Discover the natural wonders of Brazil in 12 captivating days. Take in spectacular views of Rio from the top of Corcovado Mountain, travel along the coast to beautiful bay-side Paraty, spend 4 nights in the Pantanal wetlands and marvel at the Iguazu Falls.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Rio De Janeiro
Saturday. Bem Vindo ao Brazil! Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to our start hotel in Copacabana. The rest of the day is at your own leisure to explore the beautiful stretch of Copacabana beach.
The next day we have a guided tour of this extraordinary city of extremes, where the glamorous apartments of Rio’s rich and famous are set against the back drop of the favelas and half-built shanty towns that cling onto the hillsides. We take a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to enjoy views of the city and board a steep rack-and-pinion railway which glides through the Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world, before reaching the summit of Corcovado Mountain. Here we marvel at the iconic 40-meter Christ the Redeemer statue which overlooks the city with arms outspread. On a clear day the views over the city and across the ocean are simply spectacular.
Overnight: Rio De Janeiro | Breakfast x 1
Paraty
Rio de Janeiro - Paraty. We venture west of Rio this morning, through the high-rise suburbs as we drive along the ‘green coast’ to the colonial bay-side town of Paraty. This small-town, whose name means ‘river of fish’ in the indigenous Tupi language, is set on a beautiful stretch of the bay of Ilha Grande which is surrounded by pristine beaches and jungled mountains. The rest of the day is free to wander around the cobbled streets of this picturesque town and check out local art work in the many contemporary galleries. Be sure to try some of the amazing local fresh fish for lunch or dinner today.
Overnight: Paraty | Breakfast
Paraty cruise
Today we board a schooner and cruise south along the spectacular emerald coastline which is studded with tropical islands. We take some time to stop and explore hidden and hidden bays and take a swim in the shimmering waters of the picture-perfect beaches. Upon arrival back to Paraty we have the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Paraty | Breakfast
Iguazu Falls (Brazil)
Paraty - Foz do Iguacu. Today we depart Paraty and enjoy a scenic drive across the state border to Sao Paulo where we board our flight to Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival we’re transferred to our hotel in the town Foz do Iguacu, which is situated on the border between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. This is our base for excursions to the Argentine and Brazilian side of the spectacular Iguazu Falls, where a total of 275 falls thunder through dense forest over a 2.5km stretch.
At the u-shaped Devil’s throat we can hear the waterfalls crashing over the gorge and watch the water flow through the rainforest breaking up into smaller falls. Here we have the chance to spot colourful toucans perched in the leaves above the fierce waters. The Brazilian side of the falls offers broad panoramic views of the falls, while the Argentine side offers a series of walkways to explore the forest as we feel the spray from the falls.
Overnight: Foz do Iguacu | Breakfast x 2
Pantanal
Foz do Iguacu - Pantanal. Bidding farewell to Iguazu Falls we travel on to the world’s largest wetland today, known as the Pantanal. After a flight to Campo Grande we continue by road into the vast wilderness where we reach our lodge which is also a working ranch.
Over the next three days we discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the wetlands, as we explore the rivers, marshes and savannahs with local guides. Take a 4WD by road and track tour through the open grasslands, swampland and permanently flooded bays. Ride a horse across the savannah, motorboat down the local rivers or paddle a canoe on one of the numerous waterways. There is an extraordinary variety of wildlife in the area including giant storks, howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos as well as an array of birdlife in addition to the aquatic birds, including parakeets, macaws and toucans.
Overnight: Pantanal | Breakfast x 4, Lunch x 4, Dinner x 4
Rio De Janeiro
Pantanal - Rio de Janeiro. We leave the wildlife-rich wetlands and fly back to Rio for our final night in one of the world's most exciting cities. Head to the edgy district of Lapa which is home to dozens of music halls offering live music entertainment and weekend street parties or sit back and try one of the famous steaks in a Brazilian Churasco.
Overnight: Rio De Janeiro | Breakfast
Rio De Janeiro
Wednesday. Our tour comes to an end today. Included transfer to the airport for your onward flight or we arrange some extra nights accommodation if you'd like to extend.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of a single room.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Augustos Copacabana Hotel, Rio De Janeiro
Set in the heart of Brazil’s most famous district, the Augustos Copacabana Hotel is just moments from the beach. Each air-conditioned guestroom includes a private bathroom, TV, minibar and safe. An outdoor pool offers guests both a refreshing swim and stunning views of the city. You can dine in the onsite restaurant which offers both a la carte and buffet style service or explore the many bars and restaurants close by.
Pousada do Príncipe, Paraty
This bright colonial-style hotel is set minutes’ walk from historical centre of Paraty and is perfect for nature lovers. Each air-conditioned guestroom overlooks the swimming pool or lush gardens and includes a private bathroom, WiFi, TV, minibar and mosquito netting. Alongside its ideal location, the hotel also boasts historical significance as it was once the home of Prince D.Joao Henrique de Orleans e Braganca. And if you need any assistance during your visit, you can rely on the hotel's friendly staff to help you out.
Taroba Hotel, Iguazu Falls (Brazil)
Situated in the town of Foz do Iguazu, the Hotel Taroba offers modern comforts in a central location. Each air-conditioned guest room provides a minibar, TV and other modern facilities. Alongside its ideal location, the hotel also boasts a café and swimming pool with panoramic views of the town, fitness centre and massage chairs. Spend an afternoon lounging in the sun, then head out to explore in the evening – you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants close by.
Pousada Aguape , Pantanal
Situated deep within the Pantanal wetlands, this working country farm, that has been in the same family for 150 years, is the perfect accommodation for nature lovers. Once inside, rooms are simple yet comfortable, featuring air conditioning and hot water showers. Guests can relax by the pool or play a spot of beach volleyball. Be sure to check out the onsite restaurant, which serves a full board meal plan. There’s no shortage of activities at this property, with wildlife spotting opportunities, even on the hotel grounds toucans and parrots roam freely.
In Brief
