Day 1. Rio
Upon your arrival in Rio de Janeiro, we will provide assistance at the airport and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Overnight hotel of your choice.
Day 2. Rio - Corcovado - Sugar Loaf - Rio
"Be warned: Rio's powers of seduction can leave you with a bad case of saudade (indescribable longing) when you leave. Planted between lush, forest-covered mountains and breathtaking beaches, the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) has many charms at her disposal.
Although joie de vivre is a French invention (as is the bikini), it's the Cariocas (Rio dwellers) who've made it their own. How else to explain the life-lusting zeal with which the city's inhabitants celebrate their days? While large-scale festivities like Carnaval make Rio famous, there are countless occasions for revelry – Saturday at Ipanema Beach, a festa (party) in Lapa, soccer at Maracana, or an impromptu roda de samba (samba circle) on the sidewalks of Leblon, Copacabana or any other corner of the city.
The spectacular landscape is another of Rio's shameless virtues. Verdant mountains and white-sand beaches fronting deep blue sea offer a range of adventure: surfing great breaks off Prainha, hiking through Tijuca's rain forests, sailing across the Baia de Guanabara (Guanabara Bay) or rock climbing up the face of Pao de Açucar (Sugarloaf Mountain)." TAKEN FROM THE LONELY PLANET BRAZIL
We spend to day exploring two of the city's and the world's most famous sites: Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain.
The second largest city in Brazil and the state capital of Rio de Janeiro. It is best known for its beaches, Carnavals, football, music and its well protected forests. Commonly known just as Rio, it was the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries during the 1800s, before Brasilia became the capital in 1960, it was a Portuguese colony and also when Brazil achieved independence. Tourists mainly get attracted to Rio not just because of it musical diversity and beaches but also because of its flora and fauna. The world's two largest forests are in Rio and that too inside an urban area.
Recently, the statue of Christ Redeemer was amongst the Seven Wonders of the World. Rio also boasts of having some of the world's largest football stadiums and as soccer is Brazil's national sport, wherever there is an open space you will constantly see children and youngsters playing their favourite game. Rio's nightlife is very famous all around the world and has some of the best pubs and clubs in town. Two of the best beaches on the earth Ipanema and Copacabana are in Rio and the white sands and blue waters draw a lot of attention from surfers, water sports lovers and other tourists who want to just enjoy a good tan.
Art and culture unite together and on display is Rio and Brazil's history around the museums and galleries. Shopping can be done in plenty as the range of prices varies from the expensive designer items to buying knick-knacks and souvenirs in the city centrum at a bargain. Same is for restaurants where one can taste all kinds of cuisines including local and Brazilian food that too at an affordable price.
The Carnavals of Brazil are the most awaited among visitors and dance, music and enjoyment that come along with it makes your stay worthy.
One of the densest cities in the world where rainforest and the seas come together, Rio is a city which one surely will fall in love with for its food, music, entertainment, art, culture and its outdoors.
CORCOVADO
Imagine that! A hug of 30 meters from christ the redeemer?
It's frequently said that God is Brazilian. The real truth is unknown, but at least a piece of him is in the Rio de Janeiro statue, christ the redeemer, or in Portuguese, Christ o Redentor. Towering above the marvelous city with open arms for, giving it forever a permanent hug. From one hand to the other, measuring almost 30 meters.
Since it was placed on top the 2,300-ft peak of Corcovado mountain in 1931, this figure has been one of the most famous symbols of Rio. It stands 100 ft tall on a 20-ft pedestal, weighs 700 tons, and is visible night and day from most of the city's neighborhoods.
On top of Corcovado Mountain, immortalized in corcovado song by Joao Gilberto, a penitent Christ the Redeemer opens his arms to all of Rio de Janeiro. The left arm points to the Rio de Janeiro's north zone (zona norte), the right to the south zone (zona sul), while the saintly perch offers spectacular views of Ipanema, the Maracana soccer stadium and the Serra do orgaos mountain range.
A cogwheel train (20-minute ride) will take you up the 710 metres to the statue of Christ. Finally at the top of several flights of steps you are beneath the almost 40-metre tall statue of Christ with the whole of Rio at your feet. The spectacle is truly incredible.
SUGAR LOAF
Sugar Loaf, located in Urca, between the two hills, Urca and Dog Face, is considered a historical land mark. It was from its base that Estacio de Sa, when disembarking on March 1, 1565, pronounced the location of the future city of Rio de Janeiro.
The cable car was inaugurated, for the first time, in 1912. In 1972, the construction of a new aerial route was completed, using new standards and modern technology. Now, one million people a year are transported up to the summit of Sugar Loaf in cable cars with a capacity of seventy five passengers per trip.
Among other attractions on top of Urca Hill are a panoramic restaurant and an amphitheater. From the top of Sugar Loaf, one can appreciate the unique beauty of Guanabara Bay, Niteroi and some historical landmarks such as Santa Cruz Fort and Fiscal Island.
The second stage the “Sugar Loaf” trip offers an incomparable panoramic view of Rio's skyline from one side – on the other visitors eyes fly over the open sea, covered with an abundance of green islands lost in an endless blue sky. At sundown the city pulls all its punches offering a stunning sunset over one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
At the end of your day of exploration you will be collected from your hotel for a night on the town including dinner and a cultural show. (Actual show is determined closer to your departure date)
Overnight hotel of your choice. BD
Day 3. Rio - Carnaval - Samba Drome - Rio
As the Samba Drome and parade do not "kick off" until late it the evening today is free to relax, enjoy and explore at your own pace. It is worth looking at an afternoon nap as you will be up and partying with the locals until the wee hours of tomorrow!
This is the big one; 90,000 spectators, tens of thousands of dancers and a spectacle that will make your jaw drop while your hips sway to the music. The energy and love devoted to this parade has to be seen to be believed. The 363 days of preparation are followed by two days of madness and it's all over. A specially built stadium provides the backdrop to an orgy of color and samba.
Carnaval is a four day event that changes dates every year. It begins forty days before the Catholic holiday, Lent.
The celebrations start Friday, prior to Ash Wednesday up until the following Tuesday. Ash Wednesday is a day used for recovering from the previous sleepless nights. However some cities in Brazil will present Carnaval activities until the following weekend.
Carnaval is the peak holiday season in Brazil. Offices and businesses close during the festivities. Brazilians take time off and travel, so make sure to plan your trip well in advance. Remember, you are competing for a hotel room, not only with tourists from all over the world, but also with Brazilians.
Day 4. Rio
As you have just returned back to your hotel, today is designed to eat and sleep on either Copacabana, Ipanema beach or by your hotel pool. B
Day 5. Rio
Today is free to explore the magical city of Rio at your own pace. Shopping, markets, restaurants, beaches, art galleries are but just a few of the options available today.
The second largest city in Brazil and the state capital of Rio de Janeiro. It is best known for its beaches, Carnavals, football, music and its well protected forests. Commonly known just as Rio, it was the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries during the 1800s, before Brasilia became the capital in 1960, it was a Portuguese colony and also when Brazil achieved independence. Tourists mainly get attracted to Rio not just because of it musical diversity and beaches but also because of its flora and fauna. The world's two largest forests are in Rio and that too inside an urban area.
Recently, the statue of Christ Redeemer was amongst the Seven Wonders of the World. Rio also boasts of having some of the world's largest football stadiums and as soccer is Brazil's national sport, wherever there is an open space you will constantly see children and youngsters playing their favourite game. Rio's nightlife is very famous all around the world and has some of the best pubs and clubs in town. Two of the best beaches on the earth Ipanema and Copacabana are in Rio and the white sands and blue waters draw a lot of attention from surfers, water sports lovers and other tourists who want to just enjoy a good tan.
Art and culture unite together and on display is Rio and Brazil's history around the museums and galleries. Shopping can be done in plenty as the range of prices varies from the expensive designer items to buying knick-knacks and souvenirs in the city centrum at a bargain. Same is for restaurants where one can taste all kinds of cuisines including local and Brazilian food that too at an affordable price.
The Carnavals of Brazil are the most awaited among visitors and dance, music and enjoyment that come along with it makes your stay worthy.
One of the densest cities in the world where rainforest and the seas come together, Rio is a city which one surely will fall in love with for its food, music, entertainment, art, culture and its outdoors.
At the end of your day of exploration you will be collected from your hotel for a night on the town including dinner and a cultural show. (Actual show is determined closer to your departure date)
Overnight hotel of your choice. BD
Day 6. Onward travels
After breakfast we head to the airport or join us on a trip to Iguassu Falls. B
NOTES:
There is an option to participate on the actual samba parade. There is the associated cost of the costume ($200 to $400usd). Please let us know when booking if this is an option you would like. It is a truly memorable experience and gets you into the heart of Carnaval!
Tickets to the Samba Drome Parade ARE NOT INCLUDED in the trip price.
Looking at the different Sections of the grandstands from a distance, and for someone who is not familiar with Carnaval, it may seem that the grandstands are all alike but , in reality, they are totally different: most of the stands are no numbered seats - it is first come, first served.
Second and maybe most important: the best grandstands (where there are also located the booths of the authorities) are numbers 09 and 11, because between these two grandstands is located the place where the "Band" enters to perform for the Judges; same for Mestre-sala and Porta-bandeira. Section 09 has the box of the mayor of the city, and section at 11 is located the box of the Governor of Rio, just above the grand stands.
| Sector |
Numbered |
Rate per night, per person |
| Sector 09 |
Yes |
$450 USD |
| Sector 07 |
No |
$350 USD |
| Sector 11 |
No |
$325 USD |
PRICES FROM:
Exchange rates differ from time to time. For the most up-to-date prices of this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form or call us on 1 888 469 2949.
NOTES:
- Brazilian international departure tax $40 USD
- Local currency is Reals
- Time Zone: GMT/UTC -3
- Dialing Code: 55
- Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
- Weights & measures: Metric
HOTEL CHOICES:
Rio
Excelsior Copacabana
Plaza Copacabana
Other hotel options available on request
DEPARTURE:
February 12th, 2010
March 4th, 2011
February 17th, 2012
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 5 nights hotel accommodation
- Hotel Tax
- Arrival and departure Transfers
- Return Samba Drome Transfers
- All Transport
- Luggage handling
- Buffet breakfast daily
- Dinner show
- English speaking guide
- Tour - Sugar Loaf
- Tour - Corcovad
- All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
NOT INCLUDED
- Samaba Drome Parade Tickets
- Visa fees (if required)
- Passport & Visa Costs
- Vaccination Costs
- Personal Spending Money
- Meals where not listed
- Drinks
- Travel Insurance
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Iguassu Falls
- Salvador getaway
- Heart of the Amazon Jungle experience
