Highlights of Brazil

Morning arrival in Manaus. You’ll be met and escorted to your private charter flight to the Anavilhanas Lodge on the world’s largest river archipelago. This is a small jungle lodge made up of 16 rustic bungalows (all with air conditioning and hot water), a beautiful pool and décor that embraces the rainforest surroundings. Choose from a variety of excursions with your personal naturalist guide, designed to show you the mystery and magic of the jungle, including piranha fishing, forest hikes, excursions by motorized canoe, “alligator spotting” at night, even learning to shoot a traditional bow and arrow.

On your last morning, board your private aerial sightseeing flight over the archipelago, surrounding forest, and “meeting of the waters” where the darker Rio Negro and the beige-brown Solimoes river meet. Land in Manaus – private transfer to the airport for your flight to Fernando de Noronha.

Discover the magic of this isolated and hidden archipelago, located 211 miles off the Brazilian coast. The entire archipelago has received much attention from scientists all over the world, and an esteemed biologist will give you an introduction to the islands’ flora, fauna and geology.

Spend 3 nights exploring the central volcanic island’s several unique beaches (including the top 3 beaches in Brazil), breathtaking scenery, historic ruins, and marine preserve. The pristine surroundings are ideal for relaxation, snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, walks along the beach, and diving. Spend time exploring some of the incredible beaches and scenery by dune buggy. Cruise along the coast in your own private boat and try “planasub” – snorkeling while being towed behind the boat at low speed, allowing you easy access to deeper waters. Stay at the Pousada Maravilha or Pousada Ze Maria in a luxurious bungalow and dine on delicious fresh seafood in the evenings as you enjoy this island paradise, removed from the rest of the world.

Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Salvador. Upon arrival you will be taken by private transfer to your beautiful colonial hotel, the Convento do Carmo, located in the historic center of Salvador. This city was the original capital of Brazil and is known as a center for African cultural traditions, which were brought over by slaves in colonial times. Enjoy a private guided tour of the city’s highlights, which include Pelourinho, with its many stunning churches, cobblestone streets and plazas, the Santa Maria Fortress, the picturesque lighthouse in Barra (the “Farol de Barra”), and the Mercado Modelo, a former customs building well known for its handicrafts and capoeira performances. Watch a dynamic show of Afro-Brazilian dance and capoeira – an acrobatic martial art form practiced all over Brazil and in parts of Africa – then meet with the performers backstage after the show.

The African history of Salvador is felt most in the rhythms of carnival and in the Bahian cuisine; we could arrange a private percussion class with a top local musician, to teach you the basics, or a private cooking class with a Bahian chef, where you will learn to prepare a traditional “moqueca.” Other options include visiting a Candomble place of worship, to learn about the African religious traditions still followed by many Brazilians, taking a private capoeira class, or meeting with a local fashion designer who uses unique local fabrics and materials. In the evenings, experience the intriguing flavors and seafood delicacies that make Bahian cuisine special.

Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your personal host and taken by private transfer to your hotel, either the 5-star Copacabana Palace facing the famed Copacabana beach, or the modern and stylish Fasano Hotel, overlooking Ipanema beach. Take a private, guided tour of some of the main attractions of Rio de Janeiro (Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, historic churches, botanical gardens, etc.). Escape the buzz of the city at some of Rio’s lesser-known beaches, such as Barra da Tijuca, and relax over a leisurely lunch in a tropical garden atmosphere at Restaurante Quinta. Explore the Tijuca forest, the largest urban forest in the world, hiking with your personal guide, or visit the eclectic artists’ hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa. Shop for local handicrafts or designer labels with your persona guide. Spend some time at leisure, relaxing at the beach or the pool of your hotel, and unwind with some massage treatments.

If you’re feeling adventurous, get the best view of the city by hang-gliding (in tandem with a professional) from the peak “Pedra Bonita," 1700 feet over the beautiful homes built into the hillside and forest, circling down to the beach below. Enjoy gourmet dining at some of Rio’s finest restaurants, ranging from the traditional “churrascaria” BBQ houses to Italian, fusion or any style of cuisine that tempts you. Experience the captivating city of Rio after sunset, and discover its vivid nightlife, listening to live bossa nova and samba music in the city’s best venues. Learn to shake and shuffle to Rio’s infectious rhythm, the samba!

Transfer by private helicopter to the tropical paradise of Angra dos Reis, flying over the sites of Rio along the way. Stay in comfortable bungalows facing the sea at the Pestana Angra Resort, or in an exclusive private villa. You will have a speedboat at your disposal during the day to explore the beautiful tropical islands and pristine beaches of the archipelago with your personal host, with the option of swimming and snorkeling in the inviting blue-green waters. Visit Ilha Grande and the spectacular Lopes Mendes beach, considered one of the 10 best beaches in Brazil. Outdoor adventures with your personal guide also include kayaking along the shoreline and waterskiing in the bay.

You might choose to take a private sightseeing excursion to the charming colonial city of Paraty, which was originally used by the Portuguese as a port for exporting the gold mined in the interior state of Minas Gerais. It boasts well-restored colonial architecture and authentic cobblestone streets in the historic center. Finish your days with massage treatments and dine by candlelight on fresh seafood as you overlook the water and relax with a refreshing “caipirinha” cocktail. Sway to the rhythms of bossa nova or samba music as a band plays a concert especially for your family.

Private helicopter transfer back to the Rio airport at the end of your stay, in time for your flight back to the U.S.