Highlights of Brazil
Trip highlights
- Venture around the iconic landmarks of Rio de Janeiro
- Hike to the top of the famous Pedra Bonita
- Partake in a percussion class in Salvador
- Visit the magnificent Iguassu Falls
- Unwind in the idyllic town of Buzios
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- Private tours and experiences
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge
- Help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
- Days 1–4 Rio de Janeiro
- Days 4–6 Salvador
- Days 6–8 Iguassu Falls
- Days 8–11 Buzios
- Days 1–4 Rio de Janeiro
- Days 4–6 Salvador
- Days 6–8 Iguassu Falls
- Days 8–11 Buzios
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Three nights in Rio de Janeiro
Spend your days in the ‘Marvellous City’ exploring Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. Brazil’s second-largest city is often mistaken as its capital for the richness of its culture and impactful landmarks. Wander along the colourful streets that host the famous annual carnival and witness the breathtaking views from the top of Corcovado Mountain, just beneath the shade of Christ the Redeemer. Or, stroll the famed Copacabana beach that sets this city apart from any other. With so many diverse sites of significance to visit, such as the stadium of Maracanã and Sugar Loaf Mountain, there’s plenty to fill your time and make your stay in Rio one to remember.
Where you could stay
Rio de Janeiro
Overview
Located at the best end of Copacabana beach (adjacent to Ipanema) the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema is one of the best beachfront hotels on this strip. Rooms are high quality having been recently refurbished in a modern style with the luxury amenities that you expect in a 5 star hotel.
The views from the hotel are stunning and many of the rooms have balconies. The rooftop pool is a great place to unwind and the hotel’s restaurant is one of the very best in the city.
→ Find out moreRio de Janeiro
Overview
An iconic hotel for an iconic city, the Copacabana Palace is synonymous with Rio de Janeiro and is very much a destination in itself.
The rooms, facilities and service here are truly first class and you will feel very special lounging in the beautiful pool area, which is one of the most elegant in all the city.
The hotel is a short distance from the more fashionable districts (Copacabana no longer being the top of the pile) and you may find yourself making a short taxi ride to the best restaurants, bars and beaches.
Service at the Copacabana Palace is the best in the city.
→ Find out moreRio de Janeiro
Overview
The Fasano Rio is the most stylish hotel in Rio. Set on Ipanema beach front and designed by Phillipe Starck, this is a stunning property. The Fasano brings an air of understated cool and luxury that has been somewhat lacking in some of the other beach-front hotels in Rio.
The rooms are immaculately decorated with a combination of period pieces, original artwork and chic-modern style. We recommend the Deluxe sea view category or above. Each has a private balcony with views out to sea and king size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down pillows. For that extra touch of luxury and pampering, there is also butler service.
The facilities include an excellent bar, perhaps the city’s best seafood restaurant and a stunning rooftop infinity pool.
→ Find out moreRio de Janeiro
Overview
Set in the charming old colonial neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, this hotel offers a different approach to the Rio experience away from the high rise beach hotels. The location up on the hill offers a great viewpoint from which to admire the city and an oasis of calm in which to relax.
The hotel has full spa facilities, beautifully decorated rooms, and a great pool area. Formally a colonial farm house, the building has been carefully restored and converted with its history in mind and a light modern touch; using old woods and natural fabric but cut with clean modern lines. Rooms are also equipped with all modern comforts that you would expect in a contemporary luxury hotel.
→ Find out moreRio de Janeiro
Overview
Emiliano Rio enjoys one of the city’s most coveted locations, right on Copacabana Beach. It is contemporary and cool, and embodies everything that is so wonderful about this South American city.
There are 90 suites and apartments, many of which have balconies and beautiful ocean views. Decor is simple and elegant, the light bright colour scheme perfect for enhancing the blue skies and golden sands that surround the hotel.
Emile Restaurant specialises in carioca cuisine, using local, small scale producers to showcase the best of the city. Sip a cocktail at the Emile Bar then head up to the rooftop for light, healthy bites and a dip in the beautiful swimming pool that looks out over Copacabana.
There is an incredible spa located on the 11th floor offering a range of revitalising treatments as well as space to simply uwind and relax.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
City sites
Forest heights
A private tour of Rio de Janeiro
Your Carioca guide will tailor your city tour to suit your preferences and suggest some of Rio’s most enigmatic highlights. You might visit the neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, often referred to as the Montmartre of Rio, set into the hills close to the centre of town. There’s the historic centre of Rio with narrow 19th-century streets, magnificent Baroque churches and the ruins of the old port. Then, choose between Christ the Redeemer or SugarLoaf Mountain, Rio’s most famous attractions.
Go hiking on Pedra Bonita
Get ready for an adventure to explore one of the most famous landmarks in Rio, Pedra Bonita, well known as the hill where the hand gliders take off in Rio city. Together with your guide, you’ll head towards São Conrado and embark on a trail leading to the top of this mountain, which is 696 metres high. From the top of the Pedra Bonita, you can see the whole Barra da Tijuca shoreline, the Gavea Stone and the Tijuca Forest.
Two nights in Salvador
Enjoy your days exploring the historic UNESCO Pelourinho Quarter, in what was Brazil’s former capital, Salvador. From private walking tours of the city with your expert guide to strolling through the markets and frequenting its many hotspots, you’ll have a full set of recommendations and advice from us on how best to make the most of the city.
Where you could stay
Salvador
Highlights
- Six expansive suites and apartments
- A restaurant inspired by Italian cuisine
- A spa with an extensive menu of treatments and facilities
- Stay fit at the rooftop pool or the fitness centre
Overview
Located in the Castro Alves Square, with an expansive view of the Bay of All Saints, this hotel offers guests sophisticated luxury. Choose from six suites and apartments, all of which combines the refinement of the Fasano brand with elements that refer to local culture, with some including privileged views of the Bay of All Saints and spacious living rooms.
For dining head to Restaurante Fasano, where you’ll indulge in a gastronomic experience that brings the legacy of Italian cuisine to your plate. The menu, similar to that of the São Paulo square, located inside the Hotel Fasano São Paulo, includes a variety of antipasti, pasta, meat, risotto and fish.
If you wish to relax during your time at Fasano Salvador, then the hotel’s spa is the ideal place to do so. Here you’ll find three massage rooms and a wet sauna located in the pool area. There is also a rooftop pool and a fitness centre.
→ Find out more
Salvador
Overview
Casa do Amarelindo is a well priced, charming and very comfortable option in Salvador. Set in a beautifully restored Colonial building in the old town, the hotel is full of both period features and modern comforts. The position of the hotel gives great views out across the Bay of All Saints which can be enjoyed from the window of your room, the rooftop bar or the pleasant pool area.
There are just ten rooms, each equipped with king size beds, flat screen television, air conditioning and waterfall showers.
There is also an excellent restaurant at the hotel.
Service is very attentive and the staff will do their best to make sure that your stay is an enjoyable one.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
The movement
The sound
Enter a capoeira workshop
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. You’ll visit FICA (the International Federation of Angolan Capoeira) to meet with capoeira group leaders and learn about the history and philosophy of this martial art before trying out some of the basic movements and instruments. There’s a strong philosophy and way of life associated with being a capoeirista and to become a master demands years of dedication.
A private percussion class
Salvador is home to many famous percussion groups, such as the ‘Afro Bloco Filhos de Gandhi’ and Olodum, perhaps the most famous. The ‘afro blocos’ fight against prejudice and discrimination, by valuing the self-esteem of black people and their communities. This morning, you’ll meet with a famous Brazilian percussionist for a musical tour of the rhythms of Bahia, learning how to play instruments as you go.
Two nights at Iguassu Falls
Enjoy this stunning natural wonder of the world, Iguassu Falls, on a range of exciting tours like boat safaris or hikes through the surrounding national park. You can also experience kayaking trips, canopy zip-line adventures, specialist hiking trails and bird watching.
A full day tour of the falls is essential, and this will take part in Argentina, however, the views of the falls from Brazil are spectacular. You’ll enjoy some free time to walk along the paths, surrounded in lush jungle, to see Falls on the Brazilian side.
Where you could stay
Iguassu Falls
Overview
Actually inside the national park on the Brazilian side, this luxury property is ideally located. Walking out from the lobby one can hear the thunder of the falls and the hotel is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.
The hotel has been recently refurbished throughout to a high standard and in keeping with the colonial mansion style of the hotel’s original design.
The hotel has large rooms with high ceilings, hard wood flooring and period style furniture. There is a large pool area in the rear to relax at with a drink after a day exploring the falls.
→ Find out moreExplore Iguassu Falls in Argentina
A private tour of Iguassu Falls with an exhilarating boat trip
Meet your guide and together begin your exploration, mostly on foot, of the Argentine side of the Falls. Your tour will take place on the maze of pathways, bridges, platforms and viewpoints.
One of the most spectacular sights of the falls is the Devil’s Throat, which sees the largest flow of water and is reached by a short train journey. For those who want to stretch their legs, there’s the one kilometre ‘Sendero Verde’ walking trail. The walkway built over the Upper Iguassu River crosses several islands before reaching a strategic and dramatic lookout that rests on the side of the dramatic Devil’s Throat.
Three nights in Buzios
Spend your time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful seaside town of Buzios. Famous for being ‘discovered’ in the 1960s by Bridgette Bardot, Buzios is no longer the sleepy fishing village it once was, with an abundance of restaurants, bars, boutique shops and hotels. Thankfully, development hasn’t been too drastic, and the town still retains much of its charm, often being referred to as the Brazilian Saint Tropez. You’ll have our guide to the best restaurants and beaches so you can make the most of your time here.
Where you could stay
Buzios
Overview
Insolito’s arrival in Buzios has really raised the standard for luxury accommodation in the area. The rooms are beautifully decorated in a chic style with retro references, and with great views across the bay.
The communal areas are equally well decorated and appointed with an excellent restaurant, jacuzzis, wet and dry sauna, spa, sea water pool and a beautiful fresh water infinity pool as well. The Belgian chef excels in desserts: the chocolate mousse we found in our room upon arrival was particularly memorable!
This the most luxurious and stylish hotel in Buzios, so if you love design, you’ll undoubtedly love Insolito. Just a few minutes by taxi from the waterfront where you’ll find the restaurants and bars of Buzios, Insolito benefits from being in a quiet area, yet within easy reach of the action.
→ Find out moreBuzios
Overview
Casas Brancas is one of Buzios’ coolest hotels. Formerly two colonial mansions, the hotel’s whitewashed walls and understated high-quality decor make it a great place to relax and unwind.
The hotel is superbly located, looking out across the sea but also close to the main ‘Rua das Pedras’ street where many of the best restaurants and bars are to be found.
The facilities at Casas Brancas include a pleasant pool area and veranda, and excellent spa facilities.
→ Find out moreWhy book with Jacada
Pesonalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.