The Caiman Nature & Wildlife Tour
Brazil Holidays - 14 Night Itinerary from £4,013 €3,915 $4,217

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 take you on a short walk to introduce you to the area surroundings your hotel so that you can get your bearings upon arrival in a big city like Rio de Janeiro. You will walk a short distance around the hotel in order to gain a feeling of Rio de Janeiro's city life - the people, the beach culture, the apartments of the city's affluent, all that makes up the typical "Carioca" life. This short introduction to Rio (up to one hour) will help with your orientation.

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 - Excursion to Botanical Gardens, Lagoon & 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 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 "posh" 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.

Day 8 - City Tour of Manaus

Early morning transfer back to the airport and fly to Manaus. In the afternoon you have a tour of Manaus' main attractions including a visit to the Municipal Market where you can see the exotic fruit and freshwater fish of the Amazon rainforest. We stop by the busy port to view the bustling activity of people and good travelling by local boat in all directions to heart of the Amazon. One of the tour's highlights is a visit to the incredible Manaus Opera House, the Teatro Amazonas, which was 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 Remote Amazon Lodge

Departing from Manaus in the morning by car, we go to the river port at Ceasa. From there we take a speedboat to the village of Careiro da Varzea, passing by where the Negro and Solimões Rivers meet. After a stop at the fruit market, we travel to the Araça River via the Manaus-Porto Velho highway. By boat we pass many lakes and creeks, and have an opportunity to see water Lilies with their enormous floating leaves, as well as native villages and communities. Arrive at the Amazon Turtle Lodge around lunchtime, after which there is a motorized 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 & Wildlife Excursion 

Embark on an early morning excursion to see the sunrise and birds. Later in the morning we go on a jungle trek where you learn local skills with our experienced guides, who will demonstrate how to use vines as ropes, how to climb trees, and how to find water and food. You will also learn about the fauna and biodiversity of the rain forest. After lunch at the lodge, we go canoeing to watch more birds and animals. In the evening watch the beautiful glow of the moon and hear the sounds of the creatures wandering around in the jungle.

Day 11 - Visit Local Community

In the morning we visit a native caboclo's house to learn about their customs and culture. We will also visit rubber and cassava plantations. At lunch we will have the opportunity to taste some of the foods seen by the local houses (fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs). In the afternoon we will go piranha fishing followed by Dinner at 7:30 p.m. In the evening we go by canoe for a night wildlife watching excursion and may be able to spot an alligator with a flash light: we will catch it with our bear hands (this is something that you shouldn't try at home!). You will have opportunity to take photos and hold it if you want.