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Brazil

Stunning City, Wetlands Cruise searching for Jaguars, Majestic Waterfalls, Highlands Birding & Relaxing Coastal Retreats

Brazil Nature - City & Island Life, Birdwatching & Pantanal Wetlands Cruise - Jaguar Tour - 18 Night Itinerary

Explore Rio de Janeiro, wonder at the Iguassu Falls, enjoy a cruise in the Pantanal wetlands observing majestic jaguars & incredible wildlife, discover flora and fauna in Atlantic forest mountains, discover Paraty heritage & relax on an idyllic island.

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Travel Highlights

  • Visit the iconic sights of Rio de Janeiro on an in-depth guided tour
  • Discover untold Rio de Janeiro's Royal Heritage
  • Explore Rio de Janeiro's Botanical Gardens with a wealth of plant species
  • Take a cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain at sunset
  • Stand in awe at Iguassu waterfall from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides
  • Enjoy a 4-night river cruise in the Pantanal in search of majestic jaguars
  • Discover endemic wildlife and birdwatching, giant otters, anteaters, storks and capivaras
  • Stay 4-nights in a nature lodge hidden in the forests 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
  • Stroll the pedestrian cobbled streets of Parati, an historic town with stylish cafes and shops
  • Enjoy a boat trip from Parari to remote, unspoilt islands
  • Relax on Ilha Grande island and enjoy its virgin rainforest and idyllic beaches
  • Hike through 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 - City & Island Life, Birdwatching & Pantanal Wetlands Cruise - Jaguar

Tour Itinerary

Sugar Loaf Mountain hiking trail with ocean views in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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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 de Janeiro

Arrive in Rio in the morning where our guide will transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 3-night stay including breakfast.

Later, our guide will take you on an introductory walk along the famous beaches. 


Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Botanical Gardens, Lagoon & Sugar Loaf Mountain

A relaxed day of exploring with our guide visiting the charming Parque Lage Mansion and gardens, the lagoon in the centre of modern Rio where people come to walk, jog, listen to music in the restaurants and bars and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon we visit the impressive Botanical Gardens which boast a wide variety of Brazilian plants and trees as well as birds, toucans, parakeets and hummingbirds can be seen (or heard) here. At sunset, we take the cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain and enjoy the fantastic views of the city.


Wednesday, 10 June 2026

In-depth tour of Rio de Janeiro including Historic areas

Today you will enjoy our special Veloso Tours in-depth tour of Rio de Janeiro, taking you to the biggest sights, but also to some of the lesser-visited areas where you will gain a more detailed and authentic perspective on the city.

The tour starts with a trip up Corcovado Mountain to the Christ the Redeemer statue. From here you can see Rio's most emblematic figure up-close, as well as enjoying panoramic 360 degree views of the city. As well as the iconic view across Guanabara Bay, you can also see the lagoon, beaches, favelas and huge granite outcrops. From up here the Maracana Stadium is also visible and it is towards here that we head next, driving through the Tijuca Forest and stopping briefly at the stadium, en-route to the Sambadromo - the spiritual home of the Rio Carnival.

We continue to the bohemian hillside district of Santa Teresa, where the cobbled streets and colonial mansions lend a timeless air to this attractive area. It is then on to the historic city centre of Rio de Janeiro, where the Royal Family once lived.

After a stop at one of the oldest and most atmospheric cafes in Rio, you will visit several important monuments, including the cathedral, Imperial Palace, Sao Jose Church and the Cultural Centre. Together these tell the story of Rio's past to give us a greater understanding of the story of Rio de Janeiro.

1775 Ipanema Inn Hotel
Rio de Janeiro - Tourist Hotel

Ipanema Inn Hotel

The Ipanema Inn has a wonderful location in the trendy residential district of Ipanema with numerous shops, bars and restaurant and only 300 meters from the beach.

All the rooms have private facilities, free WiFi, air conditioning, cable TV and minibar. Some have private balconies. The restaurant and bar serve Brazilian specialties and exotic local…

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1776 Arena Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro - First Hotel

Arena Copacabana

The Arena Copacabana is in a wonderful location overlooking Copacabana Beach.

The decoration is light and modern, with 135 comfortable and spacious rooms, fully equipped with WiFi, air-conditioning and sound proof windows.

The top floor terrace, pool and sauna have a panoramic view of the beach and the ground floor restaurant serves international cuisine.

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Copacabana Pool View
Rio de Janeiro - Luxury Hotel

Fairmont Copacabana

Located by Copacabana Beach with views of Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana is one of the top luxury hotels in Rio. The hotel has been inspired by the glamour carioca in the 1950's, with elegant and stylish public areas and guest rooms.

The hotel has two swimming pools, a spa, sauna, fitness…

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Iguassu/Iguazu waterfalls
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Thursday, 11 June 2026

Fly to the Iguassu Falls

Transfer to the airport and fly to Iguassu. On arrival, our guide will transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the Brazilian side of the falls at your leisure.


Friday, 12 June 2026

Visit the Argentine side of the Falls

Today, we visit the Argentinean side of the Iguazú Falls, located within Iguazú National Park. Here, 275 falls thunder down from an average of  70 metres.

Observe a huge variety of ferns, orchids, begonias, birds and butterflies. You can choose from exploring the upper or lower circuit, a series of walkways and viewing points of the various falls, the most famous being Devil's Throat.

 

Eco1
Iguassu Falls - Tourist Resort

San Martin

Situated by the main entrance to the Iguassu National Park, this hotel provides good access to the airport and the waterfalls. Surrounded by lush vegetation a number walking trails are available to guests. The hotel has a spa, gym, large swimming pool and restaurant making for a comfortable stay.

All rooms are air-conditioned, with television, minibar,…

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1791 Bourbon Cataratas Resort
Iguassu Falls - First Hotel

Bourbon Cataratas Resort

The Bourbon has a spacious area, excellent facilities, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a health club and two restaurants. It is located on the road between the town and the Iguassu Falls and the best hotel outside the National Park area. There are 300 rooms all with air-conditioning, able TV and bathroom.

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Hotel das Cataratas
Iguassu Falls - Luxury Hotel

Hotel das Cataratas

The iconic Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel located overlooking the Iguassu Falls within the National Park. Restored to its original 1950s charm, the hotel’s hacienda-style exterior is matched by its warm, inviting interior design. The Hotel das Cataratas is a very special place to stay.

Public areas include a large swimming pool,…

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Saturday, 13 June 2026

Fly to Cuiaba, via Sao Paulo - embark your Rio Mutum riverboat

Transfer to the airport and fly to Cuiaba, the gate way to the vast Pantanal wetlands. On arrival, our guide will transfer you to Porto Jofre in the Pantanal where you embark your riverboat for a 4-night expedition on the Rio Mutum, including all meals and excursions. The rest of the day is at leisure. Set sail late afternoon.


Sunday, 14 June 2026

Exploring the Rivers of Porto Jofre

Today we cruise the rivers of Porto Jofre, the world’s finest destination for jaguar sightings, The Mutum Expeditions Boat offers privileged access to the heart of the Pantanal, where nature reveals its most powerful and elusive predator. This tour takes place near Porto Jofre. Navigating up the Cuiabá River toward the Caxiri region,

Our cruise covers approximately 80 kilometres. We moor at night along the riverbanks, from where you  can listen to the sounds of the natural world after dark - quite a special expereince. 


Monday, 15 June 2026

In search of Jaguars

As we travel, the boat brings us closer to the small streams and bays, the jaguar’s favourite habitats, offering a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural environment.

The experienced local guides, many from traditional Pantanal communities, combine deep field knowledge with a genuine passion for conservation, ensuring that every sighting respects the balance of the ecosystem. Observe many species including giant otters, scarlet macaws, giant anteaters, capybara, sunbitterns and golden lancehead vipers.


Tuesday, 16 June 2026

The delights of the Pantanal

On the cruise you will observe an incredible array of wildlife, flora and fauna.  

You can explore from the sun deck of your riverboat and on the daily guided excursions ashore.

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Pantanal - First River Cruise

Mutum Boat Expeditions

Mutum Expeditions began been operating river expeditions from their riverside lodge on the Cuiaba River in the northern Pantanal in 2015. They have managed a lodge here since 1998 and over the years have become deeply involved in jaguar observation projects.

Departing from Pousada Mutum and navigating down the Cuiabá River toward Porto Cercado (approximately…

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Visitacao2
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Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Travel to an Eco-Lodge in the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve

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.


Thursday, 18 June 2026

Guided birdwatching tour

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.


Friday, 19 June 2026

Optional tour of the Serra dos Órgãos mountains

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.

 

Paraty
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Saturday, 20 June 2026

Travel to Pariti

You will today take a shared transfer by coach to the town of Parati, around 150 miles from Rio, travelling past verdant tree-covered mountains, the Atlantic ocean coastline and through small towns and villages. You will stay for 3-nights in a charming pousada, including breakfast. Our experts will be able to advise you on the best options.

The atmospheric cobbled streets of Parati are lined with small art galleries and handicraft shops and white-washed colonial buildings with brightly painted windows and doors. The town is backed by mountains blanketed with lush shady forests. Tranquil idyllic beaches invite leisurely strolls, or you can head into the dense Atlantic Rainforest to reach ancient Portuguese forts and isolated waterfalls. Relaxing boat trips head out to the tropical islands and remote beaches of the bay and provide ideal opportunities for snorkelling and swimming in the clear waters.


Sunday, 21 June 2026

Guided tour of Pariti

This morning take a half-day walking tour of Parati with a local guide, discovering the history and colonial architecture of this charming town.


Monday, 22 June 2026

Boat trip to unspoilt Islands

Today head to the port and join a schooner for a 5-hour boat trip exploring Parati Bay. Stop in remote coves for snorkelling and relaxing on an unspoilt beach.

3141 Pardieiro Pousada
Paraty - Tourist Hotel

Pardieiro Pousada

One of the oldest pousadas in Pariti, the Pousada Pardieiro is situated in the historical centre at the quiet end of town. 

The 27 rooms are all individually decorated in a colonial style and have air conditioning, safe, mini bar and en-suite bathroom. This pretty pousada is made up of a number of small buildings set…

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Casa Cairucu
Paraty - First Private Villa

Casa Cairuçu

Casa Cairucu is ideal for families, honeymoons of groups of friends. It overlooks Parati Bay, and is inside the Cairucu Conservation Area, with pristine beaches, swatches of rainforest and fishing communities. The Pousada is an eco-tourism experience supporting local businesses, solar heated water, food composting, water from the spring and ceiling fans (no air-conditioning). 

There are…

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Pousada Literaria (2)
Paraty - Deluxe Hotel

Pousada Literaria

Located in the historical centre of Parati on the edge of the pedestrian area, Pousada Literária occupies a large colonial house, fully restored in the original style with modern touches and fittings. The atmosphere reflects the tradition of Parati in the arts and culture.

The 22 well-decorated and comfortable suites, apartments and villas are equipped…

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Ilha Grande
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Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Travel to Illa Grande

This morning we drive to the island of Illa Grande, and check into your chosen hotel or resort for a 3-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Wednesday, 24 June 2026

At leisure

Once a former pirate hideaway, slaving centre and prison, unspoilt Ilha Grande is now a welcoming retreat for Cariocas and visitors alike, attracted by the prospect of unexplored virgin forest and deserted beaches. You can spend your time here hiking the well-kept trails to panoramic lookout points, swimming, snorkelling or kayaking or just relaxing on the island's beautiful beaches. 


Thursday, 25 June 2026

At leisure

A day to relax on this beautiful island, or explore on an optional  tour.


Friday, 26 June 2026

Fly back to the UK

Transfer to Rio airport and fly on an overnight flight back to the UK.


Saturday, 27 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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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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Fasano Dos Reis Hotel (9).jpg
Angra dos Reis, Costa Verde - Luxury Hotel

Fasano Angra dos Reis

Opened in 2017, the deluxe beach hotel, Fasano dos Reis, is located on Praia do Frade in the Costa Verde.

The hotel has 60 spacious apartments either overlooking the sea or the countryside. Each room is air-conditioned, with TV, FREE Wi-Fi, mini-bar, private bathroom and terrace or balcony.

Public areas include a stunning swimming pool, enormous spa…

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Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates March - June & September - November July - August (No operation December to February Rain/Flood season in Pantanal)
Room Arrangement Tourist First Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms £8,318 £8,624 £11,626 £8,818 £9,124 £12,126

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

  • 21 Days / 18 Nights Tour
  • International flights (2 overnight)
  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • 18 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 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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