Brazil & Rio Carnival

Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Búzios

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This example itinerary from

£9577 / $11848

per person for 10 days.

Highlights

Enjoy one of the most spectacular coastal city views in South America, from Christ the Redeemer statue
Attend one of the glitziest parties on the planet with dinner and a fabulous show at the Carnival Gala Ball at Copacabana Palace
Experience first-hand the buzz and energy of the world-famous Rio Carnival street parties and Sambadrome parades
Get access to the best seats at the Samba Parade and watch the festivities from the comfort of your own private ‘frisa’
Take an exhilarating boat journey and prepare to get wet at the magnificent Iguazu Falls
Relax and bask in the sun on the jungle-fringed beaches of Búzios

What’s Included

All five star accommodation 
Full day private fruit market, Corcovado, Lapa, Santa Teresa and Sugarloaf tour
Tickets for Copacabana Palace Gala Ball
Private guided tour of ‘Blocos’ (Rio’s carnival street parties)
Carnival parade at the Sambadrome with host and reserved area
Full day private tour of Argentine side of Iguazu Falls including shared Gran Aventura boat trip
All private transfers 

Example Itinerary

Day 1 Day 2-4 Day 5-6 Day 7-9

Days 1

Rio de Janeiro

Privately guided tour of Rio’s highlights
Attend the exclusive Carnival Gala Ball with tickets for a table in the Noble Room

Welcome to Brazil!

Your first full day will include a private tour to see all of Rio’s top highlights. You’ll start the day by paying a visit to the colourful Brazilian food markets, followed by one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions in the world – the statue of Christ the Redeemer. From the top, you can admire the fantastic blend of gorgeous beaches being washed by deep blue waters, high mountains that surround the landscape, thick forests, and urban areas. After Corcovado, you cannot miss a visit to Santa Teresa, a unique part of Rio located on the hills with its old houses and narrow streets. It is a place where you can feel the atmosphere of art, music and history. Then, we will have a panoramic tour of the Lapa area as well as the famous Celeron stairs. Our day ends by visiting one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rio – the Sugarloaf.

In the evening of your first day in Rio, Carnival begins! The Carnival Gala Ball is considered one of the most extravagant events of the Carnival season in Rio and is full of the masqueraded rich and famous. 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Copacabana Palace. Join the party and relive the memories of the last 10 decades and awaken your imagination for the next 100 years. We have included for you tickets for a table in the noble room of the Copacabana Palace Ball (Tables are not private and may be shared with other people).

Stay at Miramar Hotel by Windsor

Days 2-4

Rio Carnival

Take a private tour of the famous Carnival street parties
Enjoy your private viewing spot for the world-renowned Samba Parade

Carnival begins!

Then next morning, you’ll be met by your guide to experience the oldest and most widely enjoyed form of Carnivcal revelry, the ‘Blocos’ (street parties). Each neighbourhood in Rio has its favourite “Blocos”. They consist of an orchestra marching along a predetermined route followed by hordes of enthusiastic samba dancers dressed in costumes, bathing suits and even in drag. The coming together of people, energised by the fun-loving carioca soul, to dance and party through the streets will fill you with a unique energy.

On your final day of Rio Carnival, you’ll experience the best part. The spectacular Samba Parade is the main attraction of Carnaval in Rio and is broadcast to dozens of countries around the world. Fourteen Samba schools march in the parade on Carnaval Sunday and Monday which starts at 9pm and goes on until dawn of the following day. This samba marathon is also fierce competition! Tonight our host will meet you at the hotel lobby for your private transfer to samba avenue where we have reserved a private ‘frisa’ (the closest place to see the show) for your group.

Stay at Miramar Hotel by Windsor

Days 5-6

Iguazu Falls

Get out of hours access to the walkways of Iguazu Falls
Take a private walking tour of the falls with the option of a boat ride up the Iguazu River

Today you’ll be travelling to the magnificent Iguazu Falls. Your hotel is located within the national park, so you have fantastic views from the property itself and direct out-of-hours access to the walkways of the falls on the Brazilian side! This means it is very easy for you to have the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the Brazilian side of the falls independently.

On the following day, you’ll have a walking tour of the Argentine side of the falls. A catwalk rising 1100 metres high from the Iguazu River will lead us to a magnificent view of the largest and most striking waterfall in the region. For those who like adventure, the Gran Aventura boat tour is not to be missed! Whirlpool waves and currents provoked by the Falls add adrenaline and lots of emotion to this thrilling tour. This will be a journey of pure excitement and fun, embraced by the fabulous scenery of the cliffs formed by waterfalls.

Stay at Belmond Das Cataratas

Days 7-9

Búzios

Enjoy the relaxed Brazilian lifestyle at the beach
Beach hop along the spectacular coast of Búzios

It’s now time for a few days of sun, beach and relaxation before you head home. Búzios is located about a 4 hour drive from Rio de Janeiro and is a chic seaside town, dotted with spectacular beaches. Your time here will most likely be spent enjoying the warm weather, trying out some of the excellent restaurants, relaxing on the beautiful beaches and maybe doing a bit of swimming or snorkelling. Your hotel will also be able to help you organise any boat trips or watersports.

Stay at Insólito Boutique Hotel

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Exceptional service

True Travel helped us plan the Honeymoon of our dreams. Their recommendations were exceptional and their advice and knowledge of the area invaluable. We would definitely use them again and recommend them to anyone who asks.