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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

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
Highlight?: Days in Olinda during Carnaval practice. Delta cruise from Parnaiba and 5 days in Jeri.
JI, Orpington Feb 2018
Most Memorable Moment: Spotting 7 Jaguars in Refugio Caiman and Iguacu Falls. I also had my photo taken with Ronaldinho on Copacabana Beach. Ha!
BW, London Sep 2016
All of it was memorable, the Hotel were the perfect choice and the guides were knowledgeable and very helpful. The Falls were breath-taking and listening to the falls and bird…
BS, Harrow Dec 2014
Highlight: Visiting Iguazu Falls.
TF, Wakefield Oct 2016
Our trip was most enjoyable particularly because of the wide variety of locations and experiences. Difficult to pick out the most memorable - but the Anavilhanas l Lodge was quite…
PA, Bourne End Dec 2014

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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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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!
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Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.