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Natural Wonders of Brazil
Overview
Introduction
Brazil is the largest country in South and Central America, with an area of 3.2 million square miles and a population of 208 million.
The Atlantic ocean is to the east and the coastline bordering the ocean stretches for an incredible 4,655 miles. Both the Tropic of Capricorn and the equator cross Brazil. The landscape is very diverse with hills, mountains, plains and highlands and a network of giant rivers which include the Amazon, Parana and Iguacu. The climate is so diverse that environments range from equatorial forests, deserts, wetlands, coniferous forests and tropical savannas.
The Amazon rainforest has the greatest biological diversity in the world and it is estimated that the country as a whole harbours 4 million plant and animal species. Animals range from pumas, ocelots and jaguars to tapirs, anteaters, sloths, armadillos and, in the northern rainforests, monkeys. Brazil's Amazon Basin harbours an extremely diverse array of fish - some enormous and pretty frightening specimens!
This is a country with enormous natural assets, yet a country that has never managed to capitalise on what has been bestowed on it. Its sheer size lends itself to a structured visit and, in creating the ‘Natural Wonders of Brazil’ itinerary, we feel we have captured the essence of what this wonderful country has to offer. The itinerary covers the physical beauty of Brazil at a pace that allows time for activities, relaxation and contemplation.
Itinerary includes:
- Return international flights (Economy) from London Heathrow to Rio de Janeiro
- Private transfers
- Group transfers in the Amazon and Pantanal
- Domestic flights within Brazil
- Guided tours (as detailed in the agenda)
- 3 Nights at Windsor California Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro (Bed & Brakfast)
- 3 Nights at Juma Amazon Lodge, Manaus (Full Board)
- 2 Nights at Deville Prime Cuiaba Hotel, Cuiaba (Bed & Breakfast)
- 3 Nights at Pousada Rio Mutum, Pantanal (Full Board)
- 3 Nights at Sanma Hotel, Iguazu (Bed & Breakfast)
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival - Rio de Janeiro
Arrival at Rio de Janeiro International Airport. On arrival, private transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to your hotel
Overnight at the Windsor California Copacabana Hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)
Rio de Janeiro
Day 2 - Private tour - Full Day Corcovado & Sugar Loaf with lunch
After breakfast, head out to experience two of Rio de Janeiro’s most celebrated landmarks, with wonderful views across the city and its dramatic natural setting. Travel alongside Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon before taking the scenic train through the lush forest of Corcovado. At the summit, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooks the city from 710m above sea level. Take time to enjoy the far-reaching views across Rio, before descending for lunch.
Continue to Sugar Loaf, rising above the entrance to Guanabara Bay. Two glass cable cars carry you via Urca Hill to the summit, where the panorama stretches across the bay, beaches and mountains. With views towards Copacabana, Botafogo and Corcovado, this is a memorable way to appreciate the beauty and scale of the ‘Marvelous City’.
Overnight at the Windsor California Copacabana Hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
Day 3 - Private tour – Half Day Botanic Garden
Discover the tranquil Botanic Garden of Rio de Janeiro, a lush green oasis at the foot of Corcovado Mountain. Founded in 1808, the gardens are home to more than 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including around 900 varieties of palm.
Stroll beneath the towering Royal Palms along the avenue leading into the gardens, or follow the shaded pathways accompanied by the calls of native birds. With its rich plant life, peaceful atmosphere and views towards Corcovado, the garden offers a quieter glimpse of Rio’s natural beauty.
Overnight at the Windsor California Copacabana Hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)
Botanical Gardens, Rio de Janeiro
Day 4 - Transfer to Manaus
Early transfer from your hotel in Rio de Janeiro to the airport for your domestic flight to Manaus (approximately four hours). On arrival, you will be met by a Juma representative for the three-hour transfer to the lodge.
Your four-day Amazon experience offers a wonderful introduction to the rainforest, travelling by boat from Manaus via the Meeting of the Waters to Juma Lodge, where you will discover the region's wildlife, waterways and traditional way of life through a range of guided excursions.
Overnight at Juma Amazon Lodge. (Full Board)
Juma Amazon Lodge
Day 5 & 6 - Activities at Juma Amazon Lodge
During your stay, explore the flooded forest and waterways by canoe, take guided jungle walks and early morning wildlife excursions, and try your hand at piranha fishing. There are also opportunities to learn about the traditions and daily life of local communities, including visits to a native home and demonstrations of cassava flour production and rubber extraction.
Overnight at Juma Amazon Lodge. (Full Board)
Piranha fishing, Juma Amazon Lodge
Day 7 - Transfer to Cuiaba
After breakfast, leave Juma Lodge at around 08:30 for the return journey to Manaus, arriving at approximately 12:00. Continue to the airport for your flight to Cuiabá, with the journey taking around five to six hours depending on the routing. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay.
Overnight at the Deville Prime Cuiaba Hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)
Cuiaba
Day 8 - Private guided tour of Chapada dos Guimaraes
After breakfast, a full day private guided tour (lunch included) of the Chapada dos Guimaraes. The Mato Grosso is a large state (the third largest in Brazil) in the west/central region of the country - an area of Amazon forest, savanna plains and wetlands.
Within the state, the Chapada do Guimaraes National Park is a beautiful area of dramatic sandstone cliffs (up to 800 metres), waterfalls and caverns - ideal for hiking. The climate is tropical with fauna including jaguars, tapirs, giant anteaters, giant armadillos, wolves and emus. Birds abound and parrots, swifts and red macaws nest in the cliffs.
Overnight at the Deville Prime Cuiaba Hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)
Chapada dos Guimaraes
Day 9 - Transfer to Pantanal
After breakfast, depart Cuiabá by road for the Pantanal, with the transfer taking approximately three hours, depending on the location of your lodge.
Travel through the changing landscapes of Mato Grosso as the city gives way to open wetlands and grasslands, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way, before arriving at your lodge for your Pantanal experience.
Overnight at the Pousada do Rio Mutum.(Bed & Breakfast)
Pousada do Rio Mutum, Brazil
Day 10 & 11 - Guided group tours
The lodge offers a varied programme of group excursions. Activities include guided ecological walks, horseback riding, boat trips and photographic safaris along the Mutum River and surrounding bays, with excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spotting mammals, reptiles and aquatic wildlife.
Evening excursions focus on nocturnal wildlife, while sunset boat trips include piranha fishing and caiman spotting. Early morning canoe trips provide a particularly rewarding way to experience the Pantanal at dawn.
Overnight at the Pousada do Rio Mutum.(Bed & Breakfast)
Pousada do Rio Mutum, Brazil
Day 12 - Transfer to Iguazu
After breakfast, transfer by road to Cuiabá Airport (approximately two hours) for your flight to Iguazú via São Paulo. The journey takes around four and a half hours, depending on the routing.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a three-night stay, providing time to explore the impressive Iguazú Falls and surrounding rainforest at leisure.
Overnight at Sanma Hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)
Iguazu, Brazil
Day 13 - Private Full Day Argentinian side of the Falls
Guided full day private tour (lunch included) on the Argentinian side of the falls. Set in the Misiones Province of Argentina and the Brazilian state of Parana, these falls are one of the greatest spectacles on earth. The Iguacu Falls defy description - they simply have to be visited.
This is the largest waterfall system in the world. The longest waterfall drop is 82 metres. There are 275 individual waterfalls over a total width of 1.7 miles. The average flow rate is 62,010 cubic feet per second. For those who are interested in the fate of the 16th century Jesuit missions in the Misiones province of Argentina, there is an excellent film called ‘The Mission’ starring Jeremy Irons, Robert De Niro and the Iguacu Falls of course, with a magnificent soundtrack by Ennio Morricone of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ fame.
Overnight at Sanma Hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)
Iguacu, Argentina
Day 14 - Private Half Day Brazilian side of the Falls
Travel to Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side of the falls, driving through the lush subtropical rainforest before following the trail along the canyon for impressive views of the falls. A glass elevator takes you to a viewing platform, offering a closer perspective of the cascades and surrounding forest.
Together with the neighbouring Argentine park, Iguaçu forms one of the most important remaining areas of rainforest in southern South America and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight at Sanma Hotel. (Bed & Breakfast)
Iguacu, Brazil
Day 15 - Day of departure
After breakfast transfer to Iguacu Airport for your return flight home or choose to extend your stay in this spectacular country.
Accommodation
Deville Prime Cuiaba - Night 7 to 8
This modern centrally located hotel is in downtown Cuiabá only 15 minutes from the airport. Cuiabá is the capital of the Mato Grosso state and is the ideal base for a night either before or after the journey to the Northern Pantanal. It is within a short walk of restaurants, shops and the popular Morro da Caixa D'Agua Velha Museum. The hotel amenities include a restaurant, an outdoor pool, spa, gym and games room.
This modern centrally located hotel is in downtown Cuiabá only 15 minutes from the airport. Cuiabá is the capital of the Mato Grosso state and is the ideal base for a night either before or after the journey to the Northern Pantanal. It is within a short walk of restaurants, shops and the popular Morro da Caixa D'Agua Velha Museum. The hotel amenities include a restaurant, an outdoor pool, spa, gym and games room. The spacious Ventanas restaurant serves a mixture of Brazilian and international cuisine. There is a lobby bar and pool bar.
Accommodation:
- 178 air-conditioned rooms, including deluxe rooms, deluxe superior rooms, master suites and a presidential suite.
Amenities/Leisure:
- The Ventanas Restaurant serving Brazilian and international gastronomy
- The Atrium Lobby Bar serving snacks and drinks
- Swimming pool with bar
- Spa
- Gym
- Lift
- Parking
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Games room
Pousada do Rio Mutum - Night 9 to 11
This lodge is located, as the name would suggest, on the banks of the Mutum river between two lakes in one of the most beautiful parts of Mato Grosso.
This lodge is located, as the name would suggest, on the banks of the Mutum river between two lakes in one of the most beautiful parts of Mato Grosso.
The Lodge has 22 air-conditioned units (split into 2 double rooms per unit) with private veranda and bathroom with hot showers, a swimming pool, a small shop for essentials and a restaurant serving a good selection of local dishes. This is a good base from which to explore the Pantanal. Guided activities such as horse riding, walking and boat trips are all included with bilingual, naturalist guides.
Route Map
Best time to go
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Time Difference
GMT -2hrs
Currency
Brazilian real
Language
Portuguese
Average flight times
11.5 hours. BA direct flight to Rio de Janeiro from London Heathrow
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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