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Brazil Holidays

Wildlife of Brazil, from the Pantanal to the Amazon

14 Night Itinerary from  £5,720

Caiman Nature & Wildlife 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

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Tour Route

Travel 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

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

Tour Itinerary

Copacabana Fishing Village

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

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 28 March 2024

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. 


Friday, 29 March 2024

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.


Saturday, 30 March 2024

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.

1775 Ipanema Inn Hotel

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.

1770 Windsor Excelsior Hotel
Jaguar

Pantanal - 3 Nights

Day 4 - Transfer to your lodge in the Pantanal

Day 5 - Wildlife excursion by boat

Day 6 - Village and wildlife excursion

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 31 March 2024

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. 

 


Monday, 01 April 2024

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.


Tuesday, 02 April 2024

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. 

Baia Grande

Pantanal - Tourist 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.

1798 Baia Grande

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 (11).jpg
Amazon Sunrise

Manaus - 1 Night

Day 7 - Fly to Manaus

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Wednesday, 03 April 2024

Manaus city tour

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.

Lord Manaus Hotel

Manaus - Tourist Hotel

Located in downtown Manaus this hotel offers recently refurbished rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, TV and mini bar. The hotel has its own restaurant and provides easy access to other restaurants, bars and shops of the commercial district.

3145 Lord Manaus Hotel
Piranha teeth

Amazon Lodge - 3 Nights

Day 8 - Travel to your remote Amazon Lodge

Day 9 - Rainforest and wildlife excursion

Day 10 - Visit a local community and night excursion

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Thursday, 04 April 2024

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. 


Friday, 05 April 2024

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.


Saturday, 06 April 2024

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

Amazon Lodges - Tourist 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.

1786 Turtle Lodge

Juma Lodge

Amazon Lodges - Tourist 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.

1785 Juma Lodge
DSC 9268

Salvador da Bahia - 1 Night

Day 11 - Orientation tour of Salvador da Bahia

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 07 April 2024

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.

1782 Monte Pascoal

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.

1781 Casa Do Amarelindo

Fasano

Salvador da Bahia - Deluxe Hotel

Located at Castro Alves Square, Salvador's Historic Centre, the deluxe Fasano Hotel has an unparalleled view of the Todos os Santos Bay.

The air-conditioned rooms have king-size beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, spacious living room, television and marble bathroom. Most rooms have sea views.

Italian cuisine is served in the restaurant. Other public areas include a stunning rooftop swimming pool, Spa and fitness centre.

Hotel Fasano Salvador Façade
000045620007

Praia do Forte Beach - 3 Nights

Day 12 - Tour of Salvador and travel to Praia do Forte

Day 13 - Explore the Atlantic Forest

Day 14 - At leisure 

Day 15 - Departure

Day 16 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 08 April 2024

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.


Tuesday, 09 April 2024

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 . 

 


Wednesday, 10 April 2024

At leisure

Enjoy and relax on your last day in Praia do Forte.


Thursday, 11 April 2024

Departure

Transfer to Salvador airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.


Friday, 12 April 2024

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in 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.

1794 Porto Da Lua

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 12 different room types: superior room, superior plus, Superior ocean, Master, Master garden, Master club, Master club plus, Master family, Master suite, Deluxe suite, Deluxe suite ocean view, the Presidential suite and Pool villas. All rooms and suites are air-conditioned with a luxurious private bathroom, balcony or terrace, hammock and sea view.

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.

Rates are on a half board basis (breakfast and lunch or breakfast and dinner). Highly recommended for couples, single travellers and families.

The beautiful beach at the Tivoli Eco Resort

Price Guidelines

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 Tourist First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £5,720 £6,631 £6,222 £6,727
Single Traveller - Own Room £6,697 £7,527 £7,522 £8,144

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


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 guide
  • Exclusive list of restaurant suggestions

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