Discover Brazil's Jungles, Coasts & Wetlands - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Sao Paulo, Explore Brazil's Largest City

Welcome to the largest and most populated city in Brazil, São Paulo! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel. After you're settled, leave your bags behind and venture out on a guided tour of the city, starting at the expansive Ibirapuera Park. Meander along the scenic trails around the lake before heading into the historic downtown, where you can see an eclectic mix of colonial-era buildings, ornate churches, and towering skyscrapers.

Follow your guide through the bustling streets, stopping at iconic landmarks like the São Bento Monastery with its intricate facade and the impressive Cathedral da Sé de São Paulo, a symbol of grandeur with its Neo-Gothic design. Visit the São Paulo Municipal Market to browse the stalls full of exotic produce, cheeses, meats, and local dishes before ending the tour at Avenida Paulista in the bustling financial district. Pop in and out of the luxury boutiques and choose from the array of dining options for dinner. 

Day 2: Fly to Manaus, Half-Day Guided City Tour

After just one day in São Paulo, head to the airport for a four-hour flight to Manaus, the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can relax until this afternoon's city tour. Start at the Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market, built in 1882 based on the long-gone Les Halles market in Paris. Navigate the lively aisles and browse the array of Amazonian products, from exotic fruits to regional spices, fresh fish, and handmade crafts.

Continue to Rio Negro Palace, an opulent mansion constructed in the late 19th century set against the lush backdrop of the Amazon rainforest. Admire the Belle Époque architecture, then enter to discover the stained glass windows, ornate furnishings, and grand staircase. End the tour at the Teatro Amazonas, an opera house that stands as a testament to the city's golden era during the rubber boom. Step inside to see the extravagant dome adorned with 36,000 tiles and listen as your guide teaches you about the theater's history and cultural significance. 

Day 3: Transfer to the Amazon, Guided Canoe Tour

Rise and shine, as today you'll start early for the 3.5-hour journey to the Amazon Turtle Lodge. Head to the Port of Ceasa and board a speedboat to the village of Careiro da Varzea. On the way, stop at the Encontro das Águas to see the point where the Negro and Solimões rivers meet, forming the Rio Amazonas. Watch as the two contrasting rivers run side by side without mixing as you continue the cruise. Disembark at the village and browse the local fruit market for snacks. Jump into a bus or van next and drive for 40 minutes to the Rio Araça to board another boat to the lodge.

On the 50-minute boat ride, pass through lakes and wildlife-abundant creeks, where you can see giant Amazonian water lilies. Look out for tropical birds flying overhead or sloths climbing the trees until you reach the lodge around noon. Enjoy a buffet lunch of freshwater fish, beef, chicken, salad, and exotic fruits, then join a canoe tour to explore the area. Listen as your guide teaches you about the region's biodiversity, and keep an eye out for river otters, monkeys, and iguanas. Return to the lodge for a buffet dinner, then relax for the rest of the evening.

Day 4: Sunrise Bird-Watching Tour, Jungle Trek, Canoe Tour

Wake up before dawn to set off on a bird-watching tour at sunrise. Trek into the forest with your gear and listen for the melodious calls of the exotic birds that are just beginning to wake up. Keep an eye out for colorful toucans or iridescent parrots flitting through the treetops as the first light of day starts to break through the dense canopy of trees. After discovering the rainforest's avian residents, return to the lodge for breakfast. Once you're refueled, lace up your hiking shoes and head into the jungle to trek and learn valuable survival techniques.

Watch as your guide demonstrates valuable tactics like using vines as ropes, climbing trees, and finding water and food in nature. Head to the lodge around noon for lunch, then venture back out on a canoe tour to see more wildlife, like the howler monkeys you may have heard screaming at dawn. Exploring in a canoe means visiting remote corners of the jungle that are inaccessible by other means. Once you've seen more tropical birds, playful monkeys, and maybe even sloths, return to the lodge to rest and enjoy dinner.

Day 5: Visit a Caboclo Village, Fish for Piranhas, Canoe Tour

Venture deeper into the Amazon this morning to visit the Caboclo people, who are a blend of Indigenous, European, and African heritage. Explore the village nestled along the riverbanks and meet the community to learn about their traditions, stories, and unique way of life. Discover their rubber and cassava plantations and help collect fruits, vegetables, and herbs from the jungle. Then, watch as the locals prepare a meal with the harvest. Sit down to enjoy traditional dishes with some of the villagers before joining them on a fishing boat to look for piranha. 

As you cruise down the intricate waterways, attach your bait and cast your line into the water, waiting patiently for a tug from the freshwater predator. When it's time, reel it in, then let your experienced guide take over so you don't get bit. Take your catch back to the village and sit down to enjoy a feast with the Caboclo people. After a delicious dinner, set off on a canoe tour to see the Amazon's nocturnal residents. Guided only by your flashlight's glow, look out for the bioluminescent eyes of alligators or caimans on the shores before returning to the lodge for the night.

Day 6: Transfer to Manaus, Fly to Recife, Explore the Venice of Brazil

Say goodbye to the Amazon this morning as you transfer back to Manaus to catch a four-hour flight to Recife, often called the "Venice of Brazil" because of its intricate network of waterways and bridges. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, venture out to explore the city on your own, starting at Recife Antigo, the historic heart of the city. Walk along the cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings until you reach Marco Zero Square, marked by a monument showcasing Recife's founding.

Take in the lively ambience, watch the open-air performances, and check out the vibrant art installations while sipping a drink at one of the cozy cafés. Visit the nearby São Pedro dos Clérigos, a Baroque masterpiece built in the 18th century. Admire the intricate carvings and sculptures outside before entering to climb the church's tower for panoramic views of the old town. End your self-guided tour at Boa Viagem Beach, where you can relax on the golden sands and watch the sunset. 

Day 7: Fly to Fernando de Noronha, Sunset Boat Tour

After just one night in Recife, head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO-listed volcanic archipelago off Brazil's northeastern coast. Upon arrival, meet your driver outside the airport to transfer to your hotel, where you can enjoy the amenities before this evening's sunset boat tour. Jump on board and cruise to the limestone cliffs of Morro Dois Irmãos as you enjoy the fresh fish prepared on board. On the way, stop at Praia da Conceição to swim in the crystal-clear waters while the sun begins its slow descent. 

Don your snorkeling gear to discover the coral reefs, colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays below. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try subwing diving, where you're towed underwater by a device resembling wings. Twist, turn, and dive under the surface past the vibrant marine life, then get back on the boat to watch the sky transform into hues of red and orange. When darkness starts to fall, return to land, and transfer to your hotel to rest for the night.

Day 8: Boat Tour to Praia do Sancho or 4WD Island Tour

Today, you can choose to explore the area by boat or a 4WD vehicle. If you choose the cruise, you'll sail to Praia do Sancho, often referred to as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. On the way, pass Sapata Point for panoramic views of the coastline and its rugged, limestone cliffs. When you arrive at Sancho Bay, jump off the boat to swim in the turquoise waters. Look below the surface to see the bay's colorful coral and tropical fish before returning to the boat. While cruising back to land, look out for dolphins playing in the boat's waves. 

Those who chose the 4WD tour can hit the dirt roads in the morning, stopping at some of the island's best beaches and viewpoints. Start at Praia do Porto to relax on the golden sand or dip in the crystal-clear waters. Continue to the Baia dos Porcos (Bay of Pigs), named after the dark rocks scattering the shore, resembling piglets. Admire the white sands and towering cliffs, then move southward to Cacimba do Padre, famous for hosting international surfing competitions. Don't worry, you won't miss a visit to Praia do Sancho no matter which tour you pick, as this is your next stop. 

Depending on the time, you may also visit Sueste and Leao Beach. Break up the beach hopping by stopping at a series of lookout points that showcase the island's beauty. Visit Mirante dos Golfinhos (Dolphin's Lookout) and try to spot the playful dolphins swimming across the ocean. Stop at Sancho Lookout for a stunning vista of Sancho Bay and Two Brothers Lookout for panoramic views of the nearby islets resembling two siblings. End the day at the 17th-century Forte Sao Pedro do Boldro to watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 9: Hike the Emerald Coast

Lace up your hiking shoes as you trek along the island's Emerald Coast this morning. Transfer to Vila dos Remedios and follow your guide down the trail through the dense foliage. As you walk, admire the endemic flora and fauna and keep an eye out for glimpses of the turquoise ocean through the trees. Break up the trek with stops at some of the eight picturesque beaches along the trail, such as Praia do Cachorro and Praia do Meio.

Relax on the white sands, take a refreshing dip in the water, then continue up the hillside of Morro do Pico. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Baía dos Porco's pristine sand and glittering water. After spending half the day discovering Fernando de Noronha's west coast, return to your hotel to rest your feet and unwind.

Day 10: Fly to Recife, Transfer to Olinda

Bid farewell to Fernando de Noronha this morning as you head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight back to Recife. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer 30 minutes down the coast to the colonial town of Olinda, founded in 1535. After settling into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. If you want to do some shopping, visit Mercado da Ribeira, a historic market dating back to the 19th century. Browse the stalls brimming with fresh produce, regional delicacies, and handmade crafts to find a unique souvenir to take home.

Continue to the Museu de Arte Contemporânea, housed within a striking modernist building, to discover the collection of avant-garde works from regional and national artists. When you get hungry, meander to Rua do Amparo to browse the array of restaurants and cafés offering a mix of traditional Brazilian dishes and international cuisine, then end the night with a drink at one of the nearby bars. If you haven't tried one yet, order Brazil's national drink, the caipirinha, a cocktail made with fresh lime juice, sugar, and cachaça, a spirit made from fermented sugar cane juice. 

Day 11: Half-Day Guided Tour of Olinda, Fly to Cuiaba

After breakfast, venture out on a half-day tour of the city, starting in the UNESCO-listed historic center. Walk along the cobblestone streets surrounded by colorful colonial-era buildings until you reach the 16th-century Sé Cathedral. Admire the grand facade adorned with intricate Baroque details before stepping inside to see the religious artwork. Continue to another religious landmark, the São Bento Monastery, also built in the 16th century. Enter to discover the golden woodwork, elaborate tiles, and sacred art.

Then, return to Rua do Amparo to visit some of the art studios, boutiques, and cozy cafés. Sit down for lunch in Largo da Misericórdia, a charming square full of artisan shops, galleries, and historic landmarks. End the tour at Alto da Sé, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the historic city and the vast ocean beyond. In the afternoon, return to the hotel to grab your bags, then transfer to the airport to catch a 3.5-hour flight to Cuiabá, the gateway to the wetlands of North Pantanal. 

Day 12: Free Day in Cuiabá, Transfer to North Pantanal

Spend the morning exploring Cuiabá on your own, starting in the historic center, where you can wander along the narrow cobblestone streets to admire the colonial-era architecture. Stop at some of the city's many religious landmarks, like the Catedral Basílica do Senhor Bom Jesus, also known as the Cuiabá Cathedral, which dates back to the 18th century. Admire the grand facade adorned with symbolic sculptures and intricate Baroque and neoclassical elements before stepping inside to see the ornate altars and religious artwork. 

Continue to the Church of Our Lady of Rosary and São Benedito, an active place of worship but also a living museum showcasing the city's intertwining of faith and architectural splendor. In the afternoon, return to the hotel to grab your bags and meet your driver for a 2.5-hour transfer to your accommodation in North Pantanal, one of the world's most extensive tropical wetlands. While you drive along the Transpantaneira Highway, look out for capybaras crossing the dirt road or caimans basking in the sun. When you arrive, settle into the fazenda, a traditional plantation-turned-lodging, then sit down to enjoy dinner as a group.

Day 13: Full-Day Wildlife Tour in the Pantanal

Wake up early to spend an entire day exploring the wetlands, starting with a canoe tour down the river. Paddle along the tranquil waterways surrounded by lush greenery, looking out for caimans basking in the sun, vibrant birds flying overhead, or capybaras foraging along the riverbanks. Then, continue to your next adventure: horseback riding across the dry grasslands. Listen to the rhythmic hoofbeats as you traverse the vast plains, keeping an eye out for graceful marsh deer or giant anteaters in the open landscape.

Trade the horse for an open-topped 4WD vehicle to navigate the rugged terrain of the Pantanal. Pass through waterlogged marshes and dry plains, enjoying unobstructed views of the flora and fauna. In the evening, return to the river to watch the sunset over the water, then board another 4WD vehicle to find the wetlands' nocturnal residents when they're most active. Using a spotlight, the guide will point out animals like foxes and, if you're lucky, the elusive ocelot. After an action-packed day of discovering the wetlands, return to the fazenda for the night. 

Day 14: Full-Day Jaguar Safari Tour in Porto Jofre

Wake up before dawn and start the journey to Porto Jofre, a small settlement nestled on the Rio Cuiabá that's home to the largest concentration of jaguars in the world. When you arrive, jump in a boat and cruise down the Rio to find the elusive animal. Keep your eyes peeled, as the dense vegetation provides the perfect camouflage for these big cats. You'll also have the opportunity to see giant river otters, which can grow up to six feet (1.8 m) in length. In the afternoon, disembark to enjoy a picnic lunch on the riverbanks, then return to the fazenda to rest after your early start.

Day 15: Transfer to Cuiaba, Fly to Sao Paulo, Farewell Dinner

Trade the jungle for the city this morning as you return to Cuiabá to catch a two-hour flight to the trip's starting point, São Paulo. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel. After refreshing, venture out to explore more of the city on your own. You can return to the São Paulo Municipal Market to find some last-minute souvenirs or sample Brazilian cuisine, like pastéis de bacalhau, which are delicious deep-fried codfish fritters. In the evening, meet your group for a farewell dinner to celebrate your last night in Brazil. 

Day 16: Street Art Tour, Depart Sao Paulo 

Spend your last morning in Brazil discovering the city's art scene, starting in the Vila Madalena neighborhood. Admire the colorful streets adorned with striking art and murals and pop in and out of the neighborhood's many art galleries, such as Geleria Tato or A7MA, showcasing the work of local artists. Meander down Beco do Batman (Batman's Alley) to see the open-air gallery full of ever-changing graffiti. When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags, then transfer to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels!