Best of Brazil

Board your overnight flight from the UK to Rio de Janeiro Airport GIG.

Arrive in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, where your adventure begins! Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will be waiting to greet you and assist with your private transfer to the hotel. Once you're settled in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you want to unwind after your journey, stroll along the famous Copacabana Beach, or sip a fresh caipirinha while soaking in the city's rhythm, Rio is ready to welcome you.

Accommodation: 4* Windsor California Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro or similar

Today is all about experiencing Rio de Janeiro from every angle - its lush nature, world-famous landmarks, and the vibrant communities that give the city its soul. With your private guide, you’ll uncover layers of the city that most visitors never see.

You'll begin the day in a truly unforgettable way: aboard a century-old electric tram, lovingly maintained and entirely eco-friendly. As the tram winds its way uphill through a well-preserved section of the Atlantic
Forest - part of Tijuca National Park - you’ll be surrounded by nature before emerging at the base of Rio’s most iconic landmark: the towering Christ the Redeemer. Standing at the feet of one of the Seven New Wonders of the Modern World, you'll be treated to panoramic views that stretch across the city and its coastline. It’s a moment to take in slowly - and maybe snap that perfect photo.

From one jaw-dropping view to the next, you'll head to Sugarloaf Mountain. The famous cable car ride offers a 360º perspective of Rio’s dramatic landscape: from the golden curves of Copacabana and Flamengo beaches, to the dramatic peaks of Pedra da Gávea, Corcovado, and the Dedo de Deus (“God’s Finger”) in the distance. It's one of those views that simply takes your breath away.

In the afternoon, you'll shift perspectives again - this time to the heart of a local community. You’ll be welcomed into Morro da Babilônia, a favela perched between the neighbourhoods of Leme, Copacabana, Botafogo, and Urca. The views here are just as stunning, but it’s the people and their stories that will leave a lasting impression. Accompanied by a local resident guide, you’ll gain insight into the history, daily life, and social structure of the favela. By joining this tour, you’re also supporting the Morro da Babilônia Residents' Cooperative, which leads reforestation and important social projects within the community.

Accommodation: 4* Windsor California Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you’ll catch a short internal flight to your next unforgettable destination: the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you straight to the Brazilian side of the national park - where some of the most dramatic, panoramic views await; get ready to witness the greatest water spectacle on Earth.

The Iguazu River cascades over 275 individual falls, stretching across a 2,700-meter-wide semicircle. About 800 meters of that falls on the Brazilian side, offering sweeping vistas of the entire waterfall system -including views of the Argentine side in the distance. As you enter the park, a short bus ride takes you to the trailhead. Along the way, soak in the lush beauty of the surrounding Atlantic Forest, one of the most
biodiverse regions in Brazil. Keep your eyes peeled for rare and colourful wildlife such as purple parrots, harpy eagles, broad-snouted caimans, and - if you're lucky - a glimpse of the elusive jaguar. Then comes the main event: a 1,200-meter walkway that brings you right to the edge of this natural wonder. Along the trail, you’ll stop at several viewpoints offering unique perspectives of the cascading falls. The grand finale is nothing short of spectacular: an over-water boardwalk that brings you face-to-face with the thunderous Devil’s Throat, the tallest and most powerful of all the falls. The sound, the spray, the sheer force - it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

If time allows, consider a visit to the Bird Park (Parque das Aves), located right next to the park entrance. It's a sanctuary for rescued and endangered species, offering a close-up look at the vibrant fauna of the
Atlantic Forest, from toucans to macaws and butterflies.

Accommodation: 4* JL Hotel by Bourbon, Foz do Iguacu or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you'll cross the border for a full-day adventure on the Argentine side of the Iguazu Falls - a completely different, yet equally breathtaking perspective. After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the Argentine National Park, where your English-speaking guide will accompany you through an unforgettable day of exploration.

The falls are so vast, they span two countries, and the Argentine side offers a more immersive, up-close experience, with trails that wind through the heart of the jungle and right up to the edge of the cascades. Your visit begins with a ride on the ecological train, a charming open-air journey that takes you deep into the park’s lush interior, where the main trail circuits await:

• Lower Circuit (2,800m round-trip): This trail brings you into the jungle and beneath the falls, offering powerful viewpoints and the thrilling chance to feel the mist as the water crashes around you. Don’t forget a rain jacket - or embrace the spray!
• Upper Circuit (3,400m round-trip): A more panoramic path along the top of the falls, this walkway reveals stunning views of the upper Iguazu River and the majestic curtain of water from above. The trail is mostly flat and easy to walk, with multiple viewing platforms.

Throughout the day, you’ll discover why the Argentine side is often described as more wild, natural, and hands-on, with its varied terrain, wooden walkways, and exuberant rainforest surroundings. Expect to be amazed at every turn, and keep your camera ready, as wildlife sightings and unexpected angles of the falls await.

Accommodation: 4* JL Hotel by Bourbon, Foz do Iguacu or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you’ll fly back to Rio de Janeiro, where your journey continues with a private transfer to the tropical haven of Ilha Grande. This scenic journey takes you by land and sea: approximately 2 hours by car (128 km) to the coastal town of Conceição de Jacareí, followed by a 20-minute flexboat ride across sparkling blue waters to the island. Your luggage is fully taken care of - baggage handling is included in your transfer service, so you can just relax and enjoy the ride.

Once you arrive in Ilha Grande, the rest of the day is yours to unwind. Settle into the laid-back rhythm of island life, take a stroll along the beach, and don’t miss the chance to enjoy some of the island’s fresh and flavourful seafood. With no cars, no noise, and only the sounds of the sea and nature surrounding you, Ilha Grande is the perfect paradise to recharge.

Accommodation: Pousada Naturalia, Angra dos Reis or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you'll join a small group excursion to explore some of the most stunning and untouched beaches of Ilha Grande. The adventure begins at the Vila do Abraão pier, where you’ll board a boat and cruise along
the coast to Mangues Beach - a calm, picturesque spot that marks the starting point of your hike. From there, enjoy a 20- to 30-minute scenic walk through the Atlantic Forest to reach Lopes Mendes Beach, one
of the island’s true gems. With fine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and gentle waves, it's a favourite among both swimmers and surfers. Stretching 2.4 km, the beach also features a small freshwater stream, a peaceful chapel, and a striking mosaic created by local artist Silvio Cavalheiro, set on a buoy that once drifted ashore.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can take an additional 20-minute trail to the secluded Santo Antônio Beach, a more hidden paradise where nature feels untouched. After relaxing, swimming, or exploring, you’ll head to Praia do Pouso, where you can grab a snack or a cold drink at a small local kiosk. Just remember to bring water with you, as Lopes Mendes and Santo Antônio beaches have no facilities.

Note: This tour is unguided but includes a pre-departure briefing with return details; an alternative tour may be offered if minimum guests aren’t met.

Accommodation: Pousada Naturalia, Angra dos Reis or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is yours to enjoy Ilha Grande at your own pace. With no set schedule, you’re free to let the island guide you.

Whether you choose to spend the day lounging on a quiet beach, hiking a forested trail, or wandering through the charming village of Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande invites you to slow down and explore freely. This is a place where nature and culture blend seamlessly - where you might stumble upon a secluded cove, a colourful local shop, or a hidden restaurant serving up the day’s catch. Take the time to meet the locals, learn about the island’s laid-back lifestyle, and treat yourself to the fresh flavours of the sea - from grilled fish to moquecas and other seafood specialties, the local gastronomy is a highlight all its own.

Acommodation: Pousada Naturalia, Angra dos Reis or similar

Meal included: Breakfast

After a few unforgettable days in paradise, it’s time to head back to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. At the correct time, a luggage porter will meet you at your hotel to assist with your bags and accompany you to
the boarding pier in Vila do Abraão. From there, you’ll take a 20-minute speedboat ride across the scenic waters to Conceição de Jacareí, where your private vehicle will be waiting for the journey back to Rio. The
drive takes approximately 2 hours (128 km), offering one last look at the lush landscapes of the Costa Verde.

Once you arrive in Rio, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore a bit more of the city’s charm - whether it's a sunset stroll along the beach or one last caipirinha to toast your Brazilian adventure.

Accomodation: 4* Windsor California Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Transfer back to the airport for your overnight flight back home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your overnight flight arrives back in the UK for you to make your journey home

UK passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Brazil or Argentina for a stay less than 90 days.

Passports must be valid for 6 months from arrival. Please refer to the FCDO website for more information.

There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Brazil or Argentina. However, we recommend consulting your GP or a travel health clinic before you travel to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date and to receive any personalised health advice.

The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real. We recommend exchanging some currency before leaving the UK for convenience. However, cash machines are readily available in all major cities, allowing you to withdraw money in the local currency if needed.

While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s a thoughtful way to show appreciation, especially considering the modest wages many workers receive. A small gesture can go a long way, so setting aside a little extra for porters, guides, and drivers is always appreciated. Leaving some spare change at restaurants is also a kind way to recognise good service.

We recommend taking comfortable clothing, closed shoes, sunglasses, hat, insect repellant and sunscreen.

The checked luggage allowance for the internal flights is 23kg. Final flight times will be confirmed at the point travel documents are issued.