Compare The Wonders of Brazil by Adventure Women

Day 1: Miami, FL to Manaus, Brazil, and the Amazon

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Park Suites Hotel

The excitement begins as we board our TAM Airlines flight to Manaus, Brazil, in Miami. Upon arrival this afternoon we are escorted to our beautiful hotel and after check-in, can rest up for the remainder of the afternoon before our Welcome dinner.

The name Manaus means "Mother of the Gods" and is a tribute to the indigenous nation of Manaós, which was founded in 1669 with the erection of the Fort of São José do Rio Negro. Until 1848 it was named “Cidade da Barra do Rio Negro” (“The City of the Margins of Black River”) since it was situated at the confluence of the Negro and Solimões rivers, and adopted later its current name.

Day 2: Tour Manaus and Board the Amazon Clipper Premium

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Amazon Clipper Premium

This morning we take a brief tour of the colonial city of Manaus, the frontier city of the Amazon. We'll drive via Ponta Negra and stop briefly in front of the Rio Negro Palace, the official seat of the State Government and an elegant example of architecture created during the Rubber Boom (“Ciclo Da Borracha”, 1879-1912). A visit to the Indian Museum and Salesian Congregation follows the best place to learn about traditions and customs of indigenous peoples. Continue past the Palace Justice of the Amazon, and visit the Opera House (Teatro Amazonas), opened in 1896, one of the most spectacular buildings of Manaus.

We board our boat and get settled in, and our Amazon adventure begins as the Amazon Clipper departs Manaus about 2:00 p.m.. While enjoying a welcome drink, let the sights and sounds of the Amazon soak in as we sail upstream on the Rio Negro. In the leisure room for lectures, the guides will use charts and short videos to give us a brief orientation, outlining details of the journey, including the places we'll visit, the wildlife we'll see, as well as a summary of the history and geography of the Amazon basin.

After dinner, we'll explore the river's edge withpowerful searchlights, and likely see caiman, close relatives of the crocodile, and sometimes Night-hawks, toro-rats, sloths and frogs.

Day 3: Rio Negro Cruise - Anavilhanas National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Amazon Clipper Premium

This morning begins early as we board our canoes and explore the water’s edge. What we'll mainly see are fruit eating birds like parrots and toucans. Returning to the boat and after a hearty breakfast, we go on a guided jungle walk to discover many surprising fragrances in leaves, fruits, woods and animals. Always taking our binoculars, we are ready to spot a variety of wildlife such as terns, orioles, blackbirds, Black collared Hawks, monkeys, and sloth, all who share this wonderful environment together. Before lunch, we'll have time to rest, swim or take a siesta.

Part of the afternoon is spent navigating through the Anavilhanas National Park, one of the world’s largest fresh water archipelagos. A labyrinth of waterways, the National Park of Anavilhanas contains about 400 islands, which extend over 875,000 acres of untouched native forest. It is one of the jewels of the Amazon rainforest.

During the rainy season, half of the islands are submerged, thus forming the floating forest, a boundless area of creeks and channels awaiting discovery. There are no people and no houses, just rainforest as wild and beautiful as it was before the first humans arrived on the continent of South America. Protected species that are found here are several species of freshwater turtle, Amazon pink river dolphin, pirarucu which is the world's largest freshwater fish, and many bird species. In the late afternoon we once again take our canoes out to learn more about this wonderful nature park and search for the creatures that inhabit it.

Day 4: The Amazon Rainforest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Amazon Clipper Premium

Early this morning we bait our hooks to try to catch one of Amazonia’s fearsome piranhas and other fish as well. After breakfast we'll visit an indigenous community. With our guide acting as interpreter, we talk with them about their way of life along the river, learn about preparation of manioc flour made from the tuberous root of the Manihot esculenta, and about the health and education of their children. Along the way, we'll also discover many typical Amazonian fruits like Cupuaçu and Tapereba, and palm trees like Açaí, Tucumã and Pupunha.

After lunch we have leisure time to spend on one of the white sandy beaches, swimming in the dark river's water. Then we venture off in our canoes to see the typical flora such as rubber trees, Brazil nuts, and palms. Paddling to the ship after dark, there is a good chance we'll see nocturnal animals in and around the river, before returning for a unique meal that has been prepared for us.

Day 5: Saturday, August 8 - Lake January Ecological Park to Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Loi Suites Hotel

This morning we explore the Lake January Ecological Park, located on a wedge-shaped delta that divides the river Amazon from the Negro. The 9,000-acre reserve of flooded forest is an excellent place to observe wildlife and flora including the Victoria Regia giant water lilies, known to have leaves of about seven feet in diameter. While having breakfast, the boat navigates to the "Meeting of the Waters", the confluence of the world's two largest rivers, the Amazon and the Negro. Here we observe how the two streams, even when flowing together, maintain their distinctive individual color for miles. The Rio Negro is dark and clear because it carries little sediment. The Amazon River or Rio Solimões, as is known the upper section of the Amazon, is pale brown due to glacial silt and sand from the mountains of the Peruvian Andes. The streams eventually merge and continue to flow through Brazil’s Amazon rainforest.

Saying good-bye to our wonderful boat, the crew, and our Amazon experience, we return to the Manaus Park Suites Hotel by late morning. We have lunch before heading back to the airport for our flight to Iguazu Falls, arriving late evening (approximately 11:30 p.m.). We drive to the Argentinian side of the Falls to stay for the next three nights.

Iguazu Falls is one of the Wonders of Nature. Divided between Brazil and Argentina, the imaginary line of boundary between the two countries is the Devil's Throat, one of the most spectacular waterfalls. Formed by swirling water that creates a unique spectacle, Iguazu Falls are the largest sequence of waterfalls in the world, and have been deemed a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Set among exotic subtropical forests that are packed with exotic animals, birds and insects as well as various species of interesting fauna, the Falls are the star attraction here.

Day 6: Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian Side

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Loi Suites Hotel

The Falls straddle Argentina and Brazil. Most of the Falls lie on the Argentinian side, which provides the most extensive viewing, dramatic vistas, and exciting walks with trails that go below and above the Falls. Our morning guided excursion takes us along the wooden platforms built over the Falls until we reach the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), the fastest, most thrilling section of the cataratas (as the Falls are known locally). This is a dizzying display of natural forces where 230 feet of water per second hurtle over a semicircle of rock into the river canyon below.

Here we take a boat excursion that starts and finishes at the end of the Lower Circuit, located in front of San Martin Island. Called the Great Adventure tour, it combines the two essential elements of Iguazu National Park: the majestic Iguazu Falls, and the humid forest in Misiones. The tour begins at the visitors' center or at Iguazu Jungle Explorer's Head Office, where we'll take a 4x4 tour into the forest. Throughout the five mile tour, our guide provides information on the history and natural richness of the area. Once at Macuco Port, we transfer to a floating platform, where the second part of the Great Adventure tour begins. The ride is made with powerful motorboats that pass through the Lower Canyon of the Iguazu River and around the island until the foot of the “Tres Mosqueteros” waterfall, where we view a spectacular and clear look at both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides, as well as the Devil’s Throat Fall. Besides enjoying the beautiful panoramic view of both sides of the Falls, we also get very close to the waterfall of San Martin Island, so be prepared to get wet!

Lunch will be at El Fortin restaurant located inside the Argentinian side of the National Park. It specializes in Parrillada, a typical Argentinian dish.

The remainder of our evening is at leisure.

Day 7: Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian Side

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Loi Suites Hotel

This morning we transfer to the border and cross the Iguazu River over the 1,604 foot-long Tancredo Neves Bridge to the Brazilian National Park (located 13 miles from the Argentinian border). Here we marvel at the Falls by walking on the wooden footbridges that are elevated over the river. During a 40 minute walk, we'll see the series of astonishing cascades up to the foot of "Floriano Fall," enjoying an unforgettable scenario. From the breathtaking panoramic views on the observation deck, great photographs can be created.

At points along the walkway path, there is almost always a continuous rainbow caused by a myriad of water droplets. There is a constant spraying (bring a plastic bag to protect your camera!), but the dampness will be well worth the views. Lunch today is at Porto Canoas, inside the Iguazu National Park. With its warm atmosphere, the restaurant offers a special menu and an outdoor deck with the best views of the Devil's Throat.

After lunch we'll visit the Bird Park, set in 51 acres of unspoiled subtropical forest. Following a path for 1/2 mile through the forest, we see breeding aviaries where the birds fly free and can be studied and photographed without the restriction of netting and cages. The large aviaries represent different Brazilian ecosystems such as the swamp area (Pantanal aviary) and the subtropical Atlantic rain forest. We will be able to come into direct contact with the birds in these aviaries.

The Bird Park is really an extension of the huge Iguazu National Park, with the same vegetation and characteristics. Currently the Bird Park has approximately 600 birds of 160 species from South America and other continents. Brazilian birds predominate, but species from Africa, Asia and Australia are also present. A breeding program is being developed and education, research and conservation are seen as important objectives.

Day 8: Iguazu Falls to Rio de Janeiro

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Miramar by Windsor

This morning is at leisure to take in the Falls one last time, or discover bargains in the thriving town.

Late morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Rio de Janeiro, one of the most populated and thriving cities in South America with more than six million inhabitants. Rio de Janeiro, the world’s largest tropical city, is a major metropolitan center, with all the facilities you might expect: excellent restaurants, a sophisticated night life, charming bars, musical extravaganzas, theater, cinema, museums, art galleries and world-class shopping and sport. As a tropical resort destination, Rio offers miles of golden beaches, including Ipanema and Copacabana, two of the most famous stretches of sand in the world, and near-perfect weather all year round.

Tonight’s special dinner is at Brasileirinho on Avenida Atlântica, which offers a varied mix of typical Brazilian food from various regions. Among the options are the authentic moqueca from Bahia, a typical feijoada, and even the traditional tutu, and shrimp served in a pumpkin. The owner, Leonardo Braga, lived in seven Brazilian states and came to live on farms, where he had contact with local producers and learned the particulars of food of each region. The menu of the house can be divided in various chapters, one about each region of the Country. Take a culinary journey as you enjoy the food from various regions in Brazil. This dinner isn’t complete without the traditional Caipirinha!

Day 9: Rio de Janeiro - Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Miramar by Windsor

We begin today by taking the cog train through the luxuriant Tijuca Rain Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. Here, carved in soapstone mosaic in the finest Art Nouveau style, stands one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, Christ the Redeemer. 125 feet tall with arms outstretched as if blessing the city, the statue was voted as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Enjoy the spectacular views of Rio and the surrounding countryside, with gorgeous panoramic views.

We'll have lunch at Confeitaria Colombo, founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1894, and considered an attraction in itself, as it is an important part of the history in Rio. It was nominated one of the 100 best options of world gastronomy by the French magazine "Saveur". Inside the main saloon Belgium mirrors date from the beginning of the century. The style is Art Nouveau paired with traditional furniture, pavement and luminaries. It's a living portrait of the Belle Époque in the Downtown business center of Rio de Janeiro. The buffet and cakes are delicious, and the atmosphere is wonderful! The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this wonderful city on our own.

Day 10: Rio de Janeiro - Serra dos Órgãos National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Miramar by Windsor

Today we'll visit one of the three most important trekking destinations around Rio de Janeiro, Serra dos Órgãos National Park, known for its dramatic mountains and amazing views. This mountain range was named after its resemblance with the organ pipes brought from Europe for the churches in the colonial times. The road from Rio to Serra dos Orgãos offers wonderful views of the mountains from different angles. We have a full-day tour visiting the Park Headquarters, which includes swimming and waterfalls in the Soberbo River in the morning.

After lunch we travel to the upper entrance of the park to hike on a suspended walkway in the trees. It’s a great opportunity for bird watching, as the park holds a number of special birds. Some of the avian gems that will be sought during this walk include Three-toed Jacamar, spectacular Swallow-tailed Cotinga, Saffron Toucanet, Plovercrest, Saw-billed Hermit, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Shrike-like and Black-and-gold Cotinga, and the beautiful Brazilian Tanager. Finally, as the sun is setting, we enjoy a wonderful view of Rio and Guanabara Bay on our way back to the city.

For those who want to experience the cultural nightlife in Rio, tonight is the night! The "Rio Scenarium" is a show house located at the most typical bohemian neighborhood of the city, the Lapa. The venue has a traditional feel, decorated with relics of Brazil’s musical history. Lively Brazilian music with notable live musicians play nightly. The charming and cozy environment has become a guaranteed venue of great live music attracting foreigners and locals, alike.

Day 11: Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf Hiking

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Miramar by Windsor

Our morning begins with a visit to one of the world's best-known attractions, Sugarloaf Mountain. You may choose to take the easy way to get to the top of the hill by riding the glass-paneled cable car in two stages. The first cable car goes to Urca Hill, a vantage point 705 feet high with beautiful views of Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói Bridge, and Corcovado Mountain. Then a second cable car takes you up to the very top.

Another way to get to the top, instead of standing in line to ride the aerial cable car with dozens of visitors, is to reach the summit on your own two feet! The hike begins with a stroll along a beautiful shoreline pedestrian path, then a 20 minute hike up a rocky mountain slope to a wonderful viewpoint of Guanabara Bay and Niterói city. At this point the guides will provide instructions and climbing equipment for a 30 minute uphill trek. Always supported by two bilingual climbing instructors, you will hike for an additional 40 minutes on a rocky trail, to reach the top of the mountain. The reward for your “accomplishment” is one of the best views of Rio and a well-earned beverage at the snack bar! On the way down you’ll take the cable car back to sea level.

We have lunch at Zozô restaurant at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, a charming restaurant that combines the beauty of the city and carioca warmth. Our choice is among four classic Brazilian dishes, all prepared in unique ways: barbecue, grilled meats, parrilla, and rolete, while also enjoying all the side dishes in the restaurant’s elegant atmosphere. The restaurant’s buffet includes a delicious variety of salads, Japanese cuisine, and desserts.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Rio on our own.

Day 12: Rio de Janeiro - Optional Activity Day!

Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

Our last day in this beautiful, exciting city is at leisure to further explore the city, take advantage of optional activities, or to just relax and enjoy the amenities offered at our hotel.

We will be transferred to the airport for our flight back home this evening.

Optional activities include:

Stand up Paddleboarding Lesson in Copacabana ($70 per person)

Enjoy the new trend taking over the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Spend one hour enjoying the view of Copacabana from atop of a paddleboard. Your instructor will provide you with some initial pointers and teach you how to get up on the board. Cruise through the flat waters near the Copacabana Fort.

Morning Beach Yoga in Copacabana ($70 per person)

Enjoy a private yoga lesson on the beach by a native yoga teacher. This Vinyasa flow class will have you taking in deep breaths of fresh ocean air and moving through inspiring poses as the sun rises. It’s a great way to thank the beautiful beach and nature for all it has provided throughout the trip.

Bike through Beaches and the Lagoon ($85 per person)

Rio de Janeiro is a bike friendly city with miles of bike paths. Enjoy a tour of Copacabana, Ipanema, and the lagoon by bike. A local guide will keep you in the right direction and show you some of the most impressive points of interest. You’ll be glad to have seen the views from your bike and not from a van window!

Day 13: Arrive Miami

This morning we arrive early into Miami, remembering our amazing 12 days in Brazil!