BRAZIL
5 - 25 MARCH 2011
Highlights:
- Amazing view of the Iguazu Fall from both Argentina and Brazil side
- Brazil Carnival and Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro
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PUERTO IGUAZU ARGENTINA > CURITIBA
Today, we crossed over to Brazil side to have a view of the Iguazu Falls. The Park is located in the westernmost region of the state of Paraná, in the Iguaçú river basin, 17km from downtown Foz do Iguaçú. It borders Argentina, where the Iguazu National Park, which was implemented in 1934, is located. The border between the two countries and their national parks is made by the Iguaçú river, whose source is near the Serra (mountain range) do Mar near Curitiba and runs for 18km throughout the state of Paraná. The most spectacular sightseeing of the park is the Iguaçú Falls, which form a 2,700m wide semi-circle, while the waterfalls filled visitors with awe as they watch the water foam that plunges down from a height of 72m. Visit the park's visitor's center with its exhibition of the local eco-system. Continue down the Cataratas Highway through the rainforest of the park to the falls. Descending a walkway, you can contemplate the lovely waterfalls in all of nature's exuberance, with panoramic views of both sides of the falls - Brazil and Argentina. Reaching the elevator, you can ascend to have a bird's eye view over the falls from the lookout. Part II: The Great Adventure is unique and combines the whole essence of the Iguassu National Park in one ride: the jungle and the waterfalls. Enter the jungle from the Sendero Yacaratía trail with special transportation that allows a panoramic view of the environment along with experienced guides that give a lot of explanations. Arriving at the Puerto Macuco Base we will start the second part of this ride departing from the floating platform. Motor-boats will take us through the Canyon of the Iguassu River, until the falls. Enjoy the view of both, the Brazilian and Argentinian side including the Devil’s Throat. Heading on we face the San Martin waterfall, a wonderful and unforgettable experience, for it’s the largest waterfall any motor-‐boat can approach safely. The landing is at the base of the lower circuit where visitors reintegrate the trails. Hotel International Golden Tulip Foz Iguassu |
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CURITIBA
Transfer from Foz do Iguacu to Curitiba with Intercity coach "Catarinense", leaving Foz do Iguazu 7:00AM, duration: 9h. The rolling landscape on today's journey is interrupted only by mountain chains, rich farmland and patches of original subtropical forest, with the unique Araucaria trees. Hotel Bourbon Curitiba Convention |
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CURITIBA
We started the morning with an early city sightseeing tour of Curitiba which included the major sites of the city such as the Botanical Gardens, the floral clock, the historic town centre and the pedestrian Street of the Flowers. After the city sightseeing, we took a scenic drive down the old Graciosa Road, through the Atlantic Rainforest, to the oldest port of Parana, dating back to the early 16th century to view the Dom Pedro II port. Then a short drive takes us to Morretes, a quaint little town founded in 1714 when it became important as a major plantation of mate (a tea) and for it’s lovely architecture of Portuguese origin, the São Benedito church and the historical center with the old water fountain, municipal market, Itiberê river, the Nossa Senhora do Rocio sanctuary, and the popular art and Archaeological Museum dated 1755. After the city tour, an included lunch will be in a restaurant on the waterfront -‐ experience the local dish of "barreado" (beefstew). After lunch, transfer to the train station to board the train back to Curitiba. The railroad that links Curitiba to Paranaguá is an outstanding feat of architecture. It was constructed in 1865 to make transportation of goods between Paranagua, the state of Paraná’s main port and the third most import in Brazil and Buritiba quicker and more efficient than the land route. The train will ascend via winding links and turns through the mountains. Enjoy the wonderful mountain scenery with rivers, waterfalls, tropical plants, flowers and birds. Ride over bridges that span precipices and gorges and marvel at the views as you pass through the Atlanic Rain Forest as far as Curitiba. Hotel Bourbon Curitiba Convention |
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CURITIBA > RIO DE JANEIRO
Transfer to Curitba Airport and took a flight to Rio De Janeiro in the morning. We were transferred to our hotel upon arriving Rio. After settling in, we headed to Sugar Loaf Mountain. The panoramic view from the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, at 1,296 ft (395m) above sea-‐level, is breathtaking. Two sets of cable cars elevate us to the top of Sugar Loaf. The first brings us to the top of Urca Mountain. From Urca Mountain a second set of cable cars brings us to the summit with its 360º 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. After that, we had Brazilian BBQ at Churrascaria Palace. Free and easy after our lunch. In the evening, we walked to a Chinese restaurant near our hotel and had Chinese food :) After dinner, we were transfer to the stadium to watch the famous Brazil Carnival, where the top 10 winning teams takes turn to perform. The whole show starts from about 8-9pm, and last till 6-7am. We were too tired to stay on for the whole show, and went back around 2am. Hotel Astoria Palace |
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RIO DE JANEIRO
Today tour take us to the Christ the Redeemer, which keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m (2340ft). Board the tremzinho (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! The 38-‐meter statue is the image of the faith and friendliness of cariocas. 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. Then get a close-up look at Rio's world famous beaches. Hotel Astoria Palace |
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RIO DE JANEIRO
We suppose to enjoy a full day tour to the fisherman's village of Itacuruçá, located 1 hour south of Rio de Janeiro today. The travel agent, however, made a boo boo, resulting in free and easy. Hence, we spend the day hanging out at the Copacabana beach and shopping centres near our hotel. Hotel Astoria Palace |
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RIO DE JANEIRO > LIMA
Our small group tour ends today and we went on separate way. One couple continues their tour to the Amazon River, while the other couple and German guy headed back home. Me and my wife were transferred to the airport to make our way to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival in Peru, we were greeted by a local tour guide, which is one of the friendliest tour guide we met so far. She was very humble and kept welcoming us and thanked us for visiting Peru. After settling in our suite in Hotel Thunderbird, we were taken to the city centre for a tour. At night, we had our dinner at Piano Bar Restaurant. Hotel Thunderbird Suites & Casino |
TRIP PHOTOS - SOUTH AMERICA