Are You on the Road to Rio? World Youth Day 2013 | Rio de Janeiro
Tours Brazil | July 22 - July 29, 2013
Pre and Post Tours
Conference attendees can select from a broad range of transport, tour and service options to enhance their stay in Rio.
Amazon Jungle Adventures, Manaus
Discover the Indiana Jones in you by exploring Brazil's wild and exotic Amazon Rainforest. Start in Manaus is the capital of Brazil’s largest state, Amazonas, located in the Northwest of the country. After touring the town and visiting the impressive Teatro Amazonas (an iconic Opera House built by Rubber Barons during the boom at the turn 19th century), it’s off into the jungle for your Amazon Adventure. Select from jungle lodge stays, regional riverboat expeditions and even jungle camping or Peacock Bass fishing – there is no shortage of options for the curious, adventurous visitor. In addition to jungle trekking, beach luaus and canoe expeditions, you will meet the local river inhabitants and learn how they live. We even offer a 3-day homestay at a remote community where you can live and work with the local people to help improve their lives.
Discover the Indiana Jones in you by exploring Brazil's wild and exotic Amazon Rainforest. Start in Manaus is the capital of Brazil’s largest state, Amazonas, located in the Northwest of the country. After touring the town and visiting the impressive Teatro Amazonas (an iconic Opera House built by Rubber Barons during the boom at the turn 19th century), it’s off into the jungle for your Amazon Adventure. Select from jungle lodge stays, regional riverboat expeditions and even jungle camping or Peacock Bass fishing – there is no shortage of options for the curious, adventurous visitor. In addition to jungle trekking, beach luaus and canoe expeditions, you will meet the local river inhabitants and learn how they live. We even offer a 3-day homestay at a remote community where you can live and work with the local people to help improve their lives.
Sun & Fun in Búzios
Located 105 miles from Rio de Janeiro, a short, pleasant 2-hour trip will take you to the peninsula of Búzios - home to more than 20 magnificent beaches with crystal-clear waters which are complemented in perfect harmony with sculptured landscape and exotic vegetation. Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders, this historically diverse city enjoyed periods of prosperity and emerged as one of Brazil’s most picturesque fishing villages. Búzios was elected one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world and is famed for its unique combination of rustic charm, distinctive architecture, incredible allure, and sophisticated restaurants and boutiques. Our economical packages are the ideal way to enjoy sun and fun this charming atmosphere.
Located 105 miles from Rio de Janeiro, a short, pleasant 2-hour trip will take you to the peninsula of Búzios - home to more than 20 magnificent beaches with crystal-clear waters which are complemented in perfect harmony with sculptured landscape and exotic vegetation. Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders, this historically diverse city enjoyed periods of prosperity and emerged as one of Brazil’s most picturesque fishing villages. Búzios was elected one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world and is famed for its unique combination of rustic charm, distinctive architecture, incredible allure, and sophisticated restaurants and boutiques. Our economical packages are the ideal way to enjoy sun and fun this charming atmosphere.
Mighty Iguaçu Falls
"Poor Niagara!" exclaimed Eleanor Roosevelt when she first set eyes on this awesome sight.
Iguaçu Falls, located in southern Brazil on the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, is one of the most famous attractions on the South American continent. These 275 massive waterfalls are divided between Argentina and Brazil and provide vastly different views and experiences depending on what side they are viewed from. Our packages include visits to both sides of the Falls (so you'll visit Brazil AND Argentina!) and include a walk into the "Devil's Throat", a drive through the natural Atlantic Rainforest and a thrilling zodiac boat ride under the Falls themselves. It's a dramatic show of nature that is truly unforgettable. Tip: Why not combine Iguassu Falls with Buenos Aries, only a short plane flight away?
"Poor Niagara!" exclaimed Eleanor Roosevelt when she first set eyes on this awesome sight.
Iguaçu Falls, located in southern Brazil on the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, is one of the most famous attractions on the South American continent. These 275 massive waterfalls are divided between Argentina and Brazil and provide vastly different views and experiences depending on what side they are viewed from. Our packages include visits to both sides of the Falls (so you'll visit Brazil AND Argentina!) and include a walk into the "Devil's Throat", a drive through the natural Atlantic Rainforest and a thrilling zodiac boat ride under the Falls themselves. It's a dramatic show of nature that is truly unforgettable. Tip: Why not combine Iguassu Falls with Buenos Aries, only a short plane flight away?
The Historical Cities of Minas Gerais
Brazil's colonial heritage is unmatched in the New World, and nowhere is it more on display than the state of Minas Gerais ("General Mines"), whose abundant gold and precious stone mines once supplied the Portuguese Crown with untold riches. A six-hour coach ride or short flight from Rio, this region is also played a key roll in the political and religious development of Brazil as a Catholic nation. This comprehensive journey is the very best way to cover the main points of culturally rich and visually stunning Minas Gerais. Explore the evocative hill town gems of Ouro Preto, Mariana and Tiradentes – all of them UNESCO designated treasures, and visit the churches, convents and monuments that tell this story.
Brazil's colonial heritage is unmatched in the New World, and nowhere is it more on display than the state of Minas Gerais ("General Mines"), whose abundant gold and precious stone mines once supplied the Portuguese Crown with untold riches. A six-hour coach ride or short flight from Rio, this region is also played a key roll in the political and religious development of Brazil as a Catholic nation. This comprehensive journey is the very best way to cover the main points of culturally rich and visually stunning Minas Gerais. Explore the evocative hill town gems of Ouro Preto, Mariana and Tiradentes – all of them UNESCO designated treasures, and visit the churches, convents and monuments that tell this story.
Rio's Green Coast & Colonial Paraty
Just a four-hour drive down the lush "Green Coast" of Rio de Janeiro lies one of Brazil’s most precious colonial Gems. Originally settled by the Portuguese in the 1660s, Paraty has maintained its colonial feel with its original architecture and a virtually unchanged culture. The city served as an exportation site for gold sent to Portugal. Paraty boasts exquisite churches, cobble stone streets, charming restaurants, and does not allow cars within the historic section of the city, all adding to the charm and allure of this UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition to the cultural attractions of this town, participants in our programs will enjoy the stunning natural attractions of the region, including treks to the surrounding Atlantic Rainforest and schooner trips to deserted islands dotting the coast.
Just a four-hour drive down the lush "Green Coast" of Rio de Janeiro lies one of Brazil’s most precious colonial Gems. Originally settled by the Portuguese in the 1660s, Paraty has maintained its colonial feel with its original architecture and a virtually unchanged culture. The city served as an exportation site for gold sent to Portugal. Paraty boasts exquisite churches, cobble stone streets, charming restaurants, and does not allow cars within the historic section of the city, all adding to the charm and allure of this UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition to the cultural attractions of this town, participants in our programs will enjoy the stunning natural attractions of the region, including treks to the surrounding Atlantic Rainforest and schooner trips to deserted islands dotting the coast.
Salvador da Bahia – the "Most African City in the New World"
Explore the rich and exciting African heritage that makes Brazil so very special. Salvador is the oldest city in Brazil and its first capital, and was a major post for the slave trade and is now a thriving center of Afro-Brazilian life. Salvador is considered the country's soul and the birthplace of Brazilian culture. The local cuisine, music, dance and vibrant visual arts are all testaments to this pervasive African influence. As one of Brazil’s greatest historical destinations, the city is filled with churches, homes and forts that reflect stunning Portuguese architecture from the Baroque period. Outside the city lie some of Northeastern Brazil’s most pristine beaches, including the renowned Praia do Forte and Costa do Sauípe. Our packages bring you an exciting mix of history, culture, faith and tropical flavor.
Explore the rich and exciting African heritage that makes Brazil so very special. Salvador is the oldest city in Brazil and its first capital, and was a major post for the slave trade and is now a thriving center of Afro-Brazilian life. Salvador is considered the country's soul and the birthplace of Brazilian culture. The local cuisine, music, dance and vibrant visual arts are all testaments to this pervasive African influence. As one of Brazil’s greatest historical destinations, the city is filled with churches, homes and forts that reflect stunning Portuguese architecture from the Baroque period. Outside the city lie some of Northeastern Brazil’s most pristine beaches, including the renowned Praia do Forte and Costa do Sauípe. Our packages bring you an exciting mix of history, culture, faith and tropical flavor.
Peru - The Incan Empire of Cusco & Machu Picchu
When the Spanish conquistadors first arrived in the New World they were amazed to find the technologically and politically advanced Incan Empire controlling large swaths of the continent. Visitors today are still amazed by the legacy of the Incans and their mind-boggling engineering techniques, the apex of which is the fabled Machu Picchu, just voted one of the new "7 Wonders of the Modern World". Our series of packages allow visitors to experience first hand the wonders of the Incans, from the archeological museums of Lima, to the colonial squares of Cusco and from the magic of the alluring Sacred Valley to the cloud-covered peaks of Machu Picchu. A moving experience.
When the Spanish conquistadors first arrived in the New World they were amazed to find the technologically and politically advanced Incan Empire controlling large swaths of the continent. Visitors today are still amazed by the legacy of the Incans and their mind-boggling engineering techniques, the apex of which is the fabled Machu Picchu, just voted one of the new "7 Wonders of the Modern World". Our series of packages allow visitors to experience first hand the wonders of the Incans, from the archeological museums of Lima, to the colonial squares of Cusco and from the magic of the alluring Sacred Valley to the cloud-covered peaks of Machu Picchu. A moving experience.
Buenos Aires Argentina – The Paris of South America
"B.A" is an elegant, cosmopolitan city with a distinctive European flair, owing in large part to its original Spanish inhabitants and more recent influx of Italian and English immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. The stylish and fun loving population of "Portenos" (representing half of Argentina’s population) is known for their devotion to good food (lot’s of steaks!), wine and of course the Tango, which along with soccer is a national passion. Our packages take visits to the main sites as well as off the beaten track neighborhoods. A day is devoted to an excursion into the Pampas and a visit to a local estancia where we will enjoy a “Fiesta Gaucha” and a demonstration of skills put on by the local cowboys, or "Gauchos" of Argentina. Tip: Why not combine Buenos Aires with a visit to nearby Iguassu?
"B.A" is an elegant, cosmopolitan city with a distinctive European flair, owing in large part to its original Spanish inhabitants and more recent influx of Italian and English immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. The stylish and fun loving population of "Portenos" (representing half of Argentina’s population) is known for their devotion to good food (lot’s of steaks!), wine and of course the Tango, which along with soccer is a national passion. Our packages take visits to the main sites as well as off the beaten track neighborhoods. A day is devoted to an excursion into the Pampas and a visit to a local estancia where we will enjoy a “Fiesta Gaucha” and a demonstration of skills put on by the local cowboys, or "Gauchos" of Argentina. Tip: Why not combine Buenos Aires with a visit to nearby Iguassu?