Day 1 Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel in the famous Copacabana neighborhood. A short stroll takes you to Copacabana's iconic beach. The day is free to explore the beachfront plazas.
Day 2 Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado
Meet your guide at the hotel for a half-day visit to Rio de Janeiro’s most popular attraction – the 125 foot statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain that stands over Rio de Janeiro. Begin the ascent of the mountain in a cogwheel train through the lush Tijuca Forest, a national park and the world's largest urban forest. Arrive to the base of the statue where you can truly appreciate the size of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The views from the observation platforms are spectacular and provide insight of how the city of Rio has grown around and up the seemingly inhospitable natural rock features along the coast. Rio spreads out below you, revealing Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, the famous Maracana Stadium, and the luxurious Botafoga Bay. It is impossible to ignore the favelas, Rio's hillside communities.
Return by train and explore the coast with your guide as you drive along Sao Conrado, Ipanema & Copacabana Beaches. Your afternoon is free to relax on the beach, shop in Copacabana's boutiques, or enjoy caipirinha, Brazil's national drink, at a beachfront cafe. Additional activities such as boat or helicopter tours, a visit to a favela, samba lessons, or a trip to the coastal hotspot of Buzios can be arranged.
Day 3 Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain got its name from Portuguese sailors who felt the granite monolith's resembled a traditional block of sugar. Today's tour gives a different perspective of Rio, as you and your guide take a cable car that climbs to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. From the peak, the entire cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city), coastline, and Atlantic Ocean spread out below you. Descend by cable car and do a driving tour of Rio de Janeiro's city center to see the famous Sambadrome, the Teatro Municipal, and the modern-styled Cathedral. Please note that this half-day excursion can be arranged on any day and is a good option in the evenings to enjoy the sunset over Copacabana Beach. The remainder of your day is free to relax, take in the sights of Rio's beaches, or choose an optional excursion during this custom Brazil tour.
Day 4 Fly Rio to Campo Grande | Transfer to Bonito
Take a morning stroll on the beach or a swim. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bonito. Arrive at Campo Grande for your bus transfer (4 hours) to Bonito, a small Brazilian village which is becoming known as "Caribe do Centro-Oeste" (Caribbean of the Central-West) due to its magnificent blue waters. Check in to Pousada Aguas de Bonito and spend the remainder of your day exploring Bonito and acquainting yourself with its magnificent landscapes.
Day 5 Hike and Snorkel Bonito
Begin your morning by transferring to Rio da Prata to visit some of Brazil's most pristine rivers. Meet your guide at the river and embark on a hike while learning about the area's flora and fauna. After the hike is completed, return to the Rio de Prata for a tropical snorkeling experience! This float carries you through a unique sub-aquatic habitat for plants and animals. The unusual bright blue color of the river and its vibrant aquatic life give you the illusion of floating in an open aquarium. Your guide accompanies you to help you identify flora and fauna in the area. Return to your hotel and spend the evening relaxing or walking around Bonito.
Day 6 Bonito Free Day
Today is free to arrange optional activities locally. Bonito is an oasis of natural landscapes, crystalline rivers, and partially flooded caverns. Should you choose to visit Gruta Azul, a lake with intense blue waters and thousands of antiqued cave formations, make sure you bring your camera. This area is known for producing postcard-worthy photographs. You may also rappel in the Abismo Anhumas, a cave 23km from the city of Bonito which invokes the feeling of exploring Earth's inner sanctums. The Rio Salobra Canyon, which is considered to be the highest platform in Brazil, is another rappelling site. Alternatively, you can return to Rio de Prata and snorkel its clear blue waters. Return to Pousada Aguas de Bonito for evening activities in town.
Day 7 Depart Bonito
Transfer by vehicle back to Campo Grande and depart for your next destination on your Brazil vacation.