Today, we enjoy a full day exploring São Paulo with a customized city tour led by our expert guide. Based on our interests, some of the highlights we may visit include:

Liberdade Neighborhood
Rather than a stylized museum of Japanese culture, it’s a living neighborhood where daily life unfolds. The district radiates from Praça da Liberdade (Liberdade Square), especially lively during the Sunday market, where local vendors offer traditional foods, art, and crafts.

Praça da Sé & São Paulo Cathedral
Considered the city’s historic center, Praça da Sé is the reference point from which all distances in São Paulo are measured. Dominating the square is the immense Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, one of the largest neo-Gothic structures in the world and the largest in Brazil.

Pátio do Colégio
The birthplace of São Paulo, this historic site marks the foundation of the city in 1554. It features the original Jesuit church and school, today known as the Basílica José de Anchieta, and offers a glimpse into the early colonial days.

Ibirapuera Park
The largest green space in central São Paulo, offering a peaceful escape and a hub of cultural life. Opened in 1954, it was designed by famed landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and features several iconic buildings.

São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)
An external visit to MASP on Paulista Avenue reveals one of the city’s architectural landmarks. The museum features a striking concrete-and-glass structure, suspended by two lateral beams over a 74-meter open space.

We transfer to the airport for our flight to Manaus. Upon arrival, we are welcomed by our local guide and transferred to our hotel, where we can relax and enjoy our first Amazon evening. Leisure time to explore on our own, depending on our arrival time.

An Amazon lodge representative will meet us at the hotel for our shared transfer to our lodge in Anavilhanas, a national park and freshwater archipelago made up of over 400 islands in Brazil’s Amazonas state. This is also the largest archipelago of its kind in the world.

From the moment we arrive, we’re captivated by the vibrant and unique flora and fauna. Surrounded by lush forest and breathtaking natural scenery, the region extends an open invitation to embark on a three-night quest of Amazon adventures.

Over the next two days, we enjoy immersive activities designed to connect us with the Amazon’s extraordinary landscapes and rhythms of life. The order of the excursions is subject to change and will be coordinated directly by the lodge.

Canoeing through Igapós and Igarapés (flooded forests): Glide through serene waters in traditional two-person canoes, taking in the changing scenery and listening to the forest’s symphony as we paddle among trees and along tranquil rivers.

Hiking in dryland forest: Led by local experts, we explore firm ground forests untouched by floods. Along the way, we learn about native trees, wild fruits, survival techniques, and medicinal herbs passed down through generations.

Nocturnal wildlife Quest: Experience the forest at night, illuminated only by stars and moonlight. As we explore the igapós, we may spot nocturnal creatures such as birds, sloths, snakes, and alligators, hidden in the sounds of darkness.

Pink Dolphin expedition: We navigate a network of canals, lakes, and islands in search of the Amazon’s iconic pink and gray river dolphins; an unforgettable sight in this green paradise.

Piranha fishing or swamp forest walk: Try our hand at piranha fishing in the igarapés. During the dry season (September to December), when warmer waters make fishing less viable, we explore the islands on foot to observe the contrasts between dryland and flooded forest ecosystems.

Visit to a local community: A meaningful visit to a local village reveals the traditions of Amazonian life: fishing, agriculture, and artisanal crafts. Guided by locals known as “sons of the earth,” this cultural exchange offers insight, stories, and a deep connection to the region.

Birdwatching & reflection: At dawn, we head out to the islands to enjoy a peaceful moment of connection with nature as we also witness flocks of birds take flight against the colorful Amazon sky.

Our time in the lush rainforest draws to a close as we transfer from the lodge to Manaus airport for our flight to Salvador de Bahia. Upon arrival, we’re welcomed by a local representative and taken to our hotel in Bahia.

The rest of the day is at leisure—perfect for relaxing, reflecting on our Amazon journey, and preparing for the vibrant experiences that await in the second half of our Brazilian adventure.

We begin our day with a historical exploration of Salvador, a city renowned for its architectural beauty, rich culture, and stunning coastline dotted with refreshing beaches. We’ll take in the magic of All Saints Bay before visiting Pelourinho, the historical and cultural heart of the city.

Our tour includes a stop at the Municipal Square, where the towering Elevador Lacerda connects the Upper City with Downtown. From the top, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the bay stretching across the Lower City. As we walk through the area’s narrow streets, we’ll soak in the vibrant atmosphere and admire the Portuguese baroque colonial architecture. A highlight is the 17th-century São Francisco Church, with its lavish gold-leaf interior, leading us to Pelourinho Square: the core of the old town. Here, we’ll find unique craft shops, museums, restaurants, and bars.

Later, we dive into Afro-Brazilian history through Capoeira, a martial art disguised as a dance that served as an instrument of cultural and physical resistance. At one of the traditional Capoeira schools, we’ll meet group leaders for a hands-on experience with Salvador’s local heritage as we learn about its philosophy, and even try playing the instruments and attempt some basic dance movements.

Today we explore Bahia and its soul of percussion in the family home of a renowned Brazilian percussionist. Under their expert guidance, we’ll take part in a hands-on workshop that introduces us to the rich rhythms and techniques rooted in African traditions. Engaging and interactive, this musical experience is both educational and unforgettable.

Next, we head to the Itapagipe Peninsula, in the Lower City. This serene area offers a quieter contrast to the hustle of the Upper City. Fishermen cast their nets from dugout canoes, locals gather shellfish at low tide, and schooners lie anchored, all under the watch of the famed Bonfim Church, one of Brazil’s most important pilgrimage sites, deeply tied to Candomblé religion. We’ll continue to the Montserrat district for panoramic views of the city, before visiting Mercado Modelo, a lively local market filled with crafts and souvenirs. Feel free to bargain before we return to the hotel.

Today we transfer to the airport for our flight to Iguazu. Upon arrival, a representative will greet us and escort us to our hotel. The rest of the day is ours to relax, take in the stunning natural surroundings, or enjoy the hotel’s amenities in preparation for tomorrow’s adventure.

Our guide will meet us for a full-day tour of the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls. We’ll begin by exploring the various catwalks that showcase the falls from different perspectives. Then, we’ll board a gas-powered train to reach the Upper Falls Circuit and Devil’s Throat, the most dramatic section of the falls. A catwalk extends 1,100 meters across the Iguazu River to a spectacular viewpoint, offering close-up views of the powerful waterfalls and surrounding flora and fauna.

Next, we’ll explore the Lower Circuit catwalks, offering breathtaking river-level perspectives of the cascading water. Later, we’ll board specially equipped trucks to journey through the subtropical forest lining the riverbanks. The adventure continues as we transfer to zodiac boats for a thrilling high-speed ride down the river, bringing us into exhilarating, wet contact with the mighty falls. This experience is packed with adrenaline, awe, and joy as we’re enveloped by towering cliffs and misty rainbows. After an unforgettable day, we return to the hotel.

We say goodbye to Iguazu and head to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, a representative will transfer us to our hotel. The vibrant energy of Rio welcomes us with the warm smiles of the cariocas and the music of its lively streets. The final chapter of our Brazil tour is sure to leave a lasting impression!

This morning we meet our guide at the hotel and head out to explore this marvelous city. Our first stop: the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, standing atop 710-meter-high Corcovado Hill. With arms outstretched over the city, the statue offers spectacular views of downtown Rio, Copacabana, and Ipanema framed by crystal-clear waters, peaks, and lush forests.

Next, we stroll through the charming streets of Santa Teresa, a quaint neighborhood filled with small shops and family-run businesses. Then, a short visit to the Lapa neighborhood brings us to the famous Selarón Steps, a colorful mosaic staircase created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. As the day winds down, we ride the cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, named for its resemblance to the sugar molds used in colonial times. The panoramic views from the summit are simply breathtaking. We return to the hotel at the end of the day.

Today we dive into the soul of this region through its flavors, textures, and aromas. Brazilian cuisine is a vibrant blend of Indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences, where each bite tells a story.

Our local foodie host will guide us through Rio’s bustling street markets, where colorful stalls overflow with tropical fruits, Amazonian ingredients, and regional spices. We’ll taste exotic juices and get introduced to must-try delicacies that locals enjoy daily.

Next, we head to a series of hidden gems: local venues like little bars and traditional eateries tucked into Rio’s neighborhoods, known only to those who’ve lived here for generations. Throughout the tour, we’ll talk about Brazil food culture, street art, and local life. It’s a delicious and interactive way to connect with the city and its people.

Our beach day begins at Prainha, a small cove with white sands and strong waves, followed by Grumari, a long, pristine beach surrounded by preserved natural beauty. Tucked away and lesser-known, Grumari offers peace and tranquility, plus rustic seaside restaurants serving fresh, locally caught seafood—perfect for a leisurely meal or a sun-soaked break.

Finally, we head to Barra de Guaratiba, where we’ll enjoy a stand-up paddleboarding session in the mangroves of Restinga da Marambaia, a vast natural reserve belonging to the Brazilian Navy. The tranquil water and stunning surroundings offer a perfect finale to our Brazil trip. We return to the hotel after a refreshing and fulfilling day.

As our journey comes to a close, we transfer to the airport for our international flight, carrying unique memories of Brazil’s warmth, nature, culture, and people.

Speak to our travel experts about continuing your journey in Argentina, Chile or another captivating destination of the region.