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).
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.
Travel northwards to Bonito, a small town in the southwestern corner of Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil’s Central West region. The main attractions in the Bonito area are the clear rivers bordered by forest. The waters here are high in calcium carbonate, calcifying the impurities and leaving crystal clear water full of fish. As you snorkel down the river a fascinating variety of fish swim towards you, often eyeball to eyeball, including the Dourado, the ‘shark of the river’ (harmless unless you are a fish!) and large schools of huge black pacu.
From Bonito travel eastwards to Sao Paulo and drive to Vila Picinguaba, a small fishing village on set amongst lush tropical forest on the’ Costa Verde. Spend 4 nights at the lovely 10-room Pousada Picinguaba where the pace of your stay depends on you! Explore historic 17th century Paraty, hike through lush coastal tropical forest, visit secluded beaches, swim in the emerald ocean, visit nearby islands on a schooner, sea kayak, horse ride, have a surf lesson or just relax in the tranquil surroundings of the pousada