Rio, Ouro Preto and Brazil Amazon Tour

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, the city between mountains and beaches! Welcoming you to the 'marvelous city' is your bilingual SouthAmerica.travel Tour guide who will escort you to your hotel on Copacabana Beach. 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).

The panoramic view from the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain is the highlight of today's sightseeing tour. Board a cable car to reach the summit with its 360 degree 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."

The Rio de Janeiro city tour 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 late afternoon heat, join the carioca locals on the beach.

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 city. In the afternoon, following Brazil's winding coastline and granite cliffs south to the ancient port city of Paraty. Check into a pousada and rest. Enjoy dinner in one of the charming local restaurants (included).

Paraty was the port from where Brazilian gold was loaded on ships destined for the Old World. The city has been declared a Brazilian National Treasure. Stroll through the streets often covered by water, past houses in elegant decay before boarding a schooner for a half-day cruise of the islands, including lunch.

Today, transfer from Paraty to Tiradentes, the most charming of colonial cities. Named after the martyr of the Inconfidéncia who was known for his dental skills, Tiradentes exudes a sense of another age.

Enjoy a free afternoon in the city that has been awarded Brazilian National Treasure status. Visit the historic churches, local art galleries, traditional restaurants, boutiques, artisan chocolate shops and more. In the evening, rest in the hotel.

In the morning, enjoy a cup of coffee at a local cafe in Tiradentes. Then transfer to nearby Congonhas, to see the masterwork of Aleijadinho (Brazil's Michelangelo). His sculptures (The Prophets) are the highlight of our stop in Congonhas, and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While here, learn how Aleijadinho impressively chiseled Old Testament figures out of soapstone, without the use of his arms or legs.

Then, continue to Ouro Preto another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and what was once known as “the World’s Richest City.” In fact, the “Black Gold” of Ouro Preto (the largest deposits in the Western Hemisphere) financed Lisbon's glory as well as the English Industrial Revolution. Upon arrival, check in to a pousada in Ouro Preto.

This morning's walking tour covers the best of the former state capital, declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Ouro Preto's churches and plazas have been witness to incredible wealth and bloody rebellion. Formerly known as Vila Rica - the name was changed by decree of Emperor Dom Pedro I, and Ouro Preto was declared an Imperial City.The town of Mariana, Ouro Preto's quieter cousin just 12km away, offers a unique contrast. Take an adventurous visit into a former gold mine and shop for local arts and crafts.

Return to Rio de Janeiro through the spectacular Serra do Mar, stopping in the Imperial city of Petrópolis, the former Summer residence of the Emperor, and a Brazilian National Treasure.

Depart Rio this morning and board a flight to the Amazon. Upon arrival in Manaus, your Amazon guide will escort you on a boat transfer along the Rio Negro to your jungle lodge. After a welcome cocktail, check into your room and relax.

Take your time to choose from a smorgasbord of activities and excursions offered by the lodge. Opt for a guided nature walk, a swim with river dolphins, fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, tree-climbing or a visit to neighboring caboclo villages. In the evenings, your guide can take you on a boat ride to spot caiman and small alligators. Or perhaps choose to learn some jungle survival skills, how to identify and use medicinal plants, bird-watch and identify the Amazon's rich diversity of flora and fauna. All meals and excursions are included at the lodge.

On the final day, return by boat to Manaus, the main city in the Amazonas region. Check into a hotel in Manaus or head to the airport to catch your international flight.