Yvette McQueen

MedQueen Tours & Travel

Rio de Janeiro 2026


Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/Praia_de_Copacabana_-_Rio_de_Janeiro%2C_Brasil.jpg?utm_source=chatgpt.com
 
 Escape to Rio de Janeiro this December for a vibrant group getaway where summer is in full swing. Think golden beaches, iconic views from Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer, lively samba rhythms, and unforgettable sunsets over Copacabana. From festive nightlife and rich Afro-Brazilian culture to curated group experiences and time to relax, Rio delivers the perfect blend of energy, beauty, and celebration—just in time to close out the year in unforgettable style. 
 

What's included in this trip:

  • Lodging at Copocabana Beach hotel - 7 nights
  • Transfers to and from airport
  • Tours, activities, and entrance fees in itinerary
  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary
  • Local tour guide

What's not included:

  • International flight
  • Travel insurance [mandatory for MedQueen Tours]
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses, spa expense
  • Meals not in the itinerary
  • Activities not listed in the itinerary or selective alterations to the schedule
 

Itinerary:  

This itinerary is intentionally paced to allow for connection, rest, cultural immersion, and joy, making it ideal for a December escape filled with warmth, rhythm, and unforgettable experiences. 

Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome to Rio

  • Arrival at Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport

  • Private group transfer to your beachfront hotel

  • Leisure time to unwind or stroll Copacabana

  • Welcome Dinner featuring Brazilian cuisine and caipirinhas

  • Overview of the week and group introductions

Day 2 – Iconic Rio Highlights

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Guided city tour including:

    • Christ the Redeemer

    • Sugarloaf Mountain cable car experience

  • Lunch at a local restaurant

  • Afternoon at leisure

  • Optional evening samba show or live music experience

Day 3 – Beach Day: Copacabana & Ipanema

  • Breakfast at leisure

  • Morning and afternoon beach time at Copacabana and/or Ipanema

    • Chairs, umbrellas, and beach service arranged

    • Optional beachside massage or coconut water stops

  • Free evening to explore beachfront dining or nightlife

  • Dinner on your own

Day 4 – Afro-Brazilian Heritage Tour (Little Africa)

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Guided Afro-Brazilian Cultural Tour through Rio’s “Little Africa” district:

    • Valongo Wharf (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

    • Pedra do Sal (birthplace of samba)

    • Stories of African heritage, resistance, and cultural influence

  • Traditional Afro-Brazilian lunch

  • Late afternoon at leisure

  • Dinner on your own

Day 5 – Tijuca Rain Forest

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Guided city tour including:

    • Scenic drive through Tijuca Forest

     

  • Lunch 

  • Afternoon at leisure

  • Dinner on your own

Day 6 – Downtime, Shopping & Self-Care

  • Breakfast

  • Unstructured downtime to relax, spa, journal, or enjoy the beach

  • Afternoon shopping excursion:

    • Ipanema boutiques

    • Local artisan markets

    • Brazilian fashion, jewelry, and souvenirs

  • Farewell Dinner with ocean views to celebrate the journey

Day 7– Free Day - optional trip to Bahia

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Optional trip to Bahia

Day 8 – Departure

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Final moments for photos or a beachfront walk

  • Group transfers to the airport for departure

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Bahia - 3 day extension

Bahia is considered the spiritual heart of Afro-Brazilian culture. This extension deepens the Rio experience by offering sacred history, ancestral traditions, and coastal tranquility—an ideal close to a transformative Brazilian journey.

Extension includes internal flight coordination, private transfers, guided tours.

Day 1 – Arrival in Salvador & Pelourinho

  • Morning flight from Rio de Janeiro to Salvador (Bahia)

  • Private transfer to a boutique hotel in the historic district or oceanfront

  • Lunch at leisure featuring Bahian flavors (moqueca, acarajé, dendê oil cuisine)

  • Guided walking tour of Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site:

    • Colorful colonial architecture

    • São Francisco Church

    • Terreiro history and Afro-Brazilian spiritual traditions

  • Evening at leisure or optional live music and cultural performance

  • Overnight in Salvador

Day 2 – Afro-Brazilian Roots, Rhythm & Ritual

  • Breakfast at the hotel

  • Immersive Afro-Brazilian Cultural Experience, including:

    • Visit to a Candomblé-influenced cultural center (respectful, educational focus)

    • Capoeira demonstration and history session

    • Visit to the Afro-Brazilian Museum

  • Traditional Bahian lunch with local hosts

  • Free afternoon for rest, spa time, or shopping for handmade lace, art, and beads

  • Evening group dinner with ocean views or optional drumming experience

Day 3 – Beach, Reflection & Departure

  • Breakfast at leisure

  • Morning beach time at Praia do Forte, Itapuã, or Flamengo Beach

  • Time for reflection, journaling, or seaside relaxation

  • Lunch at leisure

  • Private transfer to Salvador International Airport for onward travel or return home

 
DEPOSIT is non refundable after 48 hours of payment.  Final payment due 90 days prior to departure. 
 
 Cancellation policy:
Travel arrangements for any member of the party may be canceled at any time by written notice by the person who made the booking. If notice of cancelation is received by the Provider before final payment is due (see Table), the deposit will be retained along with the Travel Protection payment. If cancelation is made after final payment is due cancelation fees will apply (see Table). Please also refer to Air Changes or Cancelation Section where applicable. Notice of cancelation must be made in writing directly to the Provider or through your Travel Agent. Please also refer to the Provider's Travel Protection. If a person in a party cancels and there is a room change caused by this cancelation (such as a double room to Single, or Triple to double room), charges for the new room type will be the responsibility of the remaining party. If a guest fails to join the trip on the day of departure, cancelation fees will be 100% (unless the guest notifies us of the delay and joins the trip later at their own expense). Cancelation fees as per the Table apply to additional accommodation and/or chargeable transfers prior to and after the trip, itinerary extensions or cruise reserved through the Provider. Cancelation fees and charges will include any amounts that we have paid or have contractually committed to pay to third parties to deliver your travel arrangements which we cannot reasonably recover (for example payments made or due to airlines and hotels). Any payments we have made to third parties will only be refunded to you once we have deducted the above cancelation fees and charges and once we have actually recovered the amounts from the third parties. All cancelation fees as per the Table are additional to any cancelation fees or other charges that may be levied by your Travel Agent.
 
Cancellation charges:
Up to final payment: 50% except deposit
Days 90 prior to departure: nonrefundable  [ You are able transfer the reservation but they are responsible if intercountry flights are purchased which are name specific.]
 
MEDQUEEN TERMS AND AGREEMENTS
 Making reservations for this package signifies your acceptance of our Terms and Conditions.
  • All payments to MedQueen Tours are non-refundable but transferable another traveler at your discretion. MedQueen Tours has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. 
  • Passengers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas or passports are required. Passports are required to be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Some countries require a full blank “VISA” page in the passport for stamping purposes. Any information provided on travel description pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.
  • Reservations must be made in your FULL NAME as it appears on your passport. Your name on your invoice MUST match your passport.
  • Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Therefore, travel insurance is REQUIRED on MedQueen Tours and provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Interruption, Baggage Loss or Delay, Medical Expenses and more.
  • Seat assignments ARE at the discretion of airlines. Seats for this group tour are only located in economy class.
  • Prices are subject to change without notice due to vendors fluctuation and availability.
  • Monthly payments are required to keep your reservations current.
  • Roommate Matching is NOT available. 
  • Late payment of $250 per person is required after final due date. Late payment fees are automatically added to your reservations the day after your final due date.
  • All late payment requests must be approved by management before the final payment deadline on your account.

Photography

Please be aware that by attending MedQueen tours, you grant MedQueen LLC, its sponsors, its successors, assigns and licensees permission to utilize your name, image, likeness, acts, poses, plays, appearance, movements, and statements in any live or recorded audio, video, or photographic display or other transmission, exhibition, publication or reproduction made of, or during the trip (regardless of whether before, during, or after trip) for any purpose, in any manner, in any medium or context now known or hereafter developed, without further authorization from, or compensation to, you or anyone acting on your behalf.

All pre-arranged Lodging/Transportation/Excursion/Meals/Activities:

All pre-arranged itinerary items are subject to change due availability. If you elect not to join the group, notification to the group leader is required for your safety. If you choose to participate in alternative activities outside of the itinerary listed, you are financial responsibility for any expenses. You hold harmless MedQueen Tours & Travel along with the affiliates & associates. MedQueen/affiliates/associates are not liable for your activity, and NO REFUNDS from MedQueen if you elect not to participate.

 

Conduct Clause

  1. Respectful Behavior: Participants must conduct themselves in a respectful manner towards fellow travelers, tour guides, and locals at all times. Any form of harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
  2. Compliance with Laws: Participants are required to comply with all local laws and regulations of the countries visited during the trip. Illegal activities, including but not limited to drug use, theft, and vandalism, are strictly prohibited.
  3. Responsible Consumption: Consumption of alcohol and other substances must be done responsibly and in moderation. Excessive drinking or intoxication that disrupts the harmony of the group or endangers the safety of oneself or others will not be tolerated.
  4. Environmental Responsibility: Participants are expected to minimize their environmental impact by following sustainable practices, such as proper waste disposal and respecting wildlife and natural habitats.
  5. Safety Precautions: Participants must adhere to safety guidelines provided by tour organizers, including but not limited to wearing seatbelts in vehicles, following hiking trail markers, and using safety equipment during adventure activities.
  6. Respect for Property: Participants are responsible for the care and proper use of all equipment, accommodations, and facilities provided during the trip. Any damage caused to property due to negligence or misconduct will result in financial liability.
  7. Conflict Resolution: In the event of conflicts or disagreements among participants, individuals are encouraged to communicate respectfully and seek resolution through dialogue. Disruptive behavior, physical violence, or verbal abuse towards others will not be tolerated.
  8. Compliance with Itinerary:  Participants are expected to adhere to the agreed-upon itinerary and schedules set by tour organizers. Any deviations or changes must be communicated in advance and approved by the group leader. In the event of any changes or modifications to the itinerary initiated by the participant, including but not limited to missed transportation or individual excursions, any associated expenses shall be borne solely by the participant. MedQueen, its agents, or affiliates shall not be held liable for any costs incurred due to such changes or deviations from the original itinerary.
  9. Respect for Other Cultures: Participants must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect towards the traditions, customs, and beliefs of the communities visited during the trip. Avoidance of cultural appropriation, derogatory language, or behavior that may be offensive to local customs is imperative. Engaging with local cultures in a respectful and open-minded manner enriches the travel experience for everyone involved.
  10. Failure to comply with the Conduct Clause may result in expulsion from the group travel without refund, as determined by the discretion of the tour organizers or group leader.
 
Authorization:

I authorize MedQueen LLC to charge the credit card or bank account indicated on the invoice for the noted amount on today's date. This payment is for the services described on the invoice. I understand that returns, refunds, and cancellations are at the discretion of MedQueen LLC. I certify that I am an authorized user of this credit card and that I will not dispute the payment with my credit card company, so long as the transaction corresponds to the terms indicated on this invoice.

 

Available Packages

Package - Double Occupancy
Available until September 10, 2026

$5,295.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Book now
Hotel lodging, itinerary meals, activities, transfers
Two (2) people in a room - single or twin beds

Package - Single Occupancy
Available until September 10, 2026

$5,995.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Book now
Lodging, itinerary meals, activities, transfers
One (1) person in the room

Bahia
Available until September 10, 2026

$1,995.00
Deposit: $250.00 per person

Book now
3 days extension - 2 nights lodging, transfers, Afro-Brazilian experience tour