Explore the defining iconic landmarks of Rio de Janeiro and then fly to Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina for an adventurous, up-close view of the thundering cascades and their surrounding natural beauty.
Please note: This program requires an extensive amount of walking, at times over for approximately two miles (about 3.2 kilometres), over uneven, rocky, grassy, sandy, slippery, and/or natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach vehicle, and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back or neck problems, heart or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, those who suffer from vertigo, guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair.
Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Day 1:
Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Copacabana Palace. Since its Art Deco doors swung open in 1923, the Copacabana Palace has been welcoming the rich and famous and is considered by many to be the most glamorous hotel in Rio de Janeiro.
Check in time is at 3:00pm.
The remainder of the day at your leisure and meals are on your own.
DAY 2:
Today you will see why Rio is considered one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world. The key natural elements, the Tijuca rainforest, the Guanabara Bay and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, have shaped the development of the city and inspired the Carioca culture. Through this full-day tour with a local guide, you will better appreciate the natural beauty of Rio and the Cariocas.
Following breakfast begin by visiting the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the ‘new’ Seven Wonders of the World. From the top of Corcovado Mountain, the views are breathtaking. You will understand why the natural landscape of the city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afterwards, you will stop for lunch at the Brazilian barbeque restaurant Assador Rio or similar venue. The tour will then continue to the Urca district, where you will rise 396 meters (1,300 feet) to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car, while enjoying awe-inspiring views of the harbor below.
*Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking. Expect delays and long lines at the Corcovado Train Station. Please be advised that the mountain is frequently enshrouded by clouds, which may affect views of the city. It is highly recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes.
In the evening you will drive to the Santa Teresa district for dinner at the tropically designed Tereze Restaurant. Located in the Santa Teresa Hotel, this restaurant offers contemporary cuisine that presents the best of local gastronomy with a Latin American touch.
After dinner return to your hotel.
DAY 3:
Following breakfast and check out, transfer to the airport for a flight to Iguazu. Excess luggage will be separated before departure.
Upon arrival in Iguazu, you will be met and transferred to the Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel. The hotel is located on the Brazilian side of the falls within Brazil’s Iguazu National Park. With its unrivaled location just a short stroll from the sensational waterfalls, you can enjoy exclusive access to the falls in the evening and at dawn when the park is closed to other visitors.
After lunch at the hotel, you will begin a walking tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park by descending a trail down the canyon, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of more than 240 falls. You will then board the glass elevator to a platform to enjoy more exquisite views of the cascades.
Along with its sister park in Argentina, the Iguazu National Park forms the most significant remaining rainforest in the southern cone of South America which, along with the waterfalls, UNESCO has declared a National Heritage Site.
After your tour, you will return to the hotel.
Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at Fabio Tavera's House. The former Head Chef of the Das Cataratas Hotel, Fabio is a talented Brazilian chef who for the past 15 years has been traveling all around the country in search of the flavors that bring this vast and exotic land to life. Fabio will guide you through a six-course meal which pays homage to the heritage of natives, Africans and Europeans that forged Brazil’s flavors in 500 years of history and, of course, while the journey goes on, enjoy fine wine pairings with exquisite South American wines. Throughout the night, the chef will closely and interactively explain the origins of the ingredients and tell curiosities about Brazil’s culinary past.
After dinner return to your hotel.
DAY 4:
Following breakfast, you will begin a full-day tour of the Argentine side of the falls.
After departing the hotel, you will cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, enjoying its lovely view of the Iguazu Canyon and head towards the Argentine side of Iguaçu National Park. At the entrance, a small train will take you on a tour through the park, making two stops: one to the upper circuit and another to the lower circuit.
You will follow the walkways to the top of the waterfalls, which provide spectacular views of the falls set among the abundant nature filled with orchids, colorful birds and other wildlife. The highlight of the trip will be visiting the suspended platform at the very brink of the Garganta do Diabo waterfall (Devil’s Throat), the largest of the waterfalls in the park.
A stop will be made for lunch at the Melia Iguazu Restaurant located inside the hotel Gran Melia on the Argentine side.
Proceed next on a Macuco Safari tour. Set off in open jeep-towed wagons, allowing for an unobscured view of the scenery along the trail. During the three-kilometer (two-mile) stretch through the jungle, guides draw your attention to the flora and fauna of the park, sharing their expert knowledge.
The second stage of the tour is an optional 600-meter (2,000 feet) hike, which leads up to the Macuco Falls waterfall. Tumbling down from a height of approximately 20 meters (65 feet), it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing dip on days of intense heat. Access the falls via a stairway carved into an ancient rock.
Your final stop is the Macuco Safari dock on the Brazilian side of the Iguassu River. The boat then departs upriver, passing through the canyon and along the rapids at a comfortable speed, allowing you to appreciate of the stunning scenery.
After this amazing adventure, return to your hotel to freshen up before dinner.
Note: the jeep ride can be bumpy, walking to the falls includes steps and natural trails. Guests wishing to take a dip at the falls should wear their bathing suit and carry a towel.
For guests who do not wish to participate in this portion of the program, they can wait at the Melia Iguazu Hotel following lunch.
At the end of this adventurous day, you will return to the hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.
NOTE: When crossing the border between Brazil and Argentina, changing vehicles may be required due to border-crossing regulations. There may be a wait at the border depending on how many others are crossing at the same time. Visas are required for Brazil – please see documentation notes further below.
Day 5
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the Iguazu Airport for the flight back to Rio de Janeiro. A boxed lunch to eat en-route will be provided at the hotel.
On the way, you will stop at the Parque das Aves (Bird Park) to experience the native flora and fauna firsthand by following trails through the forest. You will have the exclusive opportunity for an up-close view of native Brazilian bird species, some of which are endangered. This is the biggest bird sanctuary in South America with more than 800 species. It is also an internationally recognized rescue and conservation center for birds.
Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met and transferred to port for embarkation.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Rio de Janeiro International Airport.
You are met just outside the baggage claim area and transferred to your hotel where the afternoon and the evening are at your leisure.
Check in time at your hotel is at 3:00pm.
Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.
Meals are on your own.
Overnight at the Copacabana Palace Hotel or similar hotel.
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:20am Depart the hotel for Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer
9:20am Corcovado Train and Christ the Redeemer
10:50am Descend by train and continue sightseeing tour of the beaches of Rio (Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana)
12:00pm Lunch at Assador Barbecue Restaurant or similar venue
1:15pm Continue to Sugar Loaf and board the cable car
1:40pm Visit Sugar Loaf
3:25pm Descend the cable car and return to your hotel
4:15pm Arrival at the hotel
7:30pm Drive to Tereze Restaurant in Santa Teresa district
9:30pm Return to your hotel
10:00pm Arrive at your hotel
Overnight at the Copacabana Palace Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
6:30am Breakfast at your hotel
8:50am Transfer to the Rio airport
10:40am Flight from Rio to Iguazu (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:55pm Arrival in Iguazu
1:30pm Transfer to your hotel and check in
2:30pm Lunch at your hotel
3:30pm Walking tour of Brazilian side of the falls
5:30pm Return to your hotel
7:30pm Transfer to restaurant for dinner
8:00pm Dinner at Casa do Chef
10:00pm Return to your hotel
10:20pm Arrival at your hotel
Overnight at the Hotel das Cataratas or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel
7:30am Full day Argentina side of the falls.
Stop without getting off the bus at the border of Brazil and Argentina
9:15am Board the train to Devils Throat station
9:30am Walk towards the Devil´s Throat
10:40am Arrive at Devils Throat Train Station
11:00am Superior Circuit of the Falls
1:30pm Lunch at Melia Restaurant
3:00pm Continue your tour with the Macuco Safari
5:00pm Return to your hotel
7:30pm Dinner at your hotel
Overnight at the Hotel das Cataratas or similar hotel
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at your hotel
10:00am Check out
10:30am Visit the Bird Park
11:30am Transfer to IGU airport
1:15pm Flight from Iguazu to Rio (flight details TBA and subject to chagne)
Boxed lunch will be provided
3:15pm Arrive in Rio and transfer to pier
Expected Weather:
During the summer in Brazil, temperatures can reach 30 to 40 degrees Celsius in Rio de Janeiro and into the regions in the south but accompanied by frequent showers and a rather heavy humidity.
Rio de Janeiro – Average temperatures between: 30°C - 40°C / 86°F – 104°F
Iguazu – Average temperatures between 26°C - 35°C / 79°F – 95°F
What to Bring:
Light loose clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, swimsuit, backpack, waterproof camera, umbrella or raincoat, mosquito repellent
Local Currency:
The local currencies are the Brazilian Real (BRL) and Argentine Peso (ARS); however, US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and major credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels
Electricity
In Brazil the power plugs and sockets are of type N. The standard voltage is 127 / 220 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. Adaptors may not be available at your hotel therefore we recommend your bring your own travel adaptor for any electric devices.
Luggage: (conditions subject to change by the airline):
Each guest is permitted to fly to Iguazu with one carry-on up to 10 kg/ 22lb plus a hand purse and two checked pieces of luggage up to 23 kg/ 50lbs each. Please pack accordingly. Excess luggage over this limit and brought to Iguazu will be subject to fees imposed by the airline and payable by guests at the time of check in. Luggage storage is no longer an option as we are including an extra piece in the cost of the program.
If luggage exceeds 23kg/50lbs, guests will be charged at check in approx. $7 USD per additional kilo (BRL $35). No item can exceed 45kg/99 lbs on domestic flights. For example, if your luggage is 31.75 kg / 70 lbs you can expect to pay approximately $61 USD extra per piece that is overweight.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type).
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at Regent Seven Seas Cruises at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Documents and Visa Requirements
Foreign passengers entering Brazil must have a passport valid at least 6 months past the day of arrival in Brazil.
Passport holders from certain countries are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Brazil.
Please note, the visa waiver for citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan is no longer available therefore passport holders from these countries will now require a visa to enter Brazil. A multiple entry visa will be required for this program.
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Brazil and Argentina. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before departure. This program crosses between Brazil and Argentina.
Citizens travelling with passports from Australia, Canada and the United States visiting Brazil for tourism and business will be subject to visa requirements for entry into Brazilian territory starting from January 10th, 2024. Required e-Visas can be obtained through the portal https://brazil.vfsevisa.com
The process is easy, and quick and if the requirements mentioned below are met, in a few days the applicant will receive the e-Visa on his or her e-mail. The Visa issued is valid for multiple entries for 10 years for US Citizens (5yrs for Canada and Australia).
E Visa - Visa application form (to be completed online https://brazil.vfsevisa.com)
1 Valid Passport (signed, valid up to the end of the travel to Brazil, 2 visa pages free)
2 Passport-style photo (2” x 2”, white background)
3 Confirmation of flight reservation (showing entrance into and exit from Brazil)
4 E-visa fee payment (US$ 80.90)
5 Bank statement, or credit card, showing balance of at least US$ 2,000.00 for travel expenses
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase, otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Accommodations
Copacabana Palace Hotel
Avenida Atlântica 1702, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, CEP 22021 001, Brasil
Phone: +55 21 2548 7070
Das Cataratas Hotel
Rodovia Br 469, Km 32, Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Foz do Iguaçu - PR, CEP 85855-750, Brasil
Phone: +55 (45) 2102-7000
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•2 nights at the Copacabana Palace Hotel in Superior Partial Ocean View Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis
•2 nights at the Das Cataratas Hotel in a Deluxe Garden View Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis
•2 lunches in Iguazu (Local beer or wine, water, soda, juice, and 1 hot beverage)
•2 dinners in Iguazu (Local beer or wine, water, soda, juice, and 1 hot beverage)
•1 boxed lunch in Iguazu (1 soda, 1 mineral water)
•1 lunch in Rio de Janeiro (Local beer or wine, water, soda, juice, and 1 hot beverage)
•1 dinner in Rio de Janeiro (Local beer or wine, water, soda, juice, and 1 hot beverage)
•Any applicable entrance fees during the program
•Tours per the itinerary
•English-speaking guides throughout
•Local escort to accompany the group
•Airport porterage
•Gratuities for waiters, hotel staff and drivers
•Bottled water on transportation
•Economy class flights between Rio and Iguazu – direct flights not guaranteed
•2 checked pieces of luggage per person on the flights (no more than 23kg/50lb each)
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any meals and beverages not listed above
•Gratuities for guides
•Camera fees if required
•Visa fees if required
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Excess or overweight luggage fees above what is included
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
Price: $4,999 per guest based on double occupancy.
Hotel and Land Program pricing is not combinable with FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package. If applicable, please contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel agent for multi-night pre-cruise hotel pricing information. Land program promotions are subject to terms.
