Travel to the Pantanal: The Ecotour to do Birdwatching & see lots of Wildlife in Brazil! Include the highlights of Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro & the Pantanal
Brazilian Exuberance
8 days / 7 nights
Highlights
Full Itinerary
Price & Contact
At half the size of Texas, the Pantanal is a vast wetland stretching across the borders of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. The rainy season, from October to March, creates an enormous flooded area relieved by patches of dry land, where most of the Pantanal's wealth of animals migrate together.
The waters begin to recede in March, and remain low until the following rainy season. This flooding has made systematic farming of the region impractical, leaving an enormously rich feeding ground for wildlife. Birds are easiest to spot, numbering over 600 species, but the Pantanal is also a sanctuary for the giant river otter, anacondas, iguanas, jaguars, ocelots, cougars, "jacarés" [cayman], deer, giant anteaters, black howler monkeys, zebu bulls and "capyvaras", the world's largest rodents. The richness and diversity of the Pantanal's flora and fauna is, quite simply, unforgettable. Finish your tour with the unforgettable Rio de Janeiro!
Day 1, Rio de Janeiro:
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, the cidade maravilhosa. Welcoming you to the 'marvelous city' is your bilingual 4starBrazil Tour Director or representative who will escort you to your hotel on the Copacabana - Golden Tulip Continental ****.
The afternoon is free for a stroll, some shopping or to relax on the beach or at your rooftop pool overlooking Copacabana!
Meet your fellow travelers for a complementary caipirinha or other tropical drink before attending a brazilian barbacue at Churrascaria Palace.
Day 2, Rio de Janeiro:
The panoramic view from the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain is the highlight of today's sightseeing tour. Board a funicular to reach the summit with its 360° spectrum of golden beaches, green forests and a thriving metropolis that has earned Rio de Janeiro the title of the world's most beautiful city.
Sightseeing continues with a tour of Rio's historical past. Learn how Portugal's prince scandalously broke all family ties and declared himself Emperor of Brazil.
In the afternoon heat, everything slows down, and the Cariocas (as the people of Rio call themselves) head for the beach!
Day 3, Rio de Janeiro:
Christ the Redeemer keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m (2340ft). Board the trenzinho (cogwheel railway) up to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a birds' eye view of the center of the city from the center of the city!
Day 4, Cuiabá & Pantanal Lowlands:
Arrival at Cuiabá/Várzea Grande airport or pick up at hotel and transfer to Pantanal lowlands.
While crossing the area, it is possible to spot and appreciate the local flora & fauna.
Late afternoon hike through surrounding area to a 12 m observation tower and a spectacular view of sunset.
After dinner, night walk to observe the South Hemisphere sky, hear and feel the nocturnal environment. Overnight at Araras Eco Lodge.
Day 5, Pantanal lowlands (horseback riding & hiking):
Full day dedicated to observing the Pantanal’s flora & fauna at the Araras Eco Lodge private reserve.
After breakfast, the guide will lead you on a 2 to 3 hour horseback ride through the pastures, woods and wetlands.
Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, you will go on a hike in a different area of the private reserve, allowing you to observe and learn more of the local environment. Overnight at Araras Eco Lodge.
Day 6, Pantanal lowlands (safari drive & canoe):
After breakfast travel down private dirt roads, to Sentinela Camp on the edge of the Rio Clarinho.
Canoe tour to spot aquatic wildlife, birds and flora; possibility of piranha fishing. Brazilian churrasco style picnic lunch along the banks of the river.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7, Pantanal lowlands (visit to the neighbords):
Early morning hike for sunrise. Breakfast. After breakfast hike or bike ride to visit to the neighbor farm. Time to share a “guaraná “ drink following local tradition, lunch at the lodge.
Afternoon photo safari south on the Transpantaneira Park road. Dinner at Lodge.
Enjoy a night tour on our photo safari truck, with spotlight to search for nocturnal wild life.
Day 8, Pantanal lowlands to Cuiabá:
Morning free for personal enjoyment at lodge surroundings, before your photo safari transfer to Cuiabá. Drop off at airport or city hotel.
Land Price p.p. in Dbl/Twn (*Single Traveler w/ private itinerary)
Book now!
As this trip operates on commercial air, space may be extremely limited 90 days prior to departure. To ensure your spot, we encourage you to book as early as possible.
*prices are land-only in standard double accommodations and include early booking discount. See Trip Planner for other departure gateways and other accommodation options.
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