures: hiking in the Tijuca rainforest, cycling alongside the lake & beaches, sailing across Baia de Guanabara & surfing, rock climbing & hang gliding amid one of the world's most stunning urban landscapes.

Whether you are looking to experience Carnival, relax in a natural environment, or enjoy all the luxuries of a cosmopolitan city, Rio de Janeiro has it all! Looking out from the 710 meters peak of Corcovado, you will see why Rio is called the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City).

Sunset in Rio de Janeiro is spectacular, so why not join Rio's residents & head for the beaches of Ipanema & Copacabana and the restaurants & boutiques in the nearby boulevards. 

Evening, around 06:30 pm, accompanied by a Journeys Rep, proceed to a famous restaurant Rio Scenarium to enjoy a Welcome Dinner.  Located in a renovated warehouse on the edge of Lapa, it is an antique store-turned-bar which serves a wide range of seafood & traditional Brazilian dishes. There is also a stage on the main floor where live Brazilian samba & choro bands play as well as a dance floor in case you want to samba the night away.

Come back to the hotel (on your own).

Overnight.  D   

Rio is the only big city in the planet to have a National Park 5 minutes from downtown & you will take advantage on that.

At 08:00 am,  meet the Tour-guide & proceed for a unique adventure.

Hiking at Tijuca Forest, which is considered the largest urban forest in the world - It offers a wealth of trails with different settings and characteristics, and most having one feature in common: spectacular views. Whilst it may not have its sister the Amazon forest’s wilderness & such exotic animal species, Tijuca forest certainly holds its own in charm, beauty & splendor.

Tijuca Peak is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the park, being the highest peak in the national park and the second highest in the city of Rio. At 1022 meters (3066 ft), Tijuca Peak has a constant gentle uphill slope to the summit. The average hiking time uphill is 90 minute and descent time is 60.

The 39 square km tropical jungle that sprawls outwards from the heart of Rio de Janeiro & into the surrounding areas is known as the Tijuca rainforest & it makes up part of the larger Atlantic rainforest that runs from the south of Brazil to the north. All that is left of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded entire Rio de Janeiro.

Tijuca rainforest is quite possibly the largest urban rainforest in the world. We say quite possibly because it remains in dispute with the forest in Johannesburg in South Africa that also claims to be the biggest.

It is also influential in the geography of the city itself, separating the west of the city from the north, south & central areas, as well as dividing the north from the south. Its incredible biodiversity with beautiful trees, creeks, dozens of waterfalls, viewpoints, mountainous terrain, high peaks, monuments & an excellent, well-marked Trail system, is reason alone to visit. It was only recently that Tijuca rainforest was declared a National Park in 1961.

It used to be a much larger part of the Atlantic Rainforest before it was cut down & redeveloped for coffee & sugarcane production. In the 2^nd half of the 19^th century, it was replanted by Major Manuel Gomes Archer to protect Rio’s water supply which proved to be a successful effort. Its current status as a National Park will ensure its protection for generations to come.

Considering that it is a man-made reclamation of land, its richness in biodiversity is extraordinary. Its vegetation is so dense that scientists have calculated that the forest has reduced the temperature in the surrounding areas by a mind blowing 9 degrees celsius! This collection of hundreds of plants has given home to hundreds of different species of animals, many that are unique to the area & which are facing extinction.

It is not just plants & animals that live in the rainforest. There is one favela located at the heart near to Alto de Boa Vista, with many current residents are descendants of the group that helped with the replanting effort. Whilst conditions are improving in this favela, it still has an adverse effect on the forest due to its contribution to environmental degradation.

3 of Rio’s most famous peaks - Pedra Bonita, Pedra da Gavea & Pico da Tijuca - are in forest. All 3 climbs offer wonderful treks to the summits & indescribable views over the rainforest & the city.

Pedra Bonita, with its wide, open surface, is the base point for hang gliding. This flying activity is a great way to get a grip on the size of the forest in relation to the city. Yet to truly see the rainforest in all its glory, the view from the highest peak Pico da Tijuca is unbeatable.

Tijuca also has 30 waterfalls within its depths, the most famous being Cachoeiro do Horto. The entrance is next to the road that goes through the forest & beyond the entrance is a short hike to the waterfall. The cascading water is relatively high yet not powerful, making it perfect to take a cool, refreshing shower under. The pool in front is shallow enough to sit inside & lounge the day away in a natural bliss. Another well-known waterfall is Cascatinha waterfall, famed for its beauty and peaceful surroundings.

The rainforest is also studded with a few man-made objects of interest. One of the most picturesque is Vista Chinesa where an oriental-style Gazebo looks down upon a wonderful view of the Lagoa, the forest & the beaches. The monument took its name from the Chinese farmers bought to Rio in the beginning of the 19^th century to plant tea there.

Another fascinating structure is the small, pink Mayrink Chapel that has stood the test of time in the forest since 1860. At the altar inside, are murals & paintings by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari, a prominent & influential practitioner of neo-realism style in his art. Further down the narrow, winding road through the forest is the Mesa do Imperador (the Emperor’s Table) where Brazil’s last emperor, Pedro II, took his court for picnics in this picture-perfect spot.

However, the most famous monument in Brazil stands proudly overlooking the whole forest, perched up high on Corcovado mountain - Christ the Redeemer, accessible either via a small train that snakes up the mountain or there is a Trek up to the top which is a great excuse to see the forest up close & visit the famous statue at the same time.

This Trek starts just behind the Parque Lage, an elegant Mansion turned Art School it is about 50 minutes to the top with plenty of butterflies, monkeys, shy lizards & exotic plants to see. The Park is home to many bird & animal species, including iguanas & monkeys, which Hikers may encounter the well marked Trails.

Candomblistas (practitioners of the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomble) leave offerings by the roadside; families have picnics & serious Hikers climb the 1012 metres to the summit of Pico da Tijuca.

Come back to the Starting Point.

Proceed to the Station at the bottom of the Corcovado Hill & board the comfortable cog-wheel train that takes 20 minutes through the Tijuca Rainforest, to ascend the mountain.

Crowning Corcovado at 2400 feet above sea level, is the majestic statue of Christ standing 120 feet high. The Redeemer’s outstretched arm welcomes you to a breathtaking panorama - unmatched for its spellbinding magic!

Corcovado (meaning "hunchback" in Portuguese), a symbol in the Brazilian culture, is a granite mountain in Tijuca Forest National Park in central Rio de Janeiro. Corcovado hill lies just west of the city center but is wholly within the city limits & visible from great distances. An additional attraction of the mountain is rock climbing. The south face had 54 climbing routes in 1992. The easiest way starts from Park Lage.

It is known worldwide for the legendary 38 metre Statue of Jesus entitled Christ the Redeemer with its open arms blessing the whole city & the viewing platform atop its peak. Known as the “wonder of Rio”, it was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But most importantly, however, the Statue has become a global symbol of Christianity that attracts millions of believers & non-believers to the top of Mount Corcovado every year.

Looking out from the 2329 feet peak of Corcovado, you will realise why Rio is called the Cidade Maravilhosa. Lushly forested mountains fringe the city, shimmering beaches trace the shoreline & a string of tiny islands lie scattered along the seafront. From the Observation point, the panoramic view includes downtown Rio, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (lake), Copacabana & Ipanema beaches, deep blue waters, mountains, forests, Estadio do Maracana (Maracana Stadium), Fortaleza Santa Cruz, Niteroi stretch with inter-connected urban areas & several of Rio's favelas. Cloud cover is common in Rio & the view from the platform is often obscured.

The Peak & Statue can be accessed via a narrow road, by the 3.8 kilometre memorable & steep Corcovado Rack Railway, which was opened in 1884 or by the walking trail on the south side of the mountain that starts from Parque Lage. Most interesting as well as time saving, however, is the train passing through very picturesque scenery. The railway uses 3 electrically powered trains, with a passenger capacity of 540 passengers per hour.  

Upon arrival at the top, either by train or road, the Observation Deck at the foot of the Statue is reached by 223 steps, or by elevators & escalators.

Notable past visitors to the mountain peak include Pope Pius XII, Pope John Paul II, Alberto Santos-Dumont, Albert Einstein, Diana, Princess of Wales & General Sherman, among others.

The open-armed savior has stood atop his lofty perch, gazing peacefully over Rio, since 1931 & has become a symbol of Christianity across the world & a cultural icon of both Rio de Janeiro & Brazil.

Constructed between 1922 & 1931, Christ the Redeemer is an Art Deco Design, thanks not to one, but a handful of different designers who crafted & created the statue over a period of 9 years. Initial sketch by artist Carlos Oswald was Jesus carrying a Cross in one hand & a Globe in the other & then a design for the statue to “face the rising sun” from the top of the mountain. Eventually, it was decided to design the Statue into the massive Art Deco-style style that is seen today, with Jesus Christ stretching out his arms wide, a symbol of peace, as if to welcome the citizens of Rio with open arms (literally).

Designed & created by a French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski & built by the engineer team of Brazilian Heitor da Silva Costa & French Albert Caquot. Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida fashioned the face.

The Statue is a remarkable work of artistry, but most people don't come up here to admire the art deco design. They come for the mesmerizing panorama, a combination of tropical rainforest, beaches, islands, ocean, bay & verdant peaks, that surrounds this unlikely metropolis.

The idea of designing a massive statue of Jesus Christ in Rio first came about way back in the 1850s, when Vincentian priest Pedro Maria Boss first proposed placing a Christian monument on Mount Corcovado in the mid 1850s to honor Princess Isabel, regent of Brazil & the daughter of Emperor Pedro II, but the project was not approved. Apparently, he had requested Princess Isabel to fund the project, but the idea was scrapped after a Declaration of the Republic was promulgated in 1889 - a pinnacle move as it separated the Church from the State in the country.

It wasn’t until after World War I when the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Rio & a group of locals started becoming concerned about the “lack of religious faith” in the Brazilian community & it was hoped that by placing a massive statue of Jesus on top of a mountain in Rio, it would rebel against what they saw as an “increasing godlessness” in the country. It was requested that the Statue be placed on the summit of Mount Corcovado so it would be visible from anywhere & everywhere in Rio & thus represent a way of “reclaiming Rio” (which was Brazil’s capital city at that time) to Christianity.

The Catholic Circle of Rio made a 2^nd proposal, 7 decades later in 1920. The Group organized an event called Semana do Monumento ("Monument Week") to collect signatures & attract donations mostly from Brazilian Catholics to support the building of the Statue.

Construction took 9 years, from 1922 to 1931 & cost the equivalent of US$ 250,000 (equivalent to $3.6 million in 2020) funded entirely by the Catholic community & the monument opened on October 12, 1931.

Perched on the summit of Mount Corcovado & towering 2,310 feet above the city of Rio, the 4^th largest statue of Christ in the world, Christ the Redeemer has fascinated experts & historians for nearly a hundred years. The whopping 30 metres high statue (excluding its 8 metres pedestal), made of reinforced concrete & soapstone, weighs 635 metric tons.  The outstretched arms are 28 metres wide horizontally.

During the Opening Ceremony, the Statue was to be lit by a battery of floodlights turned on remotely by Italian shortwave radio inventor Guglielmo Marconi, stationed 9,200 kilometres away in Rome but because of bad weather, the lights were activated on-site.

In October 2006, on the 75^th anniversary of the Installation, Cardinal Eusebio Oscar Scheid, Archbishop of Rio, consecrated a Chapel, named after Brazil's patron saint - Our Lady Aparecida - under the Statue, allowing Catholics to hold Baptisms & Weddings there.

More recently, in what was a very moving sight, the Statue was lit up with flags of countries around the world & messages of hope recently. It did so in solidarity with countries affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It was illuminated during a special Mass conducted by the city's Archbishop, Dom Orani Tempesta. As the Archbishop urged people to pray for those who were ill, the message #pray together was projected onto the statue in different languages, as were maps of each individual continent & the flags of countries that have reported cases of the virus.

Spend an hour at the Statue before coming down.

Transfer back to the hotel by late afternoon.

Balance of the afternoon is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Sunset in Rio de Janeiro is spectacular, so why not join Rio's residents & head for the beaches of Ipanema & Copacabana where the mountains cast long shadows over sea and sand under a golden sky.

Evening around 07:00 pm, you will be met by a Journeys Rep who will escort you to experience the lively nightlife of Brazil's top party city. The vibrant district of Lapa is home to some of Rio´s best clubs, with live bands playing Brazil's classic musical styles, such as Samba, Pagode & Bossa Nova.

Enjoy dinner at one of the iconic addresses.

Come back to the hotel (on your own).

Overnight.  B D      

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08:00 am & proceed for a full day sightseeing tour visiting the highlights of Rio city

First stop will be the world famous Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro visited by a over a million tourists each year. Its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of a concentrated, refined sugar loaf. It can be visited any time but sunset on a clear day is the most rewarding time to visit.

Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Baia de Guanabara (Guanabara Bay) & between Rio's downtown & residential districts, it allows a close look, literally, at the city & its beaches from above (400M - 1,200 feet). At the top, the city unfolds beneath you, with Corcovado Mountain and Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) off to the west & Copacabana Beach to the south.

The journey to the top is made by a modern 2 stage glass cable-car ride lasting around 30 minutes. The first cable-car takes passengers to the top of Morro da Urca, which rises 215 meters above sea level & offers spectacular views of the entire Baia de Guanabara & the winding coastline. On the ocean side of the mountain is Praia Vermelha. & its surrounding islands. On this level, there are souvenir shops, snack bars, a concert venue (Arena Morro da Urca) & a Helipad (helicopter tours are offered by Helisight).

From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a 2^nd cable-car to the top of Sugar Loaf which rises 395 meters above sea level & offers a 360 degree view of the entire city including Botafogo, Copacabana Beach, Corcovado Mountain & downtown Rio, undoubtedly a Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). If the breathtaking heights unsteady any visitor at this level, there is the stylish Classico Beach Club, an open-sided Bar that serves tropical cocktails, as well as high-end snacks.

For the adventurous who would rather take the long way to the top, there are granite-hugging climbing tours. Morro da Urca is much easier to climb & the short but steep path takes about 30 minutes to climb along marked & unmarked Trail along the Pista Claudio Coutinho.  

The Sugarloaf experience concludes & you descend down to the ground level, hop on the vehicle & continue your discovery of Rio.

Head downtown to the historic City Center, passing the Metropolitan Cathedral & the Candelaria Church, as well as many more important buildings. You will then see the traditional Cinelandia Square with its historical buildings, the Municipal Theatre, the National Library & the National Museum of Fine Arts & Sambodrome.

Drive by Sambadrome Marques de Sapucai, a purpose-built Parade area which is the location for the annual Samba School Parade. The venue is also known as Passarela Professor Darcy Ribeiro or simply the Sambodromo.

Pass by the 4 km long Copacabana, the most famous beach in the city (maybe even in the country, or in the world). Among the trademarks is its boardwalk with waves drawn in Portuguese stone, designed by famous Brazilian landscaper Burle Max. You will realise why cariocas (locals) have such a beautiful tan. As you drive, the Tour-guide will be regaling you with interesting tidbits about the city & neighborhoods

You will see the historic Laranjeiras neighborhood, which hosts the Guanabara Palace, the ancient home of Princess Isabel who signed the Golden Law to free all slaves. Nowadays, the Palace serves as head-quarters of the government of Rio de Janeiro

Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro. Elaborate Churches can be found all across the world but the Rio de Janeiro Cathedral may be the only one that looks like an angular beehive from the future. This massive Church with an internal diameter of 96 meters & a height of 80 meters, is built like an angular, technicolor Pyramid left by Mayans from the future.

Designed by architect Edgar Fonseca to echo the ancient Mayan pyramids, construction began in the late 1960s & continued on into the 1970s & can hold as many as 20,000 people (if standing room is included). While each tilting wall is covered in small, square windows that give it the look of a space-age honeycomb, towering stained glass 200 feet windows run down the center of each wall as well. The giant colored windows reach from the floor, straight to the tip of the Church. At the top, they connect to the 4 points of a crucifix-shaped skylight, that is set into the flat ceiling, made up of the same honeycomb pattern of panels as the walls. It also features ornate doors made of dozens of religious-themed bronze plaques & there is a Museum in the basement.

Next stop will be at the artsy & hip Santa Teresa neighbourhood where you will visit the Chacara do Ceu Museum - perhaps the best small Museum in the country.

Santa Teresa is a hilltop district, popular with both natives & tourists, with a charming colonial village-like vibe with steep, winding streets lined with elegant old mansions, many housing chic boutique hotels, cultural centers, quirky cocktail bars, nightclubs or romantic restaurants with live music & with magnificent views of the city. As well as an artistic hotspot with artists’ studios, “Santa” has Museu da Chacara do Ceu, exhibiting European & Brazilian art & the atmospheric Ruins Park, with an art gallery built around the ruins of a mansion.

It is one of the few neighborhoods to resist development in order to retain its colonial charm & its natural scenery, pleasant atmosphere & easy access to downtown Rio make it attractive.

In terms of tourist attractions, Santa Teresa has a lot to offer & this neighborhood has the only remaining streetcar line connecting Santa Teresa to Largo da Carioca via Acros da Lapa. Bondinho (streetcar) de Santa Teresa is an experience that should not be missed & on weekends, there are tourist streetcar routes with official Guides so you can enjoy the ride while getting to know more about the history of the city.

As a tourist you would like to take back home some handicrafts. Local Artisans are well known for their handmade dolls, paintings, baskets, porcelain & woven rugs.

The history of Santa Teresa revolves around the Convent of Santa Teresa which can be described as the heart of the neighborhood. There is a Chapel built by Antonio Gomez do Desterro dating back to 1629. But in 1750, sisters Jacinta & Francisca Rodrigues Ayres, both Nuns, started working on establishing a Convent for which they sought the help of Count of Bobadella. The Convent drew in more residents to the area. The neighborhood was also protected from a cholera epidemic in the late 19^th century further boosting its development & over the years, it has grown to be one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Rio.

There is Parque Das Ruinas - Centro Cultural Laurinda Lobo was originally a mansion occupied by Laurinda Lobo who played an important role in the social history of Rio. However, since the Mansion was in such a state of ruin only a part of it was restored & is now used for concerts & open-air shows.

See the world-famous iconic Escadaria Selaron, the most beautiful staircase in the world traversing from Convento de Santa Teresa to Rua Joaquim Silva nestled between the bohemian neighborhoods. In the gritty, yet unique, district of Lapa, the extraordinarily decorated Steps sit as a gem & have since become a landmark in Brazil’s most famous city.

The world-famous Steps are the work of artist Jorge Selaron who claimed it as "my tribute to the Brazilian people". Born in Chile in 1947, Selaron spent years traveling throughout the world while working as a Painter. Living or travelling in more than 50 countries, he claimed to have sold more than 25,000 portraits before finally settling in Rio de Janeiro in 1983, with a small home in the arty Lapa district.

An accidental Art Project of the Painter, the Steps now serve as a source of optimism & inspiration for those who use them, as well as a never-ending reminder of the Artist who created them.

In 1990, Selaron randomly began ‘renovating’ the more than 200 Steps that sat across from his house, covering them with brightly colored bits of tile. Piece by piece, he began transforming the brown dilapidated Steps into a colorful work of art. Each vivid mosaic steps Step is unique, covered in more than 2,000 pieces of ceramic, mirrors & colorful tiles from all over the world.

Though it began as a creative diversion to his primary work as a Painter, it was a project that Selaron eventually dedicated his life to, obsessively working on the staircase that he deemed ‘never complete’. A true lover of Rio, he saw the project as his tribute to the city & the Brazilian people and he began to use only blue, green & yellow tiles in honor of the Brazilian flag. The walls of the Steps feature multiple mosaics signed by the artist: ‘Brasil Eu Te Amo Selaron’ - ‘Brazil I love you - Selaron’.

During his work on the Steps, the Painter often ran out of money & would return to painting, commissioning paintings simply to fund his renovations of the staircase, adding color & beauty to each step tile by tile. At first, Selaron searched around town, in antique shops & trash piles to find Tiles for his steps, but as his notoriety grew, people began sending or bringing him Tiles from all over the world - in fact, the stairs feature Tiles from at least 60 different countries.

Over the years, the Artist repaired broken or missing pieces & modified or replaced parts that he deemed not beautiful enough. Eventually, he began to add the color red, lining the sides and walls of the Steps with a bright tropical hue, claiming it added a happiness & vivacity unlike other colors: ‘It’s like if the stairway was alive. It is always changing & becoming more beautiful… You see & feel the difference’, the Artist once said. Visitors could expect to see the eccentric artist with his big handlebar mustache resting or working & always willing to have a chat.

The 125 meters of Steps covered in bright tile, is a product of sheer determination by Selaron & they act are a source of inspiration for the neighborhood. The staircase completely transformed the neighborhood from the once poor, run-down district to a creative hub, brimming with visitors & even a setting for the Rio de Janeiro’s 2016 Olympic bid. Now restaurants & bars sit at the bottom of the Steps catering to the many tourists who fill the area.

The bright Steps were covered by the media in 2,000 & immediately garnered international attention, with appearances in magazines such as National Geographic & Time as well as a Fanta commercial & music videos such as U2′s Walk On & Snoop Dogg’s Beautiful. They became a city landmark & in 2005 the Artist was declared an honorary Carioca, or Rio resident - an important honor for a man with such an overwhelming dedication to his community.

‘I’m a genius!’ Selaron said on the subject, ‘I made the most fantastic staircase ever in the history of humanity. In Rio de Janeiro! Because it couldn’t have happened in any other city!’ Tragically, in 2013 the Artist was found dead at the age of 65 in front of his house on the very Steps he spent 20 years of his life working on. In a strange twist appropriate for the Artist, he had once written on a wall of the Steps: ‘I will only end this crazy & unique dream on the last day of my life’. Selaron wanted his staircase to last a lifetime, a wish that was fulfilled for his & will be fulfilled for many lifetimes to come.

After snapping a couple of memorable pictures, continue walking to Largo do Guimaraes Square filled with bars, restaurants, handicraft shops & which is the center of the annual carnival activities.

Finally, get inside the famous Museu da Chacara do Ceu in a 18,000 square meters Mansion built in 1957 by Vladimir Alves de Sousa, which features work by Picasso, Dali, Monet & numerous other famous artists. There are displays of Chinese sculptures from the Shung dynasty, modern sculptures by Brazilian artists, Brazilian paintings including Di Cavalcanti & Portinari and a number of landscape paintings featuring old Rio.

The Mansion & its gardens by Burle Marx, offers the best views of downtown, Guanabara Bay & Corvocado Hill.  The rooms are furnished with jacaranda wood, oriental rugs & original pieces of furniture used by Raymundo de Castro Maia.

After spending an hour at the Museum, drive on & pass by the traditional Cinelandia Square with its historical buildings, the Municipal Theatre, the National Library & the National Museum of Fine Arts.

The sightseeing ends & you are transferred back to the hotel.

Return to the hotel by afternoon.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B 

Full day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B 

Morning, you will be transferred to Terminal? - Rio de Janeiro Galeao - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport to board your flight to Iguazu.

On arrival at Terminal? - Foz do Iguacu Cataratas International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep / Tour-guide who will ensure your comfort, discuss the program for the next few days & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area.

Please pack an extra set of comfortable clothes, towel (as you are going to get wet) & walking shoes, insect repellent, sunhat, sunscreen & sunglasses in your carry-on (you can even do it after arrival).

You will be introduced to the Tour-guide at the Airport & immediately proceed to enjoy the best panoramic views of the world's most impressive Waterfall.

The 7^th largest Brazilian city, in the state of Parana, Foz do Iguacu (Iguazu River Mouth) is integrated & converge into a tri-national region, bordering the Argentine city of Puerto Iguazu & the Paraguayan city of Ciudad del Este, with loosely controlled borders.

The region was almost uninhabited & there was only a military colony until 1897, with the creation of a postal office in the region. Given the little attention of the political authorities, the region was inhabited by foreigners from neighbouring countries, mainly from Argentina. In 1910, the colony's status was upgraded to a "vila" (town or village), named "Vila Iguazu" & in 1914 upgraded to a city status & named Foz do Iguassu.

The economy of this southwestern city on the border of Iguaçu Falls is characterized by tourism & cultural diversity, with emphasis on trade & services.

There are about 80 nationalities, the most representative from Italy, Portugal, China, Paraguay & Argentina. Since 1940, Arabs have settled in the city & people of Lebanese heritage constitute around 90% of the population from Middle East in the city, with others from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Syria & Palestine.

Itaipu Dam, the 2^nd largest generator of hydro-electric power in the world, in the Parana river, between Brazil & Paraguay is located here. The city also has Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosque, the largest in Latin America.  

However, the city is a gateway to one of the most dramatic & monumental waterfalls in the world - Iguazu Falls in Iguazu National Park with 100s of cascades tumbling over the cliffs on the border with the Argentine province of Misiones & Brazilian state of Parana.

Straddling the borders of Argentina, Brazil & Paraguay, Iguazu Falls located within one of the few remaining wisely preserved inland rainforests in South America, the Atlantic rainforest, the Fall was selected as one of the winners of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011. The Falls area itself makes the border between Brazil & Argentina. Although Paraguay is nearby, it only shares the river that Iguazu Falls feeds, but it is quite far from the Falls & cannot even be seen from there.

The origin of the name Iguazu comes from the Mbya-Guarani indigenous people. Iguacu means “big or great water” in the Tupi & Guarani Indian language, which is a fitting description for this magnificent landscape. The Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption that left a large crack in the earth.

Until 1860, it was under disputed territory between Brazil & Paraguay, but given the latter's defeat in the Paraguayan War, the Falls were recognized as part of the Brazilian territory.

Ancient Brazilian tribes always knew about these tumultuous thunderous Falls, but it was little known worldwide before they were initially discovered by a Spanish explorer & Conquistador named Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541 during a river journey from what we now know as Asuncion (Paraguay) & he named it "Quedas de Santa Maria". Later, the name changed to Quedas del Iguazu when the first Jesuit missions arrived (today, its ruins are interesting tourist attraction), & spread over more than 30 towns distributed in southern Paraguay, Brazil & the entire province of Misiones in Argentina. But, by 1768, the Jesuits were expelled by the Crown of Spain & the place forgotten.

Later owner, Gregorio Lezama, an Argentine businessman & politician, listed the Falls as “a block of jungle that borders several waterfalls” & auctioned them off, as he considered the land worthless. These lands were ultimately acquired by Domingo Ayarragaray in 1907, who would discover the tourism potential of the place, setting up the first hotel & constructing up some roads for people to get to know the Falls.

It is interesting to mention that, in 1901, the first tourist excursion to the area arrived, but without positive results since it was difficult to cross the place. One of the participants in this group was Victoria Aguirre, who thanks to her donation together with Gibaja & Nunez, allowed them to build the first highway from Puerto Iguazu (in Misiones, Argentina) to Iguazu Falls (Argentine side). Today, the main avenue of Puerto Iguazu is named after Victoria Aguirre.

You will experience Iguazu Falls from above & below, by boat & by helicopter.

The Iguazu National Park consists of 2 sections (or Parks) one in Foz de Iguazu (Brazil) & the other one in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina) totalling 252,982 hectares (67,720 hectares on Argentine side & 185,262 hectares on Brazilian side).

The Falls attracted attention & they were declared National Parks (1934 in Argentina & 1939 in Brazil) & millions of visitors are fascinated by the landscape & the sound. It was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 & reaffirmed as Exceptional Universal Value. The Falls are heralded as the most dramatic & among the most monumental waterfalls in the world, tumbling over the cliffs on the border with the Argentine province of Misiones & Brazilian state of Parana.

To describe the Iguazu Falls without gushing superlatives is a futile exercise. With water cascades as far as the eye can see - some massive & powerful, some small & dainty - the Falls are a shock to the system. By any measure, Iguazu Falls is a monster. To put that in perspective, Iguazu Falls is nearly twice as tall as Niagara Falls and rivaled only by Zambia & Zimbabwe's magnificent Victoria Falls, which is taller at 108 meters. It is nearly 3 times as wide as Niagara Falls & significantly wider still than Victoria Falls. The Falls on the Iguazu River on the Argentine & Brazilian border divide the river into the upper & lower Iguazu.

Iguacu is simply spectacular! The magnificent Falls with 257 individual waterfalls, that can reach up to 60 - 80 meters of height & stretch for 2.7 km. The tallest one, is known as the Devil’s Throat. This wonderful setting is further enhanced by the permanent formation of rainbows. The lush micro-climate created by the large clouds of spray & the Falls themselves are protected.

Metaphorically speaking, it is said that the ’show’ belong to Argentina, but the ‘view’ belongs to Brazil. This is very true, for the Brazilian side features a shortish walkway (compared to the numerous circuits & trails on the Argentine side) that overlooks the entire cataract & offers a stunning view. It is also only the Brazilian side that offers helicopter rides over the Falls. The Brazilian side provides a more stunning panorama, including one of the largest Dams in the world, the attractions of a large town, a Bird Park, a world class dinner concert venue. Argentine side has more vantage points from where you can actually get up close & personal with the Falls.

A visit here will undoubtedly leave you in awe. The lush, sub-tropical National Park surrounding it create an important natural ecosystem connected to all Latin America & are teeming with wildlife that cannot be found anywhere else. On both sides, it is easy to see Coaties, a small 4 legged, long tailed animals that roam here. One of the other animals present in the area, but not easy to spot, is Yaguarete, a feline that is currently in danger of extinction. Tapir, one of the largest mammals in Latin America, is another animal that may be seen in this area.

The fauna around Iguazu Falls is extremely rich with over 60 species of mammals, 422 bird species, over 40 reptiles, 18 amphibians & 250 butterfly species, countless insects & invertebrate species. This area tends to the best chance of seeing large numbers of colorful Toco Toucans, the most spectacular of all toucans. There are more than 2,000 plant species & it is not uncommon here to encounter Cai monkeys & even Jaguars on the way to the waterfalls.

Reach Parque Nacional do Iguacu & wait till the Tour-guide arranges for the Admission Ticket.

Seeing the Falls is a jaw-dropping, visceral experience and the power & noise of the cascades - a chain of hundreds of waterfalls nearly 1.85 miles in extension - live forever in the memory. Unlike overhyped destinations that can leave you feeling disappointed, Iguazu Falls instantly turns even jaded travelers into a raving fans.

Brazilian side, smaller than the Argentine side of the Park / Falls, offers an astounding multi-dimensional panorama for picture-perfect 360° views & flawless shutter exposures.

Enter & board a Park bus that will drive you to the viewing Walkways. Upon arrival at the Falls, the Tour-guide will give a Safety Briefing, instructions on Dos & Don’ts & show a map of the 1000 metres of the Walkway System.

Soon after, commence your walk on the Paths (on your own), catching spectacular panoramic views of the Falls on the Brazilian & Argentine sides.

Located a few kilometers from the union of the Iguassu River with the Parana River, the Waterfalls will amaze you with their size, water flow & strong current. The average flow of the Waterfalls is around 1.800 m3 per second, for an average amount of 10 million liters per second. During the rainy season, the stream of Iguassu River increases & offers an even more beautiful spectacle.

The geologic change that gave birth to the Iguassu Waterfalls took place nearly 150 million years ago & shook the earth crust around the globe. In the Iguassu region those changes created a gigantic Canyon, full of rock steps through which the grand Iguassu flows, producing a huge steam cloud & a deafening sound. The biggest Waterfall is the “Devils Throat”, which is 90 meters high. The volume of water poured down creates a cloud of drizzling water that can be watched from kilometers away

At the end of the circuit, you will get to approach Floriano Fall from a viewpoint where you will get sprayed by the heavy mists of the falls.

Spend around 2 hours before proceeding to the Helipad for completely different & unique perspective of the spectacular Waterfalls.

Listen to Safety Briefing, get all the necessary equipment for your adventure & climb in to the comfortable, state-of-the-art Helicopter & begin your adventure.

Fly over the Visitor's Center on the Brazilian side of the Falls. Bank towards the National Park, looking out over the Brazilian, Paraguayan & Argentinian Rainforest that continues as far as the eye can see.

Hover over the rushing Falls, watching from above as 275 different Waterfalls plummet over the edge & crash into the pools below. The Pilot will circle several times so that each passenger can get optimal photos of Devil's Throat & the San Martin Waterfall, the 2 largest falls.

At the conclusion of your 10 minute flight, return to the Helipad & continue on to the next adventure.

Proceed to the Embarkation Point to board the bus to Macuco Station & transfer to open electric jeep-towed wagons that offer an unobstructed view of the spectacular scenery along the 3 kilometers stretch through the jungle trail.

Disembark & commence a 600 metres Hike along the path through the Canyons. The Tour-guide will point out examples of the flora & fauna. You will see Orchids, Palm trees, Bromeliads, Centenarian trees & you may even come across wild animals.

The Hike concludes at a 20 meters high Waterfall called "Macuco Falls". Access is via a stairway carved into the ancient rock & visitors have the option to take refreshing dip on hot days

Continue on to Macuco Safari docks on the Iguassu River. There is a terrace with luggage storage & cabinets, bathrooms, snack bar & a souvenir shop.  

And finally, the adventure starts!!! Macuco Safari's twin-engine inflatable bi-motor boats constructed to withstand the rigors of the excursion, await visitors.

Before embarkation, passengers receive life-vests & plastic containers to keep photographic & filming equipment or papers. Depart for an exclusive and spectacular view of the Iguacu Falls.

The Boat travels up-river passing the canyon facing the rapids at a speed that allows for scenic viewing. Rocks, animals & ample amounts of greenery complete the scenery until the base of the Falls is reached, next to the "great horseshoe" know as the "Devils Throat".

Enjoy a waterfall shower. Rainbows, blue sky, mist & water in abundance, punctuate the spectacle whose high-point is the "The Three Musketeers" Falls (named after the famous novel from the French romantic period "The three musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas). Here, the Captain maneuvers the boat in order to get close enough to provide the passengers with a quick & refreshing shower.

Since at the end of the fun everyone normally ends-up wet, passengers more sensitive to cold should make sure to bring extra clothing to use after the boat excursion.

The Boat ride finishes & you go back to the Pier.

Disembark & proceed to the Embarkation Point to board the Tram to ride back to the Bus Point.

After the experience concludes, enjoy a leisurely Lunch at Porto Canoas Restaurant above the Falls.

The Tour finishes & you are transferred back to the hotel by late afternoon.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B L 

Morning, at 07:30 am, you will be met by the Tour-guide & proceed on a 4 hour excursion to experience the amazing views of Iguazu Falls from the Argentina side.

Iguazu Falls is the world's largest system of Waterfalls & one of the Natural Seven Wonders of the World. With 275 different drops spanning across 2 countries, this breathtaking natural phenomenon will leave you speechless.

Reach imposing Visitor Center at Parque Nacional do Iguacu & wait till the Tour-guide arranges for the Admission Ticket.

Walkways have been built over the river, around & alongside the Falls, allowing you to experience the majesty of 950 meters long Iguazu Falls from very close quarters.

Today, you will discover the Lower Path Circuit.  

Lower Path has a 1,700 meters network of walkways venturing into the lush jungle to connect with Dos Hermanas, Chico & Ramirez Jumps. This circuit allows you to enter the jungle through various stairs & walkways, where you will see flora & fauna characteristic of the area. As you move forward you will see a beautiful panoramic view of the Falls.

Walking further on the Path, you will reach the steps that leads down to Dos Hermanas Waterfall, where there is a small place with seats to rest.

Proceed to Devil’s Throat, one of the main attractions of Iguazu Falls. If you saw photos of the destination, surely many of the shots will have been of this attraction. The Devil’s Throat allows you to be meters away from the most impressive section of the Fall & see it from above. Below, you will have all the mist generated by the water pounding the bottom, creating the roar & water vapor that mean Iguazu Falls can be seen & heard for miles around.

To get to this Waterfall, visitors take the Rainforest Ecological ‘narrow gauge’ Train that runs on the 7 km track through the dense Jungle along the Iguazu River stopping when animals cross the lines.

The Train was built in England, painted green, consists of a propane locomotive pulling up to 5 open roofed carriages with wooden seats at the sides so that the passengers have direct contact with the forest - sensing the aromas, weather variations and the sounds of the forest. Planned exclusively for Iguazu Falls National Park, the design takes into account the unique characteristics of the area, such as weather & the surrounding natural environment.

The 20 minutes journey commences from Central Station near the entrance of the Park (Visitor Centre), stopping at Cataratas Station (visitors can proceed either to the panoramic Upper Circuit, or get closer to the river, water & vegetation in the Lower Circuit) & finally ending at Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) deeper into the jungle.

The Train crosses both of the Park’s main walking paths, the Sendero Macuco & the Sendero Verde. The latter of these is the walking path that brings one to the starting point of both the Upper & Lower Circuits. The Train is the only way to progress to this important highlight of the Park & serves as a good suspense builder as it putters silently through the jungle. At night, during a full moon tour, this effect is doubly magnified.

Train ride is included in the Ticket price & plays an important role in maintaining this valuable habitat. By controlling the concentration of crowds while giving them a chance to pass intimately through the jungle, the Ecological Jungle Train enhances & preserves the National Park. Furthermore, it grants access to this wonder of nature for those who aren’t able to hike there, and is fun, making it an integral part of any tour.

You will also enjoy the massive seawall water falling from Bosetti Jump and Alvar Nunez, Elenita & Lanusse.

Enjoy Lunch at one of the Falls restaurants before crossing the border back to the Brazil side.

Reach the hotel by afternoon.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B L 

Located 300 metres from the entrance to Parque Nacional do Iguacu, is the private zoo in 12 acres of sub-tropical forest, known as the Parque das Aves (Bird Park), fully integrated into its natural surroundings.

Early morning, accompanied by the Journeys Rep, proceed for a 2 hour visit to the Bird Park, where you can find hundreds of colorful tropical species both indigenous to the Iguazu region & from other areas of the world, such as toucans, macaws, hummingbirds, red ibis, bare-throated bellbird & flamingos.  While the birds are the main attraction, other exhibits include snakes, lizards, anacondas, boas, crocodiles, Titi monkeys & butterflies.

The Conservation Center for Birds of the Atlantic Forest & the 2^nd most visited attraction in Foz do Iguacu is one of the largest in Latin America. The Park on the Brazilian side boasts an impressive array of wildlife & is a perfect place to know more about this sanctuary, while interacting with the many different birds.

Drive through the Reserve towards the Visitors center at Parque de las Aves. There, you will hop on the panoramic buses & commence the tour, listening to the audio commentary & explanations from the Guide.

The Bird Park is a unique place, counting more than 800 plus distinct species of birds, many rescued from illegal traffic. The main idea is to make a Sanctuary for engendered species, around 120 in danger of extinction. Hosting the biggest Araras (Macaws) Sanctuary in South America, the Bird Park offers safe spaces for visitors to enter & observe the free flying birds from very close range.

They live in spacious 8 metres high Aviaries that are constructed right in the forest, some of which you can walk along the paths of the Vivarium, without bothering the birds. Learn more about each & every species living in the Sanctuary & listen to exotic birds in the beautiful natural setting, snapping memorable photos of 100s of different native & exotic birds, reptiles, caimans, marmosets & butterflies.

Return to the hotel & relax.

If the flight departs in the evening, you have the time to explore the city independently (we will be happy to offer suggestions or make arrangements).

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be picked up for transfer to Terminal? -  Foz do Iguacu International Airport for your flight to Rio.

On arrival at Terminal? -  Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep & transferred to the hotel.

Overnight.  B  

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end & it is time to to bid adieu to Rio de Janeiro. But, we sure hope that after this glimpse, you may want to come back & discover a little bit more of the Brazilian culture, practice your Samba & discover all that Brazil has to offer

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

“Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you have not seen” - Mark Hertsgaard

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort, obtain your feedback about the arrangements for the tour & transfer you to Terminal? - Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport for your onward journey.  B

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