The Best of Southern Brazil

Brazil is a huge country, with a wide range of climates, topographies, and cultures. We will introduce you to the best that Brazil has to offer - we've done the research and chosen what we feel are the best of the best destinations and activities. You'll: Walk on one (or more) of a hundred white-sand beaches, hike the mountain trails, and/or snorkel in the crystal clear waters off of beautiful Ilha Grande, only three hours from Rio. Stroll the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Marvel at nature's handiwork at breathtaking Iguaçu Falls. Fish for piranha, birdwatch (macaws, toucans, parrots, storks, herons, ibis, and much more), horseback ride, see capybara (the world's largest rodent), monkeys, jacaré (alligators), and maybe even an armadillo or anteater in the teeming Pantanal. For wildlife and beauty, it would be hard to rival our "Best of Southern Brazil" trip.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Rio de Janeiro - Sugar Loaf Mountain, Copacabana & Ipanema Beaches

Rio is all you've heard and imagined - and MORE. Lively, friendly, beautiful people. Great beaches. Gorgeous city. Whether you're a city person, a beach person, or neither, Rio is guaranteed to capture your imagination. If after this visit Rio isn't on your top three lists of cities, we'd be very much surprised… Lodging in a comfortable hotel. Includes: (L), (D);

Day 2 – 4: Iguaçu Falls

Air travel to Foz do Iguaçu. Wow!! If you aren't moved by this spectacle, you need resuscitation! The greatest waterfall in South America; perhaps in the world. One day to see the Brazil side and a wonderful nearby aviary and another day to view the Argentine side of the falls. Personally, on my list of awesome natural phenomena, Iguaçu Falls ranks second only to the very best northern lights. Lodging in a comfortable hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D);

Day 5 – 9: Pantanal

The largest wetlands in the world and highest concentration of wildlife in Latin America occupy an area within Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul and extends into Bolivia and Paraguay. Gateways are Campo Grande and Corumba for the South and Cuiaba for the North. Air travel to Campo Grande, land transport to camp.
If you like to view wildlife at home in its natural habitat, without a lot of other tourists around competing for the view, this may be the best place in the world to do it! Arguably as rich in numbers and diversity of birds and animals as the tropical rainforest, the Pantanal's reduced vegetative cover, islands of high ground in the rainy season, and pockets of water in the dry season, make wildlife viewing much more efficient and satisfying - any time of year! Jacaré (alligator); howler, capuchin, squirrel, and marmoset monkeys; capybara (the largest rodent in the world); 3 kinds of deer; coatimundi; 2 species of anteater; white-collared peccary; crab-eating fox; and agouti were among the animals are among the animals you are likely to see. Birds include tiger herons, egrets, jabiru storks, ducks, ibis, savannah hawk, caracara, chaco chacalacha, curassao, jacana, parrots, macaws, owls, toucans, kingfishers, oropendula, and many more. The Pantanal, the largest alluvial plain in the world, is still healthy and unpolluted and home to such a diversity of plants, animals, and birds that it will take your breath away. Horseback ride, fish for piranha, birdwatch, search for the elusive anaconda, pet an armadillo, spot jacaré at night - there's so much to do you won't want to leave. Lodging in bush camps, sleeping in hammocks (alternative sleeping arrangements can be made, but the hammocks are surprisingly comfortable!) in screened, thatched enclosures; basic but tasty and healthful meals; great ambiance; expert trained knowledgeable guides. Includes: (B), (L), (D);

Day 10 – 14: Ilha Grande

Fly to Rio and transfer by land and sea to beautiful, idyllic Ilha Grande: wonderful secluded beaches, friendly little village, no roads or vehicles - NONE! Great trails to hike, fun little restaurants, boat trips, snorkeling, rain forest treks. For such a small island, there's way too much to do.… or you can just relax and enjoy the incredible numbers of hummingbirds around the communal area. Good food, good people, good fun! Includes: (B), (L), (D);

Day 15 – 16: Rio de Janeiro

Land travel back for one more day in romantic, beautiful Rio. Try some of the local specialties, explore the favelas, shop, or just experience the beach life for which Rio is famous. Depart for home. Includes: (B), (L).