Rio, Iguazu & the Amazon Tour

10 Days

From $ 1,649

About this SAAT Travel tour: Rio, Iguazu & the Amazon

The Rio, Iguazu & the Amazon trip takes you to three of Brazil’s most thrilling destinations, giving you an exciting contrast between the country’s city life and its incredible natural wonders. Starting off in Rio you’ll take in all the highlights, including the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, as well as Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado and the iconic statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’. After soaking up the atmosphere of Rio you’ll fly west to Iguazu and spend a couple of full days taking in this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. Finally you’ll head into the jungle to experience life in the Amazon Rainforest. The Rio, Iguazu & the Amazon trip gives you a real taste of the stunning diversity of Brazil.

Day 1
Touchdown in the Marvelous City

Rio de Janeiro
Upon touchdown in Rio you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and shown to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend either relaxing at your hotel or heading out to explore the nearby beaches, boulevards and boutiques. Ask your specialist for recommendations of interesting places to visit. Sunset in Rio is spectacular and the best place to experience it is with the locals on one of Rio's many beaches. As the sun sets and the mountains begin to cast long shadows over sea and sand under a stunning pink and golden sky, order yourself a caipirinha, sit back and enjoy the show. (Meals - B)

Day 2
Tijuca Forest & Corcovado

Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast you'll begin your day with a trip through Tijuca, the largest urban forest in the world, which covers the mountains overlooking the city in a blanket of deep green. You'll then continue on to the top of Corcovado, the 710m mountain that is home to the iconic statue of 'Christ the Redeemer'. From here the views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean are breath-taking. You'll then return to your hotel and have the afternoon and evening free to enjoy the beaches, and perhaps head out to the dancing district of Lapa for a little Samba and a caipirinha or three. (Meals - B)

Day 3
Sugarloaf Hike

Rio de Janeiro
The dramatic Sugarloaf Mountain is a well-known Rio landmark. Today, instead of standing in line to ride the aerial cable car with dozens of others, you will have the unique experience of reaching the summit on foot. Starting with a stroll along the beautiful shoreline to warm up, you'll begin a 300m hike to the stunning Sugarloaf summit. From the top the views over Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and up to Corcovado are about as spectacular as you can get. This tour can be extended to a full-day adventure, either kayaking to an island five miles from Sugarloaf or rock-climbing and rappelling. Note: Those not up for the hike can opt to take the cable car to Sugarloaf's summit. (Meals - B)

Day 4
Relaxing in Rio

Rio de Janeiro
A free day in Rio is full of possibilities - boat trips, hang-gliding, art tours, football matches and of course the failsafe option of sun, sea and sand at one of Rio's top beaches. You could also head out of the city and spend a day in Petropolis, the mountain town where the Emperors of Brazil spent their summers, or pick up a new skill and take some Brazilian cuisine or dance classes. Other options include heading into the nearby mountains for whitewater rafting, horse-riding, mountain biking or trekking. Just let us know how you prefer to spend your time and we can help make it happen. (Meals - B)

Day 5
First Glimpse

Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls
After being picked up at your hotel in Rio and transferred to the airport you'll catch a morning flight to Iguazu, catching your first glimpse of the 275 separate falls as the plane comes in to land. Arriving in the early afternoon you will head straight out for a tour of the Brazilian side of the falls, following a short forest trail to a spectacular viewing point. Extra options include 10min helicopter flights over the dramatic falls, or boat rides that take you almost to the edge of the tremendous curtains of water. Later in the day you will be transferred to your hotel where you can spend the evening relaxing. (Meals - B)

Day 6
Argentine Iguazu

Iguazu Falls
After breakfast you will be met for your tour of the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls. Beginning with a train ride to The Devil's Throat Falls, the highest of the 270, or so, separate falls that make up Iguazu. As the falling water pounds into the river below it created a roar that can be heard for miles around. The tour then continues on foot following a series of walkways built over the river, around and alongside the falls, allowing you to experience the majesty of Iguazu from very close up. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred back to your hotel for the evening. (Meals - B)

Day 7
Into the Jungle

Iguazu Falls to the Amazon
After breakfast you will be picked up for your flight to Manaus in the Amazon Jungle. Upon arrival you'll be met and taken to your boat for a trip down river to the Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge where you will have a welcome drink and be given some time to settle in. In the afternoon you'll visit the Monkey Jungle, an animal rescue centre where you will be able to witness feeding time. Then it's back to the lodge for your own delicious buffet dinner before an evening spent on a nocturnal Alligator Spotting canoe trip. (Meals - B, D)

Day 8
Jungle Hike

The Amazon
After breakfast today you will set out on a nature hike into the surrounding jungle. Along the way your experienced, bilingual guide will point out some of the Amazon's varied plant, bird and animal life as you pass through the incredible natural habitat of the Amazon Rainforest. After lunch back at the lodge you will board a canoe up stream to visit a local Amazonian community and learn about their traditions and way of life. You'll then have the opportunity to do a little river fishing before dinner is served back at the lodge. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 9
Meeting of the Waters

The Amazon
After breakfast you will set out on a full day's boat trip to the see the 'Meeting of the Waters'. This natural phenomenon is the point at which the Negro and Solimoes Rivers meet - the differently colored rivers, one dark and the other sandy, run side by side for several kilometers before merging to form the mighty Amazon River. On route you will pass the through the city of Manaus and have the opportunity to view its interesting riverbank activity. Lunch will be taken along the way and in the evening you will return to the lodge for dinner. There is also the opportunity for a spot of piranha fishing. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 10
Back to Rio

The Amazon to Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast you will have the morning free to enjoy the river beach and pools before heading to the airport for your flight back to Rio. Once in Rio you can connect with your flight home. This tour can be combined with any of our other fantastic destinations in Brazil or South America - how about a trip to the beautifully pristine Ilha Grande off the coast of Rio, or exploring the exciting Argentine capital of Buenos Aires? (Meals - B)