What to expect

Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Experience the world's greatest party

Natural Wonders

Natural Wonders

Admire the jaw-dropping Iguazú Falls

Iconic Landmarks

Iconic Landmarks

Ride a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain

Boat Tour

Boat Tour

Explore Paraty Bay's secluded beaches

About this trip...

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.
Activity Level: Activity Level Rating
What's this?

What's Included

  • Return flights, internal flight & transfers
  • Airport taxes & charges
  • Double/Twin room for single use
  • Breakfast daily, 7 dinners & 6 lunches
  • Iguazu falls entrance to Argentinean National Park and Brazil National Park
  • Schooner cruise over Guanabara Bay
  • Schooner cruise to Cotia Island
  • Tickets to Sambadrome Carnival Winners' Parade
  • Transportation, guides and entrance fees: Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain Statue of Christ, Maracana Football Stadium, Paraty city tour, Jeep tour Waterfalls & Cachaça destillery
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully Financially Protected

What's extra:

  • Insurance click here

Itinerary

  • Overnight flight from the UK
  • Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Carnival Winners' Parade
  • Day at leisure in Rio de Janeiro
  • Rio de Janeiro - Paraty
  • Paraty
  • Paraty
  • Paraty - Iguazú Falls via Rio de Janeiro
  • Iguazú Falls Brazil NP
  • Iguazú Falls Argentina NP
  • Departure Day
  • Arrival back into the UK

What you'll be doing

Day One: Overnight flight from the UK

Day One: Overnight flight from the UK

Today, we depart the UK and head to Brazil on an overnight flight.
Day Two: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro

Day Two: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro

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.
  • Dinner Included
  • Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana
*There is a possibility to book optional early check in (subject to availability) fee: GBP 178.00
Day Three: Journey to Sugarloaf Mountain

Day Three: Journey to Sugarloaf Mountain

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?

Sugarloaf is powerfully positioned at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, where Rio’s Marina is located. It is a group of two mountains, with one called Urca Mountain and the other called Sugarloaf. The original cable cars were inaugurated in 1912. In 1972, the construction of a new aerial path was concluded within new standards and using modern technology. During the day, our local guide will introduce us to a taste of the cultural, historical and lifestyle aspects of Rio de Janeiro. This evening, we transfer to Belmont Leme Restaurant, located in the Leme Area for dinner - a three-course Brazilian menu (drinks not included).
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
  • Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana
Day Four: Christ The Redeemer & Maracana Football Stadium

Day Four: Christ The Redeemer & Maracana Football Stadium

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. 

We then transfer to Maracana Football Stadium, to include a visit inside. Getting to know the backstage of Maracanã and, of course, getting close to the sacred lawn of the stage for the finals of two World Cups and an edition of the Olympic Games is once again possible. Those who go to the stadium can visit the historical collection, the mixed zone, one of the locker rooms, the players’ warm-up room and the press conference area. In the locker room, a video with historic football moments serves as a warm-up for the highest point of the day - entering the pitch. In addition to the lawn, in the historic collection area, visitors will also be able to see items related to players who marked their names in the history of the stadium, such as Pelé, Garrincha and Zico. On display are, among other items, a Brazil number 7 shirt worn by Mané in the 1962 World Cup and the ball and net from the game of the thousandth goal of the King of football (Vasco x Santos, in 1969). We will have lunch at Carretão Ipanema serving traditional Brazilian bbq & buffet (no drinks included). This is an opportunity to taste the true Brazilian barbeque service with premium cuts continuously served on the table. Buffet service with side dishes and salads are also available.
  • Breakfast & Lunch Included
  • Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana
Day Five: Carnival Winners' Parade

Day Five: Carnival Winners' Parade

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).

We will start our evening with dinner at Assador Rio´s Premium Barbeque Restaurant (water, soft drinks included) before we head to the Sambadrome, where Carnival magic takes over. The Sambadrome is the setting to the greatest show on earth. The Winner´s Parade hosts the top 6 samba schools that score the highest during the Carnival parade and earn the coveted honour of marching again the following weekend. Our seats will be located in the Grand Stand.
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
  • Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana
Day Six: Day at Leisure - Rio de Janeiro

Day Six: Day at Leisure - Rio de Janeiro

After our fabulous evening, we enjoy a full day at leisure in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Breakfast Included
  • Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana

Day Seven: A scenic drive to Paraty

Day Seven: A scenic drive to Paraty

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).

During the afternoon, we take the historical city walking tour (2 hours). Paraty was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognized for its natural and cultural wealth, which also earned it the title of Creative City of Gastronomy. The City Tour is a pleasant walk, accompanied by an expert guide who will take the participants on a journey through time. We visit beautiful art workshops, churches, and mansions in the city. With irregular sidewalks, thick decorated walls, colonial townhouses with iron balconies and symbols of Masonic culture, these represent the essence of the historic centre of Paraty. At the end of our walk, there is a stop to taste cachaça and spirits at the local Cachaçarias. We have an evening at leisure which gives us the chance to enjoy the historical city on our own and maybe dinner at one of the local charming restaurants located in the historic centre of Paraty.
  • Breakfast & Lunch Included
  • Hotel Pousada Condessa
Day Eight: Boat Tour through Paraty Bay & Cotia Island

Day Eight: Boat Tour through Paraty Bay & Cotia Island

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.

In the evening, we have a dinner at Galeria do Engenho (fixed menu).
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
  • Hotel Pousada Condessa
Day Nine: Paraty

Day Nine: Paraty

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.

  • Breakfast & Lunch Included
  • Hotel Pousada Condessa

Day Ten: Paraty - Iguazu Falls via Rio de Janeiro

Day Ten: Paraty - Iguazu Falls via Rio de Janeiro

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)

  • Breakfast & Dinner Included
  • JL Hotel by Bourbon

Day Eleven: Iguazu Falls

Day Eleven: Iguazu Falls

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)

  • Breakfast & Dinner Included
  • JL Hotel by Bourbon

Day Twelve: Iguazu Falls

Day Twelve: Iguazu Falls

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.

This evening is our farewell dinner and show at Rafain Restaurant (beverages not included), the best cuisine and entertainment in Iguazu Falls. The restaurant offers a wide variety of salads, typical Brazilian dishes, samples of oriental, Arabic and Italian cuisine, seafood, a dessert buffet and a barbecue with more than 15 types of meat. The Latin American show takes us on a journey through the culture and folklore of nine Latin American countries. It is the only show in the world that includes the largest number of Brazilian dances performed at a dinner with a concert!
  • Breakfast & Dinner Included
  • JL Hotel by Bourbon
Day Thirteen: Departure Day

Day Thirteen: Departure Day

After breakfast, we will get ready to head to the Iguazú Falls Airport for our flight back to the UK.

  • Breakfast Included

Day Fourteen: Arrive back into the UK

Day Fourteen: Arrive back into the UK

We arrive back into the UK after a connecting flight from Iguazu, Brazil via Sao Paulo.

Accommodation

Brazil

We stay in comfortable hotels throughout as detailed below (or similar);
  • Three-star Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana - 5 Nights
  • Three-star Pousada Condessa  - 3 Nights
  • Four-star JL Hotel by Bourbon -3 Nights

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info Regional flights
4 Mar 2025 16 Mar 2025 11 £5495.00 Full Please call for regional flights

Frequently asked questions

Transfer Time
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
Important Information
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.
Currency
The Brazilian real is the official currency of Brazil. It is subdivided into 100 centavos
Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements
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
Health Requirements
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. Please remember to pack any prescribed medication, as they can often be expensive and may not be readily available.
 
You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Brazil
Dress Code
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:
  • Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking on several trails, so it’s crucial to bring comfortable shoes. Closed-toe athletic or hiking shoes are recommended.
  • Sunscreen: The area around Iguazu Falls is located in the north of Argentina (south of Brazil), and the sun can be intense during the summer. Carry your sunscreen with you to protect your skin.
  • Hat: Don’t forget to pack a hat to protect your head from the sun.
  • Insect Repellant: As a subtropical jungle area, Iguazu Falls has many mosquitoes and insects. Prevent mosquito bites with insect repellent.
  • Clothing: Light clothing or a bathing suit is recommended as you will get wet. Depending on the weather and the season, it’s a good idea to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect against sunburn and mosquito bites. It’s also a good idea to bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket.
  • Towel and Waterproof Bag: The area around the falls is wet, so don’t forget to pack a towel and a change of clothes. Carry a waterproof bag to protect your camera, lens, passport, and other items from getting wet, especially if you’re taking any of the boat navigations available in the area. Realize that no matter what, you are going to get soaked. And it’s fantastic!
  • Sunglasses: Sunglasses are important to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays during summer.
  • Passport: when you travel to Argentinian side.
More to Explore
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
Gratuities
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.

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