BRAZIL
LGBTQ holidays to the rhythm of samba and caipirinha
Brazil is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world, and of course, also among LGBTQ tourists. A country made up of a melting pot of cultures and full of world-famous references such as carnival, samba, bossa nova, beaches, nature and iconic cities. A destination like this is a must for The Queer Travel. In this trip we offer you two itineraries, depending on your availability, in which you will visit some of the most important places such as Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls or Salvador de Bahia, and you can even end up in the paradise of Morro de Sao Paulo.
Itineraries
We propose two alternative itineraries, depending on the time you have available and your willingness to travel. The first consists of Rio de Janeiro and Paraty, a beautiful colonial city very close to Rio de Janeiro. The second will take you to the incredible Iguassu Falls, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador de Bahia. Of course, if you want to finish on a high note, you have to finish in Morro de Sao Paulo.
Day 1 / Origin – Rio de Janeiro
Its nickname as the Marvelous City is fully deserved. Its steep hills facing the sea, its long white sandy beaches and the imposing Christ the Redeemer on top of the Corcovado Mountain make it not only marvellous but also unique in the world.
On arrival, meet your guide at the airport and private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free and the first night in Rio should be a memorable one – let’s go for it!
Day 2 / Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast, we meet our guide and start the experience with a visit to the Corcovado Hill in the Tijuca National Park: a 20-minute drive takes us to the base of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, passing through the Tijuca forest. From the top, we can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding landscapes. This impressive statue stands 710 metres high and is Brazil’s main monument. It was inaugurated in 1931 and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
On the way down we head to Santa Teresa, one of Rio’s oldest and most charming neighbourhoods. We will stroll through its cobblestone streets amidst the interesting architecture of the neighbourhood. Enjoy sweeping views of the city, climb the Selarón staircase, explore the Chácara do Céu Museum (entrance fee not included) or the Park of Ruins.
After lunch, it’s time to explore some of the world’s most famous beaches, Copacabana and Ipanema, whose black-and-white, undulating promenades are world-renowned. But if you’re looking for a small, quiet and easily accessible beach, Vermelha Beach, at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain, is the one for you.
You can’t miss Ipanema’s Posto 8, the LGBTI community’s hot spot for making friends and meeting people. A relaxed stretch of sand, bordered by rainbow flags, where you can find everything from national TV stars to families with children or groups of friends. The place was immortalised by Mario Testino in photos that travelled the world and made Praia da Farme one of the most frequented sections also by tourists. After the beach, the meeting place is Rua Farme de Amoedo, the epicentre of Ipanema’s gay neighbourhood, with bars and nightclubs where you can have a good time.
Visit Sugarloaf Mountain: located in the Urca neighbourhood, it is another of Rio’s world icons. At 396 metres high, from its summit you have a privileged view of the Guanabara Bay. Take the cable car up and visit the Urca Hill station before continuing your journey to the top of Sugarloaf Hill. At the top, you’ll enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro.
After dinner, the day ends with a tour of the LGBTQ bars of Lapa with our guide.
Day 3 / Rio de Janeiro
Free day to continue enjoying all that Rio has to offer. You can relax on the beaches, visit one of the city’s many museums or the famous Botanical Gardens.
Did you know that Rio de Janeiro was voted the best gay destination in the world? All thanks to the countless gay-friendly attractions in the city, including beautiful beaches, trendy bars, clubs and parties, as well as the country’s first LGBTQ Pride Parade.
In the evening, tour with our guide through the LGBTQ bars of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Day 4 / Rio de Janeiro – Paraty
After breakfast, departure to Paraty and transfer to the hotel. The transfer will take about 4 to 5 hours.
Paraty is one of the oldest colonial towns in Brazil, nestled in a small bay with paradisiacal beaches located 250 kilometres west of Rio de Janeiro. The region where today’s Paraty is located was first settled by the Tamoios Indians, who had their first contacts and clashes with the Portuguese in the middle of the 16th century, when they began to settle in the area during expeditions to the interior in search of gold.
Take advantage of the afternoon at leisure to visit the city centre, considered a National Heritage Site due to the importance of its architectural ensemble. Along its cobblestone streets, where cars are not allowed, stand churches and colonial mansions, most of them painted white and very well maintained. A leisurely stroll through the centre can’t help but give you the feeling that you’ve stepped back several centuries. A curiosity is that on many of the walls of these old colonial houses you can find mysterious masonic symbols, another of Paraty’s hallmarks.
Day 5 / Paraty
After breakfast we start our day with a boat trip departing from the “cais” of Paraty (regular service, without guide). Embark on this traditional boat trip around the bay of Paraty, visiting two beaches and two paradisiacal islands. The boat stops for 40 minutes at each of them for swimming and snorkelling. For those who wish, floats for diving and snorkelling masks are available for hire. If you wish to admire the scenery without going into the sea, we have a support boat available to transport passengers to the beach. Buffet lunch included during the tour and rest of the day at leisure.
Day 6 / Paraty – Rio de Janeiro – Home
The holiday is coming to an end and we hope you had a great time. At the appointed time, you will be transferred to Rio de Janeiro airport for your return flight.
Day 1 / Origin – Foz do Iguaçu
Ready to enjoy so many wonders? Arrival in Foz do Iguaçu, meeting at the airport with your guide and private transfer to your hotel.
The Iguassu Falls are one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. They are located on the border between Argentina and Brazil and are a spectacle of nature. On the Argentinian side you will be able to see the waterfalls from up close, while on the Brazilian side you will enjoy a full view of them. Visiting the Iguazu Falls is an immersive nature experience with forest trails and the imminent proximity of the immensity of the Iguazu River Falls.
Day 2 / Foz do Iguaçu
After breakfast, excursion to the Brazilian side of Iguazu to discover the national park and the falls. We walk along a 950m trail with a panoramic view of the entire crescent of 275 waterfalls, some up to 100m high, confirming this unique natural attraction. The trail is on foot and has open spaces for observation of the falls at various points. At the end of the trail, there is an observation walkway that completes the walk, reaching the point known as the “Garganta del Diablo” (Devil’s Throat). After lunch, rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3 / Foz do Iguaçu
Breakfast and departure from the hotel to Puerto Iguazu, crossing the Tancredo Neves Bridge. Entrance to the Iguazu National Park, where you will walk along several circuits on footbridges located at the foot of the falls. It is a unique experience to be and feel an integral part of the natural environment, seeing and feeling the magnitude of the falls up close.
On this side there are several paths. The upper walk has an 800-metre route of elevated walkways that allow you to see the waterfalls from the top: the Dos Hermanas, Bosetti, Bernabé Méndez or M’Bigua falls, among others, essential places on this part of the visit. The lower walk, which takes approximately two hours, allows you to contemplate the waterfalls from the foot of the falls. The most important part of this tour is the visit to the Peñón de la Bella Vista, from where you have the best views of the famous Garganta del Diablo and the Iguazú River Canyon.
The Devil’s Throat is the most important and most beautiful waterfall in the National Park. This walk will take you approximately two hours. We recommend that you take your time to enjoy the most spectacular waterfalls of the Falls. Free lunch during the walk. In the evening, dinner-show at Churrascaria Rafain, a show of flavours and cultures.
Note: passport is required to cross the border.
Day 4 / Foz do Iguaçu – Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast at the hotel, at the indicated time, you will be transferred to Foz do Iguaçu airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Its nickname of Wonderful City is fully deserved. Its steep hills facing the sea, its long white sandy beaches and the imposing Christ the Redeemer on top of the Corcovado Mountain make it not only marvellous but also unique in the world.
On arrival, meet your guide at the airport and private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure and the first night in Rio should be a memorable one – let’s go for it!
Day 5 / Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast and meeting with our guide to start the experience with a visit to Corcovado Hill, in the Tijuca National Park: a 20-minute drive takes us to the base of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, passing through the Tijuca forest. From the top, we can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding countryside. This impressive statue stands 710 metres high and is Brazil’s main monument. It was inaugurated in 1931 and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
On the way down, tour one of Rio’s oldest neighbourhoods, Santa Teresa. Stroll along the cobblestone streets amidst the interesting architecture of the neighbourhood. Admire the sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro, climb the Selarón staircase, visit the Chácara do Céu Museum (entrance fee not included) and the Park of Ruins. One of the most interesting neighbourhoods to visit in Rio, it is located high up in the hills, providing a picturesque view of the city. Few places in Rio have retained the colonial appeal that this neighbourhood has. Santa Teresa still retains many historic buildings and huge, luxurious mansions.
After lunch, stroll along the historic Rio, where you will explore all the highlights of the city. Visit a lot of sights such as the Arcos da Lapa, the Colombo Confectionery, the new Olympic Boulevard and much more. You will learn about the history and culture of the city as you stroll through the streets of the “marvellous city”. The centre of Rio is the financial and economic hub of the city. Many tall, modern office and financial buildings are concentrated here, sharing space with the historic buildings. In the centre we find the oldest churches, monuments, museums and important squares, restaurants and bars, and samba clubs.
After dinner, tour the LGBTI bars of Lapa with our guide. Did you know that Rio de Janeiro was voted the best gay destination in the world? All thanks to the countless gay-friendly attractions in the city, including beautiful beaches, trendy bars, clubs and parties, as well as the country’s first LGBTI Pride Parade.
Day 6 / Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast and free morning to rest, enjoy the beaches or continue discovering the city. In the afternoon, we start our sightseeing with our guide by taking a tour of some of Rio’s famous beaches. There is something for everyone, the most famous being Ipanema and Copacabana, whose promenades, with their undulating black and white form, are world famous. But in addition to these two beaches, there are others to suit all tastes. If you’re looking for a small, quiet and easily accessible beach, Vermelha beach, at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain, is the one for you. Leme beach is perfect for bodysurfing, or to watch others bodysurfing from the fishermen’s promenade.
You can’t miss Ipanema’s posto 8, the LGBTI community’s hot spot for making friends and meeting people. A relaxed stretch of sand, bordered by rainbow flags, where you can find everything from national TV stars to families with children or groups of friends. The place was immortalised by Mario Testino in photos that travelled the world and made Praia da Farme one of the most frequented sections also by tourists. After the beach, the meeting place is Rua Farme de Amoedo, the epicentre of Ipanema’s gay neighbourhood, with bars and nightclubs where you can have a good time.
Visit Sugarloaf Mountain: located in the Urca neighbourhood, it is another of Rio’s world icons. At 396 metres high, from its summit you have a privileged view of the Guanabara Bay. Take the cable car up and visit the Urca Hill station before continuing your journey to the top of Sugarloaf Hill. At the top, you’ll enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. After dinner, the day ends with a tour of the LGTBI bars of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Day 7 / Rio de Janeiro
Free day to continue enjoying all that Rio has to offer. You can relax on the beaches, visit one of the city’s many museums or the famous Botanical Gardens.
Day 8 / Rio de Janeiro – Salvador de Bahia
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Salvador de Bahia. On arrival, meeting with the guide and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
The city of Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of colonial Brazil and is still a very important city in Brazil today. This beautiful city is known as the capital of African Brazil, where most of the population is black. Pelourinho, the old part of the city, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is perhaps the most picturesque neighbourhood you can see in the whole country. Throughout the historic centre you will see beautiful colonial buildings as you walk along the cobblestone streets.
Day 9 / Salvador de Bahia
Breakfast at the hotel and visit the upper part of the city to start the historical tour. On this route, we invite you to see some of the most famous postcards of Brazil. We will start with a visit to the Farol da Barra, where you will have time to appreciate all the beauty and imposing beauty of this place and take pictures. The walk continues along the Corredor da Vitória and Campo Grande, which during Carnival serve as walkways for the “electric trios”. When you reach the historic centre, the walk continues on foot. Narrow streets, slopes and many old houses will take you back in time. Squares, churches, museums and art galleries give Pelourinho a special charm. The high points are: Terreiro de Jesus, São Francisco Church, Museo da Misericordia, Casa Jorge Amado, Casa do Olodum, among other unmissable attractions. It is worthwhile to get to know and experience the joy of the Bahian people. Lunch is included during the tour.
In the afternoon, visit of the lower part of Salvador de Bahia. Panoramic tour where we will get to know unforgettable places. Stop at the most famous ice-cream parlour to enjoy the most delicious flavours of unrecognised tropical fruits. We will visit the famous church of Bonfim, a place of pilgrimage that receives the most diverse religious manifestations of the people of Bahia and where the famous “Lavage de Bonfim” festival takes place. Afterwards, we will pass by the Mercado Modelo, the biggest handicraft centre of Bahia, inside which are the two most famous restaurants of the city, Maria de São Pedro and Camafeu de Oxossi, where great names of the world culture have already passed, such as: Aldous Huxley, Orson Wells, Jean Paul Sartre and Pablo Neruda. In the evening, free dinner and tour of the most important LGTBI bars in the city.
Day 10 / Salvador de Bahia
After breakfast, it’s time for a relaxing day at sea. Boat trip in the Bay of All Saints to visit the tropical islands of Itaparica and Frades. We invite you to embark on a fantastic trip to two of the most visited islands in Todos os Santos Bay: Frades Island and Itaparica. On board of an escuna (typical boat) with animation on board, we will sail for an hour and a half until we reach the island of Frades, a paradise of calm waters and lots of green. Here you can explore the natural beauties of the island, visit the church of Nossa Sra. De Guadalupe, practice some sports on the beach or simply relax by the sea.
Once back on the island, we continue to Itaparica Island (Ponta de Areia) where it is possible to have lunch in a typical local restaurant, with a great variety of dishes of Brazilian gastronomy. After lunch there is the possibility of an optional excursion for those who want to know a little more about the historical centre of Itaparica Island and for those who just want to enjoy all the peace and quiet that the island offers, they can walk along the beach, or simply relax in the hammocks that the locals provide.
Day 11 / Salvador de Bahia – Home
We hope this trip has been unforgettable. The journey is certainly worth it. At the indicated time, transfer to Salvador airport for your return flight.
Morro de Sao Paulo Extension
If you're still hungry for more after Salvador de Bahia, the extension to Morro de Sao Paulo will be the icing on the cake of this amazing trip.
At the indicated time, transfer to Morro de São Paulo. Pick up at the hotel in Salvador and private transfer with guide to the port of Mercado Modelo (Maritime Tourist Terminal). Boarding on a regular catamaran to Morro de Sao Paulo. Your guide will help you with the boarding. Boat trip. During a little less than 2 hours, you will sail towards the south of Bahia to reach the island of Tinharé. Disembark in the small village of Morro de São Paulo.
Tinharé is an archipelago of 26 islands covered in tropical forest and surrounded by crystal clear waters. It is located south of the Bahian capital of Salvador, on the island of Tinharé which bears the same name as the archipelago. The natural beauties with beaches of calm, crystal-clear waters, white sands and dense Atlantic rainforest make for an impressive and beautiful scenery. Morro de Sao Paulo is suspended on a rock and its fine sandy streets invite you to discover it at the pace of the island, in peace and quiet.
Luggage service on arrival on the island is not included. The hotel is located on the second beach, approximately 1 km away. Lunch and dinner are free.
We’re sure you’re ecstatic to be back after these days of disconnection in Morro. We’re sorry it’s all happened so quickly, but it’s time to get back to reality.
At the appointed time, return to Salvador by regular boat (2h trip, sometimes rough seas). As we approach Salvador, we have a fantastic view of the city and its bay of All Saints from the sea. Reception at the port by the guide and private transfer to Salvador de Bahia airport to return.
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5 or 10 nights hotel accommodation and breakfast in 4* hotels, depending on the chosen itinerary.
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The above-mentioned land transfers will be carried out in private tourist transport all along the route.
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Itinerary Rio + Paraty: the above mentioned visits will take place with private multilingual local guides in Rio de Janeiro; as well as in Foz do Iguaçu and Salvador de Bahia for the second itinerary. The excursion in Paraty will take place in regular service.
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Itinerary Iguassu + Rio + Salvador: all the above mentioned visits will take place with private multilingual local guides in Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguassu and Salvador de Bahia, except the boat trip in Salvador on the 10th.
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Meals as mentioned.
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Permanent assistance during the whole tour.
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Beverages.
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Meals not mentioned in the section “Your trip includes”.
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Domestic flights.
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International flights.
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Individual equipment: sunglasses, sunscreen, clothes, walking shoes, hat and personal pharmacy.
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Baggage handlers at the airport and hotels.
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Tips, or any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme.
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All items not mentioned as included in the “Your trip includes” section.
Prices
All prices are based on a double room for two people. If you are travelling alone, there are more than two of you or you want to include an extension, please contact us.
