Wildlife and Wonders of Brazil

Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it) for your private transfer to your accommodations at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas.

The almost 300 different waterfalls span geographically between Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. The immensity of these waterfalls can be enjoyed up close aboard a ship or from far away atop the catwalks interlaced throughout the falls for panoramic views.

After you check-in, continue with your guide for a walk through the Brazilian side, where the most impressive views are. Today you’ll also have one of the most exciting experiences in Iguaçu, the Macuco Safari. This boat ride to the falls gets you right under the smaller ones and you can feel their power up close – you can get soaked from them, or opt for the dry version.

Meet your guide at the hotel this morning for your transfer to the Argentina side of the Iguazú Falls. (We suggest an early start, to help avoid lines, and be sure to bring your passport for the border crossing!) You’ll board the gas-powered train which will take you to the catwalks along the upper falls, ending just above La Garganta del Diablo, or the Devil’s Throat, the largest and most impressive waterfall in the park.

Next, you will descend to explore the lower catwalks closer to the Iguazú River to witness the wide expanse of waterfalls from a much different perspective – there are various trails you can choose from with your guide.

After some time to relax at the hotel this afternoon, you’ll leave your hotel for a terrific dining experience. Your private driver will transport you to the nearby home of a renowned chef who presents the history of Brazil through his culinary creations. (Dinner, wine and round-trip transfers included.)

Meet your guide and driver for your private transfer to the Brazilian Iguaçu airport for your flight (not included) to Campo Grande.

On arrival in Campo Grande, meet your English-speaking driver just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it) for your private land transfer (3.5 hours) to Caiman Lodge. (Private plane transfer from Campo Grande right to Caiman’s airstrip can be arranged, for an additional cost.)

Check-in at Caiman, and evening to settle in and get your welcome orientation from the staff and plan your stay.

Your stay at Caiman Lodge includes three (3) daily guided excursions (walking, canoeing and by jeep) in small groups of up to 12 guests accompanied by a bilingual guide and local guides. The schedule of activities is defined by the hotel staff and offers excellent opportunities to observe and photograph the incredible nature and wildlife of the Pantanal.

Optional activities at an additional cost include Onçafari, the Blue Hyacinth Macaw Project, horse riding and bird watching, which must be booked in advance to ensure availability. Activities vary based on season and weather.

Your stay at Caiman Lodge includes three (3) daily guided excursions (walking, canoeing and by jeep) in small groups of up to 12 guests accompanied by a bilingual guide and local guides. The schedule of activities is defined by the hotel staff and offers excellent opportunities to observe and photograph the incredible nature and wildlife of the Pantanal.

Optional activities at an additional cost include Onçafari, the Blue Hyacinth Macaw Project, horse riding and bird watching, which must be booked in advance to ensure availability. Activities vary based on season and weather.

Your stay at Caiman Lodge includes three (3) daily guided excursions (walking, canoeing and by jeep) in small groups of up to 12 guests accompanied by a bilingual guide and local guides. The schedule of activities is defined by the hotel staff and offers excellent opportunities to observe and photograph the incredible nature and wildlife of the Pantanal.

Optional activities at an additional cost include Onçafari, the Blue Hyacinth Macaw Project, horse riding and bird watching, which must be booked in advance to ensure availability. Activities vary based on season and weather.

Meet your English-speaking driver for your private land transfer (3.5 hours) to the Campo Grande airport for your flight (not included) to Rio de Janeiro. (Private plane transfer directly from Caiman to Campo Grande airport can be arranged for an additional cost.)

Rio de Janeiro, the previous capital of Brazil for centuries, is one of the most-visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere. It is known for its picturesque landscapes of mountains and seaside, as well the famous attractions like Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana. Rio de Janeiro lives up to its nickname of the “Cidade Maravilhosa” or “The Marvelous City.”

Meet your English-speaking driver just outside baggage claim (holding a sign with your name on it) for your private transfer to the Fasano Hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure to settle in and explore Rio on your own.

This morning, meet your guide at the lobby and head to the Corcovado Mountain, where the Christ the Redeemer statue is located – Rio’s most famous postcard image. You will board a historic train that goes uphill through the forest until you reach this important landmark and its sweeping views of the city.

Then, continue on to Santa Teresa to see a smaller and more intimate neighborhood of Rio that makes you feel truly apart of the culture and lifestyle of the city. As the home to many artists and chefs, you can see the art along the street, smell the foods from nearby restaurants, and hear the music playing from local homes.

This afternoon, you’ll have an enlightening tour of Rio’s historic city center. Discover how this city came to be, born as an unexpected result of the Portuguese crown’s escape from Europe during Napoleon’s invasion. Explore the heart of Rio, the first area to be developed due to its safer location away from the shore, when exploring these distant lands was a challenge.

To cap off the day, you’ll visit the uniquely shaped Sugar Loaf Mountain – whose name comes from the cone-like molds that were once used in the production of sugar in the 16th century. Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of Brazil’s most famous tourist attractions. Aboard the cable car to the top, you’ll be given a unique view of the mountain and the city behind you through the glass walls of the car.

Join your guide in the lobby and embark on a journey to Sítio Roberto Burle Marx, an extraordinary destination that showcases the life and work of an iconic landscaper from the 20th century. Immerse yourself in a sprawling area of 100 acres, home to over 3,500 species of tropical and subtropical plants. Discover harmonious gardens, nurseries, lakes, art collections, and an impressive library, all blending seamlessly with the native vegetation.

Afterward, some beach time like a local! The bustling beaches of Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon are packed in the summer, so we suggest you instead enjoy the breathtaking Prainha and Grumari beaches, known for their exquisite beauty just outside the Rio city limits. While out here, your guide can recommend a hilltop beach restaurant with terrific views, before you return to the city. (Lunch not included.)

This morning your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for your private transfer to the airport for your journey home.