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 during the course of the sightseeing today.

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

Hiking at Tijuca Forest, which is considered the largest urban forest in the world, offers a wealth of trails with different settings & characteristics, and most having one feature in common: spectacular views across the city. Tijuca Peak is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the park, being the highest peak in the national park & the second highest in the city of Rio. At 1022 meters (3066ft), Tijuca Peak has a constant gentle uphill slope to the summit. The average hiking time uphill is 90 minute and descent time is 60 approximately.

After the short hike, continue on to Corcovado. 

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! The views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches and the ocean are spectacular.

Return to the hotel and rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Evening - around 06:00 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 and Bossa Nova. Enjoy dinner at one of the iconic addresses.

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 

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 Parque Nacional do Iguacu 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 

Early morning, you be met by a Journeys Rep / Driver & transferred to Foz do Iguacu Cataratas International Airport for your flight to Cuiaba, the gateway to Brazil’s Pantanal Wetlands in the smack-dab center of South America.

There is no direct flight. Consequently, you would be travelling through Sao Paulo Guarulhos - Governor Andre Franco Montoro Intl Airport (Arrive 01.00 pm → Depart LA3800 - 03.50 pm- 05.10 pm). There is a short waiting time before proceeding to Check-in for your onward flight directly (no services envisaged in Sao Paulo)

On arrival at Terminal? - Cuiaba Marechal Rondon International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the Lodge & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area.

Cuiaba, a city on the banks of the Cuiaba River & the capital of the central Brazilian state Mato Grosso, is known as a gateway to the wetlands of the Northern Pantanal, influenced by Amazonia. Colonial architecture & the tree-lined Republic Square lie at its heart, along with the Clock Towers of the modern Cathedral of Bom Jesus. The Mato Grosso History Museum, paintings & models depict the region’s history & battles.

The city's name is an indigenous Bororo word meaning 'arrow-fishing' & it was founded in 1719, during the gold rush. The city is a trading centre for an extensive cattle-raising & agricultural products.

Reach the lodge & Check-in.

The UNESCO World Heritage listed 70,000 square miles (an area the size of Washington State & about half the size of France), Pantanal, one of the most important & pristine ecosystems on the planet, is a natural region encompassing the world's largest & most diverse tropical freshwater wetland & the world's largest flooded grasslands when each year, torrential rains fill the Pantanal's giant basin, creating a vast flooded landscape & water can rise by up to 5 metres. This privileged region concentrates all types of biodiversity, differentiated by the uniqueness of its landscapes formed by hills, savannas, rivers, streams & huge flooded areas, some temporary & others permanent.

The rivers overflow, turning fields & forests into a vast sea dotted with islands. Some ranches here can only be reached by boats for months on end & others may have access to an airstrip (generally a flattened stretch of grass).

Located mostly within the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, it extends into Mato Grosso and portions of Bolivia & Paraguay, supporting millions of people there, as well as communities in the lower Rio de la Plata Basin. Distances are so great & ground transport so poor that people get around in small airplanes & motorboats; car travel is restricted by the seasons.

Mato Grosso region was once Brazil’s wild west, a land known only to indigenous hunters, poachers, gold seekers & naturalists. Today, some of Brazil’s most photogenic wildlife & incredible scenery make it a prime destination for Eco-tourists & Anglers.

The crystal-clear rivers & cave lakes around Bonito & Bom Jardim allow visitors to explore a remarkable underwater world by donning a scuba tank or snorkeling mask. In the far-north town of Alta Floresta, the cerrado (savanna) morphs into the Amazon; in the south the Serra da Bodoquena is a breathtakingly beautiful, watery wonderland. In between, the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimaraes has some of the most commanding plateau views in Brazil.

The southern Pantanal is more strongly influenced by the Chaco & the Atlantic Rainforest fauna, flora & the northern part of the Pantanal by Amazonia. But this doesn't make one area better than the other.

Unlike many other biologically intense areas, here, visitors are virtually guaranteed to actually SEE the wildlife. Because about 80% of the wetlands are submerged during the wet season, the species here include aquatic ones, making it an even more diverse & fascinating. There is estimated to be about 1,000 bird species, 300 mammals & 9,000 invertebrates, in addition to countless fascinating insects & other species. The preservation of all existing species of life depends directly on the cycle & rhythm of the waters.

Some of the very rare & / or endangered animal & bird species include Marsh Deer • Hyacinth Macaw • Crowned Solitary Eagle • Jaguar • Maned Wolf • Bush Dog • Capybara • South American Tapir • Giant Anteater • Yacare Caiman • Wild Boars.

There are close to 10 million Yacare Caiman present within the Pantanal & during the Dry Season every bridge crossing on the Transpantaneira is surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of Caimans basking or fighting for space in the ever dwindling lagoons. Capybara (the largest rodent in the world), like the Caiman, are also present in the millions & are likely to be encountered every few seconds while driving. Other mammals are slightly harder to spot, but still much easier than in the Amazon. The Pantanal is the best place in all of Americas to spot the elusive & impressive Jaguar in the wild, given the relatively small amount of thick rain forest cover.

On a boat ride through the river you are likely to spot the endangered Giant River Otter & Red-bellied Piranha (the Otter's favorite meal). The Pantanal is also home to a variety of birds, from small & delicate Hummingbirds to large ones as the Jabiru storks that nest in the tall, leafless trees. The Jabiru is one of the world’s largest birds (a male can be as tall as 5 feet), is locally called the Tuiuiu, & is the symbol of the Pantanal. Several types of macaws, parrots, parakeets, toucans, waterfowl & other are easily spotted.

The biomes here (which include semi-arid woodland, tropical Amazonian rainforest & savannah) are home to approximately 3,500 known plant species, with more discovered & identified by scientists on a regular basis. Because some of the wetlands suffer from drought during the dry seasons, certain vegetation experience water-stress. In fact, up to 12 sub-regional ecosystems have been identified within the Pantanal, each of which has its own unique identity & characteristics. Travel, sitting on a wooden bench in an open truck, along the elevated dirt road traversing open land, ponds, rivers, & streams from where it is easy to spot wildlife in the surrounding plains & wetlands.

After settling into your room, you will enjoy a welcome drink in the lounge & hear all about the optional activities & tours available at the Lodge before experiencing your first spectacular Pantanal wetlands sunset. As the sun goes down thousands of birds fill the sky as its colors change from gold to pink to purple.

Sunrise & sunset are the best hours for wildlife spotting & bird watching, easily missed when you are rushing around.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight.  B D 

Morning, around 08:00 am, you will set out on a guided horseback tour into the Pantanal Wetlands, which offer some of the best wildlife watching in all of South America. The savannah and the lakes & hills of the region create a striking landscape and the open spaces are perfect for unobstructed views of a whole array of wildlife.

On your horseback tour through the waters you will have the chance to again see giant anteaters, tapirs, capybaras, deer and armadillos as well as abundant bird and aquatic life.

Return to the lodge by 12:00 noon in time for lunch.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). We highly recommend a photo safari along the clear waters of the Rio Mutum where anacondas & giant otters are sometimes spotted.

After an early breakfast, meet the Tour-guide & embark on a boat ride that will take you to the beginning of the trail for a guided trek to Chacorore Bay, a 15 km wide lake home to an array of aquatic wildlife & reptiles. During the trek you will have the opportunity to learn more about the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands.

Return to the lodge for lunch.

Post lunch, embark on another 2 hour boat trip which will take you to one of the largest nesting sites in the Pantanal.

Come back to the lodge & relax.

After dinner, proceed on a guided night tour to spot nocturnal wildlife. Many predators such as jaguars, pumas, ocelots & wolves hunt in the cooler nighttime temperatures. The eyes of some of the millions of alligators in the Pantanal wetlands are very visible at night & you will see at least as many stars in the clear night sky.

You will have to get up around 01.30 am to Check-out & depart along the Transpantaneira Road back to Terminal? - Cuiaba Marechal Rondon International Airport for your flight to Manaus in the Amazon Rainforest. You will fly over a huge expanse of the jungle.

There is no direct flight. Consequently, you would be travelling through Brasilia Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (Arrive 07.50 am → Depart G31892 09.30 am – 11.30 am). Unfortunately, Baggage cannot be checked through directly so you will have to collect & proceed to Check-in for your onward flight directly (no services envisaged in Brasila)

On arrival at Terminal? - Manaus Eduardo Gomes International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the Lodge & 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.

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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).

If ever a city were a model for boom & bust, it would be Manaus on the banks of the Rio Negro in northwestern Brazil. It is a major departure point for the surrounding Amazon Rainforest which has a population density half that of Mongolia, but the journey there invariably begins in (or passes through) this bustling city.

The warm dark Rio Negro (means Mother of Gods in the indigenous language), in the center of the Rainforest, converges with the cool creamy muddy Rio Solimoes with its peaty brown color of strong tea, running side by side for many miles - resulting in a striking visual phenomenon called the Encontro das Águas (or Meeting of the Waters). Because of differences in temperature, speed & density, their waters don't mix. The bi-color phenomenon occurs throughout the Amazon, but nowhere as dramatically as here. The combined tributaries, with waters of different colour, form the confluence of Brazil’s Amazon River more than 900 miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

At Manaus, the Amazon rises & falls almost 20 meters between seasons. In May - June it is at its peak, full & very wide, spreading way out into the trees. In November & December it is low; still massive but with sandbars.

Like in America’s Old West, great fortunes were amassed in no time here & vanished just as quickly during the boom years of rubber production in the late 19^th century. The wealth of the primeval forest becomes visible first of all in the architecture of the city. The rubber boom from 1879 to 1912 propelled Manaus to the top of Brazilian society, earning it the title "Le Paris des Tropiques". Legend has it that the rich ladies sent their dresses to the ‘city of light’ for washing because the water of the Rio Negro was simply too dark & dirty. The city enriched & the Rubber Barons afforded big European luxury such as the Teatro Amazonas Opera House, the most enduring memorial that is still in use today & whose existence in the Amazon helped inspire the 1982 movie Fitzcarraldo, about one man’s maniacal obsession with bringing opera to the jungle. Other monuments from this epoch are the Mercado Municipal & the arts center Palacio Rio Negro that was built by a German rich-man in the "golden age". It eventually became property of the government & was transformed into a Cultural Center. Around the Estate are manicured grounds & paths that culminate to the south at Parque Jefferson Peres, an impressive Plaza of Fountains, Canals & Statues.

Manaus became depressed when the rubber boom ended, but its grandeur still remains. The eye catching Biblioteca Publica do Amazonas (Amazonas Public Library), was constructed in 1910 in the neo-classical style, with marble, chandeliers & skylights from England. During the times of the rubber boom, the Library was frequented by the elites of Manaus. Then, with the fall of the fortunes in town, the Library also fell into disrepair but is being renovated.

Next door, Manaus' metropolitan Church, the Catedral Nossa Senhora da Conceicao (Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception) has a Museum dealing with Catholic relics & the Pope's visit. Outside the Church, is the centerpiece - Osvaldo Cruz Plaza with the Municipal Clocktower & an Obelisk.

These days, the incongruous urban metropolis Manaus, the capital of the vast state of Amazonas. is downright huge - perhaps surprisingly, it is Brazil’s 7^th largest city where a swank new Soccer Stadium was added for the 2014 World Cup & in 2011, a 2 miles long, quite an engineering marvel, Cable Bridge Phelippe Daou (Rio Negro Bridge) was inaugurated.

The most expensive neighborhood in Manaus - Ponta Negra suburb has modern high-rises, buzzing restaurants & beaches that rival those of any town on the sea. Praia da Ponta Negra (Ponta Negra Beach) is a fine sand beach with an   urbanized backdrop, a large walkaway, a skateboard park, some beach volleyball fields & many food stalls. It hosts free Dancing & Calisthenics classes organized by the city & some independent groups also meet there for activities. On Wednesdays & Sundays the car traffic is stopped & locals occupy the extra space jogging, roller-skating & skateboarding.

But within minutes, visitors can find themselves in the watery jungle, the source of the Amazonian specialties like pirarucu fish & acai berries on the menus of Manaus’s restaurants.

One of the attraction here is Jardim Botanico Adolpho Ducke. Spanning over 100 sq km, this 'garden' is actually the world’s largest urban forest with a network of 5 short trails & an open-air Museum that includes rotating exhibits on Amazonian flora & fauna and a spectacular 42 meter high Observation Tower.

There is also the Museu do Seringal Vila Paraiso located on the grounds of a former Rubber Estate where visitors can see the historic townhouse, a replica rubber-tapper shack & smokehouse and a leafy trail showing how rubber trees are tapped.  

Another option for the guests who have the time is to visit Bosque da Ciencia, an open-air Museum / Amazonian Research Station whose most famous project is the species revival of the Amazon river Manatee. Walking on Trails, observe these strange creatures, that are in danger of extinction, as they swim in a glass tank. The other section is an indoor exhibit of scientific projects under development. See the world's largest & smallest leaves, both found in the Amazon. Otters, electric eels, alligators, orchids & bromeliads are also housed here.

Manaus is a foreign trade zone & foreign enterprises pay no import duties here, guaranteeing a certain income for the city & the region. Electronics, Lumber businesses & Oil Refineries have settled in the industrial areas on the outskirts. The harbour is the most important trading center for the care of the city with regional, national and international products.

There are only 2 seasons in the city: a rainy season (from December to May), with long periods of continuous rain & frequent thunderstorms that fill the rivers, forming Igapos (forests flooded by rivers, similar to swamps), & a season drought (from June to November), when it still rains, but to a lesser extent. At that time, the rivers lower the waters and begin to form beaches on the banks.

Evening, we have an exciting treat for you. Meet the Journeys Rep / Driver at 06.00 pm & proceed to the world-famous pink & white Teatro Amazonas Opera House for a 1 hour Performance that is quite unique & fascinating.

This gorgeous Theater was built at the height of the rubber boom in 1896, using European designers, decorators & even raw materials. The ironwork & masonry were imported from Europe, the seats were made with Brazilian wood crafted in Italy & the building had sophisticated ventilation systems running within. This opulent marvel of architecture features a dome of 36,000 vitrified ceramic tiles imported from Europe, set in a mosaic of the colors of the Brazilian flag. The main Curtain was painted in Paris by Crispim do Amaral to represent the meeting of the Amazon and Rio Negro waters. The cobblestones at the Entrance & the original Driveway were Brazilian, though, covered in a thick layer of Amazonian rubber to muffle the horses' steps & soften the clatter of late-arriving carriages, in case guests arrived after Performances had begun.

Teatro Amazonas remains an integral part of Brazil’s history & the Theater's performance schedule includes an excellent Opera Festival in April & May. The dazzling Auditorium boasts perfect acoustics & has been visited by most of the famous opera divas & maestros. Unforgettable performances from the Italian opera, La Gioconda, by Amilcare Ponchielli are just a few of the big names that have left their mark on the Amazonian theatre. Nowadays, the Opera House presents a variety of performances from Opera to Jazz.

After the performance, proceed to a restaurant for a sumptuous Dinner.

Transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight.  B D

Today, you will transfer to a Jungle Lodge for the next 3 nights in the Amazon Nature Reserve / Rainforest.

After an early breakfast, you will leave from the hotel Pier on a 1 hour Speed Boat ride, crossing the Rio Negro to reach the half way point at the village of Cacau Pirera. From here, hop on to a vehicle & drive (approx. 50 minutes) to the village of Paricatuba.

Board a motorized Canoe & sail for an hour to reach the Lodge.

Arrive by noon & Check-in as you enjoy a welcome drink & Lunch.

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).

We highly recommend a visit to the Monkey Jungle Reserve. Located on an island, the Reserve is dedicated to the rehabilitation of Amazon Rainforest primates that have been saved from illegal sale and export. Other wildlife such as macaws, parrots, toucans and butterflies are also seen regularly around the reserve.

Evening, after watching a spectacular Amazon sunset, you will embark on a guided trip aboard a covered Canoe with an outboard motor, to spot nocturnal rainforest wildlife such as Caiman along the edges of the river. Nighttime is when the jungle really comes to life. Cruise through the dark exciting jungle, watch the shadows & listen to the mysterious sounds.

The native Guide will watch for Alligators & as he locates one, he will jump into the water & catch it with his bare hands. You then will have the opportunity for an up-close look & to snap some pictures before it is released back into the river.

Return to the lodge.

Overnight.   B L D 

There are basically 2 main areas which one can explore: the Rio Negro basin & the South of Rio Amazonas. Both of these regions are (sparsely) inhabited, so you will not be completely isolated from civilization

After an early breakfast, you will board a Boat crossing the Rio Negro & heading into the Amazon Rainforest, to reach the walking Trails in the Nature Reserve for a guided Trek.

Your expert native Guide will explain about life in the wild & learn some of the techniques that have enabled people to survive in the dense jungle for millennia - how to obtain water & make fire, growing crops & hunting animals with traditional Amazonian bows, arrows & blowpipes, how to get your bearings. You will learn about building shelters & traps and how to hike easily in the jungle. You will see some of the immense variety of flora & fauna that make up the world's largest ecosystem.

The Guide will explain about medicinal plants & the trees – how the high altitude means different plant life, bigger trees & a dense forest.

The approx. 4 hour excursion comes to an end & you will return to the Lodge in time for Lunch.

Later, a motorized Canoe will take you through small creeks, on a guided visit a local village & to get insights about the way of life of Brazil’s Amazon people. These proud "Caboclos" who are happy to share their way of living & culture, maintain a traditional lifestyle. The Guide will also explain about local farming techniques.

There will also be an opportunity to go fishing for Piranha, the most feared creature in the Amazon, at least in the public’s imagination. Though we have all heard of the flesh-eating Piranha, few of us have actually ever seen these legendary beasts outside of a Bond villain’s lair or local Aquarium. However, in the Amazon these sharp-toothed fish are common, making their home in the rivers & tributaries that make up this vast eco-system.

Simply being that close to the mighty river & seeing the jungle spilling over the banks into the water is an experience in itself. Throw in carnivorous razor-toothed fish & you have got the perfect mix for a great adventure & a story worth telling back home!

Some say the Piranha is misunderstood. Indeed, not all are carnivorous - there are about 30 species & some are vegetarians - & it is said they will only attack humans if you “mess with them”. Bu, everyone should let that one ride on the side of common sense.

Fishing for Piranhas on Amazon River is a great way to get closer to nature & will finally give you the opportunity to come face to face with these almost mythical creatures, unlike anything you will have experienced before. In fact, Piranhas are usually caught by accident while fishermen are targeting bigger catches.

You will board a small Dingy & ride out to the shallow banks of the river. Piranha like the shallow water off to the side of the river, where things like fruit, insects & animals are more likely to fall into the water from the trees on the embankment.

Stop at the designated point to set up the Fishing Poles - simple, bamboo sticks with some string tied to the end, the hook baited with cow heart, chopped up into small pieces, about the size of a corn kernel. Casting should be done gently & safely so as to not catch any fellow fisherman. Plop the Line into the murky water & wait. Once your bait is in the water, moving the Rod up & down steadily usually attracts the attention of the Piranha. If not, a little splashing of the bait on the surface may do the trick.

Once you have got one hooked, when you feel a little weight on the end of the Rod, it is time to whip it out of the water & into the Boat, being very careful to avoid contact with those lethal jaws as you go. The hardest part is getting them into the Boat safely. Pull too hard on the Line & the Piranha becomes a projectile, flying through the air, its teeth chomping. Concentration is imperative. Slowly pull the Line towards the skiff & inform the Guide you have caught one. Pose for a photo, then let the Guide safely remove the Piranha from your hook for you. Keep your fingers at a safe distance from the Piranha’s teeth at all times.

Most of the time, guests will put the Piranha back into the river. However, guests have the option to bring them back to the Lodge & request the Chef to prepare them for you.

Return to the Lodge.

Balance of the evening is at leisure.

Overnight.  B L D 

Early morning, embark on a full day trip on the Amazon River that takes you to a vantage viewing point for a very unique experience.

Meeting of the Waters, is a fascinating natural phenomenon that occurs downstream from Manaus, where two huge rivers, the Negro & the Solimoes, meet to form the Amazon. The different densities of the water in the rivers mean that they flow at different speeds and have noticeably different temperatures. As a result the rivers refuse to mix for some time and in the center of the channel two distinctly colored water streams run side by side for around 8 km.

You will also visit a rubber plantation where you can learn about the process of extracting latex from the rubber tree, which led to Brazil’s rubber boom.

Return to the lodge.

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Manaus for your flight to Salvador de Bahia.

Arrive at Terminal? - Manaus Eduardo Gomes International Airport to board your flight.

There is no direct flight. Consequently, you would be travelling through Brasilia Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (Arrive 07.30 pm → Depart LA3436 08.50 pm – 10.40 pm). Unfortunately, Baggage cannot be checked through directly so you will have to collect & proceed to Check-in for your onward flight directly (no services envisaged in Brasila)

On arrival at Terminal? - Salvador Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhaes International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the Hotel & 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.

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Reach the hotel & Check-in.

The colourful streets of Salvador de Bahia are the best place to experience Afro-Portuguese culture in Brazil. It is also home of the biggest Carnival in the world where, unlike Rio, everyone joins in the throngs and floats which carry musicians through Salvador's streets.

Brazil's African heritage defines the staggeringly beautiful Northeastern state of Bahia with more than 550 miles of coastline, UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, deserted beaches& paradisaical islands. In the south, idyllic coastal villages attract vacationers & divers, while inland, the spectacular Parque Nacional da Chapada Diamantina features Waterfalls & quiet Hiking paths waiting to be explored.

But, the centerpiece is the capital - energetic, vibrant Salvador, known for its Portuguese colonial architecture & a tropical coastline.

Founded in 1549 on a small peninsula that separates Todos os Santos Bay from the Atlantic Ocean on the northeast coast of Brazil, magnificent Salvador de Bahia became Portuguese America’s first colonial capital in Portugal’s great New World colony & remained so until 1763. Strategically situated overlooking an immense bay on the Brazilian coast, settlement of Salvador de Bahia was aimed at centralising the activities of the metropolis in Portuguese America and facilitating trade with Africa and the Far East.

This densely built colonial city par excellence, is distinguished by its religious, civil & military colonial architecture dating from the 17^th - 19^th centuries. It is also notable as one of the major points of convergence of European, African & American Indian cultures of the 16^th & 18^th centuries.

Salvador de Bahia is an eminent example of Renaissance urban structuring adapted to a colonial site having an upper city of a defensive, administrative & residential nature which overlooks the lower city where commercial activities revolve around the Port.

The sprawling city is the pulsating heart of the country’s Afro-Brazilian community with its brilliantly hued center, a living Museum of 17^th - 18^th century architecture & historic baroque gold-laden baroque Churches such as Sao Francisco, featuring gilt woodwork, cobblestone alleys opening onto large Squares & colorful buildings.

There are many streets lined with brightly coloured houses, often decorated with fine stucco-work, that are characteristic of the colonial city. Salvador de Bahia. 

The city has long been a vital Port. As the colony’s first Slave Market in the New World, it was through Salvador that the vast majority of African slaves entered Brazil to work on the Sugar Plantations.  The city grew quickly, becoming Brazil’s main seaport Echoes of this multicultural past survive to the present day in the historic centre’s rich tangible & intangible heritage.

Salvador da Bahia has an energy & unadorned beauty that few cities can match. African rhythms are a part of Salvador’s local fabric & one can hear & feel them everywhere - from Capoeira, a mix of martial arts & dance, to Candomble, a religion of ritual & magic that originated in Africa.

Salvador is the nexus of an incredible arts movement Wild festivals happen frequently, with drum corps pounding out powerful rhythms against the backdrop of colonial buildings, powerful percussion reverberating off old stone walls, almost daily.

At night, Capoeira circles form on Plazas & open spaces & Capoeiristas (practitioners of Capoeira martial art) practice against the backdrops of 16^th century buildings while the Olodum drummers perform on the winding streets.

Elsewhere, a different spirit flows through the crowd as religious followers celebrate & reconnect with African gods at mystical Candomble ceremonies. In fact, there is no other place in the world where descendants of African slaves have preserved their heritage as well as in Salvador - from music & religion to food, dance & martial-arts traditions. Aside from the many attractions within Salvador, a gorgeous coastline lies right outside the city - a suitable introduction to the tropical splendor of Bahia.

Salvador de Bahia’s historic centre, Pelourinho is an architectural jewel with an array of opulent Churches - carved & embellished with an abundance of gold leaf. The slaves who built much of Pelourinho were not allowed inside once work was complete. Barred from their creation, they labored at night for a century to build a beautiful Church for themselves - Our Lady of the Rosary.

Salvador is home to many delicious local dishes you will want to try, including Acaraje - bean & shrimp fritters, a popular flavorful snack blending Brazilian & African culinary influences.

Overnight.   B 

Following breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel around 08:00 am, transferred to the Pier to embark on a 6 hour tour of Salvador de Bahia’s All Saints Bay on a Schooner.

Todos os Santos Bay (or All Saints Bay), is a sheltered Bay of the Atlantic Ocean & the principal Bay of the Brazilian state of Bahia, covering 1,223 square kilometers, making it the largest in Brazil. It contains 91 Islands, the largest being Itaparica Island at its entrance. Other important islands include the Ilha dos Frades, Ilha de Mare, Ilha de Bom Jesus & the small Ilha do Medo.

The Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci was the first European to enter the Bay, during his 2^nd expedition to the Americas on All Saints' Day (November 1), 1501. Consequently, he named the Bay of the Holy Savior of All the Saints after this date & his parish Church in Florence, San Salvatore di Ognissanti.

Initially, the Bay, its principal Settlement & the Captaincy around it all shared the same name, but they were eventually distinguished, the state becoming simply Bahia, the Bay becoming the Bay of All Saints & the city becoming first Bahia and now (usually) Salvador.

Salvador was a major Slave port for the sugarcane fields of Brazil by the early 18^th century. In the Whaling days, it was also a popular spot, since the bay was a mating ground for whales.

The northeast shore of the All Saints Bay is home to Brazil's first active oil fields & the municipality of Sao Francisco do Conde, at the north of the bay, remains a Port that serves the oil refineries at Mataripe. The Bay is dredged from the Port to the Atlantic Ocean to remain open to shipping.

All Saint's Bay is a wonderful place for a Schooner cruise, where distant tropical islands are lapped with crystaline & calm waters, inviting visitors in for a swim or to snorkel.

Verdant Mata Atlantica forest covers most of the Islands, joined by idyllic beaches & little else to disturb the natural beauty & tranquillity. In the distance, the Salvador skyline rises out of the water, providing spectacular panoramic views.

The trip starts with memorable views of the historical old city & continues across the blue waters of the bay passing many small tropical islands along the way. You will explore a couple of the Islands & Beaches of the Bay of All Saints.  Skim across calm seas with stops on white sand. Wander the coast during beach walks & refresh during swims in clear water.

First stop will be at Ilha dos Frades Island with blue flag beach located in the center of the Bay. Administered as part of the city of Salvador in the state of Bahia, the Island served as an important part of the illegal slave trade in Brazil in the 19^th century. Enslaved people were brought directly to the Island & then led to the interior Reconcavo region of Bahia. The practice only ended with the abolition of slavery in Brazil in 1888.

By the early 18^th century, the Island belonged to Joao Nogueira who lived on the island with 6 or 7 tenant farmers. As the Island had streams too small to support sugar cane cultivation, the tenant farmers only raised cows & pigs and grew subsistence crops.

Francisco da Costa is recorded as one of the early Owner of the Island, who constructed the first Church of Our Lady of Loreto (Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Loreto) in 1645. The last owner Gabriel Viana, a Plantation owner, ruled the island in the manner of a feudal lord during the Republica Velha, (or First Brazilian Republic 1889-1930).

Walk around for an hour & enjoy a refreshing bath in the warm waters.

Hop on the Schooner again & move next door to the most famous of the Bay´s islands - 146 square kilometres Itaparica whose beaches feature calm tide pools, the chance to go diving, hike or ride horses. Most of the Island can be covered by foot, walking on the seashore. The Island is also full of restaurants that offer a variety of dishes, such as seafood, pizza & Brazilian barbecue.

You will find mangrove forests, restingas, beautiful coconut trees & a coast with an immense coral reef - the biggest in the entire Bay of All Saints, almost 20 km long.

The initial Portuguese settlement was a Jesuits outpost called Baiacu, founded in 1560, later renamed Villa do Senhor da Vera Cruz. The Island became productive within a short period of time & was attacked by British Corsairs as early as 1597. Then, it was occupied by the Dutch between 1600 & 1647 during which time the Dutch constructed the Forte de Sao Lourenço.

The Portuguese came back & the Island became a rich source of income for them. It hosted a naval shipyard & lime (a crucial building material of the period) mills & a Whaling industry (since the Bay area was a prime mating ground for whales), which continued to the mid 19^th century.    

Sugarcane & wheat were initially cultivated on the Island & cattle were introduced later. The first work of hydraulic engineering in the new Colony was here - a Dam to supply drinking water to the village. The first steam engine in Brazil was set up here too, on the Inga-Açu Sugarcane plantation.

Itaparica was home to a large indigenous Tupinamba population & was the site of an important battle during the struggles of Independence of Bahia between 1821 & 1823.

Island was later divided into 2 Municipalities - Vera Cruz where you can find the best beaches in the area, usually with shallow, calm & lukewarm waters

In the Ecological Park at Baiacu village in Vera Cruz, one can see the ruins of the Chapel of Our Lord of Vera Cruz. It is an excellent place for taking a stroll & observing the local flora, such as the gameleira, a tree sacred to Candomble. The native Brazilian & African cultural heritage is preserved in the customs of the local people, in their artisanal fishing & in popular celebrations.

Itaparica houses some colonial constructions. Many sobrados (colonial-period mansions), were constructed on the island to house King of Brazil Pedro I & later Pedro II of Brazil. Itaparica has the only hydro mineral water source on seashore in the Americas, the Bica Fountain, famous for its medicinal properties & for being the “water that turns the old woman into a young girl”.

Spend 2 hours relaxing on the beach or swimming and snorkeling in the calm waters of the reef or walking around.

Time to go back. Hop on the Schooner again & sail to home base - the Pier at Salvador de Bahia.

Return to the hotel by late afternoon (on your own).

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

Overnight.   B 

Salvador De Bahia was one of the first settlements to be established in the New World. From 1534 through 1763 the city was the capital of colonial Brazil after which the seat of government was moved to Rio. The city has long been a vital Port & the past wealth & power of the city can be seen in its beautiful colonial architecture that stands today in sharp contrast to the economic & social challenges facing Salvador. The traditions & cuisine that was brought over from Africa by the Slaves have had a tremendous influence on the cultural life of the city.

A 100 meter cliff runs along the entire Bayshore, dividing the city into Cidade Alta (Upper City) up on the cliff, and the Cidade Baixa (Lower City) down by the bay.

Morning, Check-out& meet the Tour-guide at 08:00 am & proceed for a 4 hour discovery of the most interesting places in Salvador de Bahia, the first capital of Brazil, linked to over 500 years of culture & local every day life.

First stop will be at the Forte de Santo Antonio da Barra, Bahia’s oldest fort was built in 1698 at the entrance to the Bay. The Farol da Barra (lighthouse) here has helped to guide ships into Bahia de Todos os Santos for generations. In addition to having superb views, the Fort houses an excellent Nautical Museum, with relics & displays from the days of Portuguese seafaring. Sunset here is especially picturesque - from the grassy ledge behind the Fort or from the Museum’s gorgeous terrace cafe - realize that Salvador’s peninsula is the only location in Brazil where the sun appears to set over the ocean.

From here, proceed to Mercado Modelo, the city's main market located in the lower town is & a good place for crafts & other souvenirs. In the adjacent Square, young men can often be seen performing Capoeira, the famous martial arts dance which originates from the area.

Wander on the streets of Cidade Baixa (Lower City) & continue on to the Elevador Lacerda, the beautifully restored, art deco set of 4 elevators traveling 72 metres in about 30 seconds, that connects the Cidade Alta (Upper City) to the lower level.

The Jesuits installed the 1^st manual rope & pulley Elevator around 1610 to transport goods & passengers from the Port to the Settlement on the hills above. In 1868, an iron structure with clanking steam elevators was inaugurated, replaced by an electric system in 1928. Facing the elevator are the impressive arches of the Camara Municipal, the 17^th century City Hall, which occasionally puts on cultural exhibitions.

In the Upper City, the historic centre’s main districts are Se, Pelourinho, Misericordia, Sao Bento, Taboao, Carmo & Santo Antonio.

Walk on to Pelourinho, the old city center that packs historical sites, colonial architecture, Museums, restaurants, bars, hostels, artisanal shops & music / dance / capoeira academies into a convenient, albeit tourist-swarmed, set of winding cobblestone streets.

Pelourinho is characterized by its fidelity to the 16^th century plan, the density of its monuments & the homogeneity of its construction. In addition to major buildings dating from the 17^th & 18^th centuries such as the Catedral Basilica de Salvador & the Churches & Convents of Sao Domingos, Carmo & Santo Antonio.

Built in the 17^th & 18^th centuries, the sober facade of the Brazilian Baroque style Sao Francisco Church & its adjacent Convent hides its lush finely crafted, ornate wood carvings & gold-leaf interiors. Incidently, much of the craftsmanship was accomplished by slaves. It is listed as a National Heritage Site & is considered one of the Seven Portuguese Wonders of the World.

The Church of Senhor do Bonfim, the city’s patron saint, features Portuguese colonial architecture, with 2 Bell Towers on each side.

One of Salvador’s most traditional Catholic Churches & one of the greatest symbols of the local religious syncretism, the Church stands out for its size & its special positioning in Sagrada Colina (Sacred Hill)  & represents elements of Candomble, where the Saint joins Oxala, the father of all Orixas. Every January, there is Lavagem do Bonfim, a ritual in which Bahia women walk to the Church to the sound of African chants to wash its steps with scented water.

The Historic Centre retains a number of public spaces, including the Municipal Plaza, the Largo Terreiro de Jesus & the Largo de Sao Francisco, as well as baroque palaces, among them the Palacio do Arcebispado, Palacio Saldanha & Palacio Ferrao.

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Blacks (A Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Pretos) was constructed by the slaves, as all other buildings. But, there is a unique characterstic that makes it different. As the slaves were not allowed to pray in Sao Francisco Church which they built, they built their own Church in 1704.  It is said that construction only took place at night so as not to affect the Slave owners who would not allow the Slaves to leave during 12 hour work day. It is no wonder that completion took over a century.

The Fort of St. Anthony is the oldest of more than a dozen Portuguese fortifications that were built in & around Salvador in the late 1500s during a period when numerous European sea powers were causing havoc up & down the Atlantic Coast of South America.

The density of monuments, with UNESCO World Heritage listed Ouro Preto makes it the colonial city par excellence in the Brazilian northeast.

Outside of this area, there are many beach districts that stretch from the tip of the peninsula northeast along the Atlantic coast. A little further to the northeast are the hip neighborhoods of Rio Vermelho & Amaralina, which feature a nightlife for locals, less geared to the foreign tourists.

The sightseeing concludes & you depart for the famous coastal village of Praia do Forte, travelling along the Coconut Highway north of Salvador which runs along rocky coastline and through quaint fishing villages.

Check-in on arrival.

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

Upmarket Praia do Forte is an attractive & somewhat ecologically sensitive village facing the Atlantic Ocean, with an ecological reserve of native flora & fauna, natural pools, rivers & eye-popping beaches with a preserved coastline, formed by white sand, coconut trees, reefs & crystal clear waters, full of schools of colorful fish.

In the past, it was a meeting point for fishermen who moored their fishing boats at Praia. The village still maintains the rustic atmosphere of that time, in addition to the colorful boats that still make up the local scene. A curiosity about the place is that you can only move around the village on foot, by bicycle or with the famous Bicitaxi

The former Fisherman's Village, today, is full of shops, inns, bars & stylish restaurants that spread along the main pedestrian street, called Alameda do Sol which is also the beach's night spot.

Walking the streets of the village, you will see the little Igreja Sao Francisco de Assis (St. Francis of Assisi Church) built by the fishermen in 1900 in a colonial style, to honor & adore their patron saint Francisco de Assis, protector of animals. The picturesque white & blue walls of the Church contrast with the ships of all colors resting on the sand.

In front of the Church, it is possible to see & get to know Praia do Porto, with the moored boats, a view worthy of a work of art. Perfect place to take beautiful photos & enjoy the scenery, sitting on the sand enjoying mouthwatering Bahian delicacies (several stalls right in front).

Praia do Forte is also home to the main base of the Tamar Project, operating since 1982, responsible for preservation as well as environmental education & raising awareness about endangered sea turtles. The spawning takes place here &, with any luck, visitors are able to witness the moment when experts release the young into the sea, most afternoons.

Run by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, the non-profit organization’s main objective is to protect sea turtles from extinction along the Brazilian coastline. Praia do Forte is the largest centre but there are 60 locations spread throughout Brazil.

You can see 5 species up close, namely: Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Green & Olive. There is a Museum with exhibitions, photos, videos & even replicas of these animals.

The famous Turtle Sanctuary on the beachfront is visited each year between May & September, by hundreds of female turtles (in addition to the permanent numbers) to lay their eggs in the sands of Praia do Forte. A sighting of one of these beautiful creatures making her way up the beach to bury her eggs at night is a fine way to finish your trip to Brazil. The Turtles & their Nesting sites are protected by the Tamar Project.

Surrounding the village are Garcia Davila castle ruins, a lagoon for canoeing & the Sapiranga forest reserve, which has hiking & biking trails & a zipline.

Overnight.  B

Full day at leisure to spend as you like.

Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

We recommend seeing the giants of the sea on the coast, up close

The idea of ​​seeing the surprising behavior of Humpback Whales is an interesting experience for tourists.

With emphasis on Eco-tourism, Whale watching is growing across the planet as a direct consequence of the ban on hunting activities & consequent gradual increase in the humpback population.

The cause is noble - to sensitize the population, through the sighting of Whales at sea, to the importance of conservation of the endangered species. Among the advantages are educational character; minimal environmental impact; contribution to scientific research & general awareness for sustainable development & generating income & jobs for the local communities in remote locations or with little commercial activity.

Conservation of the Whales, adding economic value to their protection with constant monitoring & strict supervision so that undue disturbances in breeding areas in breeding areas do not occur, are some of the positive impacts. In Brazil, the practice is regulated by an IBAMA Ordinance that establishes norms to prevent & curb the intentional molestation of cetaceans in Brazilian jurisdictional waters.

The Humpback Whale Project welcomes tourists in its Visitor Center at Praia do Forte for an educational lecture with information & trivia about Humpbacks. They also monitor all Tours, making the Operators & Guides aware of the importance of respecting the rules that guarantee the well-being of Humpbacks & other marine species.

You can also spend the day relaxing amidst the greenery of your hotel gardens, or on the paradise beaches of Bahia - some of the best in all of Brazil. The reef just off of the beach acts as a natural breakwater, making the turquoise sea calm & clear. The tidal pools that form amongst the coral reef warm up in the sun, making swimming & snorkeling amongst the colorful tropical fish an enjoyable experience for anybody.

In the evening, you might want to try fresh seafood cooked in Bahia’s signature style.

Overnight.   B

Full day at leisure to spend as you like.

Or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

We recommend seeing the giant Turtles, up close.

Praia do Forte is also home to the main base of the Tamar Project, operating since 1982, responsible for preservation as well as environmental education & raising awareness about endangered sea turtles. The spawning takes place here &, with any luck, visitors are able to witness the moment when experts release the young into the sea, most afternoons.

Run by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, the non-profit organization’s main objective is to protect sea turtles from extinction along the Brazilian coastline. Praia do Forte is the largest centre but there are 60 locations spread throughout Brazil.

You can see 5 species up close, namely: Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Green & Olive. There is a Museum with exhibitions, photos, videos & even replicas of these animals.

The famous Turtle Sanctuary on the beachfront is visited each year between May & September, by hundreds of female turtles (in addition to the permanent numbers) to lay their eggs in the sands of Praia do Forte. A sighting of one of these beautiful creatures making her way up the beach to bury her eggs at night is a fine way to finish your trip to Brazil. The Turtles & their Nesting sites are protected by the Tamar Project.

Another free day in Praia do Forte gives you the chance to kayak in the lagoon, walk the trails of the Sapiranga Nature Reserve & visit the old Fort after which the town is named.

Overnight.   B 

In time, you will be picked up for transfer to Salvador de Bahia Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhaes International Airport, for your flight to Rio de Janeiro.

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 day.

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 catch up on any last minute shopping or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B 

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end & it is time to to bid adieu to enchanting Brazil. 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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