Itinerary Details
Upon your arrival at the airport of Rio de Janeiro, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative and will be transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the neighborhood at your own pace.
Over its nearly 500 years of history, Rio De Janeiro has been the springboard for the country’s principal cultural exports, and the port of entry for major international art exhibitions or musical events. Rio’s architecture embraces churches and buildings dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, blending with the world-renowned designs of the 20th century. In the South Zone, on the seafront, the city preserves the memory of names such as Tom Jobim and João Gilberto, who wrote the first chords of the Bossa Nova.
Accommodation: Arena Ipanema-Arena Deluxe room or similar, Rio De Janeiro
After a relaxing morning, you will embark on a walking tour around Copacabana and Ipanema (3 hours). At the end, you will have free time to enjoy one of the hundreds of blocos (street parties where people go dressed up) that take place in Rio during Carnival time. Accommodation: Arena Ipanema-Arena Deluxe room or similar, Rio De Janeiro
Every morning will be free for you to relax after a partying night or explore the city and do some shopping. In the evenings, you will head to the Sambadrome Parade (SECTOR 9 or similar ticket is included) to see the most famous party in the world. The transfer (including the return to the hotel) will be done in a private vehicle, and you will be assisted by your guide.
The Sambadrome is a special tiered street especially designed for the Samba parades. From the top 12 schools, 6 perform on Sunday and 6 on Monday at the Sambadrome. Each school can have more than 3000 members and is judged on the song, costumes, choreography and other 7 items. Your guide will be with you all night to help you navigate through the samba frenzy of the parade. Accommodation: Arena Ipanema-Arena Deluxe room or similar, Rio De Janeiro
After the long partying nights with the famous parades, you will definitely need a free day to recover! Accommodation: Arena Ipanema-Arena Deluxe room or similar, Rio De Janeiro
In the morning, you will embark on a full-day city tour around Rio de Janeiro. As expected, you will start with the Christ the Redeemer on top of Corcovado Mountain.
Christ the Redeemer (38 m high) is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and is located at the Corcovado Mountain (710 meters). To reach the top, you will board a centenarian eco-friendly electric train, which does not pollute and cuts through the well-preserved Atlantic Forest – part of Tijuca's National Park. The ride takes about 20min (one way). Upon reaching the top, at the foot of Cristo Redentor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
You will then head downtown to explore the historical and modern part of the city. Accommodation: Arena Ipanema-Arena Deluxe room or similar, Rio De Janeiro
After breakfast, you will head to the Tijuca Forest for an easy hike in the main sector of the National Park. There, you will pass by the park’s most important attractions like the Taunay Waterfall (the highest in the park), the Job de Alcântara Bridge (built in 1860 and used as a location in the Hulk movie), the Mayrink Chapel (built in 1850), and the Visitors' Center.
The hike will last around 2.5 hours (uphill and downhill), and will take you through ancient paths of old coffee farms. You will walk next to rivers, exploring the tropical rainforest (considered one of the largest urban forests in the world) until you reach the Cascatinha Summit, at an altitude of 525m (1,722ft). From the summit, you will enjoy an amazing view of the valley and it is even possible to see the whole mountain range and the highest peak of the park, the Tijuca Peak (1,021m=3,350ft).
During the hike, you will also learn more about the history of Rio, Brazil and Tijuca Forest, the coffee farms in the area, the re-forestation held in the XIX century, as well as the local fauna, flora and the Atlantic tropical rainforest biome.
After the hike, you will have the opportunity to refresh by diving into the Maracanã River, Poço da Cascatinha (bring towel and bathing suit). Difficulty level of the activity: EASY. Requires reasonable fitness. 4,5km rising trail going up and downhill on rough terrain. The whole activity (including swimming in the river) will last 4-5 hours. Lunch boxes will be distributed at the beginning of the hike. In the afternoon, you will head to Sugar Loaf for the sunset.
The Sugar Loaf Mountain (a trademark of Rio de Janeiro; altitude 396m) enjoys a privileged location in the city. In the first part of the cable-car ride you can see the entire Guanabara Bay, Corcovado and Rio-Niteroi Bridge, while in the second part you will enjoy panoramic views of the Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress and some beaches of Niterói. Optional (no extra cost): Hiking towards Urca Hill (220m/721ft). You will walk on the Cláudio Coutinho path and take the trail to reach the Urca Hill. Difficulty of the activity: MODERATE level. Short but steep uphill on rough terrain. It takes about 40 minutes (one way). Accommodation: Arena Ipanema-Arena Deluxe room or similar, Rio De Janeiro
After breakfast and depending on your departure details, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. Alternatively, you may extend your trip to visit the Iguassu Falls.
Optional Extension: Iguassu Falls (4 days)
After breakfast, you will head to the airport for a domestic flight to Foz do Iguaçu (cost of flight not included).
Upon arrival at the airport of Foz do Iguaçu, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative and you will be transferred to your hotel. There, you will leave your luggage (early check-in is not guaranteed) and change clothes before departing for the Iguazu Expedition Tour. Important: In order to do the Iguazu Expedition Tour on arrival day (and stop at the hotel first), it is important to book flights arriving at IGU maximum by 12 pm (the tour starts at 2 pm). Iguazu Expedition (3 hours) (shared): A thrilling tour into the woods and on the banks of the Iguazu River Canyon (at Remanso Grande): a place of unique beauty, 14km below the falls. You will start the tour on a trail of moderate level (450m – approx. 20min), walking on the Indigenous Ecological Trail that leads to the Canoeing Base, located on the riverbanks.
From the Canoeing Base, instructions will be given, and the necessary safety equipment will be supplied. You will paddle the kayaks or SUP (Stand Up Paddle) on the Iguazu River (1,800-meters roundtrip of approx. 1h duration - easy to moderate level): a light and relaxing activity that will allow you to enjoy the surrounding nature, the waterfalls, the rivers and the streams. Once this water-based activity ends, you will continue on a trail of moderate difficulty, walking downhill (450m – approx. 20min) towards Arroio Feliz (Happy Stream), where you will enjoy a waterfall bath. Difficulty level of the activity: Easy to moderate. Recommended to have a good physical condition (not recommended for those with limited mobility), up to 60 years old (unless the person is active). Recommendation: bring a bottle of drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen, light snack and wear appropriate clothing for the activity - trousers to walk in the rainforest, walking shoes and bathing suit. Overnight in Foz do Iguaçu.
In the morning, you will head to the Bird Park to enjoy an exclusive Backstage Experience. Bird Park Backstage Experience (2h30min – shared activity): The backstage experience offers you the opportunity to look inside the Bird Park with access to restricted areas and privileged contact with some birds. With the help of the Bird Park’s qualified guides, you will get a better understand of the conservation and rescue programs available in the region.
At the end of the experience, you will be taken to an outdoor deck for refreshing seasonal juices and snacks. Note: The Backstage Experience is available from Tuesday to Sunday at 09am or 2pm (subject to changes). It is important to arrive 30min earlier. The Bird Park is closed on Mondays. The tour is limited to 8-10 pax per tour. Important: Since animal welfare is absolute priority, the content and schedule of the tours can vary without further notice Afterwards, you will head to the Brazilian National Park to visit the Brazilian side of the falls. Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls (1h30 – 2h30): This tour will allow you to enjoy the best panoramic views of the Brazilian side of the falls. You will arrive at the visitor’s center, located 12 km from the heart of the park, and will be transferred on specially adjusted vehicles until the beginning of the trail. There, you will follow the path for approximately 1 km, admiring on the way the falls from different viewpoints. At the end of the catwalk, you will encounter some of the main falls (80 meters high and 2780 meters wide), located right next to you, beneath your feet, and in the surrounding landscape. Note: Please note that the proximity of the falls can get your clothes wet. Finally, you will head to the Macuco Safari station to embark on a thrilling boat tour near the falls. Macuco Safari at the Brazilian Falls Extension (1h30 – 2h) (shared): This tour takes place inside the Iguaçu National Park (Brazil), about seven kilometers from the Visitors’ Center. You will start with a jeep ride through the rainforest, and then, you will walk for about 600m, until you reach the specially-prepared boats that will take you up the river until the bottom of Iguaçu Falls. Whirlpools, waves and currents provoked by the falls add adrenaline and lots of emotions to this unforgettable tour. Note: This tour is not recommended for those with heart and back problems. No children restriction. Overnight in Foz do Iguaçu.
Enjoy a free day exploring Iguaçu at your own pace or consult us for optional tours (not included). Optional (not included) Argentinian Side of Iguazu Falls (6h – 7h) The Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls offers you the opportunity to get close to several more waterfalls via catwalks surrounded by nature. You will start the tour at the Lower circuit and can then move to the Upper Circuit, which also offers better views. You will then return to the trail and board on a train (also possible to continue by foot) at the Cataratas Station towards a long flat catwalk (1100 meters) built over the Upper Iguazu River that leads visitors to a fantastic close-up encounter with the magnificent Devil's Throat. Note 1: The Argentinian side has longer trails, so we recommend to wear comfortable shoes. Please note that the proximity of the falls can get yours clothes wet. Note 2: To visit the Argentinian side, you will have to cross the border so remember to keep your passport, Covid-19 documents, and visa documents (if requested – not included) handy. Overnight in Foz do Iguaçu.
After breakfast, and depending on your flight details, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
