Brazil displays life in full colour, and this adventure puts wildlife centre stage. Begin in Rio de Janeiro, taking the chance to stand alongside Christ the Redeemer, before joining conservationists to search for the rare golden lion tamarin. Then, we journey into the vast Pantanal wetlands – one of South America’s great wildlife watching destinations – where our local guides use their expertise to maximise sightings, including capybaras, caimans and, with luck, the elusive jaguar. Finally, we venture to Bonito, where crystal-clear rivers and forest sinkholes reveal a world packed with adventure.
Activity Areas
New Wildlife Holidays
Wildlife Holidays
Region & Country & City
South America: Brazil, Pantanal
Included in the Price
- All breakfasts, five lunches, four dinners - All accommodation - All transport and listed activities - Tour leader throughout - Group arrival and departure transfers available
Not Included In The Price
- Travel insurance - Single accommodation (available on request) - Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
- Accommodation: 9 Classic nights (4 wildlife ranch, 5 hotel) - Travel by minibus and an internal flight - Group normally 4 to 12, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure begins in Rio de Janeiro
Begin your adventure in Rio, where mountains, rainforest and sea meet in one glorious sweep.
Around 6pm, say oi to your tour leader and fellow travellers when we gather for the first time to hear more about the adventures ahead.
Want more time in Rio? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Windsor Leme (or similar)
Day 2 Gaze over Rio from Christ the Redeemer and ascend Sugarloaf Mountain
Discover the wonders of Rio today, joining our expert tour leader to explore the most celebrated landmarks. Boarding a century-old electric tram, we glide through Tijuca National Park – one of the world’s largest urban forests – to reach Corcovado. Standing at 2,310ft (704m), it is crowned by the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Take in sweeping views of the bay, the favelas scattered on the hillsides, and the curve of Copacabana Beach far below.
After free time for lunch, travel to Sugarloaf Mountain, starting with a gentle 40-minute hike from Praia Vermelha beach through Atlantic Forest. The trail brings us to Morro da Urca, where a cable car whisks us to the upper peak. From this vantage point, we watch the sun sink behind Rio’s granite peaks – a perfect finale to our first full day in Rio.
Accommodation: Windsor Leme (or similar)
Day 3 Track golden lion tamarins with expert conservationists
Leaving Rio, we travel north (approximately two hours) to Silva Jardim, home of the Golden Lion Tamarin Association.
Join their conservation team to walk gentle trails through the reserve in search of a tamarin family, learning about their social behaviour and the decades-long project that has brought them back from near extinction.
Our exploration offers a remarkable insight into one of Brazil’s great conservation success stories – and spending time with the people who track these animals daily gives rare insight and greatly improves our chances of observing the tamarins up close.
Accommodation: Windsor Leme (or similar)
Day 4 To the Pantanal wetlands
A change of scene today as we fly to Campo Grande airport, then transfer (2hr 30min) into the Pantanal Sur, an immense mosaic of seasonally flooded plains that supports jaguars, giant anteaters, capybaras and hundreds of bird species. This extraordinary concentration of wildlife is what makes the Pantanal one of South America’s most rewarding natural environments to explore.
After settling into our accommodation, enjoy a hearty dinner and discuss the activities for the days ahead. Depending on our arrival time, there may be an evening excursion to get a first taste of Pantanal life.
Accommodation: Pousada Pequi (or similar)
Day 5 - 7 Explore the Pantanal with the expertise of the lodge team
Our days in the Pantanal follow the rhythms of nature. The lodge team designs our programme according to the weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring we make the most of our stay.
We might start with an ecological walk through riparian forest, guided by a local naturalist who points out medicinal plants and animal tracks. Later, you might saddle up for a horseback ride across open fields, scanning for capybaras, rheas, and perhaps a jabiru stork – the symbol of the Pantanal.
We might set out by boat along the Aquidauana River to watch kingfishers dive. Back at the ranch, you could join a photo safari in an open vehicle to track giant anteaters or take a horse-carriage ride through farm fields to observe the local flora and fauna.
Whatever you day entails, you can be sure it will be special, thanks to the expertise of our local guides and the magnificent wildlife that populates these wetlands.
Accommodation: Pousada Pequi (or similar)
Day 8 Snorkel the clear waters of the Olho d’Água River • Visit the Buraco das Araras sinkhole
Bid farewell to the Pantanal and transfer (approximately four hours) to Bonito, one of the great adventure hubs in Brazil with crystalline rivers, sinkholes, waterfalls – and, of course, plenty of wildlife.
At Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata, we follow a short forest trail before slipping into the Olho d’Água River to snorkel above a vast variety of fish in transparent water. The clarity comes from limestone filtration that removes sediment – a natural phenomenon protected by strict conservation rules.
The final section, on the Rio da Prata, can either be done by snorkelling, by electric motorboat, or walking, depending on conditions.
After lunch, we continue to Buraco das Araras, a 330ft (100m) deep sinkhole where macaws nest in the cliffs. Their bright feathers flash against the red rock, and their calls echo around the crater.
Accommodation: Pousada Olho D’Água (or similar)
Day 9 Kayak the Salobra River • Descend into the Blue Lake Grotto • Raft the Rio Formoso
After a short 4×4 transfer, begin a kayaking adventure on the Salobra River. Using inflatable duck kayaks, paddle a 3mi (5km) stretch of calm water punctuated by gentle rapids and natural pools – ideal for cooling off. Some sections require carrying the kayak over rocks, adding to the fun. A traditional farm lunch awaits at the end of the route.
After, we explore one of Brazil’s most entrancing natural wonders: the Blue Lake Grotto (Gruta do Lago Azul). A short forest walk leads us to a limestone staircase descending toward a subterranean lake whose deep blue colour results from sunlight filtering through the entrance at the right angle.
Then we board inflatable rafts for a ride down the Rio Formoso, tackling mild rapids and slipping over small waterfalls. Between splashes, we can pause to swim in calmer stretches – a refreshing farewell to Bonito’s waters.
Accommodation: Pousada Olho D’Água (or similar)
Day 10 Adventure ends in Campo Grande
You’ve gazed up at Christ the Redeemer, tracked golden lion tamarins alongside conservationists, and spotted the incredible wildlife of the Pantanal, but now it’s time to begin your journey home.
A private transfer (approximately four hours) takes us to Campo Grande for onward connections. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our range of extension options.
