SIMPLY BRAZIL

Arrive into São Paulo, where you will need to pick-up your luggage and check-in for your morning flight to Iguassu.

Note: There are no direct flights from the UK to Iguassu and the quickest route is via São Paulo. British Airways currently have a daily overnight service between London Heathrow and São Paulo. There are also connecting flights with Iberia & LATAM via Madrid, KLM via Amsterdam and Air France via Paris. There are also flights via Lisbon with TAP (Air Portugal).

Iguassu Falls are the planet’s largest and most awe-inspiring collection of waterfalls. A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring over 200 streams that suddenly emerge from the jungle to crash over vast chasms, this is one of Brazil’s greatest natural spectacles.

From the airport you’ll be taken to your hotel which sits in a spectacular location, inside the Iguassu National Park.

The elegant Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel is the only hotel inside the national park on the Brazilian side of the Falls and allows guests to have unprecedented access. Some of the rooms have views of the falls and there are walkways which begin in front of the hotel.

Upon arrival you will have the opportunity to explore the Brazilian side of the falls, whilst the following day includes a privately guided tour of the Argentine side. During your stay you’ll also have time to follow trails through the jungle in search of exotic wildlife, ride a boat to the base of the falls or even take a unforgettable helicopter flight above it.

When back at the hotel you can enjoy a refreshing caipirinha and take a dip in the hotel’s beautiful outdoor swimming pool.

Stay: Three nights at the Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas – Bed & breakfast

After a final breakfast beside the magnificent Iguassu Falls, you will board a flight to São Paulo.

On arrival you will be met and driven to the historic coastal town of Paraty, a journey which takes around four hours.

With car-free streets, an exquisite historic centre, graceful old buildings and tree-line avenues, Paraty is somewhere that time seems to stand still. Your hotel occupies a colonial mansion in the downtown area and takes comfort to the next level with reading nooks – complete with armchairs and lamps – fitted in every room.

Declared a historical site in 1966, you’ll have chance to explore the 17th century colonial streets and buildings with an expert guide. There is also the opportunity to spend a day on board our own boat, cruising between the beautiful beaches in the bay or even visit a Cachaça distillery, the national spirit used in caipirinhas.

Stay: Three nights at Pousada Literária – Bed & breakfast

On day eight you will leave the historic buildings and cobbled streets of Paraty behind and transfer four hours by road along the Costa Verde to Rio de Janeiro.

Known as ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ (Marvellous City), Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil but hands-down the most vibrant.

Famous for Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ the Redeemer Statue and the picturesque Sugar Loaf Mountain, its landmarks and vivacious locals make it one of the most electric cities in all of the world.

Your hotel overlooks the iconic Copacabana beach and you’ll find yourself superbly positioned for exploring the city.

During the day your local guide will accompany you to the soaring heights of Corcovado where you’ll share unrivalled views with the statue of Christ the Redeemer – international symbol of Rio de Janeiro.

You will also explore the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa, known for its traditional bars, open-air samba jams and the famous Selarón staircase (a mosaic staircase). The day ends on top of the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, where you’ll ascend by cable car before taking in the wonderful views of the city and enjoy a well earned caipirinha.

Stay: Three nights at the Miramar Hotel by Windsor – Bed & breakfast

A three hour drive from Rio de Janeiro and you will arrive at the picturesque coastal town of Búzios.

The once quaint fishing village is now a fashionable beach destination amongst Brazilians and is the perfect place to relax and recharge before flying home.

Armação dos Búzios is set on a peninsula with over 20 beaches and hidden coves nearby. You can laze on the beach or at the pool, watch the locals bring in their daily catch, or you can enjoy a variety of water sports including snorkelling and scuba diving. Each of the bays offer something different and some are much more ‘lively’ than others!

Heading away from the coast you can take a tour into the interior to find tranquil lakes and mangroves, or visit the Emerencias Ecological Reserve to watch wildlife like monkeys and exotic birds in addition to vibrant indigenous flowers, shrubs and trees.

Stay: Three nights at Casas Brancas – Bed & breakfast

Today you bid goodbye to Brazil. You will be driven back to Rio de Janeiro where you will board your overnight flight back home.

Note: British Airways currently have a daily overnight service from Rio de Janeiro to London Heathrow. There are also connecting flights with Iberia & LATAM via Madrid, KLM via Amsterdam and Air France via Paris. There are also flights via Lisbon with TAP (Air Portugal).