Brazil by Air
Brazil - with Optional Extension to Iguazu Falls
Trip Summary
Brazil's natural beauty is showcased in this private journey. Begin at the Recanto Ecologico Rio de Prata followed by the Pantanal Wildlife Center, home to giant otters and tapirs. Climb a mobile canopy tower to view birdlife and monkeys. At Hyacinth Camps see flocks of hyacint macaws, endangered maned wolves, and delight at brown capuchin monkeys using stone hammers to open nuts. Tour the modern city of Brasilia, Brazil's center for art and architecture, as well as vibrantly diverse São Paulo. Choose to extend your stay exploring dramatic Iguazu Falls' islands.
Highlights
- Monkeys that use special stone hammers to crack hard nuts on softer, sandstone anvils - the world's most complex tool use by a non-human primate
- Marvel at the Sinkhole of the Red-and-Green Macaws
- Snorkel in crystal clear river surrounded by thousands of tame fish
- Watch the world's only completely habituated family of Giant Otters
- A 95-98% chance of seeing a jaguar during two days of searching along Pantanal rivers
- See Pantanal wildlife from mobile canopy towers and from electric boats
- See the monumental center of Brasilia, the country's capital
- Enjoy scores of Hyacinth Macaws at short range
- Visit at close range with the world's tallest and most beautiful wild canid - the elegant, endangered Maned Wolf
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
Optional Extension to Iguazu Falls
Price: $2220
Single Supplement: $520
Day 16
Commercial flight Sao Paulo to Iguazu Falls. (B,L,D)
Day 17
Iguazu Falls (B,L,D)
Day 18
Commercial flight to Sao Paulo. Connect with international flight home. (B)
Trip Prices
Dates, budget, and number of travelers at your discretion. Call us at 1-800-995-8689 to craft a private journey for you.
Preparing For Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We'll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.