Brazil 360º tour

Reception at Manaus airport and transfer to your hotel. Manaus is the Amazon’s largest city, and capital of Brazil’s enormous Amazonas state. Despite its location over 1500km from the Atlantic Ocean, it is a major port for ocean vessels, and the gateway for all commerce and tourism in the Brazilian Amazon.
Overnight at Selected hotel.

Departing from your hotel after breakfast, we make our way to the Port of Manaus, located near the city centre. We stop in front of the Rio Negro Palace, the official seat of the State Government and beautiful example of architecture of the golden  period  of  the  rubber,  before  visiting  the  Indian Museum, the Salesian Congregation, which is the best place to  understand  the  traditions  and  customs  of  indigenous peoples. The tour then continues with an outdoor visit to the Palace of Justice of Amazonas, and ends with an internal visit to the Amazonas Theatre, opened in 1896, and one of the highlights of the tour of Manaus. It is a poignant symbol of the rubber boom, with all its wealth and grandeur transmitted through its corridors, halls and artwork. We then make our way back to the hotel, returning at approximately midday.

Early this morning we explore the surroundings along the water’s edge in our canoes, where we mainly find fruit eating birds like parrots and toucans. Following breakfast, we go for a jungle walk, where we discover many surprising fragrances in leaves, fruits, woods and animals. Around midday we return with the option for a quick swim before lunch. In the afternoon, we navigate through the Anavilhanas National Park, one of the world`s largest fresh water archipelagos, a labyrinth of waterways, before embarking in canoes and setting off to learn more about this wonderful natural environment.

At first light we spend a little time fishing for piranhas and other fish. After breakfast we visit a “Native Community” where we find many of the typical Amazonian fruits like Cupuaçu and Tapereba, palm trees like Açaí, Tucumã and Pupunha. We learn about the preparation of man ioc flour and the health and education situation of the children. Afterlunch, a quick stop is made on one of the white sandy beaches to swim in the dark waters of the Rio Negro. Later in the afternoon, we set off exploring by canoe, scouting for wildlife along the river’s edge. As we make our way toward the Amazon River in the evening we will be served dinner. Overnight on Amazon Cruise.

Early this morning we explore the Lago Janauari Ecological Park. This area is usually a very good place to observe tree-dwelling wildlife, and offers a great chance to see the “Victoria Regia” giant water lilies. Afterwards, while we are having breakfast, the ship navigates towards the “Meeting of the Waters”, the confluence of the world`s two largest rivers, the Amazon and the Negro. Finally, it is time to return to the Tropical Hotel pier, while enjoying fine views of Manaus` waterfront as we sail upstream, before arriving at 11:30hs and disembarking, giving us a free afternoon ahead of our final night in Amazonas.

This morning we make a very early start for our flight to Cuiaba, gateway to the Pantanal. Upon arrival at Cuiaba Airport, we depart immediately on the long but scenic journey to the boat. The total trip time is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, consisting of 1.5 hours by paved road, followed by a further 3h30min from Poconé to Porto Jofre on the unpaved Transpantaneira Highway. The final part of the journey is a 30 minute boat trip from Porto Jofre along the Cuiaba River to where the boat will be docked and waiting.

These days will be dedicated to the search for Jaguars along the local river banks (Cuiabá, Piquiri, 3 Brothers and other, smaller waterways). The Pantanal water basin is widely regarded as the best location to view the largest cat in the Americas in the wild. A range of other local wildlife may also be sighted in the waters and on the river banks, including Alligators, Giant Otters, Capybaras, Iguanas, Jabiru Storks, Gulls and other species that inhabit the rich Pantanal biome.

These days will be dedicated to the search for Jaguars along the local river banks (Cuiabá, Piquiri, 3 Brothers and other, smaller waterways). The Pantanal water basin is widely regarded as the best location to view the largest cat in the Americas in the wild. A range of other local wildlife may also be sighted in the waters and on the river banks, including Alligators, Giant Otters, Capybaras, Iguanas, Jabiru Storks, Gulls and other species that inhabit the rich Pantanal biome.

This morning we make an early departure from our Pantanal cruise for the lengthy transfer to your lodge. Along the way we stop for lunch, before arriving at the lodge early in the afternoon, where we enjoy a well-earned welcome drink. After check-in, an introduction to the local Pantanal region is scheduled, with a presentation of cartographic maps and satellite images. After the lecture there is a possibility of a short walk to observe the various species of birds and other animals at the lodge. Early evening a tasty piranha broth is served and then dinner with the typical dishes of the region, followed by night spotlighting by jeep or boat, exploring the surroundings in search of nocturnal creatures and contemplation of the wetland environment.

After breakfast we set off horseback riding, for a 3 hour leisurely ride up a to typical farm on the border of Siá Mariana Bay. This path is excellent for observing the local flora and fauna throughout the year, and you will be surprised by the diversity of species. Lunch at the lodge.

This morning we arise before dawn for a final Sunrise tour, paddling in canoes for approx 1 hour and 30 minutes to appreciate the dazzling spectacle of the awakening of nature in the Pantanal. Return to the lodge for breakfast followed by checkout and drive back to Cuiabá airport. Arrive in time for your connecting flight to Rio de Janeiro.

After departing from the hotel, the tour takes a scenic drive from Copacabana beach, continuing along Botafogo beach and passing the Palácio Guanabara, official residence of the Rio de Janeiro State Governor, on the way to Corcovado Hill (704m), and the greatest national icon – The Christ Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro.

Free day in Rio to enjoy the many sights this incredible city has to offer, or simply relax on one of the famous beaches.

Overnight at Selected Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Transfer to Ilha Grande with reception and guide upon arrival at main jetty. The island retreat of Ilha Grande, off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, is covered with tropical beaches and virgin rainforest and only a few small settlements. It has a rich history, having housed a leper colony and then a high-security penitentiary for some of Brazil’s most dangerous political prisoners, until its closure in 1994. The island is noted for its unspoilt beaches, rugged landscape, rich vegetation and scenic beauty. The largest settlement on the island is the picturesque, palm-fringed beachfront town of Vila do Abraão.

Morning transfer from Ilha Grande to your hotel in Paraty. Set against a backdrop of steep mountains covered in lush forest, the small, historic coastal town of Paraty is one of Brazil’s gems. It was a port during the Brazilian Gold Rush and the cobbled streets of the colonial centre are lined with 17th and 18th century buildings and churches. Paraty sits on the Bay of Ilha Grande. The emerald green waters are dotted with tropical islands and lined with secluded beaches.

After breakfast we embark on a traditional schooner to enjoy a relaxing day sailing around the bay of Paraty. The cruise stops at various islands and beaches to sunbathe, swim and snorkel, while enjoying the incredible crystal clear waters and tropical jungles. Lunch is included and is served on board the boat.

Transfer from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro for your flight to Foz do Iguassu. Arrival at the airport and transfer for your hotel in Iguazu. The spectacular Iguazu Falls that straddle the Argentine-Brazil border, are made up of 275 individual waterfalls lining a 2.7km wide horseshoe-shaped gorge. The Falls are located where the Iguazu River cascades over the edge of the Paraná Plateau. The Falls can be viewed from both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides, the Brazilian side offering a broader, panoramic view, with the Argentinian side offering a series of catwalks that allow you to experience the Falls from close range.

Cross over the border for a full day excursion to the Argentinian side of the mighty Iguaçu Falls. A visit to Devil’s Gorge, arguably the most spectacular falls, is one of the day’s highlights. There is also the option to do a boat trip right up to the falls – be prepared to get wet!

Following breakfast, we make our way to the Brazilian side of the falls, where you will get a breathtaking panoramic view of the falls at every turn. The uninterrupted vistas of the Floriana Falls, the Devil’s Gorge Canyon and the Iguazu River are spectacular and guaranteed to impress. Following this panoramic tour, it’s time to transfer to airport for your departure from Brazil.