Brazil Wildlife Adventure

Begin your adventure in Rio, where mountains, rainforest and sea meet in one glorious sweep. Around 6pm, say oi to your tour leader and fellow travellers when we gather for the first time to hear more about the adventures ahead. Want more time in Rio? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Accommodation: Windsor Leme (or similar)

Discover the wonders of Rio today, joining our expert tour leader to explore the most celebrated landmarks. Boarding a century-old electric tram, we glide through Tijuca National Park – one of the world’s largest urban forests – to reach Corcovado. Standing at 2,310ft (704m), it is crowned by the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Take in sweeping views of the bay, the favelas scattered on the hillsides, and the curve of Copacabana Beach far below. After free time for lunch, travel to Sugarloaf Mountain, starting with a gentle 40-minute hike from Praia Vermelha beach through Atlantic Forest. The trail brings us to Morro da Urca, where a cable car whisks us to the upper peak. From this vantage point, we watch the sun sink behind Rio’s granite peaks – a perfect finale to our first full day in Rio. Accommodation: Windsor Leme (or similar)

Leaving Rio, we travel north (approximately two hours) to Silva Jardim, home of the Golden Lion Tamarin Association. Join their conservation team to walk gentle trails through the reserve in search of a tamarin family, learning about their social behaviour and the decades-long project that has brought them back from near extinction. Our exploration offers a remarkable insight into one of Brazil’s great conservation success stories – and spending time with the people who track these animals daily gives rare insight and greatly improves our chances of observing the tamarins up close. Accommodation: Windsor Leme (or similar)

A change of scene today as we fly to Campo Grande airport, then transfer (2hr 30min) into the Pantanal Sur, an immense mosaic of seasonally flooded plains that supports jaguars, giant anteaters, capybaras and hundreds of bird species. This extraordinary concentration of wildlife is what makes the Pantanal one of South America’s most rewarding natural environments to explore. After settling into our accommodation, enjoy a hearty dinner and discuss the activities for the days ahead. Depending on our arrival time, there may be an evening excursion to get a first taste of Pantanal life. Accommodation: Pousada Pequi (or similar)

Bid farewell to the Pantanal and transfer (approximately four hours) to Bonito, one of the great adventure hubs in Brazil with crystalline rivers, sinkholes, waterfalls – and, of course, plenty of wildlife. At Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata, we follow a short forest trail before slipping into the Olho d’Água River to snorkel above a vast variety of fish in transparent water. The clarity comes from limestone filtration that removes sediment – a natural phenomenon protected by strict conservation rules. The final section, on the Rio da Prata, can either be done by snorkelling, by electric motorboat, or walking, depending on conditions. After lunch, we continue to Buraco das Araras, a 330ft (100m) deep sinkhole where macaws nest in the cliffs. Their bright feathers flash against the red rock, and their calls echo around the crater. Accommodation: Pousada Olho D’Água (or similar)

After a short 4×4 transfer, begin a kayaking adventure on the Salobra River. Using inflatable duck kayaks, paddle a 3mi (5km) stretch of calm water punctuated by gentle rapids and natural pools – ideal for cooling off. Some sections require carrying the kayak over rocks, adding to the fun. A traditional farm lunch awaits at the end of the route. After, we explore one of Brazil’s most entrancing natural wonders: the Blue Lake Grotto (Gruta do Lago Azul). A short forest walk leads us to a limestone staircase descending toward a subterranean lake whose deep blue colour results from sunlight filtering through the entrance at the right angle. Then we board inflatable rafts for a ride down the Rio Formoso, tackling mild rapids and slipping over small waterfalls. Between splashes, we can pause to swim in calmer stretches – a refreshing farewell to Bonito’s waters. Accommodation: Pousada Olho D’Água (or similar)

You’ve gazed up at Christ the Redeemer, tracked golden lion tamarins alongside conservationists, and spotted the incredible wildlife of the Pantanal, but now it’s time to begin your journey home. A private transfer (approximately four hours) takes us to Campo Grande for onward connections. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our range of extension options.