The sheer beauty of Rio
is breathtaking. The city has a glorious backdrop of wooded mountains,
expanses of bare rock, golden sands and a deep blue sea dotted with
many islands. From the Statue of Christ or from the top of Sugarloaf
Mountain you can appreciate the beauty of this expansive city. Rio
is best known for the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema which curve
around the bay lined with hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. Copacabana
beach attracts tourists and locals alike, while Ipanema beach has
a more chic and relaxed reputation, complemented by some of the city’s
finest restaurants and bars. In Rio you can take in a football game
at the famous Macarana stadium, try hand-gliding off one of the peaks
or go surfing. Carnival in Rio is spectacular and takes place each
February. The many samba schools all take part in the final parade
at the Sambodromo which lasts approximately 12 hours.
Rio de Janeiro 5 days / 4 nights (including Paraty)
Day 1
- Arrive Rio de Janeiro
Arrive Rio de Janeiro where you will be met and transferred to your
hotel. Afternoon visit to the historic points of interest in downtown
Rio before continuing onto Sugarloaf Mountain using a two-stage
cable car. Enjoy the spectacular view of the city and beaches from
the mountain top.
Day 2
- Rio de Janeiro
Ride by train through the Tijuaca Forest to the top of Corcovado
peak. This lookout point is 709 meters above sea level and is the
site of the famous statue of Christ. Return to your hotel via Rio’s
southern beaches. Dinner at a typical Brazilian barbecue restaurant,
followed by a lively samba and folklore show.
Day 3 - Paraty Transfer to your hotel in Paraty. There
are several charming pousadas in Paraty, all are colonial houses
elegantly restored to retain their former atmosphere and character.
Recommended pousadas include the Porto Imperial and Pousada do Ouro.
An afternoon city tour through the old part of the town tells you
all bout Paraty’s history and legends. This peaceful and picturesque
town is a historic national monument and practically unaltered since
it was the principle port for the gold trade in the colonial era.
The cobbled street centre is compact and easy to explore. Paraty
has many ornate churches, art galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants.
There are also many beaches on the bay which can be reached by boat.
Day 4
- Paraty
Today you will take a schooner cruise. Paraty is surrounded by exuberant
vegetation with 65 islands and many beautiful beaches. Several stops
are made so you can enjoy snorkelling in the clear and warm water.
Day 5
- Depart Paraty / Rio de Janeiro
Depart Paraty / Rio de Janeiro for your onward journey.
Hotels Rio de Janeiro
Hotel Rio Internacional
This hotel has a superb beach front location on Copacabana beach.
There are 117 designer-decorated rooms and suites all with central
air conditioning, cable TV, internet connection, safety deposit
boxes and mini-bar. On the top floor the hotel has an outdoor pool,
pool bar, dry sauna and a fully equipped fitness centre with panoramic
views. The hotel also offers a 24 hour business centre, 24 hour
room service and a restaurant providing a panoramic view of Copacabana
Beach.
Hotel Pestana
Rio Atlantica
This hotel enjoys a great beachfront location on Copacabana beach.
End a day’s exploration of the city at the roof-top bar with
panoramic views of the beach, city and surrounding mountains. The
hotel has 213 rooms and suites with air-conditioning, cable TV,
mini-bar, internet access, CD player and 24 hour room service. The
hotel offers a restaurant, 2 bars, roof-top pool and sun deck, gym
and sauna.
Hotel Excelsior Copacabana
Overlooking the beach, this hotel offers 233 fully equipped rooms
and suites. For relaxation, the hotel has a panoramic rooftop with
outdoor pool, fitness centre, sauna, bar and wide-screen TV. The
hotel’s restaurant, ranked amongst the best in Rio, has panoramic
views of Copacabana beach.
Hotel Praia Ipanema
The only beach-front hotel on Ipanema which has verandas on all
rooms. The 103 rooms have central air conditioning, internet access,
cable TV, mini-bar and safety deposit box. The hotel has a roof-top
pool, bar and cafeteria service, fitness centre and Finnish sauna.
Cocktails are served in the lobby bar and there are panoramic views
of Ipanema Beach from the hotels’ restaurant.
Hotel Royal Rio Palace
This hotel enjoys a good location in central Copacabana and just
a few minutes walk from the world-famous beach. It provides very
good value for money in this sought-after area of Rio. The property
has a modern and fresh feel throughout and the Royal River restaurant
services delicious Brazilian cuisine. The hotel has a pool and bar
on the top floor of the hotel and from here you can enjoy views
of Copacabana. The hotel also has a fitness centre, sauna, steam
room, and kid’s pool. Rooms have air-conditioning, internet
access, cable TV and mini-bar.