Wet and Wild Brazil: Rio, the Pantanal and Amazon Rainforest | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Wet and Wild Brazil: Rio, the Pantanal and Amazon Rainforest

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PRIVATE TOUR - 11 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 8645

Private Tour Highlights

  • Taking a ride on a cog train through the world’s largest urban woodland, Rio’s Tijuca Forest, up towards the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer.
  • Whizzing up to Sugarloaf Mountain on a cable car, drinking in the views of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and the Santa Cruz Fortress.
  • Climbing the impressive Howler Monkey Tower, 25 meters (82 feet) above the ground, for an unbeatable aerial view of the surrounding countryside.
  • Rising early to enjoy the majestic morning Amazon skies and busy native birdlife.
  • Heading out on a fishing expedition in wooden canoes along the winding canals of the Amazon, keeping an eye out for Amazonian Dolphins and Piranhas!
  • Observing the wide variety of wildlife in two of Brazil’s most delicate eco-systems; the Wetlands and the Amazon.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Experience Wet and Wild Brazil: Rio, the Pantanal and Amazon Rainforest and see Brazil Wildlife and jungles. This tour combines the two best locations in Brazil for viewing wildlife, the Amazon Rainforest and the Pantanal, with visits to Rio de Janeiro. In the Pantanal you will stay at the Araras Ranch Eco Lodge and discover the world’s largest continual wetland. This impressive ecosystem is home to nearly 700 species of birds as well as deer, jaguars, and monkeys. In the Amazon Rainforest you will stay at the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge as you explore the largest and most biologically diverse ecosystem on the planet.

The tour begins in Rio de Janeiro.  Rio is the best place to recover from your flight and get in touch with the Brazil way of life.  Climb to the top of Sugar Loaf via cable cars.  Enjoy Sugar Loaf up close.  Explore the largest urban forest in the world at Tijuca Forest.  After eating, dancing, and taking in the sights of Rio, you will fly to the Pantanal.

Once out of the airport in Cuiaba, you will be whisked off to the remote Pantanal.  This is the largest wetland in the world, meaning this the best place in Brazil to see wildlife.  Here in the Pantanal one can spot up to 1000 bird species  such as Hyacinth Macaw, Crowned Solitary Eagle, and Owls.    The Pantanal ecology is so special it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Then you will take off to the Amazon.  The biodiversity of plant species is the highest on Earth here in the Amazon Rainforest.  There are hundred of thousands of species of plants, animals, insects, and birds.  An example of the wildlife here is a Sloth, Spider Monkeys, Amazonian Manatee, Pink River Dolphin, Vampire Bats, Black Caimen, Cougars, Anaconda, and Piranhas.  Wild and vigorous Amazon is the finale of this tour.

Inclusions
Prices include domestic air transportation from Rio to Cuiaba, Cuiaba to Manaus, hotel accommodation including daily continental breakfast, lodge accommodation at Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge including all meals, lodge accommodation at the Araras Ranch Eco Lodge with all meals, all transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, guided tours including all entrance fees where applicable, guided tours of Rio de Janeiro, and the Amazon in English. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.

Notes:

* Pantanal itinerary may be changed at any time without notice.

* The order of the activities is subject to confirmation by the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge and will be confirmed upon arrival at the lodge.
Best Time to Travel
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JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

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Package Price: From £$ 8645

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Flight to Brazil

Overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro.

Overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro.

Day
2

Welcome to Rio!

Upon arrival, reception at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

This afternoon, enjoy a private Half Day Tour to the Sugar Loaf with a private driver/guide.

This tour begins with a stroll through downtown Rio, passing by the Sambodrome, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Get to know the traditional Cinelandia square with the historical buildings, the Municipal Theater, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. By taking the Aterro do Flamengo, you will be taken to the neighborhood of Urca where you will find one of the largest symbols of the city: The Sugar Loaf.

This visit is made in two steps by cable car. The first cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill which provides a beautiful view of the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niteroi bridge and Corcovado hill. From this stage, a second cable car will be taken up to the top to find a splendid view of Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress and some beaches of Niteroi.
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Day
3

Private Half Day Corcovado Tour

Enjoy a tour of Corcovado with a private driver and guide. The tour begins in Cosme Velho's neighborhood. The cog train rolls through the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, and up to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Once there, enjoy a panoramic and extraordinary view of Rio, including the Sugar Loaf, the Guanabara Bay, the beaches of Southern Zone and the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. At the peak of the hill is the art deco statue of Jesus Christ, and icon of Rio. After the visit of the Corcovado, the tour continues to the Sao Conrado area with a brief stop at Pepino beach where you can appreciate the hang gliders overhead. At the end of the tour, you will transfer back to your hotel. ...read less

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Day
4

Rio at Leisure - Rio Scenarium

Your day is free to enjoy Rio or choose from one of our optional day tours. Tonight, you will be met at your hotel by a Yampu representative for your private transfer to the Ginga Tropical Show (this tour does not include dinner).

After dinner, we will enjoy a Brazilian dance show that gathers on stage various cultures of our Tropical Country. The show combines a variety of Brazilian dances that developed from African rhythms via the slave trade and the natives that lived in Brazil before colonization. This is a show that perfectly combines diversity and culture. We have the Ziriguidum from the Northeast, the Amazon with its Folklore, Bahia with its mystical rituals and Capoeira, and Rio de Janeiro with its bohemian Lapa neighborhood, samba dance halls and the performance of the legendary Tricksters.
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Day
5

Cuiaba - Pantanal - Araras Lodge

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Cuiaba.

Upon your arrival you will greeted by your local guide at the airport to transfer to the Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge. The journey will begin on a paved road for 100 km / 62.13 mi to Pocone, along farms and through the Brazilian savanna.

After a short stop in Pocone, you will continue on an unpaved road entering the Transpantaneira Park built on a level higher than the floodplain. The road has more than 127 wooden bridges, fording fields, bays and grazing lands. On the way the vehicle will make several stops to embrace the surrounding wildlife.

Upon arrival at the Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge you will be greeted with a welcome drink and accommodation. Embark on a late afternoon hike within the surroundings of the Lodge, reaching the Mirante da Garca observation tower for enchanting sunset views. After dinner, listen to the sounds of the Pantanal during star gazing trek.
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Day
6

Rondon Trail and Horseback Ride

Today will be a 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 horse ride through the grazing fields, woods and flood lands. After lunch at the lodge, join a hike to a different area of the reservation, allowing you to watch and learn about this ecosystem.

Today will be a 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 horse ride through the grazing fields, woods and flood lands. After lunch at the lodge, join a hike to a different area of the reservation, allowing you to watch and learn about this ecosystem.

Day
7

Rondon Trail and Horseback Ride

After breakfast, we depart to Clarinho River. Here take a canoe and explore the river banks, mangroves and forest. With some luck, you can spot a family of ariranhas (giant otters) fishing, playing and teaching the babies to swim and fish. Even get a chance to fish the elusive Piranha, known for nibbling the bait off the hook without the fisherman noticing. Lambaris, another species of fresh water fish are an easy catch and are delicious when barbecued. A picnic barbecue lunch will be prepared at the camp site. Return to the lodge at the end of the afternoon. ...read less

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Day
8

Pantanal - Cuiaba

The day begins with a very early start to see the sunrise from the top of Mirante da Garca (Heron's Tower). Listen to the sounds of the birds leaving the nests for the day and the rising sun touching the vegetation. After breakfast enjoy a hike along the property’s lush surroundings.

After lunch we will transfer to Cuiaba airport enjoying, once again, the beautiful road and the opportunity for last minute photos.

The day begins with a very early start to see the sunrise from the top of Mirante da Garca (Heron's Tower). Listen to the sounds of the birds leaving the nests for the day and the rising sun touching the vegetation. After breakfast enjoy a hike along the property’s lush surroundings.

After lunch we will transfer to Cuiaba airport enjoying, once again, the beautiful road and the opportunity for last minute photos.

Amazon_photographer
Day
9

Manaus- Anavilhanas Islands

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Manaus

Upon arrival you will be met by a Yampu representative at the Manaus airport for a three hour van transfer to the Anavilhanas. Upon arrival, you will have a welcome cocktail followed by a tour of the lodge.

Afternoon, departure through the Anavilhanas islands in regional watercraft. We explore the numerous canals (paranas), lakes and islands of the largest river archipelago in the world. Visitors disembark on one of the islands to examine its unique ecosystem, observing regional plant- and wildlife. Dinner at the lodge.

After dinner, alligator sightseeing. The unique sensation of living and feeling the forest at night is experienced in canoes during the exploration of riverbanks in search of caimans.
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Day
10

Jungle Survival and Forest Hike

After an early morning breakfast, take part in an informative forest hike. Led by experienced local guides, you will explore the forest, where it is possible to observe some of the greatest Amazonian mysteries. You will also receive instructions on trees, wild fruit, herbs and jungle survival. The trail can be done entirely on foot, but you can also return to the lodge by means of a delightful canoe ride.

After lunch in the afternoon, visit the Amazonian dolphins and go piranha fishing. This is a fun fishing expedition in wooden canoes through regional riverbanks, where you will be able to catch some piranhas as well as other fish while admiring the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Dinner followed by a lecture on the Amazon region and Anavilhanas. ...read less

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Day
11

Sunrise contemplation and bird watching

Start the morning with some sunrise contemplation and bird watching. Leaving before dawn, you will be led to a lake in Anavilhanas where it will be possible to observe birds and other animals in transit and contemplate the colors and nuances of Amazonian skies.

After breakfast enjoy a visit to handicraft studios and naval shipyard in Novo Airao. You will visit two regional craft centers where you can see the work of local craftsmen in their workplace.

Later on, visit a shipyard of regional wooden watercraft. At 2pm, after lunch, depart to Manaus and transfer to the airport for the flight home. ...read less

Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Cuiabá - State of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas, State of Amazonas, Brazil

Places You'll See

  • Rio-de-Janeiro-Brazil

    Rio de Janeiro

    The largest Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, welcomes travelers to the famous city, Rio de Janeiro. Let the local music, art, and food capture your sense as you visit its sandy beaches or watch an enchanting samba show. Try your hand at trekking up Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) for beautiful views of the bay and beyond.

  • cuiaba_brazil

    Cuiaba

    In the exact center of South America, in the middle of Brazilian cattle country lies the city of Cuiaba. Here one can enjoy the local life with shopping, visiting local cathedrals or the Municipal Aquarium, along with hiking tours just outside of the city. Spot some monkeys while canoeing the nearby rivers or possibly a jaguar during a night safari!

  • Pantanal

    Home to the world’s largest tropical wetland area, the Pantanal provides excellent opportunities to view a wide array of wildlife and plant life. Unlike with the dense vegetation of the Amazon, the openness of the Pantanal makes it easy to observe the animals in their habitat. Catch a glimpse of some of the more endangered species in the Pantanal, like the Maned Wolf.

  • Teatro_Amazonas_Manaos_Brazil

    Manaus

    Located within the Amazon, and accessible mostly by boat and aircraft, the city of Manaus is the gateway to the Brazilian rainforest. At the conjunction of two differently colored rivers that form the Amazon, Manaus is the perfect place to take a riverboat tour to witness this natural phenomenon. While so close to the Amazon, take a guided tour of the lush forest.

Hotel Options

Pantanal-Araras-Eco-Lodge

Featured Accommodation

Araras Eco Lodge

Built in harmony with the environment, without renouncing comfort, the Araras Eco Lodge is located in Pantanal, the largest continuous wetland on the planet. From this lodge, with its enviably preserved surroundings, it is possible to do first-class bird-watching, trekking in pristine forest, canoeing, horseback riding, truck photo-safaris, night tours, two exciting tree top look outs, and much more. A rustic and regional construction, offers 19 comfortable air conditioned rooms, windows with mosquito netting, ceiling fan and private bathrooms. Excellent regional food, bar, swimming pool with covered deck, and large verandas with hammocks are also offered.

Pantanal ,

Featured Accommodation

Mirante do Gavião

While in the Great Amazon Plain feel the absence of local highlands to observe the vastness of the forest and its large rivers. The Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge offers in their leisure areas swimming pool, pier, lounge and restaurant,and some lookouts on the property where you can relax and enjoy the various types of visual: Rio Negro, Anavilhanas Archipelago, our Birds or even the friendly sloths and iguanas of our little forest.

Amazon ,

Brazil-Anavilhanas-Jungle-Lodge-2

Featured Accommodation

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is a jungle lodge near Manaus in the Amazon, with 64 bungalows, surrounded by pristine rivers and nature. The bungalows feature comfortable and rustic furnishings, and are equipped with air conditioning, electric showers, and screened windows. The lodge offers a swimming pool overlooking the Rio Negro and islands, a 13m high Observation Deck with a stunning view over the river and the Anavilhanas Archipelago, Internet access, a local handicraft shop, and a fabulous restaurant serving regional and international cuisine.

Anavilhanas National Park ,

4 Star Properties

Rio de Janeiro : Windsor California

Rio de Janeiro : Arena Leme

5 Star Properties

Rio de Janeiro : Hilton Copacabana

Rio de Janeiro : Windsor Miramar

Luxury Properties

Rio de Janeiro : Fasano Hotel Rio de Janeiro (Ocean View)

Rio de Janeiro : Copacabana Palace (City View)

Testimonials

Jodi from Australia

Traveled May, 2009

I would love to encourage people to enjoy the same amazing experience as I had

We are back from our trip and I wanted to say a special thank-you for everything that you have helped us with. The trip was unbelievable; we had the best time of our lives. If I had it over I would not change a thing!We are definitely interested in a central-american tour, maybe in a few years time and I would not dream of going anywhere but straight back to you to help me plan it!!!! I’m also more than happy for you to use me as a reference; I would love to encourage people to enjoy the same amazing experience as I had!Thanks again for everything 🙂

Steven

Traveled March, 2011

My trip into the Amazon has been an eye opening experience

My trip into the Amazon has been an eye opening experience. I want to thank you for helping me organize everything, despite my many changes to the itinerary. I also met many great people, both travelers and employees at the lodge.

Traveled To

Marianna R.

Traveled July, 2014

I want to take this opportunity to tell you how much we enjoyed our trip.

I want to take this opportunity to tell you how much we enjoyed our trip. We were so impressed with the whole experience. Thank you for your expertise and service which made our holiday so memorable!

Let Us Customize This Trip For You

Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

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