Day 1 – Arrival in Foz do Iguazu
Your holiday starts in Foz do Iguazu: home to the most spectacular collection of waterfalls in all of South America. A trip to Brazil isn’t complete without experiencing the thundering, roaring sounds of these falls, preferably up close. What a way to start the trip!
On arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting to take you on the short 10-minute transfer to your comfortable hotel. Spend the rest of the day unwinding by the pool, enjoying dinner at the restaurant or simply relaxing before exploring the mighty Iguazu Falls tomorrow.
Day 2 – Excursion to Argentinian & Brazilian side of the falls
Today you will experience the mighty Iguazu Falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, as each offers a different perspective of the landscape and the waterfalls. In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Argentine side, crossing the border on the way. Once inside the park, you’ll walk around the many tracks, through the trees, spotting capuchin monkeys and coatis. The sound of rushing water is ever present and there are several viewing platforms along the way.
Then, head back over the border to the park on the Brazilian side. The Brazilians are known for saying: ‘Argentina may have the falls, but we have the view!’ The walking trail runs beside the river so you have a constant view of the falls, and there are plenty of places to stop for photo opportunities. The final section of the walk takes you across a platform over the water for a full view of the Devil’s Throat. Prepare to get a little wet as the raging waterfalls gush down in front of you. But it’s an unforgettable sight. Afterwards you will return to your hotel.
Day 3 – Travel to the North Pantanal
On arrival at Cuiaba airport you’ll be picked up by your guide and transferred by 4WD truck to the Pantanal. A large part of the journey takes you along the Transpantaneira, the ‘highway’ through the wild west of Brazil, and along the way you’ll drive through villages that resemble something out of a country and western movie. The journey then passes through savannah landscape where you might see a few water birds, and have a greater chance of spotting capybaras. If you are travelling during the rainy season, the otherwise sandy roads can get quite muddy.
After about two hours of driving, you’ll arrive at your accommodation. You’ll stay at a comfortable lodge where you can expect a very friendly and informal welcome. We work closely with a selection of ‘fazendas’, that we have chosen based on their remote location and intimate atmosphere. You’ll have time to settle in and explore your surroundings before you sit down for a meal.
Days 4 & 5 – Wildlife spotting in the Pantanal
Forget the alarm clock – in the Pantanal, you’ll wake naturally to the calls of squawking macaws and a chorus of birds. This vast wetland is home to an impressive diversity of animals and birdlife including monkeys, deer, tapirs, giant anteaters, toucans, macaws and, of course, the ever-popular capybara. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of more elusive residents like an armadillo or the mighty jaguar, although, as with all wildlife, sightings can never be guaranteed.
How you explore depends on the season and water levels. You may head out on foot, by boat, canoe or horseback, each offering a different perspective of this remarkable landscape. Never ridden a horse before? Don’t worry, the Pantanal’s horses are calm and well suited to beginners. Throughout your stay, you’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking guide who knows the area inside out and will help you spot wildlife while sharing fascinating insights into this unique ecosystem.
Day 6 – Fly to Brasilia & city tour
After breakfast, you’ll travel back along the Transpantaneira Highway to Cuiabá Airport for your flight to Brasilia, Brazil’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built from scratch in the country’s interior in the 1960s, Brasilia replaced Rio de Janeiro as the capital and is renowned for its bold modernist architecture and carefully planned layout.
On arrival, you’ll meet your English-speaking guide for a city tour. As you explore, you’ll discover the city’s distinctive architecture, including the National Congress and other landmark government buildings, before heading up the TV Tower for sweeping views across the city. After the tour, you’ll be dropped at your hotel. Brasília has a lively cultural scene, with theatres, live music venues and concert halls which are worth checking out this evening.
Day 7 – Fly to Manaus
Today you’ll take a domestic flight to Manaus, the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city, where you’ll spend the night before heading deep into the rainforest tomorrow.
Your hotel is close to the iconic Teatro Amazonas, the grand opera house built during the rubber boom and one of Manaus’ most famous landmarks. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or take a stroll through the historic centre before choosing from one of the nearby restaurants for dinner.
Day 8 – Journey into the Amazon
After breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel and travel to your Amazon lodge by road and boat, alongside any other guests arriving that day. As you leave Manaus behind, the rainforest gradually closes in around you. After around 2 to 2.5 hours, you’ll reach a small riverside jetty where you’ll board a boat for the final stretch, gliding deeper into the heart of the Amazon.
Your lodge is a small, eco-friendly retreat that works closely with local communities, providing employment and supporting sustainable tourism. You’ll stay in a comfortable wooden cabin surrounded by rainforest, with all meals included and freshly prepared using local ingredients. Despite its remote location, you’ll have all the essentials, including hot water and electricity – most of the time, at least. This is the Amazon, after all.
Days 9 & 10 – Exploring the Amazon
Over the next couple of days, you’ll settle into life in the Amazon, waking each morning to the sounds of the rainforest. Your activities will vary depending on the season and weather, meaning no two stays are ever quite the same.
Accompanied by an experienced local guide who knows the forest inside out, you might head out on jungle walks, search for wildlife by boat, try your hand at piranha fishing or venture out after dark to spot caiman. Along the way, you’ll learn about the remarkable plants and animals that thrive here, as well as the traditions and daily life of the communities that call the Amazon home.
Day 11 – Fly to Rio de Janeiro
Now for something completely different! This morning, you’ll say goodbye to the Amazon and transfer back to Manaus airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Swapping rainforest for coastline, you’ll arrive in a buzzing city famous for its golden beaches, jungle-clad peaks, colourful neighbourhoods and laid-back beach culture.
On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel near Copacabana Beach. Spend your first evening like a true Carioca: wander along the iconic promenade, sip a refreshing caipirinha and watch the sun sink behind Rio’s unmistakable skyline.
Day 12 – Sightseeing in Rio
Today you’ll explore Rio with your private guide and driver, with the freedom to shape the day around your interests. There’s no set route, so you can choose to visit the city’s famous sights, such as Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain, or dive deeper into Rio’s characterful neighbourhoods like Santa Teresa and Lapa.
Entrance fees aren’t included, as it’s often better value to buy tickets locally, and your guide can help you navigate the queues and make the most of your time. Along the way, you’ll discover the stories behind the city’s landmarks and get plenty of insider tips for the rest of your stay.
After your tour, the choice is yours. Return to your hotel, head to the beach, or continue exploring at your own pace. Spend the afternoon soaking up Rio’s famous beach culture, relaxing on the sand, or finding a lively bar or restaurant as the city comes to life in the evening.
Extend your stay in Rio?
If you have a little more time, it’s well worth extending your stay in Rio. There’s still plenty to see and do, and we can arrange extra excursions to help you make the most of your stay. Explore the city on two wheels with a small-group bike tour, or dive into Brazil’s food culture with a hands-on cooking class and learn the secrets behind some of the country’s favourite dishes. Your Travel Specialist can help you choose the perfect addition to your itinerary, tailored to your interests.
Day 13 – Departure from Brazil
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home to the UK. Your Brazilian adventure comes to an end, but you’ll take home plenty of memories from the country’s incredible wildlife, landscapes and vibrant cities.
Accommodation
