Wild Brazil: Amazon & Pantanal Adventure

Discover Brazil’s most wildlife-rich destinations on this epic safari-style adventure, observing playful monkeys, brightly coloured macaws and even a glimpse of the elusive jaguar. Perfect for nature and animal lovers of all ages, you’ll explore some of the world's most biodiverse areas, including the Amazon Rainforest and the Pantanal and marvel out gigantic waterfalls.

1. Fly to Iguacu, via Rio de Janeiro

2. Days 1-3: Iguassu

   Your introduction to Brazil’s incredible natural scenery begins almost as soon as you touch down in Iguazu. Your base for the first few nights is the Hotel das Cataratas, which boasts an enviable location within the National Park, with unparalleled views of the mighty Iguazu Falls. Hotel guests have exclusive access to the walkways leading to the thunderous cascading falls, before and after the gates are open to the general public, meaning you watch the watch the sunrise over the surrounding rainforest before sitting down to a decadent breakfast in peace. Have your passport stamped when you pop over to the Argentine side of the park for an alternative and arguably more impressive view of the falls. Make sure you spend some time just relaxing beside the huge inviting swimming pool and wander around the hotel’s beautiful manicured gardens.

   Accommodation: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (2 nights)

3. Days 3-4: Pantanal, Brazil

   Today you’ll traverse most of Brazil as you make your journey to the depths of the Amazon. You’ll fly over to Cuiaba, where you’ll need to spend a positioning night before connecting onto Alta Floresta.

   Accommodation: Hotel Deville Prime Cuiabá (1 night)

4. Days 4-7: Alta Floresta, Brazil

   The luxurious Cristalino Lodge offers elegant and comfortable accommodation within a huge private nature reserve in Brazil’s southern Amazon. Make sure you have your binoculars ready and camera in focus, it is the perfect base for extraordinary wildlife encounters. Clamber up the 50-metre canopy towers, strategically positioned at unique locations within the jungle, to observe wildlife residing at different levels of the canopy and enjoy spectacular sunsets and sunrises over the treetops.

   Wildlife is in abundance here, the surrounding reserve is home to an astonishing 580 species of bird, along with an array of butterfly, monkeys, capybara, anteaters and river otters. You’ll need your walking boots to make the most of the extensive network of trails (with distances tailored to you), boats trips will take you to remote spots deep within the jungle and kayaks offer you the chance to explore narrow river channels whilst observing wildlife in complete silence. After a busy day exploring the rainforest, relax on the floating dock where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the jungle whilst sipping on a refreshing fruity cocktail.

   Accommodation: Cristalino Jungle Lodge (3 nights)

5. Days 7-11: Pantanal

   Your epic adventure continues as you journey to the spectacular wetlands of the Brazilian Pantanal. Even more biodiverse than the Amazon, it's an absolute must for curious travellers wanting to get off the beaten track and spot more wildlife. You'll be staying at one of our favourite lodges and days will be spent on fantastic jeep safaris in search of the elusive jaguar, horseback rides across the savannah as well as boat tours and good old-fashioned hikes. Although nothing is guaranteed, this is without doubt the best chance you’ll have anywhere in South America to observe a jaguar in its natural habitat. Also, the sunsets here are absolutely magical, the waters across the vast floodplains reflect the vibrant red and orange hues, so have your camera ready!

   Accommodation: Araras Eco Lodge (4 nights)

6. Days 11-14: Rio de Janeiro

   The trip concludes with a few days in Rio de Janeiro, with its instantly recognisable landmarks, where you’ll be staying on one of the world’s most famous beaches – Copacabana! Rio is a fantastic city with a lively atmosphere, plenty to see and do and miles of sun-drenched coastline to enjoy. Head up to one of Rio’s vantage points for an incredible bird’s eye view of the sweeping bay and to catch a glimpse of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Do as the locals do and potter along the beach boulevard stopping for an ice-cold drink and some bar snacks whilst the skilful kids play football in the sand and surfers ride the rolling waves, or just lounge poolside with your holiday read, soaking in the last of that famous Brazilian sunshine, perhaps with a Caipirinha.

   Accommodation: Belmond Copacabana Palace (3 nights)

7. Fly home from Rio de Janeiro

    

Iguazu, Amazon, Pantanal, Rio de Janeiro