Diverse Brazil On a Budget
Tour Introduction
Offering excellent value, our carefully crafted itinerary provides the opportunity to experience much of what makes Brazil such a wonderfully enthralling country in an affordable way. Begin in the northern Pantanal spotting the elusive, powerful and majestic jaguar as well as a cast of hundreds of other mammal and bird species. Head south to mighty Iguacu Falls, wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara. Then fly eastwards to the coast to explore iconic Rio de Janeiro. Return home having had the trip of your life with funds to spare.
Full Itinerary
Met on arrival in Sao Paulo. Airport assistance to connect with flight to Cuiaba. Met in Cuiaba and transfer down the Transpantaneira Highway, spotting wildlife en route to the lodge.
Staying at Jaguar Ecological Reserve. Includes Dinner.
Full day of guided activities within the 12,000-hectare, federally protected reserve. Activities include safari drives, hikes and boat trips. Fishing and horse riding are also available. The reserve has good populations of breeding hyacinth macaws, and many other typical Pantanal fauna are seen.
Staying at Jaguar Ecological Reserve. Includes All Meals.
After breakfast depart for jaguar watching on the Cuiaba River. The Cuiaba River and its tributaries have some of the highest densities of jaguars anywhere in their range and the chances of observing them here are extremely good. Small boat guided tour of the river system, with boxed lunch. Return to the lodge in the early evening, watching for wildlife along the way.
Staying at Jaguar Ecological Reserve. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to Cuiaba airport and fly to Foz do Iguacu.
Staying at Sanma. Includes Breakfast.
A scenic walk provides a panoramic view of the whole falls. See smaller waterfalls until reaching the biggest spectacle: the Garganta do Diabo or ‘DEVILS THROAT’, where two river branches meet with one another and free fall.
Staying at Sanma. Includes Breakfast.
A full day to explore and marvel at the Argentinean side of the Iguacu Falls. The collection of falls stretches for over 1.5 miles and there are over 250 different cascades. There is a safe network of walkways and trails enabling visitors to see the most impressive views.
Staying at Sanma. Includes Breakfast.
After a relaxed morning fly to Rio de Janeiro.
Staying at Hotel Porto Bay. Includes Breakfast.
Morning excursion to the top of the 710-metre Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park to see the spectacular view of Rio from the famous statue, Christ the Redeemer.
In the afternoon enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for a breathtaking view over the famous city.
Staying at Hotel Porto Bay. Includes Breakfast.
Day at leisure to relax or time for independent exploration of Rio de Janeiro.
Staying at Hotel Porto Bay. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Rio de Janeiro international airport for flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Jaguar Ecological Reserve
Overview
The Jaguar Ecological Reserve is a 1200-hectare federally registered natural heritage reserve (R.P.P.N. – Reserva Particular de Patrimonio Natural) in the heart of the northern Pantanal, about 3.5 hours by road from Cuiaba. The lodge has 13 en suite air-conditioned rooms and a separate lounge/dining area for relaxing. A generator and solar panels provide the property with electricity. The Reserve is owned by a local Pantaneiro family who are passionate about its conservation and determined to preserve it.
Profits from the lodge operation are reinvested to purchase more land for the Reserve with the intention of significantly expanding the conservation area. The lodge does not set out to provide luxury accommodation but the owner, Eduardo, is proud to offer a comfortable lodge in a remote yet accessible setting adjacent to the Transpantaneira highway.
A stay at the Reserve lodge can also be combined with a few nights at the Porto Jofre Hotel on the Cuiaba River to search for jaguars: it is also possible to make day trips to the Cuiaba River from the lodge.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Communal area incorporating a dining room, bar and small handicraft shop.
Each room has air-conditioning, a fridge, and a double or twin-bed setup. There is a private deck and hammock at each unit. Mosquito nets can be requested from reception and there is always drinking water available to refill your bottle.
Local Wildlife
Conservation efforts at the Reserve have resulted in a healthy population of highly visible hyacinth macaws. Night drives and day hikes often reveal Brazilian tapir, ocelot, crab-eating fox, racoon and marsh deer. Excursions can be made to the Cuiaba River to look for jaguars and families of giant otters.
Optional Activities
Canoe excursions on the local river, guided trail walks and mammal spotlighting.
Sanma
Overview
Sanma – formerly the Hotel San Martin – is situated near the entrance to Iguaçu National Park, and offers a luxurious retreat amid the natural beauty of Iguaçu Falls. Just 1.5 km from the international airport and 10 km from the town of Foz do Iguaçu, this 5-star hotel features 142 comfortable rooms, each equipped with air-conditioning, mini bar, cable TV, and a safe. Guests can enjoy various dining options, including traditional Brazilian feijoada at Amaru Restaurant and a happy hour at Lobby Bar Aldemir, complete with live piano music. The hotel’s spa includes a sauna, hot tub, massage services, and a relaxation area. It is ideally located for visits to both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguaçu Falls, as well as the nearby Parque das Aves bird park.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
En suite rooms with air-conditioning, mini bar, safe, restaurant, bar, disco, live music entertainment, swimming pool, games room, tennis and volleyball court, and sauna and massage services.
Optional Activities
Excursions to the Brazilian and Argentine side of Iguacu Falls including boat trips to the base of the Devil’s Throat drop.
Hotel Porto Bay Rio de Janeiro
Overview
The Porto Bay Rio De Janeiro certainly has some of the most stunning views of the city including Sugarloaf and Corcovado mountains, and the Copacabana beachfront.
Copacabana is a great choice for visitors to Brazil who are interested in some down time in the city relaxing by the beach, walking and sightseeing.
The hotel features a restaurant and two bars with their own vibrant atmosphere and exotic drinks on offer. The rooftop bar is an incredible spot to watch the sunrise over the ocean. With international and Brazilian cuisine, La Finestra restaurant offers a rich buffet breakfast comprising fresh fruits, natural juices, hot and cold items. Lunch and dinner are à la carte.
Some rooms boast panoramic views, sea views and others feature a private balcony.
The hotel has their own private beach area on Copacabana beach with beach towels, parasols and chairs.
The hotel is within walking distance of popular bars, shops and restaurants. The nearest metro station is 600 metres from the hotel and Santos Dumont Airport is just 4.8 miles away.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Two Bars and a Restaurant, Free Wifi, a Fitness room with a view, Massage room with a view, Sauna and Steam room, Meeting rooms, an ATM, Lift, Laundry Service, Garden area, Balconies, minibar in the rooms, 24 hour front desk, Babysitting and Room service.
Optional Activities
Hiking and biking trails nearby, rent a bike, Surfing and surfing lessons, relax on Copacabana beach and explore the vibrant area. Tours and excursions are available from here.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
British Airways has direct flights to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and Latam to Sao Paulo. Or fly on Iberia or Air Europa via Madrid, KLM via Amsterdam, or Paris via Air France.
Best Visited:
June to November
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
Additional nights can be added in the Pantanal for even more jaguars!
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Absolutely loved everything about the Jaguar Research Centre. The tented accommodation was great and good fun. The cook was large and jolly and looked after T well- the food was excellent here, and she had the most difficult conditions to contend with… 4 jaguar sightings. The first was at night, a fisherman called in so we took off down the river at brakeneck speed in the dark, found the other boats, and saw ‘Hugo’. The other 3 were in daylight… the highlight was following Mrs Butterfly hunting along the river bed. Had some good otter sightings. Very good boatman.
