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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

Highlight: The wildlife at Mutum - tapir, caimans, anteater, capybara, massive range of birdlife
DL, London Nov 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
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
Highlights: Sambadrome and Iguacu
RB, Reigate Feb 2016
Highlight: Walking on the trails through the rainforest on Ilha Grande.
CB, Leeds Oct 2016
Expert help in tailoring a holiday that took in the nature of the country (the Amazon), the cities (Manaus, Rio and Salvador) and the idyllic beaches of Bahia - all…
DA, West Norwood Jun 2013

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Our Expert's Opinion

Sally Watkins - 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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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.
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Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.
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.
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After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.
Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

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.