This week, the 2016 Summer Olympics will mark the first time a South American city has hosted the Games . Rio de Janeiro, the city known for its extravagant coastline of white beach and emerald mountains, gears up for the arrival of more than 10,000 athletes . In true Latin American fashion, celebrations will make their way to the streets and local hotspots, meaning you don’t have to be a world-class gymnast or marathon runner to take part in the excitement. As Rio takes the world stage, we’ve been thinking about our favorite spots across Brazil, taking travelers beyond the city lines of Rio.
1) Bahia Rhythms, Canyons & Beaches
Picture yourself in the largest urban forest in the world , and hike Rio’s highest peak in Tijuca National Park, with stunning views of the city and coastline. Check Sugarloaf Mountain off of your bucket list before a quick flight to Salvador , a city famed for its colonial architecture and time worn traditions. Disappear into the scenic Chapada Diamantina National Park , where you will have your pick of waterfalls, grottos and breathtaking hikes. Your whirlwind 13-day tour ends with time to relax on miles of unpopulated beach in Praia do Forte .
2) Brazil Amazon Cruise
Straight from Rio, journey deep into the heart of the Brazilian Amazon upstream on the Rio Negro in a 9-cabin yacht . Travel through a maze of tangled vegetation in the Anavilhanas Archipelago and keep your eyes open for pink river dolphins while being serenaded by the calls of toucans . After a day in the heavily forested Rio Jaueperi , you will sail to the dark blue waters of the Rio Negro that flow side by side the milky brown colours of the Rio Solimões .
3) Rio & Amazon Jungle Lodge
Get your fill of urban life exploring Rio and its colorful neighbourhoods. Walks through the lush Tijuca Rainforest , home to hundreds of plants and animals that can only be found in the Atlantic Rainforest, keep you in awe before visiting Christ the Redeemer . Travelers get whisked away and fly to Manaus, before driving three hours to a lodge tucked away deep in the Amazon Rainforest . Adventure seekers start their morning with a canoe into the sunrise, fishing for piranhas and learning about the customs and costumes from the locals.
4) Highlights of Rio and Costa Verde
After a few days visiting Rio’s highlights by day, and learning to samba by night, make your way to the famed beauty of Coste Verde , in the serene seaside hamlet of Paraty . You’ll step back in time, with colonial Portuguese architecture setting the stage on your daily walks in the cobblestone streets, before beach hopping the white sands and clear waters of Gaietas and Ponta Negra .
5) Rio, Costa Verde & Iguazu Falls
Sightsee Rio and the coastal villages of Costa Verde before making your way to the spectacular Iguazu Falls . You will feel like you are in your own version of an Olympic triathlon in this active 9-day itinerary. Navigate the waters by boat, and get front row seats to the plunging waters and cooling mist . Next, put on your hiking boots and climb to get your first full view of the falls and Devil’s Throat . Cross the border into Argentina , and visit Iguazu National Park, where you’ll follow the hiking trails to scenic viewpoints, and end your time in Latin America with traditional music and dance.
6) Water Paradise of Brazil
Of course, you’ll want to see Rio for yourself after it hosts one of the world’s largest events. Then head down to the exquisitely preserved colonial buildings of Paraty , hop on a bike and chase the hidden local waterfalls , and cool off with a swim. Safaris through the lush forests, marshes and savannahs of Pantanal will give you a deeper appreciation for the work being done in the nearby ecological refuge . Put on your snorkeling mask and dive into Rio Sucuri , home to some of the clearest water in the world , where you can effortlessly float downstream and get lost in an array of colorful fins .
Brazil may seem intimidating to travelers based on its giant land mass alone, but our team will craft a customized itinerary that checks everything off of your Olympic-sized travel list.
We recommend booking tickets to Olympic events through an authorized seller that can also arrange Rio accommodations for you.