Brazilian Coast, Capitals & Chapadas
From Rio de Janeiro to Salvador
Tour Operator: Dragoman
Physical rating: Medium
Special diets catered: Vegetarians, Please contact Dragoman with any specific dietary requirements
Group size: 0 - 22
Age range: 18 plus
Tour operated in: English
Prices From:
Tour Overview
This route takes us from pulsating Salvador to the iconic Rio de Janeiro on a tour of the beaches, colonial towns and national parks of eastern Brazil. We tour the gold mines of the colonial, historic town of Ouro Preto, and contrast this with Brazil's futuristic capital city, Brasilia, home to some weird and wonderful modernist architecture. We take in two of Brazil's national parks on this trip: Chapada da Diamantina and Chapada dos Veadeiros, both absolute must-sees for nature lovers, with plenty of opportunities for trekking, horse-riding, kayaking, and exploring cave systems. An unusual place to explore is the latter's Vale da Lua, or Valley of the Moon, with its bizarre, lunar-like rock formations. We also have time to relax in the beautiful and eco-friendly beach town of Itacaré, and to bush camp in the stunning Brazilian countryside.
Highlights
Wander the streets of fascinating Lencois- 2 full days to explore the beautiful Chapada Diamantina National Park
- Hike in the stunning Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park
- Guided tour of the futuristic city of Brasilia
- Relax on the beach or take some surfing lessons in the eco coastal resort of Itacare
- Discover the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro
- Explore and dance the night away in Salvador
- Relax in a café or take some surfing lessons in the eco coastal resort of Itacare
- Sample the street food of Salvador
- Head underground into the gold mines of Ouro Preto
Places You'll See
Countries:
Cities & Attractions:
Itinerary
Day 1: Rio de Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! Today there will be a group meeting day at 18:00hrs, please meet in the hotel reception.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Rio. If you would like to book additional nights of accommodation to really explore the city, please contact your Sales agent.
Border information: If you are arriving in Rio, enter Brazil at Rio Galeão International Airport International (IATA code: GIG) Airport.
Day 2: Ouro Preto
Location: Ouro Preto
Today we will drive to the beautiful old colonial mining town of Ouro Preto.
Along the way we will stop at Petropolis, the cool hill-side hideaway for local Cariocas escaping the heat of Rio. We will have 2 hours to explore the Museu Imperial, the former Imperial Palace, wander the town or visit the Palacio de Cristal, the site where the last slaves of Petropolis were released.
Day 3: Ouro Preto
Location: Ouro Preto
Today we will enjoy a half day guided tour of Ouro Preto, well known for its colonial architecture and the first Brazilian town to be considered a UNESCO world heritage site. In the afternoon enjoy some free time to explore the town, visit the museum or some of the stunning baroque churches. There are some fantastic cafes and restaurants in Ouro Preto. Don't forget your camera today - Ouro Preto is one of the most picturesque towns on our itinerary!
Day 4: Tres Marias
Location: Tres Marias
We have a full day drive through the Brazilian countryside. We will find a nice spot and camp for the night near Tres Marias.
Day 5: Brasilia
Location: Brasilia
Today we arrive in the futuristic capital of Brasilia. In the morning we will enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating city, which was designed and built to be the Brazilian Government's headquarters in 1960. The city is designed to resemble a plane, and is a UNESCO heritage site, housing some incredible, futuristic style Cathedrals and Monuments.
Day 6: Alto Paraiso
Location: Alto Paraiso
After our morning tour of the city, we will drive to the chilled out town of Alto Paraiso, which will be our base for exploring the Chapada dos Veadeiros. Alto Paraiso is crossed by Parallel 14 (in the same way as Machu Picchu) and is at the centre of some fantastic stories of space ships and aliens!
Day 7: Alto Paraiso
Location: Alto Paraiso
Today we can explore the National Park. The Chapada dos Veadeiros is one of Brazil's hidden gems, one of the oldest and most beautiful tropical ecosystems in South America and home to incredible waterfalls, rock formations, caves and grottoes.
This morning we will have an included visit to the Vale da Lua or the Valley of the Moon, so called due to the rock formations giving it an appearance similar to the moon.
This area is perfect for hiking, horse and bike riding and of course swimming in natural pools and soaking up the parks atmosphere. It is said that due to the high amount of quartz in the ground, that this Chapada is glows from space!
Day 8: Central Brazil
Location: Central Brazil
Over the next two days we will travel overland across the central Brazilian countryside.
Day 9: Lencois
Location: Lencois
Overlanding through Central Brazil to Lencois.
Day 10: Lencois
Location: Lencois
We will spend 2 full days in Lencois, the gateway to Chapada da Diamantina National Park. A former diamond-mining town in Bahia. Lencois's friendly inhabitants, great restaurants, cobbled streets and brightly coloured buildings make it a great town to explore.
Day 11: Lencois
Location: Lencois
Go hiking, kayaking, riding, explore the town, or simply kick back and relax!
Day 12: Itacare
Location: Itacare
We head to the coast today, to the beautiful beach town of Itacare, with its stunning Atlantic rainforest, laid back eco-friendly cafes and bars, and the opportunity to surf, relax and explore.
Day 13: Itacare
Location: Itacare
Time to relax and enjoy some beach time!
Day 14: Itacare
Location: Itacare
Today we have a free day to explore the area, enjoy the beach, take part in some of the many adventure activities available here, or visit the stunning Peninsula de Marau, stopping off at Praia Taipus de Fora and Lagoa Azul.
Day 15: Salvador
Location: Salvador
Today we drive to the beautiful town of Salvador da Bahia. Salvador is a vibrant and exciting place to visit, with its bright colonial architecture, tasty street food scene, great music and impressive Capoeira, there's plenty to keep us busy for 2 days.
Day 16: Salvador
Location: Salvador
Free time to explore the energetic and vibrant city of Salvador, known around the world for its Carnaval festivities. Salvador is home to over 300 churches, the historic centre is recognised by UNESCO and full of interesting architecture, brightly coloured buildings and cobblestone streets. It's an excellent place to witness the African culture in music and dance and enjoy some delicious street food.
Day 17: Salvador
Location: Salvador
Today is the final day for passengers finishing their trip in Salvador. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your Sales agent if you would like to book an extra night of accommodation or to continue the journey north.
Border information: If you are leaving in Salvador, exit Brazil at Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (IATA: SSA)
