4**** Iguazu / Iguassu Falls extension to Atlantic Rainforest and Rio de Janeiro

Day 1: Arrive today in Iguassu. Upon your approach to Iguassu International Airport, your pilot might tip his wings to give you your first view of the magnificent Iguassu Falls and the surrounding natural park of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Your bilingual 4starBrazil Tour Director escorts you to the fabulous Hotel Internacional Foz *****. Feast on a Brazilian dinner tonight after a relaxing swim in the pool.

Day 2: Today's full day excursion shows you the Falls from both sides. First, cross into Argentina for a walk above the falls, wider and more powerful than Niagara. A boat guides you to an island to get a close-up view of the Falls from below.
The mist of the Falls engulfs you on the Brazilian side, as you walk out onto a platform and into the garganta do diabo, the 'devil's throat'.

Day 3: The rolling landscape on today's journey is interrupted only by mountain chains, rich farmland and patches of original subtropical forest, with the unique Araucária trees. Arrive in Curitiba, named best-organized city in South America, now a model for many Western industrialized nations! The city has grown 10-fold in the past 20 years, using innovative ideas to manage its substantial growth.
The capital of the state of Paraná is a melting pot of such diverse cultures as Dutch, Polish, Arabian, German, Ukrainian, Italian and Japanese cultures, amongst many others! Check in to the Curitiba Blue Tree Towers ****. Tonight's included dinner will give you a taste of the region's mix of cultures.

Day 4: Morning sightseeing gives you a view of the capital, including the glass Opera House, before heading down to the coast for a stroll along the historic promenade of the Port of Antonina. After lunch, board the scenic historic railway as it winds its way from sea level up 1200m (3/4 of a mile high!) through the Atlantic Rainforest over the Serra do Mar chain back to Curitiba.

Day 5: Head for São Paulo, the world's second largest city & South America's industrial powerhouse south of the Rio Grande! 4000 deadly poisonous snakes welcome you on our sightseeing including the Butantã Institute, the world-famous research lab specializing in anti-venom research.
Continue downtown to see the Paulistanos as they work and live in this surprisingly well-organized metropolis. Sightseeing includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Basilica and the Teatro Municipal. São Paulo's Blue Tree Towers **** is located in the heart of the city. Tonight's dinner is included.

Day 6: Arrive in the cidade maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro. Welcoming you to the 'marvelous city' is your bilingual Tour Director who will escort you to your hotel on the Copacabana - The South American Copacabana Premier Copacabana. The afternoon is free for a stroll, some shopping or relaxing on the beach or at your rooftop pool!
Meet your fellow travelers for a complementary caipirinha or other tropical drink before attending a Rodizio, an All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Barbecue (included).

Day 7: The panoramic view from the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain is the highlight of today's sightseeing tour. Board a funicular to reach the summit with its 360° spectrum of golden beaches, green forests and a thriving metropolis that has earned Rio de Janeiro the title of the world's most beautiful city.
Sightseeing continues with a tour of Rio's historical past. Learn how Portugal's prince scandalously broke all family ties and declared himself Emperor of Brazil.
In the afternoon heat, everything slows down, and the Cariocas (as the people of Rio call themselves) head for the beach!

Day 8: Christ the Redeemer keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m (2340ft). Board the trenzinho (cogwheel railway) up to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a bird's eye view of the center of the city from the center of the city!
This evening, depart for home or your onward journey.