Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and spend the next 2 days exploring this vibrant city, including a guided visit of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) and time permitting the city's Jardim Bontanico (Botanical Garden).
After exploring Rio de Janeiro fly to Foz do Iguazu and explore the mighty Iguazu Falls. During your visit you will spend a full day at the falls, visiting both the Brazilian and Argentinean side. You will have a chance to enjoy the panoramic views from the Brazilian side in the early morning when the light is at its best for photography, a zodiac journey up the river towards the Devil’s Throat Canyon (–be prepared to get wet!), and an afternoon visit to the Argentinean side of the falls for more panoramic views and an opportunity to explore the rainforest trails.
From Iguazu Falls fly to Cuiaba for a night before continuing to Alta Floresta and onwards to Rio Cristalino Lodge in the southern Amazon. The lodge has about 13 miles of trails through a variety of forest types and habitats, both directly behind the lodge and upstream (accessible by boat). There is a large bird (550 + species) and butterfly (2000 + species) list. There is also excellent mammal fauna including Brazilian Tapir (usually seen along river banks), Capybara, anteaters, opossums, river otters, Giant Otters (on longer river trips), and 7 species of primates.
Leaving the rainforest you will return to Cuiaba for a night before heading into the Pantanal, the world’s largest seasonal wetland, along the Transpantaneira road. The vast Pantanal wetland covers part of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia and is over half the size of France. More than 50% of the area is within Brazil. During the dry season (mid-April to late September) the water drains from the wetlands leaving dry grassland, small wooded islands and fish filled pools where animals and birds congregate to drink and feed. This makes for incredible wildlife viewing (think Amazon rainforest without the trees!) and during the dry season many of the 700 species of birds, 100 mammal species and 80 reptile species can be seen.
After an exhilarating 3 nights in the Pantanal fly to Sao Paulo for your international connections.