Rainforests and Savannah Adventures galore. This trip in Brazil brings together the vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro, which will be your base for the first few days, with an emphasis on taking a walk on the wild side. You'll visit one of the world's biodiversity hotspots in the Atlantic rainforest. Then to the heart of your trip, you'll head into the Pantanal, sometimes called the Serengeti of South America. It's truly vast and home to animals ranging from giant river otters to caiman, capybaras (which look like giant guinea pigs), anteaters, sloths and birds of prey soaring overhead and if you are lucky (or unlucky depending on your view point) anacondas. You will top off your trip enjoying the crystal-clear waters of Bonito, some of the finest freshwater snorkelling in the world, tropical fish swimming all around you.You will meet a variety of local people in Brazil, including indigenous people who will show you their traditional customs and Pantaneiros ('cowboys') horseriding western style and how to tie a lasso. This wildlife holiday in Brazil is a private tour and can be taken by couples, a pair of friends or a family. Whoever you travel with, it's a trip you'll be talking about for years to come. Typically Saturday Day 1: You'll check in the evening for an overnight flight from Heathrow with LATAM. You'll land in São Paulo the next morning (Day 2) and change planes for a short internal flight to Rio de Janeiro. We also use other airlines, including direct flights with British Airways. We can also arrange flights from other airports. It is also possible to book this tour excluding international flights, in which case your tour starts with a pick-up at Rio de Janeiro airport on Day 2.
Day 4 L: This morning, you're up early to head out of Rio to visit a conserved part of the Atlantic rainforest. REGUA is a biodiversity hotspot, owned by a family passionate about conservation and reintroducing species. You will walk nature trails, mainly looking out for tropical birds; there are more species than in all of Europe! You'll also have a chance to see mammals like tapirs, sloths, and monkeys. Time for a delicious homemade lunch with the freshest ingredients before heading back to the city. Day 5 B D: Next stop the Pantanal! This morning our driver will take you to one of Rio's airports to fly to Campo Grande. You'll change planes at a hub airport like São Paulo or Brazil's capital, Brasília. Campo Grande is at the southern end of the South Pantanal. (North Pantanal and South Pantanal are divided by a large river.) You will be met at Campo Grande airport and driven north approximately 2.5 hours to a family-owned working ranch, home to cattle, horses and Pantaneiros ('cowboys'). Accommodation is very comfortable for a rural area, with little touches provided by the owner's mother, and there is also a charming pool here. You'll go for a walk or a pick up truck ride around the ranch; you may be lucky enough to see animals like capuchin monkeys and our favourites, giant anteaters. The ranch is also a good place to spot the world's largest parrot, the Pantanal's pretty hyacinth macaws; they can be a metre long. Then it's time for a delicious home-cooked dinner, with local and regional food galore. Day 6 B L D:
Horse riding! Pantaneiro horses are smaller than English horses, easy to ride and usually very calm. An excellent way to cover more ground than on foot, see flora and fauna, and spot animals. This afternoon, you'll have free time to relax by the pool or wander around the ranch grounds at your leisure (and/or walk/pick up ride if it wasn't possible the day before, e.g. if you arrived later than usual. Internal flight times can vary). Day 7 B L D:
Up early, you'll help with the milking. Have a taste, fresh from the farm with no additives!
Day 11 B L: Now you're off to Bonito, a charming little town set in low hills, not too far from the Pantanal. Bonito is famous for its beautiful clear-water rivers, caves and abundant wildlife. Settle into your pousada (small hotel) and have a dip in the pool. Check your Tell Tale travel pack for restaurant tips, including a fantastic pizzeria (this town is a nice contrast after being in such a remote area the days before!). Day 12 B L: Did you know that you don't need to be in the sea to swim with colourful tropical fish? Bonito is home to some of the best freshwater snorkelling in the world. You'll visit a warm, glassy-clear stream filled with thousands of tropical fish. Amongst the best and easiest freshwater snorkelling you can do anywhere in the world. You'll also take a forest walk and birdwatching in the Buraco das Araras; it is a huge sinkhole, home to hundreds of species, including Aracaris (tiny toucans) and the big, brightly coloured Red and Green Macaws. Today, you will join in with a small number of people; it's part of Bonito's setup for responsible travel/managing visitors. Day 13 B: Morning at leisure in Bonito. Stroll around the small town; it's a great place to buy handicrafts and other souvenirs. You can also book an extra excursion locally, e.g., white water rafting. This afternoon you'll be driven to Campo Grande airport where you will take an evening flight to São Paulo. You'll take a short shuttle bus ride to a comfortable hotel close to the airport.Day 14 B: Time to enjoy the pool this morning. Take the hotel shuttle bus to the airport and fly back to the UK. Day 15: Land in the UK. If you started your trip with a flight on a Saturday, this will be a Saturday. This wildlife adventure, based on a minimum of 2 people sharing a private tour costs from £3,575 per person or, with a minimum of 4 travelling from £3,475 per person, including flights from London Heathrow with LATAM, all flights within Brazil, private transfers, accommodation, activities/excursions and meals as mentioned. Excludes personal expenses. Excludes entrance fees on Days 2 and 3. You can also book this trip excluding international flights for £2,675 per person or £2,575 respectively. Your tour starts with a pick-up at Rio de Janeiro airport on Day 2 and ends in São Paulo on Day 14. This trip is best taken April to November. *If you are taking this as a family trip, discounts may be available for under 12s, as well as air tax discounts for 12 to 15-year-olds. Supplements Adding connecting flights within the UK, ask us to check. Flying British Airways economy on international flights usually adds £200pp. Ask us to check. 3 night extension in Iguacu Falls (including extra domestic flights, accommodation, private transfers, private guide and entrance fees in both Brazil and Argentina) £650pp or with a minimum of 4 people travelling £550pp. See our Jaguars and Waterfalls itinerary for information on what you'd do in Iguacu.
|
|
