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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

This trip was memorable from start to finish. We will definitely be visiting Brazil again.
JH, Dorking Mar 2015
Highlight: Pousada Rio Mutum, the sun rise trip and evening sunsets.
IS, Crowthorne Sep 2016
Highlight?: Diversity of wildlife in Brazil. The Iguacu Falls. Swimming in the Rio Negro. Seeing a Sloth. The whole journey was a trip of a lifetime.
JW, Isle of Islay Oct 2016
Highlights?: Getting wet at Iguazu on the boat trip. Cooking in Stella's home on Flavours of Bahia tour.
JM, Glasgow Nov 2017
Highlights?: Ouro Preto and Paraty.
CE, Barnett Sep 2017
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

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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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.
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.
Ben Line - Travel Expert

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.
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.
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.
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.