Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and spend the next 2 days exploring this vibrant city, including a guided visit of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) and time permitting the city's Jardim Bontanico (Botanical Garden).
The journey continues south along Brazil’s Costa Verde to Ilha Grande. About 15 miles across at its widest point, Ilha Grande is a beautiful, tranquil island covered by tropical forest and rimmed by white sand beaches. It is reached by a two hour car ride from Rio de Janeiro to the port of Mangaratiba, followed by a two hour ferry ride. Cars are not permitted on the island so there are no roads, just tracks through the forest. As well as plenty of time for relaxing, swimming and snorkelling, a day trip to Lopes Mendes beach, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Brazil, is included.
After a relaxing 2 nights on Ilha Grande, return to Rio de Janeiro and fly to fly to Foz do Iguazu and explore the mighty Iguazu Falls. During your visit you will spend a full day at the falls, visiting both the Brazilian and Argentinean side. You will have a chance to enjoy the panoramic views from the Brazilian side in the early morning when the light is at its best for photography, a zodiac journey up the river towards the Devil’s Throat Canyon (–be prepared to get wet!), and an afternoon visit to the Argentinean side of the falls for more panoramic views and an opportunity to explore the rainforest trails.
From Iguazu Falls fly to the city of Manaus in Brazil’s vast Amazon rainforest, situated on the north bank of the Rio Negro. The first morning is spent exploring the city, including a guided visit to the opulent Baroque opera house (Teatro Amazonas) completed in 1896 at the height of the rubber boom, the local market (Mercado Municipal) and Meeting of the Waters (Encontro das Aguas).
After 2 nights in Manaus fly to the small town of Tefe and transfer by boat to the Uakari Floating Lodge in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve –the largest protected area of flooded forest in the Amazon. The wildlife is abundant, and it is a strange experience to paddle through the flooded forest and observe species such as sloths, Red howler monkeys and the endemic scarlet-faced White Uakari monkey at close range, whilst pink river dolphins, manatees and caiman swim amongst the submerged trees.
Return to Tefe, overnight in Manaus then fly to the vibrant city of Salvador. Salvador is known as the African Soul of Brazil because of the legacy of the slave trade, and approximately 80% of the population are of Afro-Brazilian descent. These descendants of the West African slaves have preserved their cultural roots manifesting their heritage in martial arts (capoeira), religion (the Afro-Brazilian cult Candomblé), food, music and dance.