Highlights
- Explore the wetlands and wildlife of the Pantanal with optional activities
- Descend to a dazzling underground lake and grotto at the Blue Lake Cave
- Snorkel in crystal-clear waters around Bonito, an ecotourism hub
- Hike to Rio de Janeiro's Sugarloaf Mountain and visit the city's beaches
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Campo Grande, Free Time | Campo Grande |
| Day 2 | Transfer to South Pantanal, Introductory Tour | South Pantanal |
| Days 3-4 | Wildlife & Nature Activities in the Pantanal | South Pantanal |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Bonito, Free Time | Bonito |
| Day 6 | Visit the Blue Lake Cave, Snorkel at Rio da Prata | Bonito |
| Day 7 | Free Day in Bonito | Bonito |
| Day 8 | Hike to Waterfalls on Boca da Onça Farm | Bonito |
| Day 9 | Snorkel at Barra do Sucuri & Refúgio da Barra | Bonito |
| Day 10 | Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Free Time | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 11 | Hike to Sugarloaf Mountain & Christ the Redeemer Statue | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 12 | Tropical Islands Tour | Rio de Janeiro |
| Day 13 | Depart Rio de Janeiro |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Campo Grande, Free Time
Welcome to Campo Grande, the gateway to Brazil's natural area called Pantanal and the capital of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. After arriving at the airport, you'll be transferred to your accommodation in the city. Take some time to settle into your room and rest.
Depending on how energetic you're feeling after your journey, you might want to head out into the city to see some of the sights. You could visit the Parque das Nações Indígenas, a beautiful park that's home to many animals and birds, including capybaras, toucans, and macaws. You might also like to check out the Bioparque Pantanal, also known as Pantanal Aquarium, the largest freshwater aquarium in the world, or visit the fair called Feira Central, where you can buy local food and handicrafts.
Day 2: Transfer to South Pantanal, Introductory Tour
This morning you'll travel to the Pantanal, about four hours away from Campo Grande. Prepare for an exciting adventure in the world's largest tropical wetland area and flooded grasslands, brimming with old colonial fazendas (estates), colorful wildlife, and beautiful natural scenery. After arriving, take an introductory tour where you can use the provided binoculars to glimpse vibrant blue macaws in the trees. Listen out for the roar of macaques bellowing in the distance and keep your eyes peeled for lurking caiman and even the mighty but seldom-seen jaguar.
Days 3-4: Wildlife & Nature Activities in the Pantanal
Over the next few days, you'll embark on various tours and activities that showcase the best of the beautiful Pantanal. Hike along forest trails to spot the local wildlife, take a photographic safari, go fishing, ride a canoe, and ride on horseback, a traditional form of transportation in the region. To avoid the intense heat of the day, your tours will take place early in the morning and mid-afternoon. As well as being more comfortable for you, these are the best times of day for spotting wildlife.
Day 5: Transfer to Bonito, Free Time
In the morning, you'll transfer to Bonito, a small town about 3.5 hours away that is famous for its ecotourism offerings. The main attractions are the magnificent landscapes, especially its pristine rivers, where you can float or dive, and its underground caverns. When you arrive at your accommodation, you'll have free time to settle and rest or get outside for some activity, depending on your energy levels. Remember that you'll have plenty of time to explore this beautiful area in the days ahead.
Day 6: Visit the Blue Lake Cave, Snorkel at Rio da Prata
Get to know Bonito and its natural treasures better today. First, you'll travel a short distance to reach Lago Azul (the Blue Lake Cave), a cavern and grotto that's considered one of the most beautiful places in the region. After a safety briefing, strap on your helmet and embark on a short hike to the mouth of the cavern. Descend nearly 300 steps to the shimmering blue underground lagoon. As you go, your guide will reveal fascinating information on the area's geology and point out fossils in the cave. There are even some from a saber-toothed tiger, which went extinct about 10,000 years ago.
Later, head to the Recanto Ecológico do Rio da Prata, a privately owned fazenda and nature reserve where you'll snorkel in the crystalline waters of the Rio da Prata. After a safety talk, don your equipment and jump into the river. As you float leisurely down the gentle river, see schools of colorful river fish unique to the region, such as piraputangas, dourados, curimbatás, and more.
Day 7: Free Day in Bonito
Today you're free to visit Bonito's many natural attractions at your own pace. One option is to visit the geological wonder of Buraco das Araras, the largest limestone sinkhole in South America. It's also the favorite nesting spot for over 40 exotic bird species, including the arara vermelha (red macaw). If you're feeling adventurous, you could go abseiling at Abismo Anhumas, a cave near Bonito, and rappel down to an underground lake. Alternatively, visit the Ceita Corê Farm to hike to small caverns, waterfalls, and lagoons.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 8: Hike to Waterfalls on Boca da Onça Farm
Embark on a full day of adventures today as you leave early in the morning to reach the small town of Bodoquena. Enjoy breakfast here and then head to the Boca da Onça Farm, known for its natural attractions, especially its streams with translucent water, waterfalls, and natural pools. The tour begins with a walk of approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) along a trail in the preserved forest on the banks of the Salobra River.
En route, stop to bathe in several natural pools with crystalline waters, as well as 11 waterfalls, including the Cachoeira Boca da Onça, the highest in the state at 511 feet (156 m). Part of the trail consists of wooden steps leading to a rappelling platform, with an incredible view of the Rio Salobra Canyon and the small caves in the wall. Rappelling here is optional.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the farm. Also, at the farm, you'll find two swimming pools with running water and local fish, a relaxing whirlpool, a natural shower, a bar and restaurant, a games room, a hammock, and a souvenir shop. Make the most of these facilities before returning to your hotel in Bonito later in the afternoon.Day 9: Snorkel at Barra do Sucuri & Refúgio da Barra
If you enjoyed the previous day's aquatic adventures, you'll love today's full-day tour. Bonito's Barra do Sucuri adventure sports resort is set around the crystalline Sucuri River. Today you'll go snorkeling in the river, starting with a short walk through the forest and a boat tour to visit nearby springs. Don your snorkeling gear and float along the gently flowing river as you look out for beautiful colorful fish in the clear waters and the birds in the trees above.
Once you've finished snorkeling, there will be time to enjoy a relaxed, natural bath in an especially clear stretch of the Formoso River. There are plenty of comfortable facilities here, including a lounging deck, access to the water via steps, walking trails, hot showers, and a restaurant.
Day 10: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Free Time
Say goodbye to the Pantanal today as you fly west from Campo Grande to Rio de Janeiro. The flight takes around three hours. After your transfer to your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day free to spend as you like. After many days inland, you may want to head to one of Rio's famous beaches, such as Copacabana or Ipanema, for a swim, dinner, and a drink beside the sea—all providing excellent opportunities for people-watching.
Day 11: Hike to Sugarloaf Mountain & Christ the Redeemer Statue
This morning, visit Rio's famous Mirante de Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). The tour starts by driving to Praia Vermelha in the Urca neighborhood, where a cable car station leads up to the Pão de Açúcar. From here, along with your local guide, hike along the Cláudio Coutinho track, also known as the Bem-Te-Vi trail, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Look out for tropical birds and animals such as marmosets. At the trail's end, ride the cable car to the top of Pão de Açúcar. After snapping photos of the spectacular scenery and enjoying the views, you'll ride the cable car back to sea level.
Day 12: Tropical Islands Tour
Explore some of Rio's natural beauty today on a full-day island tour. First, you'll drive 1.5 hours from Rio de Janeiro to get to Mangaratiba, known for fishing, agriculture, and tourism. This is where you'll board a schooner to cross Sepetiba Bay to get to a group of forested tropical islands. Along the way, admire the views of the islands and look out for dolphins, as well as many fish species, parrots, turtles, and stingrays. On one of the islands, have a tasty lunch, hike, and swim before returning to Rio.
Day 13: Depart Rio de Janeiro
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