Highlights
- Spot jaguars and capybaras in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland
- Go snorkeling, caving, and abseiling in Bonito's clear rivers and underground lakes
- Hike among the urban forests of Rio de Janeiro and summit Sugarloaf Mountain
- Explore quiet islands and hidden beaches on a Costa Verde schooner cruise
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Campo Grande, Gateway to the Pantanal | Campo Grande |
| Day 2 | Transfer to South Pantanal, Explore the World's Largest Tropical Wetland | South Pantanal |
| Days 3-4 | Wildlife & Nature Activities in South Pantanal | South Pantanal |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Bonito, Explore Brazil's Ecotourism Capital | Bonito |
| Day 6 | Visit the Gruta do Lago Azul, River Snorkeling on the Rio da Prata | Bonito |
| Day 7 | Bonito Caving & Abseiling Adventures | Bonito |
| Day 8 | Waterfall Hike at Fazenda Boca da Onça | Bonito |
| Day 9 | River Snorkeling at Barra do Sucuri | Bonito |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Campo Grande, Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Evening Boteco Tour | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 11 | Hike & Cable Car to Sugarloaf Mountain, Visit Christ the Redeemer | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 12 | Sepetiba Bay & Islands Schooner Cruise | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 13 | Depart Rio de Janeiro |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Campo Grande, Gateway to the Pantanal
Welcome to Campo Grande, the capital of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul and the gateway to the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland. Upon arrival, you'll meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up. When you're ready, venture out to discover the city on your own. A good place to start is the Parque das Nações Indígenas, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Stroll along the well-maintained walking paths, rent a paddle boat to explore the lake, or pack a picnic to enjoy in the shade.
Day 2: Transfer to South Pantanal, Explore the World's Largest Tropical Wetland
After a restful night in Campo Grande, it's time to transfer four hours north to South Pantanal. The scenic drive will take you through charming rural towns and vast expanses of farmland, eventually leading into a portion of the world's largest tropical wetlands. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge, then take the afternoon to explore on your own. Grab a pair of binoculars to go bird-watching (there are over 650 species of birds in the region), or try to spot the macaques swinging from tree to tree. After dinner, step outside for some stargazing in the clear skies free of light pollution.
Days 3-4: Wildlife & Nature Activities in South Pantanal
Over the next two days, you'll discover all the Pantanal has to offer on tours led by experienced guides who are well-versed in the region's flora and fauna. Some of the activities on offer include a photo safari, fishing, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and visiting local farms. Tours will take place in the early morning and midafternoon to avoid the intense heat of the day, increasing your chances of seeing wildlife like giant otters, capybaras, tapirs, and anacondas. The Pantanal is also one of the best places in the world to spot jaguars, so keep your eyes peeled!
Day 5: Transfer to Bonito, Explore Brazil's Ecotourism Capital
Say your goodbyes to the Pantanal this morning as you transfer 3.5 hours south to Bonito, a charming town renowned for its freshwater rivers, underground caves, and plentiful ecotourism excursions. When you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day enjoying its amenities. If you want to explore, take a leisurely walk to discover the diverse flora and fauna endemic to the region. Bring a pair of binoculars for some spontaneous bird-watching, as toucans, macaws, and kingfishers frequent the area.
Day 6: Visit the Gruta do Lago Azul, River Snorkeling on the Rio da Prata
Join your guide for a full-day tour of the natural wonders surrounding Bonito, starting at Gruta do Lago Azul, just 30 minutes outside town. Upon arrival, you'll complete a safety briefing, strap on a helmet, and follow your guide into the cave, descending nearly 300 steps to the shimmering blue lagoon below. Your guide will share insight into the area's geology and point out the fossils in the cave, including some from a saber-toothed tiger that lived over 10,000 years ago. Marvel at the grotto's sapphire-blue waters and towering stalactites and stalagmites before returning to the cave's entrance along the same path.
Next, you'll transfer to the Recanto Ecológico do Río da Prata, a privately-owned farm and nature reserve, and the perfect base for snorkeling in the Rio da Prata, one of the world's clearest freshwater rivers. Don your gear and jump into the river to look for colorful river fish endemic to the region, like piraputangas, dorados, and curimbatás, and stop at the Vulcão Olho d’Água, an outcropping where water flows from underneath the river to create a "volcano" like effect. Enjoy a peaceful float along the last portion of the river, then return your gear, dry off, and transfer back to Bonito.
Day 7: Bonito Caving & Abseiling Adventures
Today, you're free to explore some of Bonito's natural attractions at your own pace. One option is a trip to the geological wonder of Buraco das Araras. With a circumference of 1,640 feet (500 m) and a depth of 328 feet (100 m), this is the largest limestone sinkhole in South America. It's also a nesting spot for over 40 exotic bird species, including an abundance of vibrant red and green macaws. Book a guided tour of the area to learn about the birds' behavior and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them.
If you're looking for something more active, join an abseiling adventure at Abismo Anhumas, a cave located 14 miles (23 km) from Bonito. Here, you can enjoy the thrill of rappelling down 236 feet (72 m) through a narrow opening in the forest floor to an underground lake. Once at the bottom, your guide will help you take off your gear so you can go for a swim. When you're ready, put your gear back on and climb back to the top, passing stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 8: Waterfall Hike at Fazenda Boca da Onça
Rise early this morning for a guided hike to the natural pools and waterfalls of Fazenda Boca da Onça. The day begins with a one-hour transfer to your starting point at a farm in Bodoquena, where you'll check in for the tour and enjoy breakfast. When it's time, follow your guide 2.4 miles (4 km) through the dense forest, stopping along the way for refreshing dips in the natural pools and 11 waterfalls, including Cachoeira Boca da Onça, the highest waterfall in the state at 511 feet (156 m).
Day 9: River Snorkeling at Barra do Sucuri
It's your final day in Bonito, and you'll spend it snorkeling in another of the region's clearest rivers: the Rio Sucuri. Start with a 30-minute transfer to Barra do Sucuri, an adventure sports resort, then walk through the forest to reach the river, where you'll jump on a boat and cruise for 4,265 feet (1,300 m) to get to your snorkeling spot. Dive in and slowly float back to shore, enjoying the clear water's excellent visibility as you explore the riverbed adorned with lush aquatic plants and intricate rock formations.
Day 10: Transfer to Campo Grande, Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Evening Boteco Tour
Trade the lush natural surroundings of Bonito for the bustling city streets of Rio de Janeiro today as you transfer 3.5 hours back to the airport in Campo Grande. From there, you'll catch a three-hour flight, landing amid Rio's lush mountains, golden beaches, and iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up for this evening's boteco tour, discovering the city's small, traditional bars beloved for their casual ambience, lively atmosphere, and delicious snacks and drinks.
Start with a stop at Pavão Azul in the bustling Copacabana area, where you can sample their famous patanisc (deep-fried, thinly-sliced fish). Your next stop is a samba bar in the vibrant neighborhood of Lapa, where you'll be surrounded by the rhythmic beats of live music and dance to the infectious sounds rooted in African musical traditions. After eating, drinking, and dancing like a local, your guide will drop you back at your hotel.
Day 11: Hike & Cable Car to Sugarloaf Mountain, Visit Christ the Redeemer
Sleep in a bit after last night's fun, then join your guide for a relaxed hike up Rio's iconic Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). Although you can take a cable car to the top, hiking along the scenic Pista Cláudio Coutinho and the more challenging Costão de Itacoatiara allows you to spot wildlife like marmosets and tropical birds. After 45 minutes, you'll arrive at the first peak, Morro da Urca, where you can switch to the cable car to reach the highest point. Enjoy panoramic views of Guanabara Bay, Praia de Copacabana, and the sprawling cityscape below, then take the cable car back to sea level.
In the afternoon, you'll visit another famous landmark, the Christ the Redeemer statue atop the peak of Corcovado. Take a scenic train through the lush Tijuca Forest to get to the top of the mountain, where you'll be greeted by the 98-foot (30 m) statue of Jesus Christ holding out his arms as a symbol of welcome, peace, and protection. Take advantage of the 360-degree views of the city, then ride the train back down, and enjoy a scenic tour of Rio de Janeiro's southern beaches on the transfer back to your hotel.
Day 12: Sepetiba Bay & Islands Schooner Cruise
The penultimate adventure of your trip takes you on a scenic transfer 1.5 hours west of Rio to the Costa Verde (Green Coast) and Sepetiba Bay. Here you'll board a traditional saveiro schooner and set sail for a full day of exploration, discovering clusters of forest-laden islands, spotting dolphins, turtles, and stingrays in the turquoise waters, and stopping for swims along the way.
You'll break for lunch on the idyllic island of Itacuruçá, located well off the tourist trail and home to quaint fishing villages and unspoiled beaches. Spend some time exploring the island, continue your cruise to secluded beaches and sheltered coves, then chart a course back to the mainland and return to Rio in time for dinner.
Day 13: Depart Rio de Janeiro
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