Brazil is a nature-lover's dream, with the greatest biodiversity of any country in the world. This journey takes in not just the Pantanal wetlands, without doubt the best place to spot wildlife in all of South America, but also the Amazon rainforest, home to some 2,000 birds and mammal species. For the first time, you may opt to explore the Pantanal by luxury expedition boat, the Peralta, instead of staying at an ecolodge. There will be an opportunity to experience a number of man-made marvels, too, including taking a cable car to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio.
BRAZIL WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
HIGHLIGHTS
- Nights walks to spot noctural wildlife such as snakes, sloths and alligators in the Amazon.
- Wildlife encounters including caiman, capybara and hyacinth macaws.
- Sailing on the Pantanal's first luxury expedition boat in search of the elusive jaguar.
- Exploring the flooded forests and tributaries of the Amazon by canoe.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Rio de Janeiro
Arrival into Rio de Janeiro. Set between verdant mountains and the sea, the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’, or Marvelous City, is as much loved for its beautiful landscapes as it is for its urban beaches. You will be staying at the legendary Belmond Copacabana Palace on Copacabana Beach.
Overnight: Belmond Copacabana Palace
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Day 2 Rio de Janeiro
On the menu today are visits to all of the iconic sights of Rio, including the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, atop Corcovado mountain. Enjoy a delicious gaucho (cowboy) barbecue lunch, before taking the cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain where you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring 360º views of the region.
Overnight: Belmond Copacabana Palace
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Day 3 Rio de Janeiro – Pantanal
Catch a flight to Campo Grande and journey into the Pantanal wetlands, one of the largest freshwater flood plains on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. This is South America’s primary wildlife sanctuary and wildlife encounters may include caiman, jaguar, capybara and the spectacular hyacinth macaw.
Overnight: Caiman Ecological Refuge
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Day 4 Pantanal
Full day dedicated to observing the Pantanal's flora and fauna at the Caiman Ecological Refuge private reserve. Explore the pastures, woods and wetlands on horseback.
Overnight: Caiman Ecological Refuge
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Day 5 Pantanal
Board canoes to spot aquatic wildlife, birds and flora – you may even like to try a spot of piranha fishing. The jaguar habituation project offers the opportunity to track jaguars in an Africa-style jeep safari. During the June to September high season presentations are given by the Oncafari scientists, and dedicated tracking programs can be arranged on either a private or shared basis.
Overnight: Caiman Ecological Refuge
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Day 6 Pantanal to Manaus
Catch a flight up to Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas. In striking contrast to its jungle surroundings, this urban pocket of civilisation boasts a spectacular Renaissance-style Opera House, built in the late 19th century.
Overnight: Villa Amazonia
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Day 7 Amazon Jungle
Travel to the heart of the Amazon rainforest either by road or by seaplane to get a bird’s-eye-view of the region. You will be staying at Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge on the banks of the Rio Negro. On arrival, meet your naturalist guides who will discuss the next two days’ adventures with you.
Overnight: Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge
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Day 8 - 9 Amazon Jungle
Explore the Amazon with your local guides. Highlights will include canoeing through the igapós (blackwater-flooded forests) and igarapés (tributaries) in search of caiman, anaconda and pink river dolphins. You will also visit the jungle by night, spotting nocturnal wildlife such as snakes and alligators by the light of the stars.
Overnight: Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge
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Day 10 Depart
Drive back to Manaus Airport for your flight home via either Rio or Sao Paulo.
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Depart
For those interested in exploring the Pantanal by boat, days 3-5 can be spent on board Peralta, a luxury expedition boat, as an alternative to Araras Eco Lodge. The cabins, viewing lounge and restaurant all have floor to ceiling windows for watching the wetlands and spotting wildlife - including jaguars - as the boat sails through the narrow waterways and there's a great viewing deck with plunge pool on the upper deck.
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| Low | $ 9,890 |
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast in Rio and Manaus.
- All meals and tours in the Pantanal and the Amazon.
- Domestic flights.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
BOOKING NOTES
- Per person for land arrangements, based on two people sharing a room.
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"It has been a wonderful experience and everything has really gone off brilliantly… Thanks for arranging everything so thoughtfully, we have had a journey we will never forget. Thanks to you and Red Savannah who helped put it all together."
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REASONS TO BOOK
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