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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: Pousada Rio Mutum, the sun rise trip and evening sunsets.
IS, Crowthorne Sep 2016
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
Iguazu Falls, both sides spectacular, getting a flavour of Rio and being taken such good care of as a single traveller.
MB, Thatcham Jun 2013
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
Highlights?: Ouro Preto and Paraty.
CE, Barnett Sep 2017
Most Memorable Moment?: Trip to Mount Corcovado & Sugar Loaf but many memorable moments.
MB, Bishop's stortford Sep 2017

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Our Expert's Opinion

Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

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Papagaio

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Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

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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.
Steve Yates - Travel Expert

Steve has travelled extensively over the years, experiencing destinations in many different ways. From backpacking through basic hostels, hitchhiking and taking overnight buses, to enjoying stays in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and lodges, he has developed a deep appreciation for every style of travel
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.
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.
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.
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.