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Brazil

Birdwatching and Nature, Royal Petropolis and Atlantic Forest and beach at Ilha Grande

Brazil Nature - Atlantic Rainforest Birdwatching Sanctuary - Saphire Tour - 10 Night Itinerary

Enjoy birdwatching and nature walks in the Three Peaks National Park near Rio de Janeiro, explore the elegant summer retreat town of Petropolis and relax on a golden beach on the island of Ilha Grande.

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Travel Highlights

  • Stay 4-nights in a nature lodge in the rainforest in the Serra dos Órgãos mountains 
  • Take excursions and tours with birdwatching guides in the forest spotting endemic species 
  • Observe the forest from the forest canopy and discover the amazing moth wall
  • Explore the historical summer retreat town of Petropolis
  • Visit the Imperial Museum and learn about life in 19th century Brazil
  • Relax on Ilha Grande island and enjoy its virgin rainforest and idyllic beaches
  • Hike in coastal Atlantic rainforest to ancient forts or explore remote tropical islands

Tour Route

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.

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Map of Brazil Nature - Atlantic Rainforest Birdwatching Sanctuary - Saphire

Tour Itinerary

Visitacao2
  • Full Description
Sunday, 07 June 2026

Fly to Rio de Janeiro

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro.


Monday, 08 June 2026

Arrive in Rio and transfer to your eco-lodge

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro in the morning. 

Our guide will meet and transfer you to the eco-lodge designed for guests who want to discover the Atlantic Forest, set in lush scenery between restored and native forest wetlands and the Serra dos Órgãos mountains. We stay here for 4-nights including all meals.


Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Birdwatching in the lowland rain forest

The eco-lodge offers a range of tours and excursions helping you discover the beautiful and fragile environment.

Birdwatchers can explore the lowland rain forest and in the evening go in search of Giant Snipe. On the tour you might see a white-necked hawk, saw-billed hermit, rufous-capped motmot, buff-bellied puffbird, a spot-billed Toucanet and many more species, several being endemic to this area.


Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Serra dos Órgãos mountains optional excursion

Today opt for a tour of the Serra dos Órgãos mountains with a naturalist guide observing the many species that make this habitat their home including the dusky-legged guan, giant antshrike, sharp-billed treehunter, hooded berryeater and half-collared sparrow. A fascinating and enjoyable day awaits.


Thursday, 11 June 2026

At leisure

A day free to relax at the eco lodge, or take further walks into the rain forest discovering the unique wildlife.

Dom Pedro I
  • Full Description
Friday, 12 June 2026

Drive to Petropolis

This morning we drive through beautiful scenery to Petropolis, the former summer retreat of the Brazilian Royal Family and D. Pedro II , emperor of Brazil for 58 years. Petropolis is an elegant mountain town shaped by history, culture, and innovation.

Check into the wonderful hotel Solar do Imperio solardoimperio.com.br for a 2-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Saturday, 13 June 2026

Guided tour of Petropolis

Enjoy a guided guided walking tour of Petropolis today visiting the impressive Imperial Museum, the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II, offering a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century Brazil.

We also visit the neo-gothic cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcantara, the Santos Dumont House Museum, Liberty Square, stroll through elegant tree-lined streets and admire the Crystal Palace, an elegant glass structure that once hosted imperial celebrations, concerts and exhibitions. 

Ilha Grande
  • Full Description
  • Accommodation
Sunday, 14 June 2026

Drive to Ilha Grande

This morning transfer by road to the unspoilt island of Ilha Grande, an extension of the Emerald Coast's forested mountains, boasting virgin, unexplored forest and deserted beaches, with most of the small hotels in the modest but lively fishing village.

Enjoy the local restaurants serving excellent seafood and international cuisine. Ilha Grande is the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway or for leisurely activities, including sailing, trekking, sea kayaking and snorkelling. Check into your chosen pousada, hotel or resort for a 4-night stay including breakfast.


Monday, 15 June 2026

At leisure

A day to relax on the beach or at your hotel.


Tuesday, 16 June 2026

At leisure

Perhaps take a guided trek into the Atlantic forest today, or explore by mountain bike or on horseback.


Wednesday, 17 June 2026

At leisure

A final day to enjoy this beautiful tropical paradise.


Thursday, 18 June 2026

Fly back to the UK

Transfer to the airport and take an overnight flight back to the UK.


Friday, 19 June 2026

Arrive in the UK

Arrive back in the UK in the morning.

1827 Caicara Pousada
Ilha Grande - Tourist Hotel

Caicara Pousada

This charming Pousada has a priviledged location on the sea front only a few minutes walk away from the centre of the village and the best restaurants in Villa do Abraao. Opened in January 2006, Caicara is a small, tranquil and friendly pousada, offering nine rooms all with their own veranda, air conditioning, a ceiling…

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3142 Corsario Pousada
Ilha Grande - Tourist Hotel

Corsario Pousada

Located in the Costa Verde region, between the green of Atlantic Forest and the blue sea, the colonial style of Pousada do Corsário offer many leisure options, such as swimming pool, game room, sauna, gymnasium and tropical gardens. Accommodations equipped with cable TV, minibar, air conditioning, telephone and safe.

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DSC 7216 Scaled
Ilha Grande - Tourist Boutique

The Place, Ilha Grande

Located on Illa Grande, an island accessible by a 30 minute boat trip from the mainland to the small village of Abraao. The island has no cars, is covered in forest, rich in biodiversity, trails, beautiful scenery and a stunning beaches. 

The hotel "O Sitio" is a private house, well decorated, boutique property, set within…

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Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates March - June & September - November July - August & December - February
Room Arrangement Tourist Tourist
Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms £3,432 £3,934

Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.

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What's Included

  • 13 Days / 10 Nights Tour
  • International flights (2 overnight)
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions as stated in the itinerary
  • Travellers Guide for your journey including money, clothing, health and restaurant suggestions 
  • Prices are shown as a guide and are per person sharing a twin room

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