Brazil
Brazil, South America’s largest country, is a dazzling land of pristine beaches, steamy jungles and manic metropolises. Music and dancing, from samba’s sensual rhythms to Bahia’s ax, are as integral here as eating and sleeping.With the vast and largely uninhabited Amazon and Pantanai regions, Brazil’s biodiversity is truly impressive. There are stretches of unexplored rainforest, islands with divine tropical beaches, and endless rivers. Then there are the fauna themselves, as mysterious and colorful as a kaleidoscope.
Sample Itineraries
Where the Wild Things Are: 12-Day Sample Itinerary
Days 1, 2, & 3: Rio de Janeiro
Blessed with forest-covered mountains that give way to world-renowned beaches like the Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro is truly the “Magnificent City.” Climb the Corcovado mountain to pier at the toes of the imposing statue Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), and then gaze down at all of Rio from atop Sugarloaf mountain.
Days 4 & 5: Iguassu Falls
Continue to the awe-inspiring Iguassu Falls, the impressive waterfall composed of 275 cascades that stretch over Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Days 6, 7, & 8: Manaus – Heart of the Amazon
Journey to the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, home to more than one-third of the world’s species. Ride a boat to the “Meeting of the Water” – where the Black River (Rio Negro) and the Amazon River (Rio Solimoes) run parallel. Admire the colorful birds, and diverse plant and wildlife by day, then ride a boat in search of Caiman by night.
Days 9, 10, & 11: Pantanal – The World’s Largest Wetlands
Thought to be the world’s densest ecosystem, Pantanal is so teeming with wildlife that it is not a question of whether you will see wildlife; it is a question of which wildlife you will see. Ride a boat along one of the many meandering rivers and look for brightly colored macaws, or spend the day hiking through to wilderness.
Day 12: Fly to Sao Paulo for international departure flight
Board your plane for a safe flight home.
Rio de Janeiro & Santa Catarina Eco Adventure: 9-Day Sample Itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Rio de Janeiro
Travel to Brazil and take in the beautiful scenery. Blessed with forest-covered mountains that give way to world-renowned beaches like the Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro is truly the “Magnificent City.” Climb the Corcovado Mountain to pier at the toes of the imposing statue Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), and then gaze down at all of Rio from atop Sugarloaf Mountain.
Days 3 & 4: Santa Catarina Island
Travel to Florianpolis, located on Santa Catarina Island. Explore the city center and tented Public Market. Continue onto Santo Antonio de Lisboa, one of the island’s oldest fishing villages. Enjoy the magnificent beaches that Santa Catarina is so famed for. Experience the thrill of categories II & III rafting in the Cubato do Sul River.
Days 5 & 6: Whale/Dolphin Watching in Garopaba
Take a boat ride with trained biologists to view whales and their newborn calves. From July to October these gentle creatures can be observed; during the rest of the year journey to Molhes da Barra to observe dolphins frolicking in the water. Spend the rest of your time swimming, surfing, or just relaxing.
Day 7: Rio do Rastro Mountains
Pass through the lush hills and mysterious valleys of the Evergreen Canyons on the way to the Rio do Rastro Mountains. Upon arrival enjoy hiking through forests, tours of the canyons, horseback riding, and other nature activities.
Day 8: Winery & Handicrafts
Enjoy the greenery of the Mountains in the morning, and then travel to a Brazilian winery after lunch. Continue onto artisan villages, such as Urubici and Rancho Queimado, to browse handicrafts markets, and finally settle back into Florianópolis.
Day 9: Journey Home
Board your plane for a safe flight home.
