Days 1-2
Evening departure for Rio de Janeiro, arriving the following morning. Transfer to your hotel for 3 nights. Head out on a guided introductory orientation walk along the famous beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. (B)

Day 3
Full day tour of Rio including the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado mountain, the Imperial Palace, the Cathedral and the old colonial centre of Rio de Janeiro. (B,L)

Day 4
Full day tour to the Botanical Gardens and the Atlantic coastal forest at Tijuca, with a cable car trip up Sugar Loaf to see sunset over the city. (B,L)

Day 5-8
Fly to the Pantanal and transfer to Rio Mutum or Caiman Lodge for 4 nights. Daily guided excursions to explore the rich ecosystem created by seasonal flooding. (B,L,D)

Days 9-12
Return to the airport and fly to Manaus for 1 night by the Amazon. Morning tour to explore the city, the Opera House, the waterfront and the market. Transfer to a remote lodge in the rainforest. Daily guided excursions include forest walks under the dense canopy, a visit to a local family and excursions by canoe through the maze of islands and waterways. (B,L,D)

Day 13
Return to Manaus for a flight on to Salvador da Bahia, then transfer to a hotel in the colourful colonial district of Pelourinho, now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The unique fusion of Portuguese and African influences is visible at every turn.

Days 14-16
Morning tour of Salvador then transfer to Praia do Forte on the coast whose empty beaches are lined with coconut groves. The nearby small fishing village has a turtle conservation project, shops. Stay for 3 nights at Pousada in the Village (B) (Tourist) or Ecoresort (B,D) (First)

Day 17
Transfer to the airport and overnight flight home.