Wildlife of Brazil, from the Pantanal to the Amazon

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.

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

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.

Day 8

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 9

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 10

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.

Day 11

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.

Day 12

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 13

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 14

At leisure

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

Day 15

Departure

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

Day 16

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK