Tailormade Holidays in Brazil

Tour Code: TBRA

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Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to Brazil with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

When to Go

Good Time to Go

April to November

Best Time to Go

June to October

Speak to a South America expert

Tom Mabbett

Operations Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

The Pantanal
Iguazú Falls
Amazon Rainforest
Rio de Janeiro
+3 more

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Summary

Brazil’s stature as one of the most wildlife-rich and biodiverse countries in the world has never been in question. Despite this, magical mammal encounters have in the past been seemingly out of reach. However, thanks to a number of innovative lodges, it is now possible to see a great many more of Brazil’s iconic mammals, as well as its colourful birdlife, and in an exciting manner. Perhaps the greatest leap forward has been with sightings of big cats, and especially Jaguars. Despite being a symbolic resident of Brazil, these beautiful creatures were rarely seen until recently. Indeed the Pantanal, Brazil’s premier wildlife destination, has in recent years yielded excellent sightings of Jaguars and a number of other enigmatic mammals such as Giant River Otter and Brazilian Tapir as well as myriad other fascinating species. The birding has always been spectacular. The Pantanal, in particular, is bursting with showy birdlife, while a stay in the Amazon rainforest will delight with a different range of avifauna. The forests surrounding the Iguazú Falls also offer a wealth of birds and here relaxation, wildlife and a once-in-a-lifetime natural spectacle combine to wonderful effect for the perfect holiday crescendo!

Our Locations

The Iguazú Falls are one of the world’s most impressive and beautiful sights – a series of cascading waterfalls which tumble over 90 metres, thundering through the lush forested slopes of an ‘Eden-like’ setting. They are located on Brazil’s border with Argentina and it is worth experiencing them from both countries. From Brazil the most spectacular panoramic views may be obtained, but from the Argentine side it is possible to get far closer to the falls themselves via various trails and catwalks, and it has the added advantage of easy access to the two wonderful national parks in the area. Here it’s possible to encounter a new set of species including many varieties of woodcreepers, flycatchers, tanagers and manakins. The falls area itself is not bereft of birdlife, with specialities such as Black-fronted Piping-guan and both Toco and Red-breasted Toucans among the possibilities. A highlight of the late afternoon are the thousands of Great Dusky Swifts which gather overhead before diving down to dash through the cascading water to their night-time roost.

Accommodation in Iguazú Falls

Hotel Das Cataratas

Details

Selva de Laurel

Details

The Pantanal is a vast, seasonally inundated freshwater ecosystem that covers much of the western side of Brazil. It is a site of international importance and plays a significant role in regional climate stabilisation and groundwater purification; it extends southwards from the plateau of the Mato Grosso to Brazil’s borders with Paraguay and Bolivia. Roughly the size of France, the Pantanal is accessed from the north via the Transpantaneira road which passes through a sparsely populated land of cattle ranches and wetlands. The northern Pantanal is marked by low dry woodland, damp grasslands and gallery forest along the banks of a large system of meandering rivers, creating a mosaic of different habitats rich in all manner of wildlife. The central region, near Porto Jofre, is one of the best areas in South America to see Jaguar; indeed, to date, no Naturetrek tailormade client has returned from this area in the dry season without a Jaguar sighting – a record we are keen to uphold. Common species seen throughout the Pantanal include Capybara, Marsh Deer, Azara’s Agouti, Yacare Caiman and Green Iguana as well as a host of colourful lizards and, of course, plentiful birdlife.

Accommodation in The Pantanal

In stark contrast to the wilderness of the Pantanal, a visit to the city of Rio de Janeiro offers a cultural experience that is hard to rival. Often dubbed the ‘Marvellous City’, Rio acted as the capital of Brazil until 1960 and is home to some of Brazil’s most famous tourist attractions, including Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) and the statue of Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado). However, the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle belies a city that is enveloped by nature; nestled between the lush, green rolling mountains and the crystal depths of the Atlantic Ocean, a stay in Rio will allow you to capture the essence of Brazil as found nowhere else in the country.

Praia do Forte, Brazil shutterstock_86257807.jpg

The upmarket village of Praia do Forte provides the perfect opportunity for relaxation. Set along a palm-lined, white sand beach, restaurant options are plentiful, and there is much to explore in the local area. A sea turtle reserve can be found a short walk away, as well as picturesque churches and castle ruins. Opportunities to explore secondary Atlantic forest can be found at the nearby Sapiranga Forest Reserve, which offers a network of trails, as well as opportunities to canoe across a beautiful lake.

Salvador, Brazil shutterstock_232016875.jpg

Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia, is known for its Portuguese colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture and tropical coastline, and is a popular choice for relaxation at the end of a wildlife-filled Brazilian tour. The city is well known for its energetic and lively Carnival celebrations, amongst countless other open-air festivals; while it is often referred to as one of Brazil’s hotspots for dance and music, there is much more to experience besides. The colourful architecture of the city is reflective of its former status as the capital of Portugal’s New World Colony, and many a happy hour can be spent sightseeing around the vibrant neighbourhood plazas, sampling the delicious local cuisines along the way. The city has a hot, tropical climate, and the picturesque white sand beaches are the perfect place to relax and cool off in the turquoise waters. The beaches are also breeding sites for Green, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill and Loggerhead Turtles between May and December. Those who venture inland are rewarded with countless trails that wind their way through the 1500 square kilometre Chapada Diamantina National Park, a paradise for naturalists.

The Amazon River and its countless tributaries drain a vast region of rainforest that is home to countless plants and animals. This is without question one of the greatest wilderness areas in the world and one that is key to the sustainable future of the planet. Viewing wildlife, and especially mammals, in the Amazon is, however, notoriously difficult, and there are certainly no guarantees. Thankfully, there are a few places which, due to protection and dedicated conservation, allow for a wonderful and rich wildlife experience within the Amazon Rainforest.

Accommodation in Amazon Rainforest

Cristalino Lodge

Details

Although a mere 3% of the wider area is protected, Parnaíba River Headwaters National Park occupies a significant 6878 km² of preserved ‘cerrado’ habitat in central-southern Brazil. The Cerrado is a unique ecozone that covers an area equivalent to the size of France, Germany, Spain and England combined. The park’s stunning landscape is made up of woodland, scrubland, dry-forest and 1,000 feet tall, red sandstone cliffs, in which both Hyacinth and Red-and-Green Macaws nest. This region is regarded as a global biodiversity hotspot which, according to the WWF, contains some 5% of the planet’s wildlife, including around 200 species of mammal, 860 species of bird, 180 species of reptiles, 150 species of amphibians, 1,200 species of fish, and 90 million species of insect! Parnaíba River Headwaters National Park is particularly famous for two mammals in particular – the Maned Wolf and the Brown-tufted Capuchin. The former is the largest canid in South America; a peculiar, but beautiful animal that is technically neither a fox nor a wolf. The latter is considered to be one of the most intelligent species on earth, and the only known primate (outside of the great apes) to habitually use tools. These capuchins have been observed using stones to crack open nuts in a hammer and anvil like fashion; an exceedingly complex behaviour.

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Sample Itineraries

A holiday that offers the very best opportunity of seeing South America’s most iconic mammal, the Jaguar! The period from June to October offers the best chance of sightings.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 3

Northern Pantanal

Days

4 - 9

Central Pantanal

Day

Fly UK, via São Paulo

Day

Arrive UK

11 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Search for one of Brazil's other elusive big mammals - the enigmatic Maned Wolf

Day

Fly Barreiras via Brasilia

Days

11 - 14

SouthWild Wolf Camps

Day

Fly São Paulo for flight to UK

Day

Arrive UK

Experience both of Brazil's top wildlife locations, the Amazon Rainforest and the Pantanal, in all their magnificent glory.

Day

Depart UK

Day

Arrive São Paulo/Cuiabá

Days

3 - 6

Amazon Rainforest

Day

Northern Pantanal

Days

8 - 12

Central Pantanal

Day

Fly UK, via São Paulo

Day

Arrive UK

14 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Option 1

Days

13 - 15

Iguazú Falls

Days

16 - 17

Fly UK

Option 2

Days

13 - 15

Rio de Janeiro

Days

16 - 17

Fly UK

The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Good local naturalists are available at all our selected lodges and wildlife camps. However, should you require a dedicated expert naturalist or ornithologist to guide you throughout your Brazil holiday, we will be happy to arrange for one to accompany you.

When to Visit

Brazil has a warm tropical climate and can be visited throughout the year. In the Pantanal the dry season, from June to October, is the most popular time for visitors as this is the best time to see Jaguars. The wet season in the Pantanal is from November to March/April and travel during this time needs careful planning as water levels are high, temperatures soar and biting insects are prevalent. The month of May, despite lower Jaguar sightings, is a delightful time to visit as the Pantanal’s scenery is at its most beautiful and tourist numbers are low. This is also one of the best times to visit Iguazú, as the cascades are at their mesmerising best, although this thundering spectacle is worthy of a visit at any time of the year. The Brazilian rainforest is accessible all the year round and fits in nicely with the Pantanal’s weather patterns.

Getting Around

Brazil is a vast country so to link up locations some domestic flights are necessary. Access to the Pantanal is via the only road, the Transpantaneira, and although journeys can last 4-5 hours these are great opportunities to look out for wildlife. Therefore we encourage the use of open-sided vehicles that make photography and sightings much easier (with our drivers encouraged to take things slowly with lots of wildlife stops!), although a little comfort is sacrificed.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!