Brazil’s Historic Gold Route Rail Tour

Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Foz Do Iguassu. Journey through the Brazilian countryside and enter the Iguassu National Park, the largest in southern Brazil. Enter the park's visitor center and view its exhibit of the local ecosystem. Continue down the Cataratas Highway through the rainforest and arrive at the famous falls. Iguassu Falls are on the border of Brazil and Argentina where the Iguassu River drops into a gigantic horseshoe canyon. Descend the walkway to bask in the panoramic views of the incredible waterfalls on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Top off the tour by making an ascent to a lookout and enjoy a bird's eye view of the falls.

After a short drive, cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River which forms the border between Argentina and Brazil. Once in Argentina, follow a scenic highway up to the Argentine Iguazú Park. Visit the upper Argentine falls including the San Martin Falls and the Devil’s Throat and be awestruck by the powerful and incredible series of cascading torrents of water.

Today, head to the airport and transfer from Iguassu Falls to Curitiba. Fly over rolling landscapes, occasionally interrupted by mountain chains, fertile farmland and patches of pristine subtropical forest where the endemic Araucária trees grow. Arrive in Curitiba and be transferred from the airport to the hotel by a local guide. Curitiba is named the best-organized city in South America and is now a model for many Western industrialized nations. Curitiba has grown tenfold in the past 20 years, using innovative ideas to manage its substantial growth.

Transfer to Porto de Paranaguá this morning. Next, transfer to Antonina and Morretes to taste the typical dish of barreado. After lunch, board the scenic historic railway as it winds its way over the Serra do Mar and up to 1200m above sea level on the return journey to Curitiba.

Today it’s time to head to São Paulo. This modern city is full of surprises and the most populated in South America. Considered the commercial center of Brazil, discover skyscrapers, contemporary shopping centers and residential neighborhoods. Seek out green parks amongst the concrete and steel buildings, and note the contrast between this urban hub and other South American cities. Later, check in to your hotel and take a rest.

Discover the main attractions of the “Paulista” city on a train tour. Afterward, transfer by bus to Campos do Jordão, a city in Brazil’s Mantiqueira Mountains in the state of Sao Paulo. Upon arrival, explore the city on own. Admire the Swiss-style architecture in the town center of Capivari and stop inside one of the excellent restaurants, pastry shops or shopping centers. If an activity outside is preferred, explore the beautiful Amantikir Park, which hosts 22 colorful gardens and a maze of bushes. Then, return to the hotel for the night.

It is time to visit the cosmopolitan hub of Rio de Janeiro. Transfer by bus from Campos do Jordão to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival in Rio, check into the hotel and settle your belongings. Then enjoy a Brazilian barbecue dinner at the famous Marius Restaurant. Dine on a buffet of vegetables, fish and sushi, and feast on the 15 different types of meat served by the eager-to-please waiting staff.

Immerse yourself in the panoramic view from the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain at 395m above sea-level. Take a smooth ride on the first set of cable cars and change at Urca Mountain. Continue to the summit with its 360-degree view of golden beaches, green forests and the thriving metropolis of Rio de Janeiro. From here, it’s easy to see why it claims the title of the “world's most beautiful city.” Sightseeing continues with a tour of Rio's historical past. Learn how Portugal's prince broke all family ties and declared himself Emperor of Brazil.

See the Christ the Redeemer statue which keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m. Board the trenzinho (cogwheel railway) up to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a bird's eye view of the center of the city. The 38m-high statue is the image of the faith and friendliness. The monument was inaugurated on the day of Our Lady of Aparecida, 12 October, 1931 by then President Getúlio Vargas and Cardinal Dom Sebastião Leme.

This morning, board a steam train from Rio de Janeiro to the historic town of Tiradentes (subject to train schedule). Upon arrival at the São João del Rei train station, take a short drive to Tiradentes and check into the hotel. The name Tiradentes literally means “tooth puller”, taken after the martyr of the Inconfidência and famous for his dental skills. Despite the curious legend, Tiradentes is also known for its charm and colonial history.

Spend the evening wandering around the quaint town, stopping by famous churches, antique shops, art galleries, artisan chocolate shops and more. Have dinner at a local restaurant and then relax for the rest of the evening.

Today transfer from Tiradentes to Ouro Preto with a stop in Congonhas. While here, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Congonhas and the chapels outside of the church, full of rich carvings by Aleijadinho depicting the Passion of the Christ.

From Congonhas, continue to Ouro Preto and check into the hotel. Explore the steep, winding cobblestone streets of Ouro Preto. Visit the historic Tiradentes Square, St. Francis of Assisi Church, the Opera House, the local Fiera (market), and more. In the evening, return to the hotel.

Today, ride a train from Ouro Preto to the neighboring city of Mariana. Mariana is the oldest city in the state of Minas Gerais and is known for its baroque colonial architecture. While here, explore the historic district in the center of the town and embark on a tour of the gold mines.

After visiting the mining town of Mariana, return to Ouro Preto for the afternoon. Then gather your belongings and transfer from Ouro Preto to Belo Horizonte.

Today, transfer from the hotel in Belo Horizonte to the train station. At the train station, travel from Belo Horizonte to Vitória, the last city visited on this tour! In Vitoria, walk along its sandy beaches and explore the city center. Visit the 20th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, built with beautiful stained-glass windows.

After a tour of Vitória, return to the hotel for the evening.

Spend the day sunbathing on the spectacular beaches of Vitória. Take a few moments to reflect on the sights seen during the train journey through Brazil and take a flight back home or onward to your next destination in South America.