Rainforests and Savannah 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 Sao Paulo the next morning (Day 2) and change planes for a short internal flight to Rio de Janeiro. You can also fly direct to Rio with British Airways; you will need to fly from Heathrow earlier in the day and you'll land on the evening of the same day (Brazil is 3-4 hours behind the UK) and have an extra night's accommodation (Day 1). We can also arrange connecting flights from other UK airports on the same international tickets. 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 hotspot of diversity, owned by a family who are passionate about conservation and reintroducing species. You will walk nature trails, mainly on the look out for tropical birds, there are more species than the whole of Europe! You also have a chance to see mammals like tapir, sloths and monkeys. Time for a delicious home made lunch before heading back to the city. Late afternoon and evening free. 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, at the southern end of the southern part of the Pantanal. You'll have to change planes in a hub airport like Sao Paulo or Brazil's capital, Brasilia. You will be met at Campo Grande airport and driven approx 2.5 hours (closest town will be Miranda) to a family-owned working ranch, home to cattle, horses and Pantaneiros ('cowboys'). Accommodation is very comfortable for a rural area with little touches and there is also a charming pool here. You'll have a guided walk 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 9 B L D: An early start, you will have a private boat trip on the Miranda or Abrobal river with your guide (depending on which ranch we use for your trip), stopping to hike in the forest. You'll learn the ways of his indigenous tribe and try to call a jaguar with a friction bamboo. We can't promise one will come! Sights you are more likely to encounter are capybara (which look like giant guinea pigs), water birds, families of giant river otters frolicking in the water and howler monkeys climbing the tree tops. You'll head back for lunch and a bit of free time before getting back on the water. You'll stay out till sunset, the Pantanal's sunsets are truly spectacular on a good day. Day 10 B L D: Another full day of boating and hiking looking for the animals and birds in the Pantanal, from dawn to dusk, with a break in the middle of the day. Day 11 B L: Now you're off to your next stop, Bonito, a charming little town set in low hills on the southern edge of 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. Have a look in your Tell Tale pack for restaurant tips, including a fantastic pizzeria (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 have forest walk and birdwatching in the Buraco das Araras, it is a huge sink hole, home to hundreds of species including Aracaris (tiny toucans) and the big brightly-coloured Red and Green Macaws. Today, you will be joined in with a small number of people on the day, it's part of Bonito's set up 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. It is also possible to book an extra excursion locally, e.g. white water rafting. This afternoon you'll be driven to Campo Grande, to a comfortable city hotel, close to restaurants.Day 14 B: Transfer to Campo Grande airport where you will take a short flight to Sao Paulo, with an 'official connection' to a direct international flight back to London Heathrow. Day 15: Land at London Heathrow. 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 £3,475 per person or with a minimum of 4 travelling from £3,275 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 flights for £2,675 per person or £2,475 respectively; your tour starts with a pick up at Rio de Janeiro airport on Day 2 and ends with a transfer to Campo Grande airport on Day 14. This trip is best taken April to November. *If you are taking this as a family trip, further 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 with British Airways economy class on the international flights and having an extra night's accommodation (Day 1) usually adds £200pp. Ask us to check. 3 night extension in Iguacu Falls (including extra 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.
|
|
