The Natural World in Brazil; Rainforest, Wetlands & Wildlife
Our Nature & Wildlife Tour of Brazil focuses on the prolific birdlife of the Pantanal wetlands, and the exuberant vegetation of the Amazon rainforest
Travel Highlights
- Our specialist wildlife and ecology tour, focusing on the natural world of Brazil
- Start in Rio de Janeiro, surrounded by the granite peaks and Atlantic Coastal forest
- Discover the main sights and natural side of Brazil's best known city
- 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 amid the coconut groves at this small fishing village
Journey Breakdown
The Caiman Nature & Wildlife Tour
Travel Itinerary
Rio de Janeiro Days 1 - 3
Day 1 - Flight to Rio de Janeiro
Day 2 - City Tour of Rio de Janeiro
Day 3 - Excursion to Botanical Gardens, Lagoon & Sugar Loaf Mountain
Itinerary Description
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.
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, Internet access, 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 De Luxe 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 as well as two swimming pools: to catch both the morning and afternoon sun. There is also 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, and the deluxe rooms have a balcony facing the ocean and the beach.
Pantanal Days 4 - 7
Day 4 - Transfer to Lodge
Day 5 - Wildlife Excursion by Boat
Day 6 - Village & Wildlife Excursion
Day 7 - Wildlife Excursion & Caiman Catching
Itinerary Description
Day 4 - Transfer to Lodge
The Pantanal, is South America´s main 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 wetland on the planet. Staying at the Pousada do Rio Mutum situated on the banks of the Rio Mutum at the point just before the river turns into two large lakes. There is also a swimming pool to enjoy after excursions and in the heat of the day. 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. After check-in, we give you an introduction to the lodge and surrounding area. In the evening a delicious piranha soup is served just before dinner, after which a briefing is given on the activities of the following days.
Day 5 - Wildlife Excursion by Boat
After breakfast, ecological walk through the jungle and open fields to observe animals and birds. Having the largest diversity of bird species in the world, the Pantanal is specially interesting for bird watching. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, boat ride for a photographic safari in Mutum River. In its crystal clear water it is possible to see giant otters, stingrays and huge schools of small fish. At the Mutum river banks, a large variety of birds can be observed. Return to the lodge for dinner, then nocturnal animal spotting by jeep in the lodge surrounding area.
Day 6 - Village & Wildlife Excursion
Canoeing in the Mutum river to observe the sunrise and the beauty of wildlife at the break of dawn in the Pantanal. Return for breakfast, then boat ride to Cuiabá Mirim, a small village of fishers located at the Cuiabá river banks. Return for lunch. In the afternoon, jeep ride through a road to observe birds and animals, where there is a great chance to observe many macaws. On the way back, spotting of animals. Dinner and overnight. (Between July to October these activities may be changed to a visit at the largest sanctuary of birds of the Pantanal).
Day 7 - Wildlife Excursion & Caiman Catching
After breakfast, horseback trail riding in the jungle, up to the edge of the Siá Mariana bay. During the whole year, a big variety of birds, animals and reptiles can be observed. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, boat trip down the Mutum river banks, Siá Mariana bay and Chacororé bay. Return by boat to the lodge, stopping to see the sunset at the Siá Mariana bay and do piranha fishing. In the evening, caiman feeding with the piranhas fished from Siá Mariana bay and nocturnal animals spotting. Dinner and overnight.
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.
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 Days 8 - 11
Day 8 - City Tour of Manaus
Day 9 - Travel to Remote Amazon Lodge
Day 10 - Rainforest & Wildlife Excursion
Day 11 - Visit Local Community
Itinerary Description
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.
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 Day 12
Day 12 - Walking Introduction of Salvador da Bahia
Itinerary Description
Day 12 - Walking Introduction of Salvador da Bahia
This morning we will leave the lodge by canoe to see the fresh-water pink and grey dolphins in small channels (Igarapés), flooded forest areas (Igapós) and in the rivers and lakes, just paddling and hearing the sounds of jungle. 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 Portuguse colonial history, blending with African music and customs. The old centre of Salvador, the Pelourinho, was restaured and became 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. This is a short introduction usually takes up to one hour and is given with your arrival transfer after checking in at your hotel.
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 Days 13 - 15
Day 13 - Tour of Salvador and travel to Praia do Forte
Day 14 - At Leisure
Day 15 - Departure
Itinerary Description
Day 13 - Tour of Salvador and travel to Praia do Forte
Morning tour of Salvador, then transfer to Praia do Forte, 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 now paved and many of the fisherman's houses have been converted into shops, bars, small restaurants, ideal to relax, walk and browse.
Day 14 - At Leisure
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.
Day 15 - Departure
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Porto da Lua
Praia Do Forte - Tourist Hotel
Tropical-style pousada on the edge of the village, with direct access to the beach, and a garden area with palm trees. All 27 rooms have 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
Praia do Forte is located 2 hours north of Salvador and the hotel is on the outskirts of the fishing village and is surrounded by 30 hectares of gardens and coconut groves. All the glorious cliches are here - 12 km of semi-deserted white sand beaches, shallow crystalline waters where natural pools form amongst the coral reefs - perfect for snorkelling windsurfing and sailing, delightful lawns stretching along the coast, where one can lie in the shade of the palms; and nearby, a charming, colourful fishing village, home to the Tamar Turtle Project.
One can also visit the Pojuca River which runs through the hotel gardens and stroll through the lush surrounding forest. 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. Buffett breakfast and dinner are included (Half Board) with a wide choice of dishes.
Idyllic resort, right by the beach, fringed with coconut groves and palm trees and a river. Beautiful ground floor and first floor rooms with balcony, hammock and sea view. Take a stroll in the small fishing village within walking distance for shops, art and nightlife.
Tivoli Eco Resort
Praia Do Forte - First Resort
Praia do Forte is located 2 hours north of Salvador and the hotel is on the outskirts of the fishing village and is surrounded by 30 hectares of gardens and coconut groves. All the glorious cliches are here - 12 km of semi-deserted white sand beaches, shallow crystalline waters where natural pools form amongst the coral reefs - perfect for snorkelling windsurfing and sailing, delightful lawns stretching along the coast, where one can lie in the shade of the palms; and nearby, a charming, colourful fishing village, home to the Tamar Turtle Project.
One can also visit the Pojuca River which runs through the hotel gardens and stroll through the lush surrounding forest. 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. Buffett breakfast and dinner are included (Half Board) with a wide choice of dishes.
Idyllic resort, right by the beach, fringed with coconut groves and palm trees and a river. Beautiful ground floor and first floor rooms with balcony, hammock and sea view. Take a stroll in the small fishing village within walking distance for shops, art and nightlife.
Travel Details
Caiman Nature & Wildlife
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
- 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
- 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
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 | £4,012 | - | - | £4,210 | £5,044 | - |
| Multiple Travellers - Own Room | - | + £4,873 | - | - | - | - |
| 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 | €3,914 | - | - | €4,152 | €5,557 | - |
| Multiple Travellers - Own Room | - | + €5,848 | - | - | - | - |
| 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 | $4,215 | - | - | $4,473 | $5,557 | - |
| Multiple Travellers - Own Room | - | + $6,336 | - | - | - | - |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | - | - | - | - | - | - |
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