Rio Iguazu Pantanal Chapada dos Guimaraes Amazon
Experience the magnificent natural landscapes and breathtaking biodiversity of Brazil – a must for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike! This journey takes you from the steamy tropical rainforest surrounding the mighty Iguazu Falls into the great seasonal wetlands of Pantanal, the wildlife capital of South America. From here, you explore the soaring table-top mountains and tumbling falls of the Chapada dos Guimaraes before finishing your trip at a remote jungle lodge on the southern fringes of the Amazon Rainforest.
Itinerary Highlights
What’s included
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
13
Nights
Price Guide
from $11,525 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Rio de Janeiro
Rio – Ipanema, Bossa Nova & Rainforest
Arrive Rio de Janeiro and spend two full days exploring this fascinating city, the perfect introduction to Brazil. No city in South America quite captures the imagination as much as Rio, where soaring granite peaks draped in Atlantic Rainforest overlook the iconic golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. The classic sites of the Sugar Loaf and the Statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain are unmissable while escaping the city, you may prefer the picturesque botanical gardens and the lush Atlantic Rainforest and tumbling waterfalls of the wonderful Tijuca National Park. Alternatively, why not take a leisurely cruise across Guanabara Bay to admire Rio’s iconic backdrop or simply wander along the beaches or vibrant streets of Ipanema to experience Brazil’s heady culture.
The mighty Iguassu Falls!
Fly to the Iguassu Falls on the border with Paraguay and Argentina and marvel at one of South America’s most spectacular natural wonders. As you approach the falls through dense tropical rainforest, the roar becomes ever louder and spray heavier until you reach the first of the breathtaking viewing platforms and gaze upon some 275 separate cataracts that plunge into the river. Explore the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the border following the trails that skirt the gorge to various viewpoints. For added adventure, you can enjoy helicopter overflights, biking and boat trips as well as guided eco-walks through the rainforest. For birders, why not extend your visit and stay a couple of additional nights at Yacutinga Lodge nestled deep in interior Atlantic Rainforest.
The Pantanal – Wildlife Central!
From the booming falls and rainforest, you fly to Cuiaba and head into the vast seasonal wetlands of the Pantanal, one of South America’s great wildlife centres. Here, amidst 140,000 square kilometres of forest, savannah and marsh, you can experience a dazzling diversity of flora and fauna that counts some 1000 species of birds and 300 species of mammals. Based at an eco-lodge, you will enjoy daily safari excursions into the Pantanal to spot the resident wildlife which includes everything from giant anteaters, tapirs and marsh deer to hyacinth macaws, jabiru storks and giant river otters. Stay at Caiman Lodge and there is every chance of spotting a jaguar!
Chapada dos Guimaraes Table-Top Mountains
Transfer into the awe-inspiring table-top mountains of the Chapada dos Guimaraes, an ancient region of sandstone cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and fascinating wildlife that counts pampas deer, gato-palheiro cat, anteaters and even – if you are exceptionally lucky – maned wolf. Together with your guide, you will hike to waterfalls, visit indigenous rock paintings, explore caves, marvel at the stunning viewpoints and enjoy a spectacular sunset view of the 860m tall Morro de São Jerônimo.
The Amazon Rainforest
Return to Cuiaba airport for a short flight to Alta Floresta and onward transfer into Brazil’s southern Amazon basin to reach your lodge. Nestled within a 30,000 acre private reserve bordering the Cristalino State Park, this is wonderful area of remarkable biodiversity that boasts over 2000 species of butterflies and 550 recorded species of birds. Each day you will head into the surrounding rainforest accompanied by expert, naturalist guides to observe the rich local wildlife. There are 22 miles of trails to explore and a whole host of activities that range from bird-watching, hiking and paddling to piranha fishing, observation towers and night safaris.
Return to the airport for onward connections
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from $11,525 per person
When to travel
Brazil is a year-round destination and no matter what month you visit, you can find a golden, sun-kissed beach if you are prepared to travel. The tropical north straddles the equator and is warmer – up to 40° at the height of summer – and wetter around the Amazon basin. Heading south, temperatures cool off especially towards the south dropping as low as 15° in winter with even snow falling on the mountains of the Serra Geral close to the border of Argentina. Between November and April, Rio and the south provide ideal beach conditions and are hot and steamy with tempestuous downpours particularly in January through to March. During this period, Iguassu Falls are at their most impressive – though at times the spray can obscure the views – while the Pantanal is oppressive and worth avoiding. Outside these months, head to the north-east coast for sun, hottest (and wettest) on the Bahian coast between April and July.
Add on’s
For colonial history sourrounded by picture-postcard granite peaks and Atlantic Rainforest, why not include a couple of nights at the beautoful UNESCO town of Paraty just south of Rio? This would then also open up the stunning beaches and glorious coastline of Ilha Grande Island just off the coast. Similarly, you may like to round off your trip with the fascinating former colonial capital Salvador and a stay at a sumptuous beach resort along the Bahian coast.
For the ultimate wildlife trip, why not continue to Quito which would lead you on to the rich bird-life of Mindo Cloudforest as well as the natural wonderland of the Galapagos. Or Lima for the Incan treasures of Peru and Machu Picchu. Iguassu also combines beautifully with Argentina and the wildlife of the Ibera Wetlands as well as the multicoloured canyons and salt-lakes of Salta and the Calchaquies Valleys.
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