Brazil: Highlights, Dunes & Lagoons

Olá and welcome to Brazil! After a private transfer to the hotel, we’ll begin with a Group Meeting at 6:00PM followed by an included Welcome Dinner. Guests arriving a day early will have the option to do a full-day city tour of São Paulo. More details will be provided in the trip confirmation email.

Bom dia (good morning)! As the largest city in the Americas, São Paulo is also Brazil’s financial and transportation hub. After an included breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to São Luís on Brazil’s northeastern coast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, São Luís is a fascinating mix of colonial charm and Afro-Brazilian culture. This island city features a colorful historic center, festive traditions, and mouthwatering cuisine, all set against a backdrop of sweeping coastal scenery. We’ll check into our hotel and have the rest of the day at our leisure to relax or begin soaking in the rhythms of this soulful city. This evening, we’ll gather for an included group dinner at a fantastic local restaurant.

This morning, we’ll fuel up on an included breakfast before diving into São Luís on a private guided city tour. Set on Upaon-Açu Island, the city boasts a remarkable historical legacy as the only Brazilian city founded by the French, later overtaken by the Dutch, and finally colonized by the Portuguese. Suffice to say, São Luís is a true crossroads of culture. We’ll stroll through the UNESCO-designated Historic Center, where over 3,500 colonial buildings line cobbled streets. Here, we’ll marvel at the elegant sobradões (historic townhouses), adorned with intricate Portuguese azulejos (tiles) and ornate belvederes. For lunch, we’ll have the option of many cafés that serve island delicacies (not included). This afternoon, we depart on a scenic drive to Barreirinhas, the gateway to the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel and have time to relax before another included dinner.

Today’s a big day! After breakfast, we’ll board rugged 4×4 vehicles for an adventurous overland journey into the heart of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Established in June 1981 and spanning over 383,000 acres (155,000 hectares), the park is a breathtaking interplay of boundless sand dunes and crystalline lagoons. Here, three distinct biomes converge – Cerrado, Caatinga, and Amazon – creating a rare landscape woven with coastal restinga forests, sweeping dune fields, and the Atlantic shore beyond. Our first stop is at the Blue Lagoon Circuit for some of the most picturesque spots and a refreshing dip in the lagoons. Our route winds along dramatic sand tracks, and around midday, we’ll stop at a charming restaurant for an included lunch and a short rest in some comfy hammocks. Afterwards, we’ll have ample time to cool off and unwind at the serene Bonita Lagoon, known for its clear waters surrounded by golden dunes. As the sun dips toward the horizon, we’ll retrace our path back to Barreirinhas. This evening, we’ll gather for an included dinner to reflect on an unforgettable day of dunes and lagoons.

This morning, we’ll enjoy an included breakfast before we set off for a private river cruise along the gentle, winding waters of the Rio Preguiças, one of Maranhão’s most scenic waterways. As we cruise through the shifting landscapes where river meets dune, we’ll stop at several picture-perfect sites along the way. First up is Vassouras, a playful stretch of dunes and palm groves affectionately known as “Little Lençóis.” Next, we’ll encounter friendly capuchin monkeys at The Monkeys’ Island. We’ll continue on to the tiny riverside village of Mandacaru, where those who wish can climb the historic lighthouse for sweeping views of the surrounding mangroves and Atlantic coastline. Later, we arrive in Caburé, a narrow peninsula nestled between river and sea. Here, we’ll enjoy a leisurely break for lunch at one of the rustic fishermen’s huts serving freshly caught seafood. This afternoon, we’ll return to Barreirinhas, refreshed and sun-kissed, for a free afternoon. Tonight, we’ll enjoy another included dinner.

After this morning’s breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to the sweeping dunes and tranquil lagoons of Barreirinhas as we transfer back to São Luís. The drive will take approximately four hours, winding through the lush Maranhão countryside and offering a final glimpse of this region’s unique natural beauty. Along the way, we’ll stop for an optional lunch. Upon arrival in São Luís, we’ll catch our flight to Brasília. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel and meet up later in the evening for an included dinner.

After a hearty breakfast, we’re off to unveil the visionary spirit of Brazil’s capital, Brasília, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paragon of modernist urban planning. Designed by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer, this city is not just the seat of government, but a masterpiece of architecture and symbolism. Our journey begins in the Superblocks, the innovative residential zones imagined by Lúcio Costa. Next, we visit the Our Lady of Fátima Church, the first building inaugurated in Brasília in 1958. We’ll continue to the Sanctuary of St. John Bosco, an atmospheric space filled with over 7,000 pieces of stained glass that bathe the church in an otherworldly blue light. From there, we’ll stop by the TV Tower, a soaring 224-meter steel structure that defines the city’s skyline. Our route continues past the Brazilian Army Headquarters, where Oscar Niemeyer’s design transforms military strength into poetic form. At the JK Memorial, we’ll admire Niemeyer’s tribute to President Juscelino Kubitschek, the man behind Brasília’s creation. Then it’s on to the spectacular Metropolitan Cathedral, where 16 curved concrete columns soar heavenward. Driving along the Ministries Esplanade, we’ll pass buildings arranged with geometric precision, a signature of Niemeyer’s modernist vision and a reflection of Brazil’s political organization. From there, we’ll see the Itamaraty Palace, Three Powers Square, and the Palácio da Alvorada, the official residence of the President of Brazil and the first government building inaugurated in the city. We’ll wrap up our tour with a delicious included lunch. This afternoon, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro. Once we’re settled at the hotel, we’ll gather for an included dinner with the rest of the evening at our leisure.

After this morning’s included breakfast, we’re in for a treat! Today begins with one of Rio’s most spectacular experiences: a scenic ride aboard the historic Corcovado Tram. This century-old, eco-friendly electric train climbs through the lush canopy of the Tijuca National Park, one of the world’s largest urban forests, offering an immersive journey into the heart of Rio’s natural beauty. At the summit awaits the legendary Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Standing at the base of this monumental statue, we’ll take in panoramic views that stretch from the city’s glistening coastline to its surrounding peaks. Mid-day, we’ll stop for an included lunch at a local restaurant. Our afternoon brings another unforgettable vantage point as we ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car. This thrilling ride unveils 360-degree views of Rio’s most spectacular sights. We’ll gaze out over Guanabara Bay, spot the sweeping Rio-Niterói Bridge, and take in the dramatic backdrop of the Serra do Mar mountain range, where the famous Dedo de Deus (God’s Finger) peak rises in the distance. After we return to our hotel, we’ll have a free evening with the opportunity to join an optional dinner.

Today, we peel back the curtain on one of the world’s most dazzling cultural spectacles: Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Carnival. While the parades and samba rhythms are known across the globe, few get the chance to discover how this grand celebration is brought to life. After an included breakfast, we’ll begin at the Sambódromo, the purpose-built stage for Rio’s iconic parade. Here, we’ll visit the cultural center to learn about the evolution of Carnival and the significance of samba in Brazilian identity. From there, we head to the revitalized port district, the birthplace of samba music itself. We’ll stroll through the artistic enclave of Morro da Conceição, where colorful homes and cobblestone alleys echo with the rhythm of the past, and stop at Pedra do Sal, a sacred site in Rio’s Black history and spiritual home of samba. Throughout the day, we’ll uncover stories of slavery, resistance, and cultural resilience, gaining a deeper understanding of how these experiences shaped Carnival into an empowering, expressive force. Our final stop is the crown jewel of the experience: an exclusive visit to a samba school’s studio, where we’ll witness firsthand the extraordinary craftsmanship, creativity, and teamwork that go into preparing for the main event. Tonight, we’ll gather for a spectacular Farewell Dinner to reflect on our journey and share insights we’ve gained along the way.

After an included breakfast, guests who are not joining the extension will enjoy a complimentary transfer to the airport. Safe travels home, and thanks for joining us in Brazil!

Guests joining the extension will transfer to the airport for an included flight. Iguazu Falls, meaning “Big Water” in Tupi, is a magnificent natural wonder with 275 waterfalls, including the thunderous Devil’s Throat. Straddling Brazil and Argentina in a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a haven for wildlife and home to the Bird Park and the mighty Itaipu Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric plant in production. We’ll have the bulk of the day to get settled at our hotel, relax, or explore the surrounding area before we gather for an included dinner.

Prepare for a day of breathtaking natural wonders as we stand before one of the most incredible spectacles on Earth. The 275 cascades of the Iguaçu River form an enormous semicircle on the Brazilian side. After an included breakfast, our journey begins with a brief shuttle through a lush expanse to an over-water walkway that’s perfect for both dramatic selfies and nature photography. The path culminates in a panoramic view just downstream from the Devil’s Throat. Next, we’ll make our way to the nearby Bird Park, a massive sanctuary nestled in native forest. Home to over 1,300 rescued birds, including the nearly extinct Mutum of Alagoas, the park offers up-close encounters with toucans, owls, macaws, and even reptiles like caimans. We’ll cap off our visit with a relaxing, included lunch at the Flamingos Lake café, where we’ll unwind with a drink as elegant flamingos glide by. We’ll have the afternoon and evening at our leisure, with the option to gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

Today, we cross into Argentina to explore the wilder side of Iguazu Falls. After breakfast, we’ll begin the day with a transfer and then a scenic ride aboard the ecological train through the lush national park, arriving at the trailheads for three unforgettable circuits. We’ll walk the lower circuit for an up-close encounter with the roaring cascades (expect to get misted), then continue to the upper circuit, where panoramic walkways reveal sweeping views over the Iguazu River. Midday, we’ll enjoy an included lunch. This afternoon, get ready to feel the full power of Iguazu Falls on a thrilling boat ride beneath the falls. We’ll board 4×4 safari trucks, journeying about 3 miles (5 km) through the Yacaratiá trail to Puerto Macuco, where we’ll board zodiacs. Hold on tight as we speed through swirling rapids toward the mighty Devil’s Throat, getting completely soaked as we pass directly beneath roaring walls of water. This evening, we’ll remain in Argentina for a fabulous Farewell Dinner at The Argentine Experience, an incredible restaurant known for its multi-course tasting menus. As we dine together one final time, we’ll reflect on our journey through Brazil and Argentina, the memories we’ve made along the way, and the friendships that will last long after.

Note: Guests will need to bring a change of clothes for dinner. All clothing will be safely stored in our vehicle during the day’s activities.

After an included breakfast, guests will enjoy a complimentary transfer to the airport. Safe travels home, and thanks for joining our Brazilian adventure!