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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

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
Iguacu Falls were spectacular Rio views as per postcards!!
JM, Callander Jan 2016
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
Rio - the ultimate party city. The Pantanal - fascinating wildlife. Iguacu - Wow ! And the Andes - Incredible. We ran out of superlatives to describe what we were…
PM, Stamford Brook Mar 2014
This trip was memorable from start to finish. We will definitely be visiting Brazil again.
JH, Dorking Mar 2015
Too many highlights - standing at the base of Christ the Redeemer, canoeing in the Amazon rainforest and sitting at the Cococabana Palace beach club on Cococabana beach........A fantastic holiday…
AL, London Feb 2017

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Our Expert's Opinion

Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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Finn Clennett - Travel Expert
Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!
Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.
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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Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.
Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.