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Windsor Marapendi Hotel

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Upscale Barra da Tijuca, on the western edge of Rio de Janeiro, was given a huge facelift ready for the 2016 Olympics. With a glorious 18km sweep of golden sand – Rio’s largest beach – and multiple options for refreshments and dining, Barra offers a calmer, alternative base for sightseeing in Rio combined with time to unwind after a trip to the interior. The Windsor Marapendi is one of many high quality hotels built for the Olympics. Facilities and services are aligned with the high standards of the well-regarded Windsor chain, including a rooftop pool and panoramic terrace, restaurant and fitness room. For a change of scene it’s around 15km by taxi to Rio’s upscale Leblon neighbourhood (just west of Ipanema and Copacabana) which is packed with dining and entertainment options.

What our clients say

The whole trip was memorable because it was one fantastic adventure in four parts . We absolutely loved the stays in the Amazon & the Pantanal and felt exhilarated from…
GHS, Iver Apr 2019
Most Memorable Moment?: Probably seeing river otters at Pousada do Rio Mutum but we really liked the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls too.
SS, Teddington Sep 2016
Highlights?: Ouro Preto and Paraty.
CE, Barnett Sep 2017
Highlights?: Getting wet at Iguazu on the boat trip. Cooking in Stella's home on Flavours of Bahia tour.
JM, Glasgow Nov 2017
Wow, so many it's hard to choose the most memorable aspect. Sunrise on the lake in the Pantanal was just wonderful. The exhilaration of standing at the devil's throat on…
TH, Arsenal Jun 2013
Every day was special and we have many happy memories but probably the highlights were the views from the top of Sugar Loaf, getting up close to waterfalls, swimming in…
LL, Tonbridge Aug 2019

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Our Expert's Opinion

Alex Walker - Travel Expert

A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.
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Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.
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A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.
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Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.