Note: All prices are approximate and subject to change.

RIO DE JANEIRO - TOUR PACKAGES

Rio de Janeiro:

With the inauguration of Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro ceased to be Brazil's capital.  Even today, discussion is rife concerning whether Rio was improved or hurt by the transfer of the government.  In any event, this second largest city in Brazil is still a major cultural capital,       and to some extent. its 'emotional' capital as well.

Rio de Janeiro has a majestic beauty, with built-up areas nestled between a magnificent bay and dazzling beaches on one side and an abruptly rising mountain range, covered by a luxuriant tropical forest, on the other.

This unique landscape makes Rio one of the most beautiful cities in the world, justifying its title of 'Marvelous City' (Cidade Maravilhosa).  Rio's cultural life is intense and varied,.  Economically it is a service industry centre, a key financial centre, and the producer of foodstuffs, building materials, electrical equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and textiles. 

But it is in the pursuit of leisure that Rio is outstanding.  With its world famous beaches free to all (such as Copacabana and Ipanema), its splendid bay, one of the loveliest in the world, and its wonderful climate, a blend of summer and springtime, Rio de Janeiro is a city that lives in and for the sun.

TOURS

  • Tijuca Forest - Rio de Janeiro

Nobody has ever questioned that Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's most beautiful cities.  A beauty that comes from it's natural tropical development which dramatically brings together the mountains and sea.  It was no accident that Rio was chosen as the site for the Earth Summit in 1992, a period when Rio established it's claim to be the world's capital of ecology.

The National Park of Tijuca (the world's largest urban extension of tropical forest), protects more than 3,200 hectares of forest that make up part of Brazil's famous reserves of Atlantic rainforest.  A reforestation project was needed after the Portuguese, who colonized Rio, cut down the original forest for sugar cane and coffee plantations.  It's reforestation was pioneered by Major Manuel Gomes in 1861 using   mainly native species.  Founded in 1961, the vegetation of the park is dense pluvial forest.  Lenten flowers, alleluia arcos-de-pipa, óleo-pardo, sibipiruna, ipês-amarelo, the trumpet tree, jacaranda, jequitibá, cedar and tatajuva are all found in abundance in the park along with more exotic species such as eucalyptus, the jack tree and bread fruit.

The visitors with a good eye will see numerous species of fauna which include the 'macaco-prego' monkey, the golden tamerin monkey,statred marmoset, quati, and cutia as well as bird life such as humming birds, tangarás-verdadeiros, thrushes, rich-parakeets, parrots, juruvas, tinamon and jaú.  We offer tours through the park in open topped jeeps, with biology graduate guides, who will explain about the ecosystem, glora and fauna of the 'Mata Atlantica' (the Atlantic forest).

  • 3 Days / 2 Nights prices start at US$ 164.00
  • Includes transportation in / out - Tijuca Forest Tour
  • Hospitality with breakfast

  • OPEN JEEP TOURS

Jeep tours exist in order to show the visiting tourist the exoticism (cultural and natural) of the most beautiful City in the World.  Open jeep tours give the tourist a better view of the contrast between the ocean and the forest and between the luxurious condominiums and the favelas (ghettos) of Rio.

With the help of an ecological guide, the tourist will learn about the ecosystem of the Mata Atlantica and the flora, fauna that grows within.

Code

OPEN JEEP TOURS

DURATION

NET p/PAX

1 JT Forest of Tijuca 4 hrs US$ 40
2 JT Favela of Rocinha 2.5 hrs US$ 27
3 JT Tijuca Forest + Favela 5 hrs US$ 60
4 JT Corcovado + Tijuca Forest 5 hrs US$ 63
5 JT Corcovado + Sta. Teresa 3 hrs US$ 35
6 JT Macumba (Mon. & Wed.) (Pickup 16:00 hrs from hotel) 4 hrs US$ 40
7 JT Beach Circuit  (Grumari) 5 hrs US$ 48
8 JT Sugarloaf + Corcovado    (Ticket SL not included) 4 hrs US$ 60
9 JT Corcovado + Tijuca Forest + Sugarloaf 8 hrs US$ 85
  • NOTE: Minimum of 5 PAXS & maximum of 60 PAXS (reserved in advance) - operations with less than 5 PAXS will result in an increase of US$ 5 p/PAX.
  • Departures daily:  Mornings at 09:00 hrs (9 am) - Afternoons at 14:00 hrs (2 pm).
  • JEEP TOURS (descriptions)

1 JT: Pickup at hotel, enter into Tijuca Forest, stop at "Cachoeira dos Macacos" - (monkey's waterfall), stop at "Vista Chinese - (Chinese View) - (explanation of the Mata Atlantica), stop at "Mesa do Imperador" - (emperors table), stop at "Cascatinha" - (taunay waterfall), "Mayrinks Capela" - (chapel Mayrink), light trek (approx. 1 hr) with explanation of the Ecosystem and the importance of the Mata Atlantica and also a chance of a refreshing natural shower, return journey via "Açude da Solidão" - (Loneliness Dam) to São Conrado.  Drop off at hotel.

2 JT: Pickup at hotel, open jeep tour through the biggest favela in South America, with approx. 160,000 inhabitants.  This tour gives an insight to the social contrasts of Rio.  You will see the sports centre, child nursery, local associations and other interesting places in the local community.  On the return journey there is a stop at pepino beach - São Conrado.  (If any tourists wish to make a donation to the community we suggest food, books, pens, pencils or other school goods.  These schools are entirely supported by the local entity.)

3 JT: Same as 2 JT + 2 JT.

4 JT: Same as 1 JT with added attraction of visiting the famous statue of Crist the Redeemer on Corcovado mountain.

5 JT: Pickup at hotel, this tour visits the Corcovado mountain (Christ the redeemer statue) and also visits the old colonial district of Santa Teresa, which is nowadays inhabited mainly by artists, painters and writers.

6 JT: Macumba - Pickup from hotel, this tour gives an insight to the strong African influence in Brazilian society, due to the journey to the religious centre.  The guide will give an explanation of the Macumba (African spiritual religion mixed with elements of Catholicism) ceremony.  Uppon arrival we take our seats to assist in the ceremony. where we will see mediums receiving their spiritual guides.  For those that desire, the spiritual guides will give consultations and advise.

7 JT: Pickup at hotel, this tour gives a wonderful close up view of the magnificent beaches of Copacabano, Ipanema, Leblon, São Conrado, Barra da Tijuca, Recreio, and Grumari.

8 JT: Pickup from hotel, visit Sugarloaf mountain "Pão de Açucar" (tickets not included), where you can board the first cable car, which takes you up to the top of Urca hill, then board the second cable car which takes you to the top of Sugarloaf, where you can enjoy the amazing view of the Bay of Guanabara and South Rio.

9 JT: Pickup from hotel, this tour visits the Sugarloaf mountain, Corcorado mountain and the Tijuca forest.

  • TRADITIONAL CULTURAL / LEISURE TOURS - (prices in US$) - Prices quoted are 'bus tours'. Private tours (with bilingual guide) for 1 to 5 passengers is available on request.

Code TOUR    / Num. of PAX 01 02 03-04 05-10 11-24 25 +
TT 1 * City Tour 40 / 85 40 / 85 40 / 85 40 / 85 ASK ASK
TT 2 * Jardim Botânico 24 24 24 24 ASK ASK
TT 3 Beaches Tour 62 88 70 62 60 49
TT 4 * Samba Show (only) 60 60 60 60 60 60
TT 5 * Samba Show (w / BBQ) 72 72 72 72 72 72
TT 6 * Boat Tour / Islands - Angra dos Reis 66 / 55 66 / 55 66 / 55 66 / 55 66 / 55 66 / 55
TT 7 * Tour Imperial Petrópolis 30 30 30 30 30 30
TT 8 * Samba Mangueira (Night time w/ BBQ) ASK ASK ASK ASK ASK ASK
TT 9 * Maracanã (w / tickets for normal match games) ASK ASK ASK ASK ASK ASK

ASK = ON REQUEST ONLY!

* PRICES UPDATED October 23, 2000

TT 1 - City Tour - Sugar Loaf W / City Tour - 4hrs (daily) or Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer Statue - 4hrs (daily). One day in rio w / Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, city tour, Lunch - 8hrs - Daily - $ 85.00 Same Tour w / TRF in + out (private) US$ 135.00

TT 2 - Botanical Garden - 4hrs - Mon and Thu - This ancient Royal Garden was created in 1808.  The Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro is also a Botanical Research Center.  It is possible to find about 6,200 different species of plants (some of them almost extinct) from all over the world.  Situated on the grounds is the Botanical Museum, which attracts scientists and tourists from all over the world.

TT 4 - Samba Show (Only Show) or TT 5 - (which includes show and Brazilian BBQ) - Pickup from the hotel to see the most famous Samba Show (samba & carnival show) of Rio de Janeiro at Plataforma 1, which gives a brief insight into the customs and culture of Brazil.

TT 6 - Tropical Islands - Angras dos Reis (to the west) - Pickup at hotel in the morning when we board a comfortable bus for a journey to Angra.  We then board a schooner (with music, bar, and tiolet), which takes us on a marvellous tour round the coastline tropical islands.  The schooner will make stops for you to enjoy a dive or swim, in the calm bay water.  There will also be a stop at the Angra Yacht Club for lunch. 10 hours + 4 hours ..... for Islands only schooner tour - 10 hours. Búzios (to the east) w / schooner tour and lunch - 10hrs - Friday.

TT 7 - Petrópolis - Departure in the morning, we take a route up through the mountains of Serra Fluminense arriving in The Imperial City of Petrópolis, chosen by D. Pedro I because of its outstanding natural beauty to be the site of his Summer Palace.  He purchased the land for the palace, but returned to Europe a year later, so it was left to D. Pedro II to finish. Imperial City of Petropolis - 4hrs - Tue, Thu and Sat

TT 8 - Samba School of Mangueira - (this tour operates between Jan. and Feb. only) - Night pickup from hotel and transport to the suburb São Cristovão where the school of samba of Mangueira is situated (recently visited by Bill Clinton).   Once inside the samba school, you will hear the chosen samba song, for the Carnaval parade for 99 and also see the fantasy clothes the school will use.  This is a tour that really gives the visiting tourist the rich cultural customs of Carnaval.

TT 9 - Soccer / Football (The Maracanã Stadium) - Football is more than a national passion, it's a way of life.  We will visit the sworlds biggest football stadium "The Maracanã".  During match days the stadium is a temple of emotions, vibtating with samba bands and swaying crowds. By request only!

RIO DE JANEIRO - NATURE TOURS / CLIMBING / SPORTS TOURS *

TOURS

VALID 12/98

LEVEL

PRICE P/PAX

Hiking Costão do Pão de Açucar Sugarloaf Medium / Heavy 5 hrs US$ 27.00
  Parque Laje Corcovado Heavy 5 hrs US$ 34.00
  Horto Paineiras Heavy 5 hrs US$ 34.00
  Waterfall of Primata Light 3 hrs US$ 14.00
  Waterfall of Horto Light 2 hrs US$ 14.00
  Pedra da Gávea Heavy 8 hrs US$ 41.00
  Bico do Papagaio Medium / Heavy 5 hrs US$ 34.00
  Pico da Tijuca + Tijuca Mirim Medium / Heavy 5 hrs US$ 34.00
  Mesa do Imperador Paineiras Medium 5hrs US$ 21.00
  Açude do Camorim Medium 6 hrs US$ 34.00
Climb Agulhinha da Gávea  3o/4o e 5o/6o - afternoon   US$ 68.00
  Corcovado - Via K 2  4o/5o - 4 to 6 hrs   US$ 68.00
  Complexo da Urca via dos Italianos  2o à 5o - 6 hrs   US$ 68.00
  Complexo da Urca via Lagartão  7 A - 5 hrs   US$ 95.00
Parachute from Gavea mountain Light US$ 88.00
  from Gavea mountain (with photo) Light US$ 110.00
Hang Gliding   Light US$ 88.00
  (with photo) Light US$ 105.00
Surf Beach of Barra sa Tijuca Light / Medium Consult

For more information on the above hikes and climbs please consult. These prices have all changed. We are posting the old price only for an example!

  • EVENTS

7 DAY Whale-watching Tour  (JUNE to NOVEMBER) - Abrolhos National Marine Park comes to life with the arrival of the Hunchback whales "Jubarte" (MAY to OCTOBER) Southern Right whales arrive from their annual journey from Antarctica to the coastline of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina to feed and rear their calves.

NOTE: Any of you out there who wish to support the project "Baleia Franca" (Southern Right whale).  This project, sponsored by WWI is in need of paying volunteers urgently.  Please email for further information.  Capt. Don Reid

 

August 16, 2006