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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
The Iguazu falls were amazing. Brazilia was also a real experience and is undersold - it is a really singular place to visit - the parliament and other buildings are…
AB, Reading Feb 2016
Most memorable experience: "There are too many! looking down from Christ the Redeemer at sun set in Rio, using the local buses to get about town, sitting at an outdoor…
ZB, London Jun 2014
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
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
Highlight: Walking on the trails through the rainforest on Ilha Grande.
CB, Leeds Oct 2016

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Our Expert's Opinion

Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

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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Real Latin american experts

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Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.
Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.
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!
Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.
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.
Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.