10 Days • 9 Nights
Brazil Wildlife: Pantanal & the Amazon
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The Pantanal, the best place on earth for jaguars
- Capybaras, giant otters, caimans and anteaters
- Boat, jeep and horseback wildlife safaris
- Amazon river cruises and rainforest walks
- Monkeys, sloths, macaws and river dolphins
- Expert naturalist guides throughout
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Welcome to Brazil. You are met at Cuiaba airport and transfer into the northern Pantanal wetlands, settling into a wildlife lodge with a first safari and a welcome dinner as the wildlife emerges at dusk.
A full day of wildlife, boat safaris along the rivers in search of jaguars basking on the banks, plus giant otters, capybaras, caimans and a wealth of birds in the world's best big-cat wetland.
A day of jeep, boat and walking safaris across the wetlands, spotting anteaters, marsh deer, howler monkeys, toucans and hyacinth macaws, with the chance of more jaguar sightings.
A morning horseback safari with local cowboys across the wetlands, and more wildlife watching, immersed in the extraordinary abundance of the Pantanal.
You return to Cuiaba and fly to Manaus in the Amazon, seeing the 'Meeting of the Waters', then travel by boat to a rainforest lodge deep in the jungle.
A full day exploring the Amazon, cruising jungle creeks, walking rainforest trails and canoeing among flooded forest, spotting monkeys, sloths, caimans and countless birds.
A day of piranha fishing, a visit to a riverside community, spotting pink river dolphins, and a night safari to find caimans under torchlight.
A final morning of jungle wildlife before returning by boat to Manaus and flying to Rio de Janeiro for your last night.
A day to enjoy Rio, a city tour with Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf, or the beaches, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, your camera full of Brazil's wildlife.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and full board at the Pantanal and Amazon lodges
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
- Domestic flights as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- Pantanal wildlife safaris, an Amazon lodge programme, naturalist guides and domestic flights
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Requirements vary by nationality and can change, some travellers need an e-visa or visa while others (including UK and EU) do not for short tourism stays; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm the current requirement for your nationality
- Currency: The currency is the Brazilian Real; cards are widely accepted in cities and resorts, but carry some cash for markets, small vendors and remote areas. We advise on current money matters before you travel
- Vast distances: Brazil is huge, the fifth-largest country on earth, so itineraries rely on domestic flights between regions such as Rio, Iguazu, the Amazon and the northeast; these are arranged and included where specified
- Best time to visit: Brazil is tropical and warm year-round; the southern summer (December to March) is hot and lively (and includes Carnival), while the drier winter (June to September) is ideal for the Amazon, the Pantanal and the beaches
- Health: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended, and sometimes required, for the Amazon, the Pantanal and some other regions; bring insect repellent, sun protection and stay hydrated, and we advise on current health requirements
- Beaches & safety: Brazil's cities and beaches are wonderful but, as in any large destination, take sensible precautions, leave valuables in the hotel safe, be discreet with cameras and phones on the beach, and follow your guide's local advice
- Wildlife: The Amazon and especially the Pantanal are among the world's great wildlife destinations; a naturalist guide greatly improves sightings of jaguars, capybaras, caimans, macaws and more, and park fees are included where specified
- Language & power: Portuguese is the language, though English is common in tourism; tipping around ten percent is customary. Power is mostly 127V or 220V with type N plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I guaranteed to see a jaguar?
The northern Pantanal offers the best jaguar-watching on earth, with very high sighting rates in the dry season (roughly July to October), though wildlife can never be guaranteed. Even without a jaguar, the abundance of other wildlife is extraordinary.
When is the best time for this wildlife journey?
The dry season (roughly June to October) is best, when the Pantanal's receding waters concentrate wildlife and jaguar sightings peak, and the Amazon is more accessible. We plan your dates for the best wildlife viewing.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner, a churrasco barbecue or full board in the Amazon and Pantanal where dining options are limited. Other meals are left free with our recommendations.
Are domestic flights included?
Yes — the domestic flights between regions specified in your itinerary, such as Rio to Iguazu or the Amazon, are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers, so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Brazil?
It depends on your nationality and can change, some travellers need an e-visa or visa while others do not for short stays. We confirm the current requirement for your nationality, along with any yellow fever certificate, when you book.
When is the best time to visit Brazil?
Brazil is warm year-round; the southern summer (December to March) is hot and lively with Carnival, while the drier winter (June to September) is ideal for the Amazon, the Pantanal and wildlife. We advise on the best timing for your route.
Will I see lots of wildlife?
Very likely in the Amazon and especially the Pantanal, one of the world's best places for jaguars, capybaras, caimans, giant otters and macaws. With a naturalist guide and the dry season for the Pantanal, sightings are excellent, though wildlife can never be guaranteed.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of city, falls, beach, Amazon and Pantanal, add regions like Salvador or the northeast, change the pace and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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