Brazil: A Trip Of A Lifetime

By Erin Green

Often when I return from a trip, I feel grateful to have visited, but don't necessarily feel a strong need to return in the near future... after all, it's a big beautiful world and my Wanderlist is long! However, after a week in Brazil, I truly feel like I have barely scratched the surface of a place offering such a wide diversity of travel experiences. I'm ready to go back as soon as possible.

My trip primarily focused on two incredible hotels - the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro and Hotel das Cataratas at Iguazu Falls. These two properties share a commonality that speaks volumes: they are both part of Belmond's portfolio. Pique has recently been invited to join Belmond's Bellini Club of preferred travel agencies (the only one based in Minnesota, I might add), our clients are now at the top of the list for upgrades and VIP treatment at these hotels. 

Copacabana Palace is the grand dame of the city of Rio. Situated right on the famous beach, the location is perfection. While retaining it's historical bones, the rooms are beautifully decorated... and the newly renovated Pool Wing opening this winter is going to be THE place to stay in the city. Our adventures included the classic city viewpoints (from a boat, from Christ the Redeemer, from Sugarloaf Mountain), shopping in Ipanema, and an overwhelming (in the best way) all-you-can-eat churrascaria lunch. One of my key takeaways from Rio is that while I was aware of Carnival, I now understand what it means to the city in more depth - and I feel the need to experience it someday! I was unaware the entire event is focused on a competition between samba schools that they prepare for all year. And if you stay at Copacabana Palace, you can attend the black tie affair that is the kick-off ball. And of course, we can arrange a VIP experience for you to view the parades from a private area if the street scene feels a little too intense.

Then I was off to Igauzu Falls! This natural wonder of the world is well known, as evidenced by the tens of thousands of visitors that line up to see the waterfall every day. But what might not be as well known is that if you stay at Belmond's Hotel das Carataras, you sit within the national park boundaries. With a beautiful 10 minute walk in the morning, you can arrive at the viewing area well before the park gates open at 9:00 AM and potentially have the place to yourself. What a gift and privilege to experience! The hotel itself is an adorable pink palace with the coziest touches, and serves as a great oasis to enjoy the toucans and coatis while you sit by the pool when the crowds have taken over. It's hard to understand the magic of this property until you've been, but I once had a Pique client tell me she would take a trip to Brazil solely to stay at this hotel and now I get it.

I am excited and ready to help our travelers plan their own Brazil adventures - there are so many fun events to consider... Women's World Cup 2027, Carnival, F1, to name a few. Reach out now to start planning your trip!