Iguazu, Gold Rush and Beaches

Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 4	Rio de Janeiro	Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado National Park, Christ The Redeemer	Arena Leme, Miramar Hotel by Windsor
4 - 6	Foz do Iguacu	Iguazu Waterfalls in Brazil, UNESCO World Heritage Site Jesuit Ruins	San Martin Foz do Iguacu, Belmond das Cataratas
6 - 7	Belo Horizonte	Art & Architecture, Shopping & Nightlife, Hiking	Bourbon Belo Horizonte, Fasano Belo Horizonte
7 - 8	Tiradentes	Colonial Architecture, Atlantic Forests, Festivals	Mae D’Agua, Solar da Ponte
8 - 10	Ouro Preto	Colonial Heritage, Brazilian Baroque Architecture, Specialty Museums	Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo
10 - 13	Ilha Grande	UNESCO World Heritage site, Biological Reserve, Beaches & Hiking	Caiçara Pousada, Sagu Mini Resort
13 - 13	Rio de Janeiro	Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado National Park, Christ The Redeemer

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 4

International Arrival

Transfer to your hotel

Rio de Janeiro

3 Days

Rio de Janiero’s famous icons include Copacabana, Sugar Loaf, Samba, Ipanema, Caipirinha cocktails, beach culture and of course the magnificent subtropical rainforests.

Included Activities

Full Day Corcovado and Sugarloaf Tour
This private full day tour takes you to the two major landmarks of Rio, in fact of Brazil: Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain. Begin the tour by riding the cog-wheel train up Corcovado Mountain to reach the spectacular view at the summit. Marvel at the Christ the Redeemer statue, built at the top of the mountain and gaze down on the entire city of Rio de Janeiro. Next visit the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, reaching the top by cable car. From your view at the top look out on the glittering waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful beaches below. (08:00-16:00, Private Activity, Lunch not included)

Brazilian Cook off in Rio
Take this opportunity to pick up some sizzling culinary skills from a cooking class in Rio. The class utilises ingredients easily available back home at almost any supermarket. Discover the rich heritage of Brazilian flavors, enriched by indigenous, African and Portuguese influences. Pick up the basics of typical Brazilian meals such as the delicious feijoada or meat stew with black beans, served with rice, oranges, farofa (toasted cassava flour) and greens. The deliciously creamy Bahian moqueca served over rice with a side of farofa is also on the menu. This traditional seafood dish is cooked with fish and shrimps in a spicy coconut milk stew. Finish off your Brazilian feast with brigadeiro, Brazil’s very own chocolate dessert or the fresh guava and cheese dessert, better known as Cuajada con Mealo. (Half Day; Time of Day: Afternoon; Duration: 4 hrs; Shared Activity; Private Transfer; Mon to Fri: classes at 4:00pm, Sat: class at 11:00am).

Hotel Options

Arena Leme – Opt 1

Room	Superior Partial Ocean View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Miramar Hotel by Windsor – Opt 2

Room	Miramar Hotel by Windsor - Superior
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 4 - 6

Transfer to the airport

Flight from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu

Transfer from Foz do Iguazu Airport to your hotel

Foz do Iguacu

2 Days

Foz do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side and Puerto Iguazú on the Argentinean side are not just the gateways to the breathtakingly beautiful and awe inspiring waterfalls, but are also the nearest cities to the intersection of the borders of three countries that include Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.

Included Activities

Iguazu 10-minute Helicopter Flight
Enhance your visit to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Waterfalls with an exciting and scenic helicopter ride. Fly over the river taking in the stunning might of the Devil’s Throat Waterfall and the beauty spread out below you. Keep your camera at the ready whilst breathing in this unique experience. This ten minute soul-enriching adventure guarantees lifetime memories. (Duration 10 minutes, Group Activity, Maximum 7 people, Combined with the Visit to the Brazilian Side of Iguazu Waterfalls Activity)

Visit to the Argentine side of Iguazu Waterfalls
Gain a deep perspective of the breathtaking waterfalls, recently named one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Three sets of trails and walkways allow you to explore the natural beauty of the falls and the surrounding jungle as you walk through the national park. On the lower circuit take in a view of the falls from below, feeling part of the natural surroundings, and sensing their great magnitude. The upper circuit takes you above the falls where you get a different perspective of the same waterfalls you just saw on the lower circuit. And no visit to Iguazu is complete without viewing the Devil’s Throat Falls, where you stand just feet from the thundering cascades of water tumbling to depths below. (09:00 to 15:00. Private Activity)

Visit to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Waterfalls
On this half day tour, take in the incredible panoramic view of Iguazu Waterfalls. From the amazing vantage points in Brazil, marvel at the sheer beauty and amazing magnitude of this natural wonder. (Duration 4 hours, if you have a preference for timing, please tell your travel consultant at the time of booking, otherwise our team will schedule the tour at the best available time. Private Activity)

Hotel Options

San Martin Foz do Iguacu – Opt 1

Room	Superior Room
Meals
Style	Resort

Belmond das Cataratas – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 6 - 7

Transfer to airport with Portuguese-speaking chauffeur

Board your flight from Iguacu to Belo Horizonte via Sao Paolo (Duration: 4 hrs)

Belo Horizonte

1 Day

Belo Horizonte (Beautiful Horizon, or Beagá), the capital of the state of Minas Gerais lies on the western slope of the Espinhaco Mountains and is built on several hills.

Hotel Options

Bourbon Belo Horizonte – Opt 1

Room
Meals
Style	International

Fasano Belo Horizonte – Opt 2

Room
Meals
Style	International

Day 7 - 8

Private transfer from Belo Horizonte to Tiradentes with English-speaking guide (192 km, 3 hrs)

Tiradentes

1 Day

Tiradentes is a picturesque and historic Brazilian town nestled amid the Serra de São José mountains in Minas Gerais. Named after a local dentist, and carrying the gold rush legacy, Tiradentes is now a retreat for artisans and craftspeople.

Included Activities

Grand Tour of Minas Gerais Part 1/2
On the first day, begin your tour from Belo Horizonte – the delightful capital of Minas Gerais, and head toward the picturesque and historic Brazilian town of Tiradentes. Arriving in Tiradentes, soak in the Serra de São José mountain surrounds, and enjoy this retreat named after the local dentist turned national hero, Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier. Famous for its artisans and craftspeople, get a glimpse of the town from the main shaded square, replete with gilded churches, renovated houses, and carved fountains, which feature baroque colonial architecture.

Hotel Options

Mae D’Agua – Opt 1

Room
Meals
Style	Boutique

Solar da Ponte – Opt 2

Room
Meals
Style	Boutique

Day 8 - 10

Private transfer from Tiradentes to Ouro Preto with English-speaking guide (160 km, 2.5 hrs)

Ouro Preto

2 Days

Ouro Preto is a 17th century colonial city framed by the Serra do Espinhaço mountains in Minas Gerais. Famous for creating one of the biggest gold rushes of humanity, and Brazil’s independence movement, this is now a lively university town.

Included Activities

Grand Tour of Minas Gerais Part 2/2
Explore Tiradentes, nestled amid the Serra de São José mountain surrounds. Known for its role in the independence revolution thanks to local dentist Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier, Tiradentes has left its mark on Brazil’s cultural history. Visit museums that showcase local craftworks and the finest examples of the country’s baroque art. Next, head to São João del Rei, a former mining region, and now a bustling university town steeped in religious traditions. As you walk around the historical center, see churches, monuments, fountains and colonial mansions flaunting baroque architecture. You could also witness the centuries-old tradition of the ringing of church bells. Savor a buffet lunch replete with regional dishes, and get a taste of Mineira cuisine. Enroute, stop by the town of Congonhas that was influenced by Brazil’s Gold Rush. Visit the Basilica do Senor Bom Jesus do Matosinhos perched on a hilltop, and enjoy panoramic vistas of its beautiful surroundings. Admire this showstopper landmark that is known for life-size statues of 12 prophets from the Bible, created by the renowned Brazilian artist Aleijadinho. As you explore this complex, which also houses six other chapels, browse the gilded interiors adorned with various soapstone sculptures, depicting scenes from the scriptures. As evening falls, continue onwards to Ouro Preto, which is part of Brazil’s Circuit of Gold. The following day, as you navigate Ouro Preto’s picturesque mountainous city through its steep winding streets, admire its skyline dotted with numerous ornate churches. Laze about, as you indulge in a spot of people watching at the central cobbled plaza and soak in the architectural attractions, museums, and the Old Town. Later, enroute Mariana, visit the Passagem Mine – Brazil’s oldest, and the world’s largest public mine, and gain valuable insight into the region’s rich mining history. Here, you can ride a mine cart, and also take a dip in an underground lake. After lunch, continue to Mariana, nestled amid rolling hills, and enjoy its baroque colonial architecture, which features art nouveau, wrought iron accents. Pass by renovated 18th century buildings with their boutiques and art studios. In the main square, marvel at well-preserved churches, which showcase themes of sensual romanticism through Aleijadinho’s elaborate carvings. You can also visit museums of music and sacred art collections, plus experience weekend organ concerts! On your final day, depart for Belo Horizonte. (Private Activities & Transfers; Fitness level: Moderate)

Hotel Options

Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo – Opt 1

Room
Meals
Style	Boutique

Day 10 - 13

Private transfer from Ouro Preto to Belo Horizonte with English-speaking guide (186 km, 3 hrs)

Board your flight from Belo Horizonte to Rio de Janeiro (Duration: 1 hr)

Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to the port

Boat trip to Abraão

Ilha Grande

3 Days

Ilha Grande, with its small bays and rugged landscape dotted with waterfalls and mountains, promises you the ultimate outdoor adventure. Recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, this breathtakingly beautiful tropical paradise gives off a rustic fishing hamlet vibe.

Included Activities

Leisurely Exploration of Ilha Grande
Relish a hearty breakfast before you set off to explore the many stunning beaches that this picturesque island has to offer. Take your pick of two different yet interesting options to make the most of your stay on this gorgeous slice of paradise. Start early as you hop into a boat taxi and speed away to the small but beautiful Pouso Beach. Hike across the soft sand of the beach as you wind your way along the easy trail to Lopes Mendes Beach in this self-guided tour. Alternatively, you can get off to a leisurely start and head to Lagoa Azul for a day of underwater fun in another self-guided activity. Step into the boat and relax as it speeds toward a vantage snorkeling spot between two islands. Get up close with the exotic marine life in the clear water before heading on to historical Praia da Freguesia de Santana. Explore the two beaches and Santana Church dating back to the 18th century. (Two self-guided day trips with Portuguese speaking assistance; Meals are not included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring along drinking water and food on the day trips.)

Hotel Options

Caiçara Pousada – Opt 1

Room
Meals
Style	Guest house

Sagu Mini Resort – Opt 2

Room
Meals
Style	Guest house

Day 13 - 13

Public boat from Abraao to the mainland

Private transfer to Rio de Janeiro (4 hrs)

Rio de Janeiro

0 Days

Rio de Janiero’s famous icons include Copacabana, Sugar Loaf, Samba, Ipanema, Caipirinha cocktails, beach culture and of course the magnificent subtropical rainforests.

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 5,655 /person
Option 2 From $ 7,460 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 13 days / 12 nights.
Meals as indicated
Economy flights for all sectors :
- Rio de Janeiro – Foz do Iguacu
- Iguacu – Sao Pablo – Belo Horizonte
- Belo Horizonte – Rio de Janeiro
All activities as listed :
- Rio de Janeiro: Full Day Corcovado and Sugarloaf Tour
- Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian Cook Off in Rio
- Foz do Iguacu: Iguazu 10-min Helicopter Flight
- Foz do Iguacu: Visit to the Argentine Side of Iguazu Waterfalls
- Foz do Iguacu: Visit to the Brazilian Side of Iguazu Waterfalls
- Tiradentes: Grand Tour of Minas Gerais Part 1/2
- Ouro Preto: Grand Tour of Minas Gerais Part 2/2
- Ilha Grande: Leisurely Exploration of Ilha Grande
If your itinerary includes self-drive travel then all such travel comes with CDW insurance for an unlimited number of kilometers. For further details about the type of car please speak to your Travel Consultant.
All activities specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees, accompanied by your tour guide
All airport and hotel transfers as indicated above
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
Welcome kit including all important documents and information regarding your itinerary
Fees and taxes

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Rio de Janeiro

Foz do Iguacu

Belo Horizonte

Tiradentes

Ouro Preto

Ilha Grande

Rio de Janeiro

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes