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Rio, Amazon, Salvador & Trancoso

Itinerary Overview

  • 13 nights in luxury accommodations in Rio de Janeiro, the Amazon, Salvador and Trancoso.
  • English-speaking private guide & driver for touring and transfers.
  • Advance itinerary customization and restaurant reservations, as well as 24/7 in-country support.

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Day 1

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro!

Upon arrival, meet your guide just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it) for your private transfer to your accommodations at Hotel Fasano Rio.

Rio de Janeiro the previous capital of Brazil, is one of the most-visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere. It is known for its picturesque landscapes of mountains and seaside, as well the famous attractions like Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana. Rio de Janeiro lives up to its nickname of the “Cidade Maravilhosa” or “The Marvelous City.”

Day 2

Exploration of Rio

This morning, you’ll visit the world-renowned statue of Christ the Redeemer. Located atop Corcovado hill, this 121-foot concrete statue simultaneously welcomes new visitors with open arms and blesses the entire city of Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy the panoramic, almost aerial, view of the city as well as its surrounding neighborhoods like Copacabana and Ipanema and the landscapes from the lush blue waters, sandy beaches, and high mountains that encompass Rio.

Later, you’ll head to Santa Teresa to see a smaller and more intimate neighborhood of Rio that makes you feel truly a part of the culture and lifestyle of the city. As the home to many artists and chefs, you can see art along the street, smell the foods from nearby restaurants, and hear the music playing from local homes.

Next, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of Lapa, famous for the old aqueduct “Arcos de Lapa” that now houses the tram line to Santa Teresa. This tour would not be complete without a visit to the famous Selaron Steps, a set of 215 stairs measuring over 400 feet using more than 2000 tiles collected from 60+ countries from around the world. The steps were created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron beginning in 1990 as a tribute to the Brazilian people and have become an iconic stop during visits to Rio.

Finally, you’ll visit the uniquely shaped Sugar Loaf Mountain – whose name comes from the cone-like molds that were once used in the production of sugar in the 16th century. Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of Brazil’s most famous tourist attractions. Aboard the cable car to the top, you’ll be given a unique view of the mountain and the city behind you through the floor-to-ceiling walls of the car.

To make the day even more special, we can arrange for a 10-minute private helicopter ride over Rio de Janeiro! (Additional cost applies.)

Day 3

Beach Hopping in Rio

Travel along a narrow and scenic road to reach the beautiful remote beaches of Prainha and Grumari. Prainha, which means “little beach” in Portuguese, is a smaller beach but with big waves and fine, white sand. Watch the surfers and enjoy and cold beer and a bite to eat at the open air restaurant and then continue on to Grumari, which is a longer beach surrounded by a lush natural preserve. This beach remains unknown to many people and is the perfect spot for relaxing in the sun or snacking on some freshly caught seafood in one of the open-air restaurants.

You will stop at Barra de Guaratiba where you will have time for a stand up paddle class in the mangroves of Restinga da Marambaia, a huge natural reserve that is owned and run by the Brazilian army. This activity has no age limit and is suitable for guests from beginner to advanced (younger children may ride on the instructor’s board.) After the lesson, you will be ready to paddle on your own and explore the beauty of this unspoiled reserve.

You will have the option of having lunch at an upscale restaurant with superb views of the reserve and sea (Thursday-Sunday only.)

Day 4

A Taste of Rio

Today, you will enjoy a day hosted by a local with a passion for cooking, right in their home. Using the ingredients purchased during your market visit this morning, our Carioca friends will teach you how to prepare Moqueca, a famous Brazilian dish composed of shrimp, fish and other fresh, local ingredients.

After dark, the streets of the Lapa neighborhood fill with locals, or cariocas, and tourists alike who have all come to enjoy the bustling and vibrant nightlife of this normally quiet neighborhood. Tonight, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for your private transfer to one of the best clubs in Lapa, Rio Scenarium. An interesting mix between an antique shop and an auction house, locals come here to listen to traditional Brazilian jazz and samba.

Day 5

Journey to the Amazon

Meet your guide in the lobby for your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Manaus.

Meet your guide just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it) for your shared transfer with other guests to the Anavilhanas Lodge. Private transfers available upon request at an additional cost.

Day 6

Activities at Anavilhanas Lodge

Today is yours to enjoy the activities and amenities offered to you by Anavilhanas Lodge. The activities are not fixed and vary according to the weather conditions. Lodge activities include:

  • Nocturnal sightseeing at Anavilhanas Archipelago
  • Reconnaissance tour on Anavilhanas Archipelago
  • Hiking on the Mainland Woods
  • Visit to Amazonian Dolphins and Art Parlors in Novo Airão
  • Recreational Piranha Fishing
  • Sunrise viewing from the islands
  • Visit the Cabocla community in Tiririca
  • Canoeing through riverbanks in Rio Negro

Day 7

More Activities at Anavilhanas Lodge

Today is yours to enjoy the activities and amenities offered to you by Anavilhanas Lodge. The activities are not fixed and may vary according to the weather conditions. Lodge activities include:

  • Nocturnal sightseeing at Anavilhanas Archipelago
  • Reconnaissance tour on Anavilhanas Archipelago
  • Hiking on the Mainland Woods
  • Visit to Amazonian Dolphins and Art Parlors in Novo Airão
  • Recreational Piranha Fishing
  • Sunrise viewing from the islands
  • Visit the Cabocla community in Tiririca
  • Canoeing through riverbanks in Rio Negro

Day 8

Journey to Salvador

Board the shared transfer with other guests back to Manaus, for your flight onward to Salvador. Private transfers available upon request at an additional cost.

Meet your guide just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it) for your private transfer to your accommodations at Villa Bahia.

Considered an epicenter of Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador was once a a large hub for the slave trade which heavily influenced Brazil’s culture and language. Now it boasts vibrant arts, music, dance and cuisine that are all heavily influenced by its African roots. The city itself has impressive Baroque architecture while its outskirts have some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil like Praia do Forte and Costa do Sauipe.

Day 9

Exploration of Salvador

This morning you’ll meet with your guide and head to Salvador’s Upper City, in the Pelourinho quarter, which has a deep colonial history. Starting from the town square, you’ll head to the Afro-Brazilian museum for a deep dive into Salvador’s history before continuing onto other city plazas and the Sao Francisco church. During your walking tour, you’ll visit a well-known record store, a community project and recreation center for kids, and the Museum of Bahian Cuisine.

After lunch, you’ll visit the São Joaquim market where you can feel like a local and feast your eyes upon the local ingredients that likely played a role in the making of your lunch. You’ll continue on to the Solar do Unhão where you’ll visit the Bahian Modern Art Museum. Once a manor house and a sugar mill, it now houses a collection of drawings, sculptures, paintings and more from Brazilian artists throughout 8 exhibition rooms.

To cap off your tour of the city, you’ll visit the Carlos Costa Museum (not open on Tuesday) which features a private collection of antique household items like silverware and furniture, as well as antique jewelry and crystals.

After your city tour, your guide will take you to the studio of a famous Brazilian percussionist where you’ll learn the rhythms of Bahia. Steeped strongly in African tradition, Bahia is said to be the percussive heart of Brazil.

Its prominence in Salvador has led to many groups of percussionists forming in the city, like the world famous group Olodum. Comprised exclusively of men, Olodum is the most famous of all the Bahian percussion groups, having performed in 35 countries around the world and annually at Carnaval. Groups like Oludum are important parts in the fight against anti-Black prejudice and discrimination by preserving and promoting the centrality of African influences in Brazilian culture.

Day 10

Journey to Trancoso

Meet your guide in the lobby for your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Porto Seguro.

For a more relaxing and tropical feel, the town of Trancoso is perfectly situated by gorgeous beaches, rivers and cliffs. The abundance of green spaces and the colorful houses around the Quadrado give a welcoming vibe to any visitor. Trancoso is also hot spot for many wealthy Brazilians who like to come here for a beach getaway and is perfect for those wanting a tranquil, sunny adventure.

Meet your guide just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it) for your private transfer to your private house in Trancoso.

Day 11

Leisurely Trancoso

The day is yours to enjoy at leisure in Trancoso.

Day 12

Boating in Trancoso

This morning your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to start your journey to the Coqueiros beach where you will board a private speed boat to follow the beaches of Itapororoca Itaquena, Jacumã, Outeiro das Brisas, Caraivas and finally Corumbau. Your day will consist of bright white sands and crystal clear waters that truly make this area of Bahia special.

On the way back to port, you will stop at Espelho beach which is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. There, you will have the option of having lunch at the famous Silvinha restaurant (cost not included.)

Day 13

Leisurely Trancoso

The day is yours to enjoy at leisure in Trancoso.

Day 14

Until Next Time!

Your guide will meet you at your private house for your transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the U.S.

Private Journey PricingPer Person

Pricing Level
From Price Per Person
2 Guests Traveling -

$11,500

4 Guests Traveling -

$10,500

Included

  • 4 nights in Rio de Janeiro: Deluxe room at Hotel Fasano Rio.
  • 3 nights in the Amazon: Bungalow at Anavilhanas Lodge.
  • 2 nights in Salvador: Deluxe Room at Villa Bahia.
  • 4 nights in Trancoso: Suite at Uxua Casa.
  • Breakfast daily.
  • Lunch on days 6-7.
  • Dinner on days 2, 5, 6 & 7.
  • Private arrival and departure transfers (assumes all guests on same flights.) English-speaking guide included when specified in itinerary.
  • Private, local English-speaking guides for all activities as described in the program.
  • Cost of entrance for all sights and experiences specifically included in your program.
  • 24/7 local emergency contact during your journey.
  • Full-service advance tailoring of your itinerary and assistance with restaurant reservations.

Not Included

  • Air travel.
  • Lunches, dinners and alcoholic beverages unless otherwise specified in your program.
  • Gratuities to guides, drivers, hotel porters, etc. unless otherwise specified in your program.
  • Travel or medical evacuation insurance.
  • Any other items or services not specifically included in your itinerary.

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