
An ecotourist itinerary in Brazil, to discover the hidden treasures of the Brazilian Nordeste
This is both an economic and comfortable journey suitable for everybody provided
you are fond of Nature. We visit:
- Rio de Janeiro, nestled between mountains and sea and an endless parade of attractions.
- Salvador De Bahia, a colonial gem of Brazil
- The "Chapada Diamantina" (Diamond Highlands), a continuation of the
"Espinhago" Mountain Range in the state of "Bahia". Located 400 kilometres to
the west of "Salvador", these highlands are an immense oasis with flowered hills,
luxuriant valleys and perennial river amid the barrenness of the backlands.
Visitors who climb the lush slopes feel as if they are in a make-believe
world: 84.000 square kilometres peppered with crystal-clear waterfalls,
gorges, caves, dens and rocky hills.
- The "Morro de Sao Paulo", an idyllic fishing village situated on the
headland of the northernmost tip of an island, lush with ferns, palm trees, beautiful beaches and
birds of paradise, overlooked by the lighthouse and ruins of a colonial
fortification. This is the ideal spot to enjoy the beach at the end of your Brazilian holidays.
DAY 1:
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro Airport and transfer to your hotel ideally located
on the beach front of Copacabana Beach. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Debret hotel (3*)
DAY 2:
Half day excursion by cable car to the Sugar Loaf, on top
of which we enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro.
Overnight in Debret hotel (3*)
(B).
DAY 3:
Half day 4wd tour to Tijuaca Forest, the world's largest urban forest, and one
of the richest stretches of Atlantic coastline
trimmed with famous beaches, such as
Copacabana and Ipanema.
Overnight in Debret hotel (3*) (B).
DAY 4:
Transfer to the airport and flight to Salvador De Bahia, one of the most picturesque colonial city
of Brazil, which folklore is still rich in old African Traditions. Half day tour of Pelourinho, the historic
centre of Salvador. Overnight in Paraguacu hotel (3*)
(B).
DAY 5:
Pick up at your hotel and transfer to
the bus-station for the 7-hour ride to Lencois by local bus.
Upon arrival, the visitor walks to Pousada Canto das Aguas, a guestouse where we
spend the 3 following nights. In its heyday, "Lencois" was of great importance to the
European jewel trade, a busy town where French was spoken. Today
"Lencois" still retains its rich architecture and a distinctive
regional culture.(B)
DAY 6:
Full day to trek in Lencois and the surrounding area. Walking along the
riverbeds of the Grizante and the Lencois the visitor discover the
spring waterfall and admire the coloured sand. Returning to the city
via Serrano, to take a delicious natural massage bath. (B).
DAY 7:
The cave region is situated about 75 km from Lencois. The day starts at
the cave of Lapa Doce, with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. We continue
with the Silver Cave where we swim in an underground river with crystal clear water.
The break of sunbeams at the Blue Cave provides a spectrum of colours,
a unique natural phenomenon. In the afternoon, we climb the Morro de
Pai lnacio, and enjoy a spectacular view over the Chapada.(B)
DAY 8:
At 08h:30 am the bus leaves Lencois for the 7-hour ride back to Salvador.
Pick-up at the bus-station and transfer to the hotel. (B)
DAY 9:
Pick up at your hotel and transport to Valenca, a city
located 265 km South of Salvador. We board a ferryboat to
the Morro do Sao Paulo. Upon arrival, the visitor walks to their
guestouse where we spend the 4 following nights. Overnight in a small but comfortable
guesthouse.(B)
DAYS 10-12:
Full days to enjoy the beauty of this tropical Island
and its great Brazilian atmosphere.
During the Brazilian high season,
December to February and the month of July, "Morro de Sao Paulo"
has a dynamic nightlife.
DAY 13:
Return by boat to Valenca. Pick up at the harbour and drive back to
Salvador. Overnight in Paraguacu hotel (3*)
DAY 14:
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Rio de Janeiro.
Overnight in Debret hotel (3*). (B)
DAY 15:
Transfer to the airport in due time. (B)
Rated: Easy. The journey in the Diamond Highlands involves
a few gentle hikes in the wild.
Each departure leaves with a minimum of 2 passengers.
Hotels specified in this program are only given as an indication.
Depending on availability at the time of booking, they may be replaced by equivalent ones.
Fixed Departure dates
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Tour Tariff
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Per person
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SGL Supp.
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USD
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$ 1405
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$ 417
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EUR
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€ 1166
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€ 346
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GBP
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£ 787
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£233
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(*)
Price last updated on 16 April 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please
always check by sending us a
quotation request .
(**) 2 participants minimum
Included: Transfers, transport to Lencois by local bus, private transfer to Valenca,
accommodation in double room with private bathroom in specified hotels in Rio and Salvador,
in simple guesthouses in Lencois and Morro de Sao Paulo, specified meals,
shared excursions with English speaking guides
Not included: other meals, tips, drinks, boat ticket from Valenca to
Morro de Sao Paulo to be paid on board (a few dollars), tourist tax (a few dollars), domestic flights