Destination: South America
Brazil by Air
Brazil - with Optional Extension to Iguazu Falls
Itinerary
Days 1 - 2
Jardim
Arrive Sao Paulo. Commercial flight to Campo Grande, drive to Jardim (L,D)
Lodging: Aguas de Bonito Lodge
Days 3 - 5
Pantanal Wildlife Center
Fly to Cuiaba, drive to the Pantanal, the world's largest freshwater wetland. Pantanal Wildlife Center is an excellent location for bird watching. It is also one of the best sites for viewing wild giant otters from a distance of only 3 to 16 feet away. You'll be amazed at the size of these otters at 6 feet long and 70 pounds. Hear them interact through high-pitched hums and squeals. Often they will come close to the boat, craning their necks, and snorting loudly. Spend time viewing wildlife from the mobile canopy towers near fruiting trees.
Lodging: Pantanal Wildlife Center
Days 6 - 7
Jaguar Research Center, Central Pantanal
Drive and boat to the Jaguar Research Center located in the Jaguar-rich 270,000-acre Meeting of the Waters State Park. The park's name refers to the three navigable rivers that join inside this unique park, and it contains some of the most pristine protected areas in the Pantanal. The Jaguar Research Center is in a location that has the highest density of jaguars and jaguar sightings in the entire Pantanal. The habitat along this river allows for numerous jaguars to roam the area hunting their favorite dry-season prey: the abundant 4-7 foot caimans and plump capybaras.
Lodging: Jaguar Research Center
Day 8
Pantanal Wildlife Center
After an early breakfast, depart on a full day boat trip to observe the diversity of the animals in the region. Watch for jaguars, tapirs, ant-eaters, giant otters, birds and other animals common to this region. Explore narrow and wild rivers in the core of this huge park using small boats. Return to the Center at the end of the afternoon in time for dinner.
Lodging: Pantanal Wildlife Center
Day 9
Brasilia
Drive to Cuiaba, and fly to Brasilia for a city visit to one of the most original cities in the world. Created in 1960, the Brazilian capital is a landmark in contemporary town planning and modern architecture. Notably, the city contains the highest concentration per square meter of works by the best-known Brazilian artists, and is also graced with natural beauty.
Lodging: Melia Brasilia, or similar
Days 10 - 12
Hyacinth Valley Lodge
Fly to Barreiras, and drive to the Hyacinth Valley Lodge. The Hyacinth Camps are the best place in the world to see the maned wolf and the hyacinth macaw – the largest of macaws. Enjoy wildlife excursions and unwind at day's end in your comfortable bungalow.
Lodging: Hyacinth Valley Lodge
Days 13 - 14
Greenwing Valley Lodge
Drive for about two hours to the breathtaking Greenwing Valley site. Where, among other wildlife sightings, you'll enjoy the antics of the amazing tool-using Brown Capuchin Monkeys. In an amazing demonstration of tool use, they lift large stones weighing half their body mass and smash them down on palm nuts that they place on large stone anvils. This unique behavior is found only at Greenwing Valley, and has been covered in National Geographic Magazine.
Lodging: Greenwing Valley Lodge
Day 15
Brasilia
Drive to Barreiras, fly to Brasilia and connect to São Paulo.
Lodging: L'Hotel Sao Paulo, or similar
Day 16
Take International Flights Home
The Details
- Trip Summary & Highlights
- Itinerary
- Optional Extensions
- Itinerary Map
- Cost
- Preparing For Your Adventure
- FAQs
- Pack Smart
- Useful Links
- Terms & Conditions
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- How To Book
