Brazil and Rio

Brazil The Amazon, Pantanal, Rio & Iguassu Falls

Best time to visit: November - March

Best for: Friends, Families, Solo Travelers, and Couples

A country of mythical proportions, Brazil enchants with natural beauty, friendly people and an intoxicating, unique mix of European, African and Indian influences. Explore the fauna and flora of the mighty Amazon, search for Jaguars in the UNESCO protected Pantanal, dance a Samba in electric Rio de Janeiro and stand beside the mystical Iguassu Falls.

Discover the very best of this captivating destination: the lush Amazon, roaring Iguassu Falls, wild animal spotting in the Pantanal and the sun-kissed beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

Trip Highlights

Visit the Brazilian Amazon, the largest rainforest in the World

Visit South America`s wildlife sanctuary, the Pantanal, UNESCO protected wetlands and the habitat of the largest concentration of wildlife in the Americas

Appreciate the beauty of Rio from a different angle in the comfort of a private sailing boat.

Feel the force of Iguaçu Falls, South America’s most impressive natural wonder, from both Brazil and Argentina

Sample Itinerary

Welcome to the Amazon!

Arrival at Manaus airport in time for your transfer to the hotel, Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, for a 3-night, 4-day package including accommodations, guided activities in the jungle and full board.

Your stay includes the following activities:

Canoeing through the Igapos and Igarapes: Hear the sounds of the forest and explore the rivers. In canoes for up to 2 people, you can watch the scenery changing as you paddle along waters and between trees.

Anavilhanas Archipelago Nocturnal Sightseeing: Enjoy the unique feeling of the nightlife inside the forest, lightened by the stars, exploring the igapós to spot birds, sloths, snakes and alligators hidden in the sounds of darkness.

Hiking on Dryland Forests: Led by experienced local guides, explore areas that are not affected by floods – the firm forests or dryland forests. During the tour, learn about trees, fruits and wild fruits, survival strategies and medicinal herbs.

Lodge Activities

Departure from the Lodge to Manaus airport by land (around 3 hours).

Arrival in Campo Grande by evening and private transfer to your hotel in the city.

After breakfast, meet your local guide at the lobby for a private transfer to Caiman Ecological Refugee, located in the Pantanal, a region of imposing and magnificent scenery and the habitat of over 650 species of birds, 400 species of fish and 80 species of mammals, many threatened with extinction.

Welcome to the Pantanal!

In 2000, the Pantanal wetland was designated a World Natural Heritage and World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO

Your activities at Caiman start very early in the morning taking full advantage of the best portion of the day to observe the wildlife. After your morning safari, return to the lodges for lunch and rest. When the afternoon passes by and temperature cools off, it is time to go out for an afternoon excursion, another good time to see Pantanal and enjoy the wonderful sunset.

Your stay includes the following activities:

Walking tours:

Explore the many trails surrounding the lodges to observe the small animals and vegetation. An activity that provides the greatest contact with the environment.   

Caiman Tour: A walk through the surroundings of the main area of the ranch, the research centers and the Environmental Interpretation Center. The final destination is the Paizinho’s bridge, one of the most traditional places of the Caiman Ecological Refuge, and an excellent spot to observe the Spectacled Caimans. It is a magical moment in which you will get up close to the caimans with all the safety provided by the guides.

Photographic Safari: Cruise on a specially adapted vehicle to explore the most distant places of the farm. During the photographic safari, it is possible to observe the peculiarities and the contrasts of the vegetation, as well as a large variety of animals.

Canadian canoe trip: Row in a three-seat Canadian canoe to view nearby vegetation and water birds. A good opportunity to listen to many the local sounds, and to admire the fantastic Pantanal’s sunset.

Nocturnal Spotlighting: This experience provides the opportunity to observe nocturnal animals. One of the highlights is when jaguars are spotted.

Lodge Activities

Meet your local guide for a land transfer back to the city of Campo Grande to board your flight to Rio de Janeiro.

Meet and great at Rio airport by your local tour conductor and transfer to your hotel , the Belmond Copacabana Palace.

Perhaps no other destination in Brazil is more legendary than Rio de Janeiro, known for its Samba, Carnival and dazzling beaches. This former colonial city also boasts historic architecture, incredible natural scenery and iconic sights, such as the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Meet your local guide at the hotel and enjoy a scenic drive past the popular beaches of Rio to the foothills of the Tijuca National Forest. From the Cosme Velho, a traditional neighborhood in the Southern part of Rio de Janeiro, join the cog-wheel train that makes the steep climb to the summit of Corcovado Mountain. The view of Rio from Corcovado Mountain is world famous, providing a panoramic view of Rio`s mountains, rainforest, coastline and the unique natural composition that is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. The peak of the Corcovado Mountain is more than 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level and crowned by the 30 meter (100 foot) high statue of Christ the Redeemer. Just beneath the statue sits a chapel in honor of the Lady of Aparecida, patron Saint of Brazil.

Lunch stop at Assador to take in the beautiful views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf and the Burle Marx gardens surrounding the dining rooms.

Enjoy a private evening cruise to watch the sunset.

Morning transfer to the airport for your early flight to Iguassu Falls.

On arrival at the Foz de Iguaçu airport (IGU) you will be met by your local guide and driver who will accompany you during today’s adventures.


Welcome to Iguassu Falls!

Iguassu Falls is located on the border of the State of Parana, is one of the most famous attractions in all of Brazil. The 275 massive waterfalls are divided between Argentina and Brazil and provide vastly different views and experiences depending on what side they are viewed from.

First stop is a visit to the Birds Park, an internationally-recognized rescue and conservation center for birds, located in the middle of the rich and exuberant Atlantic Rainforest neighbouring Iguassu National Park. Experience the native flora and fauna first-hand by following the trails through the forest.

Afterward, enjoy an optional 600-meter (2,000 feet) hike, which leads up to the Macuco Falls waterfall. The Macuco Falls tumble down from a height of approximately 20 meters (65 feet) and are perfect for a refreshing dip on days of intense heat. Access the falls via a stairway carved into an ancient rock.

Your final stop is the Macuco Safari dock on the Brazilian side of the Iguassu River. The boat departs upriver, passing through the canyon and along the rapids at a comfortable speed, allowing you to appreciate of the stunning scenery.

This evening, enjoy a Sspecial dinner at a Chef´s House, a unique and unforgettable experience. The former chef of the Belmond Hotel is the star of this gastronomical journey through Brazilian culinary history. This 6-course meal is an introduction to the heritage of natives, Africans and Europeans that forged Brazil's flavors in 500 years of history. Your dinner includes a wine pairing with bottles from exquisite South American wineries. Throughout the night, the chef will explain the origins of the ingredients and tell curiosities about the country’s  culinary past

Your accommodations are at the Belmond Cataratas Hotel, the only hotel located within Brazil's Iguassu National Park. This 5-star property provides an unrivalled location just a short stroll from the sensational waterfalls.

After check-out at noon, visit the Brazilian side of the falls.

Begin your tour from the hotel and take a descending trail down the canyon, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of more than 240 falls. Then, board the glass elevator to a platform where more exquisite views will be revealed. Along with its “sister” park in Argentina, the Iguassu National Park forms the most significant remaining rainforest in the southern cone of South America which, along with the waterfalls, have been declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Optional: Panoramic helicopter tour over the falls -10 min (shared)

Experience a unique view of the waterfalls by helicopter. This exciting 10-minute tour offers a rare opportunity to observe the picturesque landscape and the spectacular scenery of the Iguaçu National Park from above. You will have an unrivalled view of the Três Fronteiras (the meeting point of the borders between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay) and the Itaipú Dam and reservoir.

After the tour, private transfer to IGU airport for departures to the US.

For more information, including a detailed itinerary and pricing, please contact Valise Travel Concierge.