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Southern Waves & Waterfalls | Brazil Tours & Travel

With waves rivaling the Hawaiian Islands, the paradise of Florianopolis is an exotic region on the south coast

Duration: 11 days
Cost: $3,280/Person (2+ travelers on fixed departure dates)
*Please note – Prices will increase if traveling during Brazilian holidays*
There is water, water everywhere on these Brazil tours where you’ll relax, be energized and awed by some of the country’s most visually stunning sights. The Brazil travel kicks off with three memorable days in Rio de Janeiro, where you’ll experience the grandeur and glamour that make it one of the world’s greatest cities, visiting its most famous landmarks by day and living it up by night in this cosmopolitan destination. With waves rivaling the Hawaiian Islands, the paradise of Florianopolis is an exotic region on the south coast with a laid-back beach culture and Rio-style nightlife surrounded by subtropical forests, making it a popular international vacation spot for Brazil adventure travelers. Here visitors enjoy surfing, hiking and white water rafting with plenty of time to enjoy the white-sand beaches and a choice of calm warm waters or wild waves. The most awe-inspiring waters are saved for last when you visit one of the top sights in all of South America, Iguaçu Falls. The panorama of these 275 magnificent waterfalls surrounded by lush subtropical rainforest is a photographer’s dream, making a fitting finale to the magical places in this Brazil travel.
Private Departures can be arranged. Please regarding details and private departure costs.

ABOUT BRAZIL TRAVELING TO BRAZIL BRAZIL WEATHER

WHEN TO VISIT BRAZIL
= J F M A M J J A S O N D =

Southern Waves & Waterfalls Itinerary

Note: Changes in weather or road conditions and other safety factors may necessitate modifications to the itinerary.
Day 1 ARRIVE RIO / CORCOVADO

The massive Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain

View Rio de Janeiro accommodations picture gallery On arrival at the international airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transported to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll get a start on your Rio de Janeiro tours by going to see the massive Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain before being dropped off at a pleasant spot for lunch. Then you’ll be on your own to unwind and get acquainted with this exciting city before a restful night at your hotel.
View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extension Active Rio Options For those who desire a more active itinerary option, we offer Active Rio which substitutes walking and hiking during some segments of your Rio de Janeiro tours.
Active Option: ARRIVE RIO / CORCOVADO MOUNTAIN, TIJUCA RAINFOREST
You will be met after your arrival in Rio de Janeiro by an English-speaking guide and taken to your hotel to check in. Today, you’ll see the site that most every visitor experiences during their travel to Brazil, the city’s most famous landmark, massive Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain. First you’ll ascend 3,350-ft Tijuca Peak on a 2½-hour hike with your bilingual guide in lush Atlantic forest. You’ll pass stunning views including 100-ft Tounay waterfall before reaching the summit where more spectacular city and coastline views await. Corcovado Mountain is located on the edge of the park, a quick car ride away. Visitors will reach the base of the statue by conveyance or walk the 222 steps. Afterwards, you’ll be dropped off in the Ipanema neighborhood for lunch on your own or if you prefer, have an optional lunch in the artsy Santa Teresa neighborhood. No Rio de Janeiro tours are scheduled for the rest of the day and evening so you may explore this fascinating city on your own. Overnight at your conveniently-located hotel.
View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extension
Day 2 SUGAR LOAF / RIO AT NIGHT View Rio de Janeiro accommodations picture gallery After a morning and lunch on your own with no Rio de Janeiro tours, you’ll be picked up at your hotel to take an afternoon excursion to Sugar Loaf. The sightseeing along the way takes you through the seaside Urca neighborhood and artsy Santa Teresa. You’ll take an aerial cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf accompanied by your bilingual guide. After taking viewing the city and bay scenery at the top, you’ll get back to where you started by cable car before being returned to your hotel. There will be time to relax before being met by a night-guide to accompany you on an evening of Brazil tours focused on music and dance. The atmospheric hot spot, Rio Scenarium is a favorite with Brazilians who love the three floors of entertainment with live bands playing Brazil’s emblematic music genres, samba and chorinho, and a DJ playing a variety of Brazilian music upstairs. You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner, enjoy a fabulous samba floor show and then dance (or people-watch) the night away. You’ll be returned to your hotel for another comfortable night at your hotel. (B)
Active Option: You’ll have the morning to take Rio de Janeiro tours on your own or just relax at the beach. After lunch, your bilingual guide will take you from the hotel through the seaside Urca neighborhood to reach the start of what for visitors on Brazil tours is a must-see, Sugar Loaf Mountain. Most tourists arrive at the summit by aerial cable car, but you’ll get there on foot, with your bilingual guide. The hike begins with an easy half-hour walk along the shoreline before a steep hike ascent, with views of Guanabara Bay, and a short and very safe rock-climb to the top. After taking in the scenery, you’ll get back to Urca Mountain by cable car and then hike downhill the last thirty minutes to the base before being returned to your hotel. There will be time to relax before your night-guide arrives to accompany you to the atmospheric hot spot, Rio Scenarium, for an evening of Brazil tours in the realm of music and dance. This venue is a favorite with Brazilians who love the three floors of entertainment with live bands playing Brazil’s emblematic music genres, samba and chorinho, and a DJ playing a variety of Brazilian music upstairs. Enjoy a delicious dinner, a fabulous samba floor show and then dance (or people-watch) the night away. This night of Rio de Janeiro tours you’ll remember always. You’ll be returned to your hotel for another comfortable night at your hotel. (B)
Day 3 RIO FREE DAY AND NIGHT View Rio de Janeiro accommodations picture gallery You’ll have a last memorable day of Rio de Janeiro tours on your own, exploring neighborhoods, visiting museums and sampling more cuisine. You’ll spend a free evening in Rio on your own. Another overnight at your comfortable hotel. (B)
Day 4 RIO – FLORIANOPOLIS View Florianopolis accommodations picture gallery

Lagoa da Conceição, Florianopolis’s day and nighttime hub

You will be picked up at the hotel to go to the airport for your flight to Florianopolis. On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodations on Santa Catarina Island. During your Brazil travel in Florianopolis, transportation for the scheduled tours will be provided by a rental car that will also be at your disposal for any Brazil tours you may wish to take without your guide. After getting settled, you’ll tour the large lagoon, Lagoa da Conceição, that is the island’s day and nighttime hub. You’ll see some of the island’s most beautiful beaches along the east coast, including Praia da Joaquina, a white sand beach and popular surfing locale where national surfing competitions are held. Though the waves here aren’t for beginners, sandboarding at the nearby dunes is fun for people of all abilities. You’ll go north to Praia Mole, another popular surfing beach in a picturesque setting and take in beautiful views from Fortaleza da Barra. You will be returned to your hotel for the first of five evenings on your own. Overnight at your scenic Florianopolis lodgings. (B)
Day 5 FLORIANOPOLIS View Florianopolis accommodations picture gallery To start today’s hike, after breakfast, you will drive south to the fishing village of Pântano do Sul, where fishermen are more plentiful than tourists. The two-hour guided Brazil travel takes you through native Atlantic forests into the mountains to reach Lagoinha do Leste, considered the most beautiful area of the island because of its idyllic beach and freshwater lake. You'll have time to relax on the beach before embarking on the return hike. On the way back to your lodgings, you’ll stop in the picturesque colonial fishing village of Ribeirão da Ilha, source of the country’s best oysters, for a late lunch. Overnight at your relaxing accommodations in Florianopolis. (B)
Day 6 FLORIANOPOLIS

Enjoy your free day in Florianopolis any way you choose

View Florianopolis accommodations picture gallery Now that you know your way around, you’ll have the day and evening to yourself to enjoy the island lifestyle however you choose. (B)
Day 7 FLORIANOPOLIS View Florianopolis accommodations picture gallery You’ll be back on the mainland for today’s Brazil travel. After breakfast, your guide will drive you twenty-five miles into the mountains to reach Santo Amaro da Imperatriz near Tabuleiro State Park. It is a scenic area of hills, pristine rivers and waterfalls, making a dramatic backdrop for today's white water rafting excursion. The Cubatão River offers of Level II and III waters with loads of excitement and no danger. You’ll be returned to your hotel for another relaxing night in Florianopolis. (B)
Day 8 FLORIANOPOLIS View Florianopolis accommodations picture gallery In the morning, you’ll take an easy hike to the fishing village of Costa da Lagoa on the shores of Lagoa da Conceição for a leisurely lunch. The terrain is mostly flat, and the lush foliage mirrored in the lake makes this a scenic excursion. There are many lakefront seafood restaurants on the pier for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the northern coast to spend the rest of the day relaxing at Jurere beach, where the young mingle. You will be returned to your hotel at the end of the day for another free evening. Overnight at your comfortable Florianopolis accommodations. (B)
Day 9 DEPARTURE FLORIANOPOLIS – IGUAZU FALLS / Brazil side View Iguazu accommodations picture gallery

Enjoy spectacular close-up views of the Iguazu falls from both sides of the border

From your lodgings in Florianopolis, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Foz do Iguaçu, base for the next two days of Brazil tours. On arrival at the Foz do Iguaçu airport, you will be taken to your hotel to check in and then spend the rest of the day viewing the falls from the Brazil side. Today’s highlight is an exciting boat trip offering a spectacular close-up view of the falls. You’ll start out with an introduction to this astonishing sight at the park’s interpretive center. From there it’s a leisurely hike to get your first full view of the falls and have a close encounter with the colossal cascade, Devil’s Throat. Reached via a panoramic elevator, the upper falls may be viewed along a trail as far as the Espaço Porto Canoas (The Port Canoas Space) for a scenic view of the upper Iguaçu River. Here a restaurant, snack bars and shops are located. You will be returned to the hotel to spend a free, relaxing evening in Foz do Iguaçu. (B)
Day 10 IGUAZU FALLS / Argentina side View Iguazu accommodations picture gallery Today the Iguazu Falls tours start in Argentina. In the morning, you’ll be picked up at your hotel for your trip across the border into Iguazu National Park. At the park’s interpretive center you’ll see exhibits that explain the important biodiversity of the area’s ecosystem, subtropical humid forest. At the upper circuit of trails you’ll get a full view of the falls before taking an hour-long lower circuit route to get close-up views plus a ninety-minute Iguazu Falls tour to the lookout at Devil’s Throat, going part way by train if you choose. Back in Brazil, you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and a show of Latin American music and dance before being returned to your hotel for the night. (B,D)
Day 11 DEPARTURE FOZ DO IGUAZU – RIO DE JANEIRO After breakfast, your driver will transport you to the airport for your return flight to Rio, the end of your Brazil tours with Southern Explorations. (B) View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extension
Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner

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2012 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

TBD Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

Private Departures can be arranged. Please regarding private departure costs.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Included in tour cost: Meals as indicated; All hotel accommodations (twin/double shared basis); All airport/hotel transfers; Entrance fees for all scheduled tours and archaeological sites; English speaking certified guides; Southern Explorations pre departure services
Excluded in tour cost: International round - trip airfare to and from Brazil; Internal Airfare: Rio - Florianopolis - Foz do Iguaçu - Rio
$450 – Subject to Change; Airport taxes international and local; Tips and gratuities; Travel insurance; Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

BRAZIL ACCOMMODATION

Southern Waves & Waterfalls:: 10 nights hotels

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Additional $: Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.

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CURRENT LOCAL WEATHER

Provided by The Weather Channel

Southern Waves & Waterfalls | Brazil Tours & Travel

With waves rivaling the Hawaiian Islands, the paradise of Florianopolis is an exotic region on the south coast

WHEN TO VISIT BRAZIL = J F M A M J J A S O N D =

Southern Waves & Waterfalls Itinerary

The massive Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain

Lagoa da Conceição, Florianopolis’s day and nighttime hub

Enjoy your free day in Florianopolis any way you choose

Enjoy spectacular close-up views of the Iguazu falls from both sides of the border