Start your tour in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, tucked between the densely-forested mountains and the white sand beaches. Tour on the city's highlights, visi the mountaintops of Corcovado and Sugarloaf, two of Rio's iconic peaks, and stroll the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana before making your way to Brazil's ecotourism capital, Bonito. Bonito is a charming Brazilian village featuring adventure in several forms. The area is famed for its crystal-clear river, Rio de Prata, which delights travelers with its tropical aquatic wildlife. There are also unique cave formations and rappelling sites. Known as the "Caribbean of the Central-West," Bonito is sure to delight travelers as they tour Brazil.
Highlights
Enjoy marvelous views of Rio de Janeiro from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain
Visit Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain
Float the Rio de Prata, your guide will point out flora and fauna along the way
Swim through the unusually blue waters and spot tropical fish in Bonito
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
1 Breakfast
Transfer by vehicle back to Campo Grande and depart for your next destination on your Brazil vacation.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for Mar 27, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for Mar 27, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$1,353
Notes
$223 Single Supplement Additional Cost for Private Room when traveling with others. Traveling Solo? Contact us for a custom quote.
Initial deposit is 25% ($400 minimum), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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