Wildlife and Waterfalls of Brazil

Day 1 UK to Sao Paolo

After taking our included UK door-to-door travel service, fly overnight to Sao Paulo.

Day 2 Sao Paolo to Cuiaba

Arrive in the morning and travel to the city’s domestic airport for your flight to Cuiaba.

Spend the night at the locally rated 3-star Hotel Deville Prime Cuiaba (3Q), a contemporary hotel in the city centre.

Day 3 Cuiaba to Pantanal

Travel the Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland on the planet, for four nights at the locally rated 4-star Pousada Do Rio Mutum Eco Lodge (3Q).

The landscape of the Pantanal changes dramatically depending on the season, from the wet season when vast stretches of the region are completely flooded and turned into vast mirror, to the dry season when the land is cracked and desiccated. These varying habitats are the perfect home for a variety of wildlife, from puma and caimans to jaguar and capybara. 

Arrive at the lodge for a welcome drink and lunch. This afternoon enjoy a presentation that introduces the Pantanal region, followed by a short walk to observe the various species of birds and other animals at the lodge. Early this evening you’ll sample a tasty piranha broth before a dinner featuring regional dishes. B, L, D

Day 4 Pantanal

This morning take a guided walk in search of birds, mammals and reptiles, and learn about the fascinating ecosystem.

After lunch take a cruise on the Mutum river, where you may be lucky enough to spot giant otters and river rays. Look forward to a night safari by boat or jeep. B, L, D

Day 5 Pantanal

Visit the village of Cuiaba Mirim by boat to meet with the inhabitants and learn about life in the Pantanal, then travel overland to the village of Capoeirinha.

During your tour you might be able to spot the rare hyacinth macaw with its incredible bright-blue plumage. The Pantanal is one of three major population centres of the hyacinth macaw, which has been the victim of habitat loss, and capture for trading over the past century. B, L, D

Day 6 Pantanal

Enjoy a spot of horseback riding this morning, admiring the colourful vegetation and keeping an eye out for more wildlife on a hack through the countryside – there’s a small chance you may spot puma!

Later on enjoy a cruise on Sia Mariana Bay, where you may be able to try your hand at piranha fishing! Watch the sunset and enjoy sundowner drinks from the comfort of the boat before returning to the lodge for your final night in the Pantanal. B, L, D

Day 7 Pantanal to Cuiaba to Rio de Janeiro

An early morning canoeing trip will allow you to watch the sunrise over the wetland before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Transfer to Cuiaba for your internal flight to Rio de Janeiro, where you spend the next three nights at the locally rated 5-star Hilton Hotel Copacabana (4Q), in front of the world-famous Copacabana Beach. B

Day 8 Rio de Janeiro

See this amazing city from a unique perspective today as you ride the cog-wheel train to the summit of Corcovado Mountain, admiring views of the city below and its spectacular natural setting. This will also put you at the foot of Christ the Redeemer which, at almost 100 feet tall, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This evening is at leisure and you’ll be free to dine wherever you like – there are plenty of places along the Copacabana promenade, perhaps go for a hearty Brazilian barbecue! B

Day 9 Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a free day in the city. Perhaps join an optional excursion to the Favelas, visit the botanical gardens or head to the unique town of Petropolis. B

Day 10 Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguassu

Transfer to the airport and fly to Iguassu Falls, where you spend the next three nights at the locally rated 5-star Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas (5Q), within Iguassu National Park and just moments from Iguassu Falls!

Take a walk along the catwalks that edge the falls, taking you close to the bottom of Devil’s Throat – the biggest of the cascade – where you can ride an elevator allowing you to view the falls from the top. B, L

Day 11 Foz do Iguassu

Today you cross the border to see the falls from the Argentinian side, which includes a ride aboard the Ecological Jungle Train. The journey will take you through the national park’s rainforest, following the route of the Iguazu River to the Devil’s Throat observation point. B, L

Day 12 Foz do Iguassu

Spend the day at leisure within the National Park or join an optional excursion following the Macuco Trail through the Iguassu National Park. B, D

Day 13 Foz do Iguassu to Sao Paolo to UK

Fly to Sao Paulo for your return overnight flight to the UK. B

Day 14 UK

Arrive in the UK for your included door-to-door travel service home.