The Atlantic Rainforest: Iguazu to Ilha do Mel Explore Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian and Argentinian side. Hike scenic walkways, see the falls up close during an adrenaline pumping Macuco boat ride and bike within the park. Immerse yourself into the Guarani indigenous people’s culture and train to the colonial town of Morretes. Spend two days exploring enchanting Ilha do Mel and its wild beaches by foot, bike and boat.

● Visit Iguazu Falls, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. ● Bike through the jungle and search for small mammals, birds and butterflies. ● Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Atlantic Rainforest. ● Meet the Guarani indigenous people and participate in a special ceremony. ● Explore Ilha do Mel’s grottos, fortresses and beaches.

Flight Information: November 1, 2018: Arrive anytime in Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU) in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. November 3, 2018: Flight from Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) AD5007 departure at 16:50 and arrival to Curitiba (Afonso Pena) at 17:55. November 7, 2018: Flight G31139 11:50 - 12:40 Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) in Curitiba, Brasil to São Paulo - Congonhas Flight G31490 013:20 - 14:05 - São Paulo (Congonhas) to Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil (CGR). November 10, 2018: Depart Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil (CGR) anytime

Day 1: 01 NOV – Arrival Day > Transfer Airport to Hotel in Foz do Iguaçu. Upon arrival to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU) in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, you will be met by a representative and transferred to Wyndham Golden Foz Hotel. Check in to your room and enjoy time at leisure before meeting the group at 18:00 for a special dinner.

18:30 departure for an evening full of culture, food, and ceremonies by the Guarani people. Immerse yourself in their culture, in the middle of the Atlantic Forest, accompanied by a traditional dinner shared with them and listen to their music and witness their dance rituals all around a celebratory bonfire. Return to the hotel for overnight.

(D)

Day 2: 02 NOV – Foz do Iguaçu Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and meet the group at 08:30 for your transfer to and walking tour of the Brazilian Falls. Upon arrival, meet biologist and ornithologist guide Wilson Fernandes who, with all his passion, will present his knowledge about the Atlantic Rainforest and the importance of this area for Brazil's biodiversity. Begin your walking tour along a scenic walkway approximately 1,200 m/less than 1 mi. or approximately 1hr30 and admire the 275 falls of the Iguaçu River. The park is also home to several species of plants and birds including fig trees, trumpet trees, pine trees, bromeliads and orchids, as well as toucans, macaws and parrots which ensure a bright and vibrant addition to the experience. At 12:30 enjoy lunch at Restaurant Porto Canoas in the Brazilian side of the national park. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to see the falls up close. At 15:00 embark on a Macuco safari boat tour which travel up river to reach the base of Iguazu Falls. Whirlpools, waves and currents provoked by the Falls add adrenaline to this unforgettable tour. (Please note, it is possible to participate in a “wet” or “dry” tour, you decide at the destination). Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner at Cabeza de Vaca Restaurant, located in the Marco das Tres Fronteiras. Cabeza de Vaca Restaurant brings together the best of regional gastronomy integrated with the local landscape and honors the Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca who in 1542, accidentally discovered Iguazu Falls as he descended the river in a canoe to reach Asuncion, capital of Paraguay. Return to the hotel for overnight. (B,L, D)

Day 3: 03 NOV – Foz do Iguaçu > Puerto Iguazu > Foz do Iguaçu > Curitiba Depart early this morning for a heart-pumping bike tour along the Jaguar Trail set within the Atlantic Rainforest. This biking trail of red soil, characteristic of the area, is approximately 16kms/10 mi. and passes along a sector of the National Park of Iguaçu. Enjoy photo stops and breaks to view small mammals, birds and butterflies along the way. Afterward, drive to the entrance of the National Park of Iguaçu on the Argentinean side for lunch at Restaurant La Selva. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Argentinean falls along the limits of the national park. Embark upon the train that leads to two circuits - the Lower, of 1,700m/1mi. walkways running along the falls to the Moorhen level; and the Superior, with 650m/.5mi. walkways and hanging bridges that reveal a complete picture of all the falls. Both routes end at the edge of the biggest and most exciting Falls: the Devil's Throat. At 90m/295 ft high, it is one of the picture perfect postcards of the region. Depart to the airport for your 16:00 flight to Curitiba where upon arrival you will be transferred to Hotel Slaviero Palace for a late dinner and overnight. (B,L, D)

Day 4: 04 NOV – Curitiba > Morretes This morning enjoy a train ride on board the Serra Verde Express en route to Morretes. The train travels along a railway built in 1885 approximately 110kms/62mi. through the biggest Atlantic Rainforest conservation area of Brazil. This ride takes approximately 2hrs and you will have fantastic views of the coastal mountain range of this region. Disembark at Marumbi Station, located in the middle of the mountains of the Marumbi State Park. This area is well known for its wildlife including toucans and tangaras as well as a haven for climbers and trekkers alike. From the Marumbi Station, walk along a paved trail for 800m/.5mi. or approximately 30 minutes total, crossing small rivers, until you reach the Engenheiro Lange Station. From this station, take a 30 minute 4x4 Jeep ride to Morretes. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant Villa Morretes before joining a small walking tour of the historical center. From Morretes transfer 15 minutes to Ekoa Park, a 238 ha protected area, considered a paradise within the Atlantic Rainforest, with its breathtaking views of the Serra do Mar (Coastal Mountain Range). Here enjoy a 1,400m/1mi. long walk along the Peabiru Path inside the forest, a one hour canopy tour, and a visit to the Tekoa area where you will have an opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts of this park.

In the early evening, drive from the Ekoa Park to Pousada Hakuna Matata and toast to a great day at Bistrô da Vila, a restaurant located in the historical center of Morretes. After dinner, check-in to Pousada Hakuna Matata for overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5: 05 NOV – Morretes > Pontal do Sul > Ilha do Mel Today, transfer 67kms/41 mi. or approximately 1h15 to Pontal do Sul and embark local boats. Cruise 30 minutes to Ilha do Mel, a rustic destination for adventurers seekers with its wild beaches and surrounding rainforest. Check-in to your hotel Pousada Treze Luas with time at leisure to relax at the beach. Meet the group for lunch at Mar e Sol restaurant. In the afternoon, explore Fortaleza Nossa Senhora Dos Prazeres by bike. The imposing fortress was built to protect the Paranaguá Bay from Spanish attacks. Bike along the beach at low tide to the historic fortress of 1770 on the seafront. Inside the fort you can visit rooms that served as a prison and also the Commander's House, but the best is on the outside: the English and Portuguese cannons from the 18th and 19th centuries, still installed in their original positions. A steep trail leads to the top of the hill, with more modern guns and trenches of the period of World War II, and an impressive panoramic view. Bike back to the pousada with free time to enjoy the sunset with dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 6: 06 NOV – Ilha do Mel Lace up your hiking boots and trek approximately 2hrs to Encantadas Grotto along the beautiful beaches of Praia Grande, Praia do Miguel, Praia de Encantadas and the Morro do Sabão hill. The grotto’s large opening in the middle of the rocks out of the Encantadas beach is one of the classic images of the island. Enjoy lunch at Fim da Trilha restaurant located in Encatadas Village. In the afternoon, visit fisherman villages around Ilha do Mel and Ilha das Peças, mangroves and the dolphin´s bay by local speed boat arriving back to Ilha do Mel with free time to relax or you may join a stand up paddle board tour at Praia das Paralelas. Dinner tonight will be help at the Pousada das Meninas Café. (B,L,D)

Day 7: 07 NOV – Ilha do Mel > Pontal do Sul > Curitiba Depart the pousada at 07:00 this morning and boat back to Pontal do Sul. Upon arrival transfer to Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) in Curitiba and check in for your G31139 / G3 1490 flights to Campo Grande International Airport (CGR) in Campo Grande, Brazil. Upon arrival in Campo Grande you will be met and transferred to your AdventureNext hotel.

(B)

Note: The order of the activities may be modified due to weather or terrain conditions.

Map

https://goo.gl/maps/dY8rkLsAphv 

 

Rating: (3) Moderate (Good physical fitness required; ~4-6 hours activity/day) 

Accomodations

Wyndham Golden Foz Phone: (55 45) 3026-1800 R. Rui Barbosa, 394, Centro, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, 85851-170, Brazil https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham/foz-do-iguacu-brazil/wyndham-foz-do-iguacua/overview Modern accommodation with an outdoor pool is offered at Wyndham Golden Foz Suítes. The Hotel is situated in Foz do Iguaçu´s city centre and boasts dry and steam sauna facilities, plus a fitness centre. The air-conditioned rooms boast a bright décor, featuring a seating area, cable TV and minibar. Room service is available throughout the day. Wyndham Golden Foz Suítes hosts a cafe bistrot and a pool bar. At the restaurant, buffet breakfast is served daily, with seasonal fruits, fresh juices, breads and cakes. Cataratas Airport is 9.3 miles away from the hotel. Shopping can be done in JL Shopping Mall, which is located 1.2 miles away. Iguaçu National Park is 16.8 miles away and Ciudad del Este is 3.1 miles from the property.   

Slaviero Palace Hotel Phone: 0800 704 3311 Rua Senador Alencar Guimarães, 50, Centro, Curitiba, Paraná, 80010-070, Brazil https://www.slavierohoteis.com.br/en/hoteis/slaviero-conceptual-palace-hotel-curitiba/ The Slaviero Palace Hotel is in an elegant building next to Praça Osório Square and just a few steps from Rua das Flores Street, in downtown Curitiba. The air-conditioned rooms come with a minibar, work desk, and cable TV. An electronic safe is also available. In between your sightseeing tours or business meetings in Curitiba, the Slaviero Palace invites you to keep in shape in its gym, or to relax in the sauna. A restaurant and a Lobby Bar are also available in the hotel. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Curitiba City Center is a great choice for travelers interested in Culture, Botanical Garden and Shopping.

Pousada Hakuna Matata Phone: (41) 3462-2388 Reta do Porto, Km 4,9, Morretes - PR, Morretes, Paraná, 83350-000, Brazil http://www.pousadahakunamatata.com.br/ Located in the friendly and historic city of Morretes, in the Paraná coast, Pousada Hakuna Matata main characteristic is the quality on the hospitality and comfortable accommodations. It’s a place where the visitor stays completely surrounded by birdsong and animal sounds. Offering an outdoor pool and a children pool, Pousada Hakuna Matata is located in Morretes. Free WiFi access is available. Other facilities include a sauna, children's playground and a restaurant. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning, a fireplace, a balcony and a minibar. Private bathroom also comes with a shower. At Pousada Hakuna Matata you will find a tennis court, a football pitch, and an array of activities such as hiking, tennis table and foosball table. Pousada Treze Luas Phone: +55 (41) 3426-8067 Rua Principal - Brasília Ilha do Mel, Ilha do Mel, Ilha do Mel, Paraná, 83251-000, Brazil http://www.pousadatrezeluas.com.br/ Located a 30 minute walk from the pier in Brasilia, Pousada Treze Luas has a total area of 2000m². This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Located on Praia de Fora Beach, Pousada Treze Luas is

surrounded by rich Atlantic Forest. It offers a restaurant, a bar, and cosy rooms with a balcony and garden views. Wi-Fi is available in public areas. It has a beautiful natural area with a deck for sunbathing and an atlantic forest garden. It offers a delicious diversified breakfast in the morning.The guests have daily cleaning and a laundry service, plus a great collection of DVDs and wireless internet. During the high season months (January to March), there is massage service where guests can enjoy body treatments and therapy carried out by qualified professionals.

Rates:

● Price per pax in SGL accommodation – USD $850.00 ● Payment instructions for non-hosted delegates (credit card & wire transfer):

○ Credit card (master, visa, american express etc). In this case we need to send a debit authorization to be completed, signed and sent by email;

○ Wire transfer to our bank account in Brazil: ■ Beneficiary: Banco do Brasil ■ Bank & Address: Praça Tiradentes, 410 - 5. andar - Centro - Curitiba - Paraná -

Brasil ■ SWIFT: BRASBRRJCTA ■ Beneficiary’s A/C : 0000310310 ■ Bank Number :01 ■ Agency: 07560 ■ IBAN BR5100000000007560000310310C1 ■ Name of Beneficiary: GONDWANNA BRASIL AGENCIA DE VIAGENS E

TURISMO LTDA ■ Av. Republica Argentina, 369 Sala 804 Agua Verde / Curitiba - PR ■ Fone/ Fax: (41) 3566 6339 ■ CNPJ 04.440.170.0001-48

 Included Services:

● 6 nights accommodation (accomodation in single rooms throughout) ● 17 meals ● Activities and transfers as listed in itinerary

Not Included:

● International flights ● Internal flights ● Alcoholic beverages ● Options and extensions ● Drivers’ and guides’ tips ● Visa fees for entry to Brazil ● Airport fees ● Hotel taxes ● Excess baggage fees ● Vaccines if needed ● Personal items such as laundry fees, internet fees, souvenirs, etc ● Anything not already explicitly included in the itinerary

 

About Confirmation & Cancellation:

● All reservations should be requested and confirmed by email. ● Penalties applicable to cancellation of confirmed bookings: Before 30 days of travel: 20%

penalty ● From 15 to 29 days before: 30% penalty From 07 to 14 days before: 50% penalty No show:

100% penalty. ● In case some of the commitments with third parties assumed by the agency are higher than the

percentage established in the policy of cancellation, the contracting part will, in case of cancellation, be responsible for this payment. In case of cancellation of air tickets, the fines and conditions to be applied will be established by each airline.

Room Taxes:

● City Room Tax at hotels is not included and should be paid directly by guests upon checkout, unless otherwise requested upon booking (please note this is only charged at some Brazilian hotels and varies between US$3.00 to US$7.00 per room, per night).

Check-in/Check-out Times for Hotels:

● Most hotels have a fixed check-in time of 2:00pm and check-out time of 12:00pm, exceptions may apply.

● For clients that require an earlier check-in or later check-out, please indicate on the reservation. Additional costs may apply.

Luggage:

● If the clients will need to carry some fragile items that will need special attention, we kindly ask

for the client to inform us in advance in order to avoid any inconveniences during the land

transfer.

Vaccines:

● No specfic vaccines are required for a visit to Brazil. However, it is recommended by

the Brazilian authorities that the visitors obtain the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days

advance before arriving in Brazilian territory. Please check with the your local authority

responsible in your country and consult your doctor.

Packing List:

● Comfortable clothes: t-shirts, pants, sweater/jacket, shorts ● Raincoat and waterproof pants ● comfortable sneakers and hiking shoes (broken in before the trip) ● Swimsuit ● Slippers/sandals ● Polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat ● Sunscreen with high SPF ● Do not forget to bring your plug adapter to charge your electronic devices! ● Binoculars and a camera ● Headlamp ● Mosquito repellent/DEET ● Extra Cash/Credit Cards

○ Please note, cash machines are very limited in Ilha do Mel, so please make sure you have enough cash for your days in the island. Some places may accept credit cards.

● Prescribed medication (including antihistamine) ○ Please note, pharmacies may not be available in the remote locations of this itinerary.

● Extra batteries ● Waterproof “dry bag” ● Personal toiletries ● In addition, we highly recommend bringing a small backpack to use every day in the tours to

carry your water bottle, sunscreen, snacks...

Main Contact:

Daniela Meres Silva - Gondwana Brasil

Avenida República Argentina, 369, Sala 804, Água Verde, Curitiba, Paraná,

+55 (41) 3566-6339 / 41 4042-0860

EMERGENCY PHONE IN BRAZIL: +55 (41) 99602-7492

Office phone number: +55 (41) 3566-6339

www.gondwanabrasil.com.br

danimeres@gondwanabrasil.com.br

danielameres