Brazil
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Brazil - famous for its beautiful beaches and beautiful people. The largest country in South America, and one of the most colourful. Rio de Janeiro is a glamorous destination in an unrivalled setting and an excellent start for your holiday in Brazil. The long sandy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are a hive of activity and great for a spot of people watching. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is Rio's best known landmark, travel by train to get up close to this awe inspiring 30 metre high statue, then travel to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain by cable car, the view from here is unbeatable.
Climate – Brazil is a tropical country with a hot and humid climate. The primary rainy season lasts from November to April, however you should expect downpours at anytime, particularly if you are travelling to the Amazon. The north-east tends to be the driest region and is not generally affected by the seasons in the same way as the rest of the country.
Rio de Janeiro
Few world cities have a setting to rival Rio de Janeiro. The playground of the rich and famous for many years, Rio is a glamorous destination with a glitzy international feel. The long sandy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are always a hive of activity. Casting a watchful gaze over the city, the 30 metre high Christ the Redeemer statue is Rio’s best known landmark; completed in 1931, the views from the base are breathtaking.
Copacabana Palace - A classic, this is without doubt the place to stay when in Rio. Opened in 1923 the beautiful brilliant white facade stands out like a shining light on Copacabana Beach. The 225 rooms are finished to a very high standard; outside there is a large infinity pool.
Fasano Rio de Janeiro - A new addition to Rio de Janeiro’s beachfront properties is the stylish Fasano Hotel making an elegant addition to Ipanema's beautiful beachfront. The 82 rooms and 10 butler-serviced suites are luxurious and warm, with balconies perfectly positioned above the famous beach. The best views are from the popular rooftop bar and pool. From the rooftop you can watch the local Cariocas go about their daily fitness routines on the beach or admire Christ the Redeemer. The stunning Fasano Al Mare restaurant downstairs attracts an equally fashionable crowd.
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro - is located on famous Copacabana Beach and considered one of the most prestigious Rio de Janeiro hotels. With fabulous Ipanema on one side and stunning Copacabana on the other, this Sofitel Rio de Janiero hotel is among the few with balconies in all of its 388 rooms.
Iguassu Falls
The spectacular Iguassu Falls are one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world and are surrounded by subtropical rainforest, and form a border between Brazil & Argentina. Viewed from either side, or both, they are a truly amazing sight & a photographers dream. Flowing between the Argentine and Brazilian border and surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, there are a total of 275 falls that thunder down into the mighty Iguazú River. The surrounding national park is also well worth exploring, wander along the forest floor to see beautiful butterflies and a host of tropical birds.
Sheraton Iguazu Resort & Spa – This hotel occupies an enviable location in the heart of the national park on the Argentine side. Many of the hotel rooms have direct views of the falls and the hotel offers an impressive range of facilities including a beautiful pool overlooking the falls.
Hotel Das Cataratas – This charming hotel is the only one on the Brazilian side to be actually within the park with the falls only a few minutes walk away. Surrounded by lush subtropical rainforest the hotel offers fantastic leisure facilities including an impressive free form pool.
The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the wonders of the world and is still, for the most part, unexplored and unexploited. A seemingly endless carpet of green and blue, the Amazon Rainforest covers a vast area of North and West Brazil. Cutting through the heart of the forest, the mighty Amazon River flows eastwards towards the Atlantic Ocean. Cruising is an excellent way to fully appreciate the river, the rainforest and the abundant wildlife. Take an Amazon Clipper Cruise on a traditional riverboat and sail on the Solimoes or Rio Negro Rivers which together from the Amazon in this region. Cruises can be taken for two, three or four nights and are accompanied by a naturalist guide.
Juma Lodge - Only accesible by motor launch from Manaus, Juma Lodge has been designed to blend in with the natural environment. All materials used in the construction of the lodge were from reusable sources. Built on stilts to protect against any heavy flooding, the lodge offers daily excursions into the rainforest.
The Tropical - This is a large property located on the banks of the Rio Negro. A luxury hotel, it has a total of 594 rooms and offers a whole host of activities. There are two swimming pools, five tennis courts, a shopping arcade, two restaurants and even a zoo! There are a number of luxury suites available that have their own private pool.
Salvador and The North
The capital of Brazil for over two centuries, Salvador is an historic city with an abundance of fine colonial architecture. Capital of the state of Bahia, Salvador has a wonderful maritime setting on the bay of Todos os Santos. An important staging post for the slave trade, modern day Salvador is a melting pot of Latin and West African culture. The old town is a mixture of brightly painted colonial houses, cobbled streets, fine churches and floral courtyards. Easy to explore on foot, there are a number of excellent museums that concentrate on the city’s rich colonial and African past. Regarded by many as the creative capital of Brazil, music plays an integral part: when the popular drumming ensembles perform, city residents party in the street and cafes. By contrast, at Praia do Forte, a fishing village on a stretch of long beaches and palm trees along the coast, the pace of life is entrancingly slow.
Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte - is a luxury hotel in Bahia. Families are particularly well catered for here; but Tivoli’s great service, five star amenities and stunning surroundings draw in a fair share of romantic couples too. It is situated in 250sq km of land, most of which is a protected reserve. It offers fishing, diving, sailing and horseriding, and tends to be booked up well in advance. Tours and treks around the jungle with local guides are on offer. As well as this, you can watch sea turtles in their natural habitat, and visit the traditional Bahian fishing village sustained by the Ecoresort.
Convento do Carmo, Salvador - Beautifully restored 16th century convent in the Pelourinho district of Salvador da Bahia. Convento do Carmo, part of the exclusive Pestana hotel group, has 90 elegant guest rooms and 11 suites. The hotel’s colonial architecture is mirrored by the beautiful gardens, where you can relax around a circular pool or under a gazebo. When you have explored the city of Salvador enjoy a delicious meal amongst the romantic cloisters back at the hotel. Facilities include Swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi, gym, fitness centre, library, restaurant and bar.
The Nannai Beach Resort - is located on Muro Alto Beach, just 54km south of Recife and 9km north of the eclectic and well known fishing village of Porto de Galinhas, in the state of Pernambuco. Accommodation is predominantly in Balinese-style thatched bungalows on stilts with their own private plunge pool, a wide range of facilities and a long beach protected by an offshore reef.
The Pantanal
Covering much of South-Western Brazil as well as parts of neighbouring Paraguay and Bolivia, the Pantanal is a vast, wildlife rich, natural floodplain. A beautiful region of rolling countryside, the Pantanal has similar wildlife to the Amazon Rainforest; however the lack of dense vegetation makes sightings easier. This is the preserve of the Giant Anteater, puma and ocelot and over 200 different species of fish and an incredible 600 plus species of bird!
Pousada Caiman - Four hours drive from the town of Campo Grande, the Pousada Caiman is located deep in the wildlife rich wetlands that form the Pantanal. The pousada is actually made up of four separate lodges. The largest takes up to 25 guests, the other three take up to a maximum of 16. Each lodge has a different design and each has a relaxing pool area.
Angra dos Reis, Parati and Buzios
Travel south from Rio along the Emerald Coast road for beautiful beaches and delightful colonial towns. Founded in the 16th Century, Angra is situated on a large bay that is dotted with islands. Wander around the pretty town centre, or just relax and lap up the sun amongst the tropical surroundings. Beautiful Buzios lies east of Rio and sits on a peninsula jutting out into the clear Atlantic waters. This once sleepy fishing village was made famous by Brigitte Bardot in 1962 and is now one of Brazil’s most stylish beach resorts. Further down the coast, Parati still retains many fine colonial buildings. There are interesting churches, hillside forts and grand merchant houses. Small, uninhabited islands with pristine sandy beaches can be reached by boat from the harbour; behind the town there is a lush tropical forest to explore. The atmosphere of both towns is laid back and relaxed.
The Pestana Angra Hotel, Angra dos Reis - is an exclusive boutique hotel with surrounded by private beaches and stunning sea. 27 bungalows overlooking beautiful gardens or ocean are charming and romantic and offer balconies with hammocks and sofas. Some of the units offer a sauna and a private Jacuzzi.
Villa D-Este, Buzios - Located in the village overlooking the sea Villa D'Este is an excellent boutique hotel option in Buzios. The rooms are tastfully decorated with the whitewashed walls and in keeping with the slightly mediterreanean stylings of Buzios. Rooms are comfortable and the hotel has two small but well positioned pools which offer stunning views across the bay. The highlight of the hotel is the excellent master suite with a spacious private balcony including a private swimming pool.
Hotel do Frade, Angra dos Reis - is Angra’s principal resort style property. There are 162 rooms all of which are light and spacious. Ideal for families, the hotel also has 16 bungalows. There is a pool, a stretch of beautiful coastline and behind is an area of protected Atlantic Rainforest.
Fernando de Noronha
Tourist numbers are strictly regulated on the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha. Located off the North-East coast of Brazil, this remote island group is an eco-tourist’s dream. Whilst tourist facilities are little more than functional’ the stark natural beauty of the islands and the variety of wildlife both above and below water more than makes up for this. Declared a Marine National Park in 1988, there are 21 islands in total, only one of which is permanently inhabited. Explore the islands on foot and you can be certain that you will have this rugged wilderness destination to yourself. Underwater the visibility is more than 30 metres, making it one of the world’s greatest snorkelling and dive sites. Spinner Dolphins, Hawksbill and Green Turtles can often be found close to shore.
Pousada Maravilha - A collection of beach houses, in a contemporary-minimal style. Apart from the Pousada Maravilha, there are several other basic lodgings, but this is the most stylish. It is one of the most divinely situated hotels anywhere, directly in front of the hotel is a curve of a perfect bay, green-clad hills to either side and the Atlantic Ocean in front. Rooms have Japanese hot tubs, satellite TV and Internet on tap, and there is a glass-walled sauna from which you can dive directly into the beautiful infinity-edged pool. This is where Naomi Campbell came to rest after Sao Paulo Fashion Week.
Pousada da Morena - This is a simple property; there are only five rooms all of which have private facilities. There are hammocks and comfy chairs to relax on.
CARNIVAL 2010
escape2luxury can offer you the following itinerary, giving you the chance to experience the Carnival and to experience the highlights of Brazil.
- Depart the UK, overnight to Rio
- Private transfer on arrival to the Hotel Praia Ipanema. An oceanfront property situated on the border of Ipanema and Leblon, the hotel’s amenities include 24 hour room service, beauty salon, sauna, fitness centre, rooftop pool and the Bossa Nova Bar & Restaurant. All guest rooms feature balconies, high speed Internet access, cable TV, mini bars and in room safes.
- Full day city tour, including Cocovado Mountain and Santa Teresa. The playground of the rich and famous for many years, Rio is a glamorous destination with an international feel. The 30 metre high Christ the Redeemer statue on Cocovado Mountain is Rio's best known landmark, completed in 1931 the views from the base are breathtaking.
- Free time to enjoy the city and the carnival celebrations.
- Private transfer to the airport for your onward connection to Iguazu, on arrival transfer to your hotel, the Das Cataratas. This is the only hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls actually within the park.The hotel does not have direct views over the falls, however they are only a few minutes walk away. Free afternoon to visit the falls. There are a total of 275 falls that thunder down into the Mighty Iguazu River. Early morning and late evening are particularly spectacular, tourist numbers are lower and the sky is filled with toucans and parrots returning home to roost.
- Full day guided excursion to the Argentine side of the falls, including the Devil's Throat.
- Transfer to the airport for your return to the UK, via Rio.
Price per person, subject to availability, £2997.00, which includes
- International flights in economy class
- Internal flights in economy class
- Transfers as listed
- Hotel accommodation, as itinerary
- Daily breakfasts
- All pre-payable airport taxes.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Rio, Iguassú, The Amazon, Salvador
Day 1: Depart UK.
Day 2: Arrival in Rio, introductory city tour. Rio for 3-nights.
Day 3: Full day sightseeing to include Corcovado.
Day 4: Morning sightseeing to include Sugar Loaf Mountain, afternoon at leisure.
Day 5: Fly to Iguassú, sightseeing of the Brazilian side of the falls. Iguassú for 2-nights.
Day 6: Viewing of the falls from the Argentine side.
Day 7: Fly to Manaus via São Paulo, afternoon city tour. Manaus for 1-night.
Day 8: Transfer by road and canoe into the Amazon Rainforest, for 3-nights.
Days 9–10: Exploration of the Amazon Rainforest.
Day 11: Fly to Salvador via Brasilia. Salvador for 3-nights.
Day 12: City sightseeing of Salvador.
Day 13: Day at leisure.
Day 14: Depart Brazil, flying via São Paulo.
Day 15: Arrive home.
Rio, Iguassú, The Pantanal, The Amazon
Day 1: Depart UK.
Day 2: Arrival in Rio, afternoon city tour. Rio for 2-nights.
Day 3: Excursion to Botanical Gardens and Corcovado Mountain.
Day 4: Fly to Iguassú, afternoon sightseeing of the Brazilian falls. Iguassú for 3-nights.
Day 5: Excursion to the Argentine side of the falls.
Day 6: Exploration of the Iguassú National Park.
Day 7: Fly to Campo Grande via São Paulo. Campo Grande for 1-night.
Day 8: Transfer to the Pantanal, for 3-nights.
Days 9–10: Wildlife viewing in the Pantanal.
Day 11: Fly to Manaus via São Paulo. Manaus for 1-night.
Day 12: Transfer by road and canoe into the Amazon Rainforest, for 3-nights.
Day 13–14: Exploration of the Amazon Rainforest.
Day 15: Depart Brazil, flying via São Paulo.
Day 16: Arrive home.
Rio, Iguassú, Buenos Aires
Day 1: Depart UK.
Day 2: Arrival in Rio, afternoon city tour. Rio for 3-nights.
Day 3: Morning helicopter flight over Rio, afternoon visit to Corcovado.
Day 4: Sugar Loaf Mountain, afternoon at leisure.
Day 5: Fly to Iguassú for 2-nights.
Day 6: Sightseeing of Brazilian and Argentine sides of the falls.
Day 7: Fly to Buenos Aires for 3-nights.
Day 8: Full day city sightseeing.
Day 9: Free day, evening tango show.
Day 10: Depart Argentina.
Day 11: Arrive home.
escape2luxury can provide you with a tailor-made quotation for your holiday to Brazil, should you wish to visit other South American countries, or have a specific destination in mind, please call or email and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
Weather
| | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 29 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 29 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
