Outdoor Adventure, Nature & Wildlife in Brazil: South Pantanal, Bonito & Rio de Janeiro - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Campo Grande, the 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. 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 scenic lake, or pack a picnic to enjoy in the shade. 

Within the park, you'll also find the Museu das Culturas Dom Bosco and the Museu de Arte Contemporânea, both offering fascinating insights into the region's art and history. If museums aren't your thing, head to the Bioparque Pantanal instead. Designed to simulate the natural habitats of the Pantanal, it features an array of exhibits showcasing the area's rich flora and fauna. Peek into the aquariums housing aquatic and terrestrial species, like caimans, anacondas, colorful fish, and exotic birds. Then, stroll along the walking trails and stop at the observation decks to marvel at the park.

Day 2: Transfer to South Pantanal, Part of 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 drive will take you through charming rural towns and vast expanses of farmland, eventually leading to the sprawling wetlands teeming with wildlife. Upon arrival, you have some free time to explore on your own. Grab a pair of binoculars to go bird-watching, as there are over 650 species of birds in the region, or try to spot the macaques swinging from tree to tree. Don't forget to look up at the sky full of stars uninterrupted by city lights when darkness falls. 

Days 3-4: Outdoor Activities in Pantanal

Over the next two days, you'll discover all South Pantanal has to offer on tours led by experienced guides well-versed in the region's flora and fauna. Some of the activities you'll partake in include a photo safari, fishing, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and visiting local farms. Tours will take place in the early morning and mid-afternoon to avoid the intense heat of the day, increasing your chances of seeing wildlife like giant otters, capybaras, tapirs, and anaconda. 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, an Ecotourism Paradise

Say goodbye to the Pantanal this morning as you transfer 3.5 hours south to Bonito, a charming town renowned for its freshwater rivers and underground caves. Try to snag a window seat on the transfer to catch one last glimpse of the wetland's wildlife and expansive marshes. 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, Snorkel Along the Río da Prata

Join your guide for a full-day tour of Bonito and its natural surroundings, starting at Gruta do Lago Azul, just 30 minutes from town. This cavern and grotto is regarded as one of the most beautiful landmarks in the region and was even declared a natural monument to ensure its preservation. Complete a safety briefing, strap on your helmet, follow your guide into the cave, and descend nearly 300 steps to the shimmering blue lagoon below.

As you walk, your guide will offer insight into the area's geology and point out the fossils in the cave, including some from a saber-toothed tiger, which went extinct around 10,000 years ago. Once at the grotto, marvel at the sapphire-blue waters shimmering amid towering stalactites and stalagmites before returning to the cave's entrance along the same path. Transfer one hour to the Recanto Ecológico do Río da Prata next, a privately-owned farm and nature reserve offering outdoor excursions like hiking, bird-watching, and horseback riding.

However, you're here to snorkel in the Río da Prata, one of the world's clearest freshwater rivers. Don your gear and jump into the river to look for colorful river fish unique to the region, like piraputangas, dorados, and curimbatás. Stop at the Vulcão Olho d’Água, an outcropping where water flows from underneath the river, kicking up sand and silt, which is why the locals call it a "volcano." From there, continue snorkeling down the last stretch of the river, floating on your own or with the assistance of a support boat. After you return your gear and dry off, transfer 40 minutes back to your hotel in Bonito.

Day 7: Enjoy a Free Day in Bonito

Today, you're free to visit some of Bonito's natural attractions on your own. 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, but you'll find 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, you can go abseiling at Abismo Anhumas, a cave located 14 miles (23 km) from Bonito. Here, you can enjoy the thrill of rappelling down 236 feet (72 meters) 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. 

Day 8: Waterfall & Natural Pool Hike at Fazenda Boca da Onça

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to leave at 7:00 am for a hike to some of Fazenda Boca da Onça's natural pools and waterfalls. Start with a one-hour transfer to the 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 a refreshing dip in several natural pools and 11 waterfalls. This includes the Cachoeira Boca da Onça, the highest waterfall in the state, standing at 511 feet tall (156 m).

You'll also have the chance to rappel along the sheer rock face, offering a rush of adrenaline. But, even if you don't rappel, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley and rivers. After your hike, refuel with lunch in the farm's reception area, which has a bar and restaurant, two swimming pools, a relaxing whirlpool, a natural shower, and a games room. Take advantage of the amenities, look for souvenirs in the gift shop, and return to your hotel in Bonito around 4:00 pm.

Day 9: Barra do Sucuri Snorkeling & Refúgio da Barra

Today, you'll explore another of the region's clearest rivers: Río Sucuri. Start with a 20-30-minute transfer to Barra do Sucuri, an adventure sports resort, then walk through the forest to reach the river, where you'll be equipped with life jackets. Then, you can jump on a boat and sail for 4,265 feet (1,300 m) to get to your snorkeling spot. While you snorkel, you'll slowly float back to the shore, so you don't need to worry about swimming. The river's clear water offers excellent visibility, allowing you to see the riverbed adorned with lush aquatic plants and intricate rock formations.

You'll also see schools of freshwater fish, such as tetras, pacus, catfish, and dorados, gracefully navigating the currents. If you pop your head out of the water, you may spot birds on the shore, like toucans, macaws, and woodpeckers. When you're done snorkeling, you'll head to a balneário along the river, a facility with decks, stairs to access the water, walking trails, hot showers, and a restaurant. Dry off on the deck, then grab a bite before returning to Bonito. 

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 lush mountains, pristine 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. Botecos, traditional Brazilian bars, are beloved for their casual ambience, lively atmosphere, and delicious snacks and drinks. 

 

Your guide will take you to Pavão Azul first in the bustling Copacabana neighborhood, home to the famous beach of the same name. Their specialty is patanisc, deep-fried, thin slices of fish (typically cod), so you can't leave without trying one. Your next stop is a samba bar in the vibrant neighborhood of Lapa, where you'll be surrounded by the rhythmic beats of the live music. Dance to the infectious sounds rooted in African musical traditions brought to Brazil by enslaved people. After eating, drinking, and dancing like a local, return to your hotel to rest.

Day 11: Hike up Sugarloaf Mountain, Visit the Christ the Redeemer Statue

Start your day with a leisurely hike up the iconic 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 ride the cable car to the highest peak. 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 Mount 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-tall (30 m) statue of Jesus Christ holding out his arms as a symbol of welcome, peace, and protection. After admiring the Art Deco statue, take advantage of the 360-degree views of the city, including sights like the mountain you climbed this morning. Ride the train back down, and then enjoy a scenic tour of Rio de Janeiro's south beaches en route to your hotel.

Day 12: Day Trip to Ilha de Itacuruçá

Leave the city behind for the day as you cruise for 1.5 hours to the tropical Ilha de Itacuruçá, just off the coast of Mangaratiba. Board the schooner and sail across the glittering Sepetiba Bay, enjoying views of the lush islands dotting the landscape. If you're lucky, you may spot dolphins, stingrays, and turtles swimming alongside the boat, so keep your eyes peeled. Stop for a quick dip in the water before completing the journey to the island, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch, go on a leisurely walk, and swim in the bay before returning to Rio.

Day 13: Visit the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro & Parque Lage

Immerse yourself in nature today, starting with a visit to the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro. Stroll down the shaded paths to discover the towering kapok trees, tranquil ponds filled with water lilies, and the iconic Avenue of Royal Palms. Don't miss the Orchidarium, where rare orchids bloom in vibrant colors, and the Sensory Garden, designed to engage the senses with aromatic herbs, textured foliage, and plants that produce sounds with the breeze. The garden is also home to wildlife like monkeys, reptiles, and plenty of tropical birds, so keep your eyes peeled. 

When you're done exploring the garden, continue to the nearby Parque Lage, a historic park renowned for its lush greenery, winding trails, and picturesque vistas. Wander through the tropical forest, relax by the tranquil lake surrounded by palm trees, or explore the paths leading up to Mount Corcovado. The park's highlight is the 20th-century mansion once home to industrialist Henrique Lage. It now houses an art school and cultural center and offers scenic views of the gardens and Christ the Redeemer statue.

Day 14: Walking Tour of Rio's Centro Neighborhood

Spend your penultimate day in Brazil living like a carioca, a nickname given to people from Rio de Janeiro, as you set off on a walking tour of the city's commercial and historic center. Explore the neighborhood's highlights, like the Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, a cone-shaped cathedral that rises dramatically above the cityscape. Continue to the open-air market in Saara to shop for souvenirs and sample some fresh juice made from tropical fruit. 

Sit down for lunch at Cais do Oriente, a Brazilian restaurant housed in a restored 19th-century warehouse with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and ornate decor. Indulge in local delights like moqueca, a delicious fish stew with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro. After lunch, transfer back to your hotel or continue exploring the city on your own. You could soak up the sun on Praia de Ipanema or take a walk down Boulevard Olimpico, which stretches along the revitalized port area.

Day 15: Enjoy a Free Morning, Depart

Unfortunately, after 15 days of outdoor adventures in Brazil, your journey is coming to an end today. If you have time before your flight, spend a few more hours exploring the city on your own. Go for a stroll along Praia de Copacabana's iconic black-and-white promenade, shop for souvenirs at the Feira de São Cristóvão, or visit the Museu do Amanhã, a futuristic museum focused on sustainability, science, and technology. When it's time, meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!