Days 1 - 4: Rio de Janeiro
Brazilians say that God created the world in six days, the seventh he dedicated to Rio. The 'Cidade Maravilhosa' or 'City of God' is certainly one of the world's most beautiful with its forested mountains and sparkling beaches, it is the epitome of all that Brazil is celebrated for.

Your first day will be spent getting used to the pace of life in Brazil.  You'll take a sunset walk along Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, enjoy a 'caipirinha' and watch the beautiful people of Rio do their thing. The next few days are spent visiting the city's finest sights - from forested 'Corcovado', where you'll stand at the feet of Christ the Redeemer, to a cable car ride up Sugar Loaf mountain. You'll watch a football match at Brazil's national stadium - the world famous Maracana, and take a tram to the picturesque and bohemian district of Santa Theresa. You'll also visit the Mangueira Social Project, one of QUEST's project sites helping the disadvantaged kids in one of Rio's favelas. This incredibly successful project was set up by the ex-Brazilian minister for sport and has been running for 12 years as a centre offering sports, schooling and care for the local community. This is a unique opportunity to experience the many sides of vibrant Rio - you'll see it all.

A visit to Rio would not be complete without dancing some samba and forro in the buzzing nightclubs and street bars of Lapa.  You'll end your time in Rio on a high with a tandem hang gliding flight from Pedra Bonita, an exhilarating blend of adrenaline and tranquility as you soar over the tropical beaches and tiny islands that are dotted along the sparkling coastline.

Days 5 - 7: Jericoacoara
A flight to Fortaleza and a 4x4 ride along the beaches brings you to the remote paradise of Jericoacoara. An Environmental Protection Area, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with sand dunes and beaches, rolling green hills and a laid back atmosphere. The village has become popular with travellers and locals alike, making for a low key but friendly atmosphere. You will spend a couple of days exploring the village, horse riding along the cliffs and relaxing on the endless beaches. You'll see a display of 'capoeira' - the Brazilian dance-like martial art. There is an option to take windsurfing or kitesurfing lessons.

Days 8 - 11: Parnaiba and Lencois Maranheses
One of the most stunning places on earth, the National Park of Lencois Maranheses resembles a desert with a difference. Its dunes reach up to 40 metres high and are interspersed with beautiful green and blue lagoons ideal for swimming. Tiny communities of fisherman live in harmony with their surroundings.  Local guides will lead you to fertile oases and lazy rivers, waterfalls and deserted beaches. This is a unique experience, the communities we visit have little contact with the outside world and we are able to stay with them, due to a trusted. Staying with local communities helps to provide a valuable income to the people of the National Park.
You will also spend several days around the area of Parnaiba and Lencois Maranheses where you will take a flight over the park, watch breath taking sunsets, go river tubing and horse riding.

Days 12 - 14: São Luis and The Bumba-Boi Carnival
São Luis boasts stunningly beautiful architecture and a very lively carnival. Although founded by the French, the city shows little evidence of that except for the names of a few streets and monuments - such as the beautiful La Ravardiere Palace, and a refined touch in its cuisine. The main features of the city have been inherited from the Portuguese and in 1997 São Luis was granted the title of Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

You'll enjoy a tour of the cities key sights, visit local markets and dance to an eclectic mix of musical styles, from creole drums and percussion to reggae and sexy samba whilst watching the folkloric parades. The Bumba-Boi parade itself is a comic-dramatic dance which tells the story of the death and resurrection of an ox. It is a musical parade of human and animal characters mixed with fantastic creatures from indigenous Brazilian mythology.

It is an incredible musical and theatrical experience, a religious procession, a tribal ritual, a giant puppet show, a fairy tale of powerful villlans and brave heroes and a folk art presentation all at once. What a way to finish your Escape!

Next Departure Dates
Please contact us for departure dates