Rio’s Carnival & Colonial Treasures Tour
Combine Carnival in Rio & the Colonial Brazil Gold Route
Rio’s Carnival & Colonial Treasures Tour
Summary
9 Days / 8 NightsArrive in Rio for Carnival’s Winner’s Parade and combine it with the gems of the colonial hinterland of Rio: The Rio de Janeiro “Gold Route”. It traces the route from Brazil’s gold mines to the important towns and ports where the gold was shipped to the Old World. Visit Ouro Preto, a city in the Atlantic Rainforest that was a hub for gold miners. Also see the port of Paraty, whose cobblestone streets encircle many a colonial mansion. Also see São João del Rei, Tiradentes, and other gold mining towns with unique architecture and beautiful rainforest scenery. The Carnival’s Winners Parade, which is included in this tour package is when all the champion samba schools from the previous days of the Carnaval festival show off their costumes, music and dancing for one grand finale performance. It’s a must-see show!
| FROM 4682 Per Person |
This tour includes: |
Highlights |
Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Your tour guide will greet you at the airport or port and take you to your hotel on Copacabana Beach. Famous for its wide sidewalks, high-rise hotels, warm waters and white sandy beaches, Copacabana shouldn’t be missed. Next door is the world-renowned Ipanema Beach. Go for a stroll along the boardwalk or take a dive in the rooftop swimming pool of your hotel.
In the evening, sip on a complimentary caipirinha, a typical Brazilian cocktail while enjoying rodizio buffet dinner.

Day 2Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio City Tour, & Rio Carnival Parade
Afterward, your guide will show you some of the historic sites and beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Learn about how the prince of Portugal broke away from the royal family, naming himself Emperor of Brazil and declaring independence from Portugal.
In the evening, your guide will escort you to the Sambadrome Stadium to watch the Rio Carnival Champion’s Parade. The six best samba schools perform in a “grand finale” parade, with over 3000 dancers and musicians dressed in colorful, vibrant costumes. Soak up the atmosphere, shake your hips and clap your hands in time with the beat at this unforgettable event.

Day 3Christ the Redeemer Statue & Corcovado Mountain Tour
The rest of the day is free for exploring the city. Go shopping, sunbathe or swim at the beaches, or take an optional tour. Or relax in the green open spaces of the Botanical Gardens if an escape from the city is needed. After sunset, there’s a choice to see a dinner and samba dance show or perhaps sit down and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants showcasing authentic Brazilian cuisine.

Day 4Free Morning in Rio de Janeiro & Transfer to Paraty
After lunch, transfer to the coastal city of Paraty. Travel along the coastline of Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest region and look up to view the scenic cliffs. Paraty features cobblestone streets, a protected port with calm waters, and colonial-era mansions and churches. End the tour at the harbor, the site where gold was loaded and shipped to Portugal. Find a local restaurant to dine at and remember the events of the day while enjoying your meal.

Day 5Paraty Schooner Cruise & Lunch

Day 6Serra da Bocaina Park & Minas Gerais Tour

Day 7Train to Tiradentes & Ouro Preto Tour
Continue to follow Brazil’s Route of Gold and travel to Ouro Preto which means “Black Gold.” Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ouro Preto was once a bustling mining hub during the 18th century. Check into your hotel and relax. Tonight’s dinner is included.
Day 8Ouro Preto Walking Tour & Mariana Gold Mine

Day 9Petropolis Tour & Return to Rio de Janeiro
Your driver will drop you off at the airport for your flight home or to your next Brazilian destination.
Summary
Tour Highlights
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Rio Carnival Winner's Parade
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Sugar Loaf Mountain
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Corcovado Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer Statue
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Paraty & Ouro Preto
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Train ride to Tiradentes
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Visit to São João del Rei
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Visit to a Gold Mine in Mariana
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Schooner Excursion through the bays of Paraty
Included
- 8-Nights accommodations
- All breakfasts
- All transfers
- English-speaking tour guides

Customize Tour to
Your Schedule & Style
Rio’s Carnival & Colonial Treasures Tour
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Sample Itinerary
DOWNLOAD ITINERARYDay 1Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Your tour guide will greet you at the airport or port and take you to your hotel on Copacabana Beach. Famous for its wide sidewalks, high-rise hotels, warm waters and white sandy beaches, Copacabana shouldn’t be missed. Next door is the world-renowned Ipanema Beach. Go for a stroll along the boardwalk or take a dive in the rooftop swimming pool of your hotel.
In the evening, sip on a complimentary caipirinha, a typical Brazilian cocktail while enjoying rodizio buffet dinner.
Day 2Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio City Tour, & Rio Carnival Parade
Day 3Christ the Redeemer Statue & Corcovado Mountain Tour
Day 4Free Morning in Rio de Janeiro & Transfer to Paraty
Day 5Paraty Schooner Cruise & Lunch
Day 6Serra da Bocaina Park & Minas Gerais Tour
Day 7Train to Tiradentes & Ouro Preto Tour
Day 8Ouro Preto Walking Tour & Mariana Gold Mine
Day 9Petropolis Tour & Return to Rio de Janeiro
Estimated Tour Price Without Flights
Prices vary according to several factors including: season, number of people traveling, shared vs private excursions, when you book and rooming arrangements. These are from prices based on low season.
We can customize anything for any time of year! Contact us for an exact quote for your trip.

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Budget
From 7054 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Pousada Classica
- Paraty Pousada do Príncipe
- Rio de Janeiro Windsor Martinique
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo
Basic
From 7836 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Pousada Minas Gerais
- Paraty Pousada Corsário
- Rio de Janeiro Windsor Leme Hotel
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo




(Recommended)
Superior
From 8193 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Hotel Luxor Ouro Preto
- Paraty Pousada do Sandi
- Rio de Janeiro Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo
Deluxe
From 8981 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Pousada do Mondego
- Paraty Pousada Porto Imperial
- Rio de Janeiro Hilton Copacabana
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo
Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!
Standard
From 5470 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Pousada Classica
- Paraty Pousada do Príncipe
- Rio de Janeiro Windsor Martinique
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo
Superior
From 6068 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Pousada Minas Gerais
- Paraty Pousada Corsário
- Rio de Janeiro Windsor Leme Hotel
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo



Superior+
From 6369 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Hotel Luxor Ouro Preto
- Paraty Pousada do Sandi
- Rio de Janeiro Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo
Luxury
From 7158 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Pousada do Mondego
- Paraty Pousada Porto Imperial
- Rio de Janeiro Hilton Copacabana
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo
Standard
From 4682 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Pousada Classica
- Paraty Pousada do Príncipe
- Rio de Janeiro Windsor Martinique
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo
Superior
From 5100 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Pousada Minas Gerais
- Paraty Pousada Corsário
- Rio de Janeiro Windsor Leme Hotel
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo
Superior+
From 5384 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Hotel Luxor Ouro Preto
- Paraty Pousada do Sandi
- Rio de Janeiro Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo
Luxury
From 6172 Per Person
Flights quoted separately
- Ouro Preto Pousada do Mondego
- Paraty Pousada Porto Imperial
- Rio de Janeiro Hilton Copacabana
- São João del Rei Pousada Beco do Bispo




