Brazil natural history

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.

Information

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Included

Internal flights, transfers, ground transport, tours and guides as shown, entrance fees.

Not included

Please consult.

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip but it can get hot and humid in the rainforest and the Pantanal.

Best time

Can be operated throughout the year except March and April, but certain destinations are best visited in specific months. Please contact us for more details.

Getting there

From the UK, flights to Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro cost from £600 per person.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Sunny with Cloud
- 23
- 29
- Feb
- Sunny with Cloud
- 23
- 29
- Mar
- Sunny with Cloud
- 22
- 28
- Apr
- Sunny with Cloud
- 21
- 27
- May
- Sunny
- 19
- 25
- Jun
- Sunny
- 18
- 24
- Jul
- Sunny
- 17
- 24
- Aug
- Sunny
- 18
- 24
- Sep
- Sunny
- 18
- 24
- Oct
- Sunny
- 19
- 25
- Nov
- Sunny with Cloud
- 20
- 26
- Dec
- Sunny with Cloud
- 22
- 28

Visit the mighty Iguazu Falls
Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the southern Amazon at Cristalino Jungle Lodge
Enjoy the wildlife-rich Pantanal wetlands including Giant Otters and Hyacinth Macaws
Experience the sights and sounds of vibrant Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary

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Duration: 14 days

Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Guided tour of Rio including Sugar Loaf and Corcovado mountains. Lunch at churrasceria. (B, L)
Day 3: Free day in Rio de Janeiro. (B)
Day 4: Transfer to airport. Fly to Iguazu. Arrival and transfer to hotel. (B)
Day 5: Visit Brazilian and Argentinean Falls. (B)
Day 6: Morning free. Afternoon fly to Cuiaba. Transfer to hotel. (B)
Day 7: Transfer to airport. Fly to Alta Floresta. Transfer to Cristalino Jungle Lodge. (B, D)
Days 8 & 9: Lodge activities. Cristalino Jungle Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Transfer to Alta Floresta. Fly to Cuiaba. Transfer to hotel. (B)
Day 11: Transfer to Pantanal Wildlife Centre. (B, L, D)
Days 12 & 13: Pantanal activities. Overnight Pantanal Wildlife Centre. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Transfer to Cuiaba. Fly to Sao Paulo for onward connections. (B)

Pricing guidelines for Brazil

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £700 to £900 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Brazil combines with Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands due to scheduled flights, so, for example, it makes a good beach stop after Peru or Ecuador.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
2 weeks nature & wildlife and/or beach trip, including such highlights such as rainforest, Pantanal and Iguassu Falls, plus Rio and the coastBetween £2500 and £4000
1 week Rio and Costa Verde beach holidayBetween £1500 and £2000
2½ weeks highlights of BrazilAround £3500 +

Brazil