You’re invited to the biggest party on earth! Join your fellow Solos guests to dance the night away and immerse yourself in the joyous rhythms and samba beats of the world’s iconic Rio de Janeiro Carnival. You’ll watch the festivities unfold from the Sambadrome, as the Carnival Champion’s Parade passes through in a riot of colour and celebration.
Explore this incredible city’s stream of attractions. Whether that’s strolling the shores of the infamous Copacabana or Ipanema Beach, riding a cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain or enjoying panoramic city views from the peak of Corcovado.
After living it up in Rio, the pace slows for a step back in time with a visit to the enchanting, cobbled lanes of Paraty. This beautiful old colonial town and UNESCO World Heritage site is peppered with art galleries and shops, and just a short boat ride from the region’s untouched rainforests and pristine tropical beaches. Next you’ll experience the mighty cascading Iguazu falls, a breathtaking spectacle forming the international border between Brazil and Argentina, and known as one of the seven natural ‘Wonders of the World’.
An epic journey of discovery for solo travellers with a taste for adventure and unique experiences.
Extras
Today, we depart the UK and head to Brazil on an overnight flight.
Upon arrival at Rio de Janeiro Airport, we’ll proceed through immigration, collect our luggage and meet our local guide. We then transfer to our hotel, where we check-in at 2.00pm* and take some time to rest. Your Tour Leader will confirm the details of your welcome drink and meeting.
This evening, we meet our guide and transfer to a local restaurant for our first taste of Brazilian food.
*There is a possibility to book optional early check in (subject to availability) fee: GBP 178.00
After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy cultural tour of Rio and visit iconic sites like Olympic Boulevard, Tomorrow Museum (outside), Metropolitan Cathedral, Selaron Steps, Municipal Theater (external). We continue via Flamengo Park, with its beautiful landscape by Burle Marx, until reaching the traditional and residential Urca neighbourhood and Praia Vermelha cable car station. Here, we board a glass cable car to travel up the Urca mountain (mid-way station/first stage) to see its gardens and look-out points. The second part of the ride takes us to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, 1300 ft. above sea level (second stage). At the top, majestic views of Rio de Janeiro’s Guanabara Bay await us.
Olympic Boulevard, Tomorrow Museum (outside), Metropolitan Cathedral, Selaron Steps, Municipal Theater (external). Maybe it’s more interesting. What do you say?
This morning, we enjoy a half day (4 hr) tour to Corcovado Mountain Statue of Christ. It is Rio’s second world-famous landmark. The ‘Corcovado-Mountain’ with the statue of Christ The Redeemer, is a must for visitors of this city. It is set right in the ‘Tijuca Rainforest National Park’, the largest urban park in the world, found in the heart of the city of Rio, being considered by locals as the ‘lung of the city’.
From Copacabana, the bus takes the route through tunnel ‘Rebouças’, which intersects the surrounding mountain range, reaching the ‘Laranjeiras District’. From here, a cogwheel train, constructed by Swiss engineers, takes visitors up, passing lovely parts of the forest, and allowing visitors to get panoramic views of the city while climbing up. Finally, after reaching the mountain top, escalators are available, as well as an elevator to assist us reaching the statue, which stands at 28 meters in height and offers the most incredible views of the city.
Today we have busy day and night ahead! After breakfast, we board a schooner for a cruise around Guanabara Bay. We enjoy views of the Villegaignon Island and its fortress, the beach districts that surround the bay; ‘Flamengo’ – a result of the largest urban project in Brazil, ‘Botafogo’ – which features the Monument to Estácio de Sá who founded Rio de Janeiro city, and Urca – a district where one of the most important symbols of the city can be seen – the Sugarloaf. View São João Fortress, which marks the entrance of Guanabara Bay and the Santa Cruz Fortress, built in 1555. These two fortresses were built to protect the harbour of the city from eventual invaders. See also ‘Rio-Niterói’ Bridge – the largest bridge in the world in terms of construction volume, and the impressive Contemporary Art Museum, which is a masterpiece of architecture for its flying-saucer-like design by Oscar Niemeyer – a worldwide famous architect. We will have lunch at Frontera (local cuisine/self-service buffet).
After our fabulous evening, we enjoy a full day at leisure in Rio de Janeiro.
Today we transfer to Paraty. We can enjoy the drive from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty (approx. 4 hrs), experiencing scenic landscapes, nature and history along the way.
Paraty, a stunning colonial city, is revered as both a National and World Historical Monument, preserving a myriad of natural and architectural wonders.
After check-in, we will have lunch at local restaurant (no drinks included).
After breakfast, we walk from our hotel to the pier to embark on a schooner boat tour at Paraty Bay and Cotia Island (approx 5 hrs). The tour through the Bay of Paraty and its surroundings allows us to appreciate the natural beauty and exuberant vegetation. The waters behind the island are so well protected, it feels like a swimming pool. We stop at the best places for snorkelling and see the best beaches in the region. We enjoy lunch on board the boat which includes a mineral water. A float, mask and snorkel are also provided.
Important: Wear comfortable clothes, swimsuit, hat, towel, sunglasses, repellent and sunscreen.
Today we take part in a fantastic jeep tour (approx. 4 hrs). We travel inside the National Park of Serra da Bocaina – also known as the ‘trekking paradise in Brazil’ – visiting several waterfalls, distilleries of cachaça and the beginning of the famous Gold trail. Lunch will be served at Engenho D’Ouro Restaurant, with local cuisine.
The evening can be enjoyed at leisure in Paraty.
Today we transfer from Paraty (Approx. 4 hours) to Rio de Janeiro Airport for our internal flight to Iguazu Falls – our next destination.
Upon arrival, we meet our local guide and transfer to the hotel to relax.
In the evening we have a dinner at the hotel (drinks not included)
After breakfast at our hotel, we have a private half- day guided tour (4 hrs) of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls – considered one of the ‘Wonders of the World’. Here we will see the waters of the Paraná River plunge through 32 individual falls into a 2.5-mile-wide, 200-foot precipice. We can admire the jaw-dropping series of waterfalls and enjoy unforgettable scenery.
In the evening, we have dinner at the hotel (drinks not included)
Today we cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, encountering incredible views of the Iguazu Canyon en-route to the Iguazu National Park in Argentina. We visit the upper and lower walkways which allow a different perspective and more intimate contact with the falls adjoining rainforest, filled with orchids, bromeliads, birds and other wildlife. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the suspended platform at the very brink of the Devil’s Throat – the largest of the waterfalls.
After breakfast, we will get ready to head to the Iguazú Falls Airport for our flight back to the UK.
We arrive back into the UK after a connecting flight from Iguazu, Brazil via Sao Paulo.
We stay in comfortable hotels throughout as detailed below (or similar);
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time for the main tour between Rio de Janeiro International Airport and the Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana is approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
The transfer time for the main tour between from JL Hotel by Bourbon and the Iguazu Airport is approximately 25 min
A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required as we include plenty of sightseeing/travelling, sometimes with early starts.
Please refer to Medical Conditions in Important Information.
Itinerary is subject to change according to traffic, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances beyond control.
Luggage allowance per person is based on 1 piece per person + 1 carry on.
The Brazilian real is the official currency of Brazil. It is subdivided into 100 centavos
Your passport should have at least 6 months validity from the entry date to Brazil. If you hold a passport other than a British Citizen passport, different regulations may apply. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil/entry-requirements.
British nationals can normally enter Brazil without a visa as a tourist. For further information about visas see the website of the Brazilian Consulate in London
Make sure you comply with Brazilian immigration laws on arrival in the country. You must satisfy the Federal Police (the Brazilian immigration authority) of your intended purpose of visit. You will need to be able to demonstrate that you have enough money for the duration of your stay and provide details of your accommodation and evidence of return or onward travel. Make sure your passport is stamped. If it is not, you may be fined on departure.
If you are visiting Argentina, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. If you hold a passport other than a British Citizen passport, different regulations may apply. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina/entry-requirements
Dressing in layers is recommended. Casual evening wear is recommended and comfortable shoes for sightseeing. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Don’t forget to take swimwear as there will be plenty of opportunities to swim.
Packing list for Iguazu Falls excursions:
There are optional activities available to you during the course of your holiday, full details of which will be given out at your Information Meeting by your local guide. All tours should be booked at the welcome meeting and paid for in Brazil Real or card (6% fee applicable) . Below prices are approximate and some are based on min 10 passengers group. The exact amount will be given at your Information Meeting.
Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos holidaymakers.
Day 2:
Optional Lunch: Lunch: Galeto Sat´s or Similar (fixed menu – no drinks) BRL 140.00
Optional Tour: By Night like a Native at Rio Scenarium Located at Lapa, the most bohemian district of Rio, the “Rio Scenarium” is a show house that rises as a differential in the cultural nightlife scenario of Rio de Janeiro. This is the perfect attraction for those who want to know the cultural nightlife in Rio. BRL 269
Day 3:
HD Tour Favela (3h) Tour is an indispensable experience if you look for an insider point of view of Rio de Janeiro. The tour introduces you toanother Rio, within Rio city: the favela. There are close to 1000 favelas in Rio. Mostly placed on former public areas on the hillsides,they are home to around 20% of Rio’s population, however they remain unknown for most people who don’t live there. The tour is notsimply to explain the favelas but to offer a whole new perspective over Brazilian society. You will visit “Vila Canoas” and “Rocinha”,largest one in the country. Pictures from a distance, once closer they reveal a creative architecture, vibrant commerce and friendlylocal people. Most samba schools participating in the Carnival parade come from favelas. The tour invites you to reflect on many different, aspects of Brazilian society. BRL 175
Optional Dinner: at Premium Restaurant Giuseppe Grill for a 3 course Chef’s menu (no drinks) with coach transfers & guide assistance BRL476
Day 5
Optional Dinner: Margarida Café (03 course / drinks not incl) with guide assistance BRL184
Day 8
Optional Dinner: Casa Coupé Restaurant & Bar (setup 03 course menu) with guide assistance BRL169
Day 10
Optional Lunch: at Porto Canoas (buffet service/ no drinks) BRL 191
Optional tour: Macuco Safari boat ride (Shared tour – Duration 2 hours) On the “Macuco Trail”, where visitors will board open wagons towed by jeep for a 20-minute ride along the trail. The tour continues with a stretch of three kilometers through the jungle, guests will have the opportunity to observe orchids, palm trees, bromeliads, centenary trees, as well as wild animals that occasionally cross the path. The second stage is a hike that leads to a waterfall. Then it’s time to board the twin-engine inflatable boats, safe and efficient boats that travel upriver through the canyon in front of the rapids at a speed that allows you to enjoy the scenery. Rain of Waterfall – Rainbow, blue sky, fog and running water, punctuate the spectacle that has as its climax the area of the Waterfalls baptized as “The Three Musketeers”. There the captain maneuvers the boat to get close enough to give the passengers a quick and refreshing shower, after the adventure they will return to the jeeps. BRL 587
Optional Tour – Itaipu Dan (panoramic visit) Itaipu Dam is the world’s second-biggest hydroelectric plant on river Parana which lies on the border between two South American countries, Paraguay and Brazil. BRL 68.00
Optional Lunch: at local restaurant (Argentina side/ no drinks) BRL 191
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff. We recommend BRL 40.00 per person per day for the guide and BRL 20.00 per person per day for driver.
Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| February | 27 °C | 19 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
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“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
