Brazil Holidays
The Caiman Nature & Wildlife Tour
15 Night Itinerary from £4,286€4,028$5,000
Private Individual Tour
Our nature and wildlife Tour of Brazil focuses on the prolific birdlife of the Pantanal wetlands and the exuberant vegetation of the Amazon rainforest
Select your preferred departure date
Travel Route
- Rio de Janeiro - 3 Nights
- Pantanal - 4 Nights
- Manaus & Amazon Lodge - 4 Nights
- Salvador da Bahia - 1 Night
- Praia do Forte Beach - 2 Nights
Tour Highlights
- Our specialist wildlife and ecology tour, focusing on the natural world of Brazil
- Explore the sights of Rio de Janeiro - and its natural side
- Explore the Pantanal, a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers
- Travel to Amazonia and discover the vast exuberance of the Amazon rainforest
- Enjoy daily excursions in search of nature and visit a local community
- Discover Salvador da Bahia, with its Portuguese heritage
- Relax at Praia do Forte amidst the coconut groves in this small fishing village
We can modify and adapt this tour itinerary according to your preference or start afresh completely. Contact us so we can provide a guaranteed price for this tour, based on your preference of hotels, transport, excursions and flights.
The Caiman Nature & Wildlife Tour
Travel Itinerary
Rio de Janeiro - 3 Nights
Day 1 - Fly to Rio de Janeiro
Day 2 - City Tour of Rio de Janeiro
Day 3 - Tour the Botanical Gardens, lagoon and Sugar Loaf Mountain
Day 1
Flight to Rio de Janeiro
Take a morning flight from the UK to Rio de Janeiro, arriving in the evening. On arrival our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay. You will also enjoy a short orientation walk with your guide to introduce you to the area surroundings your hotel so that you can get your bearings. You will gain a feeling of Rio's city life - the people, the beach culture, the apartments of the city's affluent, all that makes up the typical "Carioca" life.
Day 2
City Tour of Rio de Janeiro
We begin our tour by visiting the famous Statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain where you can admire spectacular 360° views of the city, tropical forest, granite peaks and bay. From here we visit the bohemian district of Santa Teresa, once home to the rich and famous it's now occupied by galleries, writers, musicians and artists. Our journey continues into the city centre for lunch at one of Rio's oldest coffee shops, after which you visit the cathedral and the historical district to admire the strong colonial architecture and charming atmosphere.
Day 3
Tour the Botanical Gardens, Lagoon and Sugar Loaf Mountain
We start our full day tour by visiting the fabulous Sugar Loaf Mountain, a vast granite peak that stands 400m above the sea at the entrance to Guanabara Bay. Cable cars from Praia Vermelha beach carry visitors up the mountain via the Morro da Urca for spectacular views of the city and ocean. We continue to 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 Rio Botanical Gardens which boast over 5,000 species of Brazilian plants and trees in an area of 250 acres. Many bird species including toucans, parakeets and hummingbirds can be seen (or heard) here. There is a tranquil cafe for a short rest and refreshments before we continue to the upmarket residential areas on the coast to the south at Sao Conrado and Barra da Tijuca, returning to your hotel along the coastal road by the ocean.
Ipanema Inn Hotel
Rio de Janeiro - Tourist 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 drinks.
Windsor Excelsior Hotel
Rio de Janeiro - First Hotel
A modern hotel overlooking Copacabana Beach with 233 rooms and suites, all with air conditioning, internet, mini bar, safe and en-suite bathroom with hair-dryer as well as 24-hour room service. All rooms have twin beds that can be pushed together and made up as doubles. The top floor has a wonderful view of the beach and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, a rooftop swimming pool, fitness lounge, sauna and bar for cool drinks. The hotel has a bar, a restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner with buffet and a-la-carte menus, and also offers a complementary beach service with towels, umbrellas for shade and sunbathing chairs.
Sofitel Copacabana Hotel
Rio de Janeiro - Deluxe Hotel
The Sofitel Rio de Janeiro is a deluxe hotel located at the end of Copacabana Beach and just three blocks from the upmarket and stylish areas of Ipanema and Leblon.
The hotel has two restaurants, two swimming pools, a fitness centre with sauna and massage. The snack bar provides an excellent vantage point over the whole of Copacabana beach and bay.
All rooms are fully air-conditioned, with cable TV, mini bar, telephone and Sofitel's specially designed bed for extra comfort. The Superior rooms face the city whilst the deluxe rooms have a balcony facing the ocean and the beach.
Pantanal - 4 Nights
Day 4 - Transfer to your lodge in the Pantanal
Day 5 - Wildlife excursion by boat
Day 6 - Village and wildlife excursion
Day 7 - Wildlife tour and caimans
Day 4
Transfer to your lodge in the Pantanal
The Pantanal is South America´s most irresistible wildlife sanctuary and was declared a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2000. With a total area of approximately 140,000 km² it is one of the largest contiguous wetlands on the planet. We fly to Campo Grande and transfer to the Pousada do Rio Mutum for a 4 night stay on a full board basis including all excursions. The Pousada is situated on the banks of the Rio Mutum at the point just before the river turns into two large lakes and offers comfortable lodgings and a swimming pool to enjoy. The transfer takes about 3 hours and a half and on the way, you will be able to see many different kinds of birds, small mammals and tropical landscapes.
Day 5
Wildlife excursion by boat
After breakfast, enjoy an ecological walk through the jungle and open fields to observe animals and birds. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we take photographic safari by boat on the Mutum River. In its crystal clear water it is possible to see giant otters, stingrays and huge schools of small fish. On the riverbanks, a large variety of birds can be observed. After dinner, we head out for an exciting nocturnal animal spotting by jeep in surrounding area.
Day 6
Village and wildlife excursion
Early morning canoe trip on the Mutum River to observe the sunrise and beauty of wildlife at the break of dawn. Return for breakfast, then take a boat ride to Cuiabá Mirim, a small village of fisherman located on the Cuiabá River banks. After lunch, take a jeep ride to observe birds such as macaws and other animals. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7
Wildlife tour and caimans
After breakfast, enjoy an adventure by horseback in the jungle, to the edge of the Siá Mariana Bay. During the whole year, a large variety of birds, animals and reptiles can be observed. In the afternoon, take boat trip down the Mutum River to Siá Mariana and Chacororé Bay and stop to see the sunset at Siá Mariana Bay where we enjoy piranha fishing. In the evening, you will have the chance to see and catch caimans feeding with the piranhas fished from Siá Mariana Bay and observe more wildlife after dark.
Baia Grande
Pantanal - Fazenda
The Fazenda Baia Grande is a cattle and ecological tourism estate, owned and managed by a family that has lived in the Pantanal for 150 years, always linked to the land, the preservation of the environment and the local culture. The lodge is small, for a maximum of 15 guests and has a cosy and genuinely friendly atmosphere; each room has a bathroom with a shower, hot water, air conditioning, and all the windows are protected with mosquito nets to ensure you have a comfortable sleep. All meals are included catering to all tastes including vegetarians. The main activities included are bird watching, horse riding, wildlife observation, night-time caiman spotting, piranha fishing and hiking. After the excursions you can rest in a hammock or enjoy the nature, read a good book and to rest.
Baia Grande is accessed via Campo Grande airport and a four hour road transfer.
Pousada do Rio Mutum
Pantanal - Lodge
Pousada do Rio Mutum gives you the opportunity to stay in the middle of nature including a large variety of wild animals in a secure, comfortably and private setting. Explore this unique eco-system from our charming hotel, where friendly staff make the lodge a very special and unique experience. Cosy chalets are private and located in a natural garden setting. Besides the beauty of nature you will be ably to relax in the pool area after your daily tours into the Pantanal. The lodge is reached via a 3 hour road transfer from Cuiabá Airport.
Manaus & Amazon Lodge - 4 Nights
Day 8 - City tour of Manaus
Day 9 - Travel to your remote Amazon Lodge
Day 10 - Rainforest and wildlife excursion
Day 11 - Visit a local community and night excursion
Day 8
City tour of Manaus
Early morning flight to Manaus. Transfer to your hotel for a 1 night stay. Afternoon tour of Manaus including a the Municipal Market where you can see exotic Amazon fruit and freshwater fish. We stop by the port to view the bustling activity and vast arrange of goods travelling by local boat in all directions to heart of the Amazon. One of the highlights is a visit to the incredible Manaus Opera House, the Teatro Amazonas, built in 1896 almost exclusively using materials shipped over from Europe when Manaus was one of South America's most important cities.
Day 9
Travel to your remote Amazon Lodge
Depart from Manaus in the morning by car to the river port at Ceasa and by speedboat to the village of Careiro da Varzea, passing by where the Negro and Solimões Rivers meet. We travel by boat past many lakes and creeks, observing Water Lilies with their enormous floating leaves, as well as native villages and communities. We arrive at the Amazon Turtle Lodge (or your chosen Lodge) around lunchtime for a 3 night stay on a full board basis and including all excursions with knowledgable local guides. Enjoy a motorised canoe trip to explore the local area and search for local animals such as monkeys, spiders and a wide variety of birds.
Day 10
Rainforest and wildlife excursion
Early morning excursion to see the sunrise and birds. Later take guided trek into the jungle to learn local skills with our experienced guides, who will demonstrate how to use vines as ropes to climb trees. You will also learn about the fauna and biodiversity of the rain forest. After lunch, we go canoeing to watch more birds and animals. In the evening, relax at the lodge and watch the beautiful glow of the moon and hear the sounds of the creatures wandering around in the jungle - magical.
Day 11
Visit a local community and night excursion
Morning visit to a native caboclo's house to learn about their customs and culture and rubber and cassava plantations. At lunch we will have the chance to taste some of the foods seen in the local houses. Enjoy the afternoon piranha fishing on the river. After dinner, one of the highlights of your stay is an after dark wildlife watching excursion by boat where we may spot an alligator. Our guide will catch it with their bear hands - you will have opportunity to take photos and hold it if you want.
Turtle Lodge
Brazilian Amazon Lodges - Lodge
Located three hours from Manaus, the lodge, built in local wooden style with thatched roofs, consists of one main building with sitting room and a dining area on the first floor with open sides for a panoramic view of the forest and river. There are five bungalows with two rooms each, all with private facilities, netting two rooms each, all with private facilities, netting and a veranda overlooking the river. Includes daily guided excursions in the rain forest, local families and caiman spotting at night.
Juma Lodge
Brazilian Amazon Lodges - Basic Lodge
Located in a remote and relatively untouched region three hours southeast of Manaus by boat (25 minutes by float plane). The 16 bungalows - each with a private bathroom and fan - are supported on stilts and connected by walkways; all have lovely views of the forest or Juma Lake. Excursions by boat and on foot are organized in small groups and there are many activities to choose from. The lodge supports various conservation projects.
Amazon Ecopark Lodge
Brazilian Amazon Lodges - First Lodge
This wonderful Ecopark provides an ideal introduction to the Amazon, while ensuring that most creature comforts are still on-hand. However, its proximity to the city means that the rainforest is disturbed by human activity and the glow of city lights in the background is always visible. There is a panoramic open-air restaurant, built in local style from local materials, where you can enjoy delicious regional cuisine as well as international dishes; there is also a bar and a sitting area. Accommodation consists of 20 spacious bungalows each with three comfortable rooms - all with private facilities (hot water shower), screened windows, air conditioning and fan. As well as taking excursions into the rainforest, you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing at the private river beach. There is also a natural freshwater pool, several kilometres of hiking trails, many orchids, a bird sanctuary, a monkey reserve on an island, and the nearby Tortoise Lake.
Salvador da Bahia - 1 Night
Day 12 - Orientation tour of Salvador da Bahia
Day 12
Orientation tour of Salvador
This morning we leave the lodge by canoe and observe fresh-water pink and grey dolphins in small channels (Igarapés), flooded forest areas (Igapós) and in the rivers and lakes. A lovely finale to your Amazon adventure, just paddling and hearing the sounds of jungle. We then transfer back to Manaus arriving in the afternoon for a flight to Salvador da Bahia.
Salvador is at the heart of Brazilian identity with roots in Portuguese colonial history, blending with African music and customs. The old centre of Salvador, the Pelourinho, has been beautifully restored is now a UNESCO World heritage Site with cobbled streets, colonial architecture and churches. Our guide will take you on a short walk to introduce you to the area surroundings your hotel so that you can get your bearings upon arrival and gain a feel of the city life, the people and the culture. We stay in Salvador for 1 night.
Monte Pascoal
Salvador da Bahia - Tourist Hotel
Located in a modern buildings close to the lighthouse at Barra, shops and restaurants. All 77 rooms are fully equiped and it has a restaurant serving Brazilian cuisine and a pool.
Casa do Amarelindo
Salvador da Bahia - Tourist Hotel
Located in the old Pelourinho area, the hotel has the warm, colourful decoration of Bahia and with 10 comfortable rooms with ceiling fan and air conditioning, bath, CD and DVD player, free WiFi, hair dryer, safe and satellite TV. Breakfast can be taken all day by the pool, the panoramic terrace or the restaurant.
Villa Bahia
Salvador da Bahia - First Hotel
The hotel is located in the heart of Salvador's historical centre and colonial architecture, close to Pelourinho, the Church of Sao Francisco and the main square. It is a converted historic building with 17 spacious bedrooms with sofas, table, wardrobe, air conditioning, TV, minibar, hair dryer, large private bathrooms and shower. Some rooms have a four poster bed, others a double bed with a net and others two single beds.
The character decoration recalls the most important moments in the history of the Portuguese explorers, of the African and Asian trade exchanges, of the sea routes, closely tied to the spice trade.
The common areas recall the genius of the great Portuguese navigators, of Pedro Alvarez Cabral, who in 1500 discovered Brazil; of Magellan, of Vasco de Gama sailing to Africa and India; and of the advances made in seafaring that made it possible for them to bring different worlds closer to each other.
The gourmet restaurant with Bahia gourmet cuisine is excellent and there is a sitting room, swimming pool, cosy patio with tables, chairs and plants and a spa with wonderful, exotic massage. The restaurant and bar evoke the theme of the Spice Route. The spa invites you to discover beauty care and relaxation inspired by the knowledge Guarani Indians have passed down for generations to each other.
Praia do Forte Beach - 2 Nights
Day 13 - Tour of Salvador and travel to Praia do Forte
Day 14 - Explore the Atlantic Forest
Day 15 - Departure
Day 16 - Arrive in the UK
Day 13
Tour of Salvador and travel to Praia do Forte
Enjoy an included morning guided tour of Salvador. We then transfer to Praia do Forte (where we stay for 2 nights), a charming, tranquil fishing village located 80 km north of Salvador and with lovely beaches, a small old church and a sea turtle protection centre. The streets are paved and many of the fisherman's houses have been converted into shops, bars, small restaurants - it's an ideal place to relax, walk, browse and unwind.
Praia do Forte is also of great interest to lovers of the natural world as it is one of the few areas of protected Atlantic Forest, where you can enjoy treks and other activities exploring the flora and fauna of the unique ecosystem.
Day 14
Explore the Atlantic Forest
Today you have the flexibility to pursue your own interests and relax on the sandy white beaches lined with coconut palm groves or visit the bohemian cafes and galleries in the local town.
Nature lovers will enjoy a day discovering part of the 500 hectares of the environmentally protected Atlantic Forest that surrounds Praia do Forte. Here, there are many trails that can be explored on foot, by bicycle and on horseback. The highlights are the native species of flora and fauna of the region, such as anteaters, monkeys, orchids and bromeliads. There is an excellent visitor centre, with library and a small museum about the regional fauna. It is also possible to take a jeep to the Pojuca River where you can enjoy a motorised canoe ride, zip lining in the forest or perhaps a kayak tour through stretches of mangrove .
Day 15
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Porto da Lua
Praia Do Forte - Tourist Hotel
A popular tropical-style Pousada located on the edge of the village, next to the Tamar Project Station where they protect endangered sea turtles.
The Pousada has a lovely relaxed atmosphere with a lovely garden, palm trees and direct access to the beach.
All 26 apartment style rooms have a sea view, ensuite facilities, a terrace and hammock. There is a bar and two restaurants, for indoor and beach-front dining.
Tivoli Eco Resort
Praia Do Forte - First Resort
The Tivoli Eco Resort is on the outskirts of the village surrounded by 30,000 hectares of gardens and coconut groves. The resort has 12 km of semi-deserted white sand beaches and shallow crystalline waters where natural pools form amongst the coral reefs, perfect for snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing. There are delightful lawns stretching along the coast, and nearby, a charming, colourful fishing village, home to the Tamar Turtle Project.
There are three swimming pools, four tennis courts, games rooms, beach volleyball court, boutique and a children's club, a bar and three premium a-la-carte restaurants with excellent international and Brazilian cuisine. Activities include sunset picnics, candlelit dinners, canoeing, scuba diving, sea fishing, surf lessons, Eco bike tours, horseback riding, quad bike tours and a guided visit to the natural pools at Itacimirim including snorkelling.
The well-appointed air-conditioned rooms all have luxurious private bathroom, balcony or terrace, hammock and sea view.
Rates are on a half board basis (breakfast and lunch or breakfast and dinner). Highly recommended for couples, single travellers and families.
Tivoli Eco Resort
Praia Do Forte - First Resort
The Tivoli Eco Resort is on the outskirts of the village surrounded by 30,000 hectares of gardens and coconut groves. The resort has 12 km of semi-deserted white sand beaches and shallow crystalline waters where natural pools form amongst the coral reefs, perfect for snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing. There are delightful lawns stretching along the coast, and nearby, a charming, colourful fishing village, home to the Tamar Turtle Project.
There are three swimming pools, four tennis courts, games rooms, beach volleyball court, boutique and a children's club, a bar and three premium a-la-carte restaurants with excellent international and Brazilian cuisine. Activities include sunset picnics, candlelit dinners, canoeing, scuba diving, sea fishing, surf lessons, Eco bike tours, horseback riding, quad bike tours and a guided visit to the natural pools at Itacimirim including snorkelling.
The well-appointed air-conditioned rooms all have luxurious private bathroom, balcony or terrace, hammock and sea view.
Rates are on a half board basis (breakfast and lunch or breakfast and dinner). Highly recommended for couples, single travellers and families.
The Caiman Nature & Wildlife Tour
Travel Details
Price Breakdown
Prices are per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 1 Jan - 30 June, 17 Aug - 16 Dec | 1 July - 16 Aug, 17 Dec - 30 Dec | ||||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Deluxe | Tourist | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £4,285 | - | - | £4,496 | £5,387 | - |
| Multiple Travellers - Own Room | - | + £5,205 | - | - | - | - |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 1 Jan - 30 June, 17 Aug - 16 Dec | 1 July - 16 Aug, 17 Dec - 30 Dec | ||||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Deluxe | Tourist | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | €4,027 | - | - | €4,270 | €6,541 | - |
| Multiple Travellers - Own Room | - | + €5,985 | - | - | - | - |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 1 Jan - 30 June, 17 Aug - 16 Dec | 1 July - 16 Aug, 17 Dec - 30 Dec | ||||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Deluxe | Tourist | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | $4,999 | - | - | $5,294 | $6,541 | - |
| Multiple Travellers - Own Room | - | + $7,287 | - | - | - | - |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | - | - | - | - | - | - |
What's Included
- 16 Days / 14 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Internal flights
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- 18 Days / 15 Nights
- Internal flights
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Prices are per person
- Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
- 18 Days / 15 Nights
- Internal flights
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Prices are per person
- Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
Speak with a Specialist
Travel Enquiries
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