When designing the program, we have included free time for you to enjoy nature on your own, host a small gathering, or simply relax.
TRIP
14 days
Cost
from USD 3300
Group
no more than 12 participants
Hello! My name is Dmitry, and I am the founder of the Maverix Travel Club (formerly AfroTravel until 2024). Brazil is my home — I live in Rio de Janeiro. Here, two of my favorite continents, Africa and South America, come together.
Together with my wife and colleague, Stella — a native Brazilian — we have created a journey where you will feel like a cherished guest of a local. You will explore not only the famous landmarks, but also discover the hidden places that Brazilians have “kept for themselves.” We invite you into the natural secrets and worldview of Brazil — rooted in deep ethnic traditions and the rich, complex history of this land.
Here, the rhythms of the world blended together — and a new, exotic country was born. Architecture, culture, music, myths, traditions, flavors, and ways of life — everything here follows its own unique path. The land of bossa nova, samba, feijoada, and caipirinhas — even the names themselves sound soft and special. And Brazil is also a land of extraordinary wildlife: filled with rivers, waterfalls, and beaches, immersed in the green of countless forests. Brazil is life itself. Perhaps that is why Brazilians are so warm, smiling, and welcoming.
I invite you to my Brazil — a country of natural wonders and remarkable people.
Dmitrii Shumilov
TOP 12 EXPERIENCES
Stunning panoramas
Hidden beaches
Masterpieces of local cuisine
Meaningful connections
The world’s finest Christ statue
Samba for insiders
Your own private waterfall
The Amazon as a philosophy
Colonial charm
Great people
A kindred circle
The symphony of Iguaçu
All photographs were taken by members of the Maverix Travel Club. Use of these images on third-party platforms is permitted only with the written consent of the Club’s Director
PROGRAM
Day One
Introduction
Arrival in São Paulo. Meet and greet at the airport. Transfer to the hotel.
Days Two & Three
Iguaçu Falls · Bird Park · Brazilian & Argentine Sides of the Reserve
Today we fly to the other side of the country, to the border with Argentina. Our destination is the city of Foz do Iguaçu — and, more specifically, the famous Iguaçu Falls.
We will spend two days exploring the falls, which is well justified by the immense size of the reserve that stretches across two countries.
Iguaçu is one of the most breathtaking places in the world. In 2011, this status became official when the falls were named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Iguaçu is not a single waterfall, but an entire system made up of countless falls, cascades, rivers, channels, and streams, surrounded by the lush forest that embraces this vast water kingdom.
We set out for a date with the falls. From the Brazilian side, we enjoy the best panoramic views of the most powerful and dramatic section — the legendary Devil’s Throat.
We then cross the border into Argentina and head into the park. The Argentine side offers more opportunities to walk through the forest that surrounds the waterfalls. It also allows us to get closer to the most turbulent part of the falls — the Devil’s Throat — both from the upper and lower levels, where you can observe the rushing water from just a short distance away. A charming little train will carry us through the park — a fun attraction in its own right.
We return to the Brazilian side and visit the Bird Park, home to a wide variety of Brazilian birdlife. Here you can see vibrant macaws up close, playful toucans, flamingos, and unusual plants from Brazil’s forests.
We also take a boat trip on the Iguaçu River — a lively speedboat will take us right up beneath the waterfalls! We’ll get soaked, but the fun is worth it.
On the evening of the third day, we fly to Rio de Janeiro.
Day four
Rio de Janeiro · City Introduction
Rio is a city of many faces. It can be grand, bohemian, historic, cultural, artistic, and modern all at once. Ipanema Beach, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the samba dance, and the bossa nova music style are Rio’s world-famous symbols. Another gift Rio has given the world is its cariocas — the city’s natives — relaxed, joyful people who are always ready to slip into their iconic sandals for just about any occasion.
Our guide, Stella, is also a carioca, deeply in love with her city. Together with her, we will explore Rio from the inside — as only locals know it — discovering its inner beauty. And, of course, we won’t miss the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The historic architecture of downtown Rio reminds us of the time when the city became the new home of the King of Portugal and his court, who sought refuge here from Napoleon. Even in those distant colonial days, Rio was granted a special role.
Rio · Immersed in City Life
Botanical Garden, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow), the port district and its graffiti, ascent to Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the Old Town, the bohemian neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa, the Selarón Steps, Botafogo, the Rui Barbosa House, Morro Santa Marta. Samba concerts — traditional Brazilian music. Vinicius de Moraes Street, bars, and Rio’s vibrant nightlife culture.
In the recently restored “Marvelous Port” district, we are greeted by massive walls covered in colorful street art. Rio is one of the world’s capitals of urban art. We will visit a modern architectural masterpiece — the famous Museum of Tomorrow, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. We’ll enjoy coffee and iconic Brazilian pastries at one of our favorite cafés and visit a library considered the most beautiful colonial library in the world.
Ipanema is not only a famous beach, but also a vibrant neighborhood. Here we will try traditional Brazilian barbecue at the renowned Carretão restaurant, then head to Arpoador Beach, where we’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. By tradition, locals and visitors gather here each evening to watch the sun dip below the horizon — and sometimes the sunsets are so spectacular that people applaud when the sun finally disappears.
After sunset, we’ll visit a romantic spot where the poet Vinicius de Moraes once watched the famous Girl from Ipanema pass by — the inspiration for the world’s most iconic bossa nova song, “The Girl from Ipanema.”
The Botanical Garden, founded in 1808 by the Prince Regent of Portugal, still retains its royal elegance. It brings together nearly every type of plant found in Brazil. We’ll then stop at a landmark café to enjoy a selection of specialty Brazilian coffee.
Nearby, we’ll visit Parque Lage, a beautiful European-style park at the foot of Corcovado Hill. In colonial times, this area was part of the lands where sugarcane was cultivated.
We’ll have lunch in the Botafogo district, sampling traditional Brazilian cuisine and enjoying the everyday life of the cariocas.
We’ll then walk toward Morro Santa Marta, where our guide will share the story of Rio’s famous favelas. Finally, we’ll make our way to Sugarloaf Mountain, taking the cable car to the summit to enjoy yet another unforgettable sunset. One evening, we’ll also head out for a true Brazilian music party — samba gafieira.
We’ll visit the famous Jorge Selarón Steps in Santa Teresa — one of Rio’s most unique landmarks. This 215-step staircase is entirely covered in a custom mosaic of hand-painted ceramic tiles. Its creator, Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, worked on the steps for 23 years until his death, turning the neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa into world-renowned art destinations.
Today, Santa Teresa is a bohemian quarter of winding streets and graffiti — a gathering place for artists, painters, and art collectors.
We’ll enjoy what many consider the world’s best feijoada — a traditional Brazilian dish made from beans, meats, and cassava. Then a small train will take us nearly to the top of Corcovado, passing through the Tijuca Forest — the largest urban forest in the world. From there, we’ll walk the final stretch to the summit, where the most iconic and breathtaking view of Rio and the Christ the Redeemer statue awaits.
In the evening, we’ll return to Copacabana to enjoy traditional Brazilian samba in an authentic bar — a popular meeting place for musicians of all generations.
Days Seven & Eight
Dunes & Lagoons · Lençóis Maranhenses
Transfer time São Luís → Lençóis: approx. 5 hours
4×4 jeep excursions, water outings
The day before, we fly to a completely different side of Brazil — the country’s northeast, to the city of São Luís. In the morning, we head to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. We’ll stay for two nights at a small, cozy hotel near the park.
Lençóis Maranhenses is a truly unique landscape, often called a “lost paradise.” Many travelers consider these scenes among the most beautiful on Earth — a view echoed by renowned publications such as National Geographic and Discovery.
Here, rainwater-filled lagoons nestle between rolling sand dunes. The water, naturally filtered by the sand, is crystal clear and refreshing — perfect for a swim.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is part of the so-called “Route of Emotions” — a travel circuit that brings together the most breathtaking places of Brazil’s northeastern states.
Time seems to fly here. We’ll ride 4×4 jeeps across the dunes, swim in crystal-clear rain-fed lakes — known locally as lagoons — and head to the wild ocean coast, where you can walk for kilometers along deserted beaches without meeting a soul.
We’ll end the day watching the sunset. The sun setting over the snow-white dunes of Lençóis is considered one of the most beautiful sights in the world.
On the evening of the ninth day of the journey, we return to São Luís
Day nine
São Luís · A Colonial Masterpiece of Northern Brazil
We return from the “lost paradise” of Lençóis to São Luís and set out to explore this remarkable city.
São Luís, the capital of the state of Maranhão, is known as Brazil’s Jamaica, the Island of Love, the Brazilian Athens, and many other affectionate names.
Cobblestone streets, Portuguese tiles on the walls, terracotta rooftops, and gracefully weathered colonial mansions in soft pastel hues. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for the beauty and preservation of its colonial architecture.
São Luís is the cultural center of the country’s northeast. This remarkable city became a melting pot of traditions from all corners of the world. The capital of Maranhão is the only Brazilian city founded by the French. It was later taken by the Dutch before finally passing to the Portuguese crown. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and artisan workshops. At the same time, São Luís carries strong African influences, with frequent events and festivals celebrating Afro-Brazilian culture.
Day ten
Flight to the State of Amazonas
In the morning, we’ll continue exploring São Luís. In the afternoon, we fly to Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas.
Days Eleven, Twelve & Thirteen
The Amazon · Immersion
Transfer time Manaus → Jungle Lodge: approx. 5 hours each way
Water and walking excursions
Today we journey deep into the heart of the continent — the Amazon awaits. Our comfortable lodge is set amid the rainforest, right on one of the rivers that form the Amazon Basin.
The Amazon is a vast universe of water and forest that stirs both fascination and awe. With a carefully designed program that minimizes risks, the Amazon becomes one of the most unforgettable highlights of your journey.
It’s a mistake to think that the Amazon rainforest is nothing but a constant threat to life — that the ground beneath your feet is crawling with tarantulas and that a jaguar is ready to leap from every vine.
The Amazon has welcomed life into its vast natural palaces — including humankind. For centuries, the banks of this river kingdom have been home to people who have learned to live in harmony with nature. They enjoy the gifts of the jungle and know this world in such detail that they feel truly at home here. It is with them that we will set out to explore the Brazilian Amazon.
For us, the Amazon experience is not only about the rare animals and plants you may encounter here. It is a sense of connection with a vast natural whole, brimming with life. Here, a traveler can awaken their “Amazonian side” — meeting the deeper, more primal layers of their own spirit through nature.
It is no coincidence that the Amazon was named after an ancient myth — when you arrive here, you truly feel like a character from an age-old legend. The Amazon is not a single river, but an entire river system with the largest basin on Earth — 6 million square kilometers and more than 200 tributaries.
It is also the largest biome in Brazil. More than 2,500 species of trees grow here — about one-third of the world’s tropical forests. Every second, the Amazon pours 175 million liters of fresh water into the ocean.
Here live peoples who have, since ancient times, known how to coexist in harmony with nature. The Indigenous communities of the Amazon preserve deep knowledge of the forest and its riches, striving to maintain its fragile natural balance.
The Amazon is not only about jaguars and tarantulas — it is a way of life defined by calm, flow, and a deep sense of fullness. We will travel along the river on a canoe safari, explore mangrove forests, and try to spot wildlife. We’ll discover local traditions, sample unique local dishes, and take thrilling night walks to encounter the forest’s nocturnal inhabitants.
We will spend two nights and nearly three days deep in the Amazon before returning to Manaus.
Day Fourteen
Manaus · Capital of the Amazon · Return
Today we return to Manaus. This remarkable city is rightfully called the “capital of the Amazon” — even though the Amazon spans several countries.
We’ll stroll through the city, explore the flavors of local cuisine, and visit its extraordinary theater — a grand classical landmark that earned Manaus the nickname “the Tropical Paris.”
During the height of the rubber boom, the city experienced a dramatic economic rise. A magnificent opera house was built, and the streets were adorned with elegant colonial mansions. When rubber prices collapsed, Manaus fell into crisis, and decadence settled over what had once been a flourishing city.
Today, historic buildings stand alongside modernist architecture. Here, you can witness the striking Meeting of the Waters, where the dark waters of the Rio Negro flow side by side with the pale, sandy-colored waters of the Amazon’s tributary, the Solimões.
In the evening, we fly to São Paulo, and later that night you will board your return flight home.