Luxury tour of Brazil's natural splendor

Foz Do Iguaçu

Day 1: Foz do Iguaçu

Transfer to your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu
Car Transfer: Transfer from Puerto Iguazú or Airport in Foz do Iguaçu to your hotel in the city. Transfer length: approximate 30-45 minutes from Foz do Iguaçu airport (IGU), and 1 hour - 1 hour and 30 min from Puerto Iguazu Airport (IGR)

Iguaçu Falls - Parque Das Aves - Itaipu Dam

Day 2: Foz do Iguaçu

Visit Iguaçu Falls - Brazilian Side
Excursion: The epic Iguaçu Falls are a sight to behold. Feast your eyes on the thundering torrents and breathe in the fresh mist of the water as you stand awe-struck on the Brazilian side of the falls. Not for no reason is it considered one of the greatest natural spectacles in the world: the falls are shared by the Iguazú National Park (Argentina) and Iguaçu National Park (Brazil) and make up the largest waterfall system on the planet. With 275 drops of varying heights, you will notice its distinctive stairway formation. The Brazilian side offers a wealth of walkways and viewpoints to lead you straight to the core of nature itself, alongside spectacular panoramic views. Walk along the edge of these waterfalls as the spray engulfs you, and feel even closer to Brazil’s natural splendour.
Since you're staying at the Belmond, you get to enjoy a private walking tour of the park before it opens to the general public.

Parque das Aves - Backstage Experience
Excursion: Parque das Aves is an internationally recognised rescue and conservation centre for birds. It is located in the middle of the exuberant Atlantic Rainforest, which neighbours the stunning Iguaçu National Park. The Backstage Experience is your opportunity take a glimpse at the work of Parque das Aves and better understand the fantastic conservation projects they carry out. During the short tour, you’ll be granted access to restricted areas, as well as enjoy privileged contact with some exquisite birds, such as toucans (which you can feed!) and other species. Estimated time: 2 hours (including the visit to the park + backstage experience)
The tour lasts 1 ½ hours

Visit to Itaipu Dam
Shared Excursion: Dubbed one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Itaipu Dam is one of the largest clean energy dams in the world. On the border of Paraguay and Brazil runs the Parana River - see how it yields the dam with exhilarating power. Gaze at the plummeting depths of this whopping man-made construction, delve into its fascinating history and learn about the dam’s more practical masterminding. This tour will include a "Special Circuit" Tour, where you will see the dam from the inside. When you visit the technicians’ layer, be sure to keep an eye lifted for the yellow strip along the floor: this represents the border between Paraguay and Brazil, and serves a purely symbolic purpose.

Iguazú Falls - Argentina - Puerto Iguazú

Day 3: Puerto Iguazú - Foz do Iguaçu

Visit the Iguazú Falls - Argentine Side
Excursion: Having marvelled at the falls from one perspective, be further dazzled by them from another in an entirely different country: Argentina. Be exhilarated by possibly the most dramatic section of the falls: Garganta del Diablo, or the Devil’s Throat. As you tread along the walkway, prepare to be swallowed up whole by it’s cacophonous surge, and don’t forget to bring a waterproof as you’ll be a lot closer to the splash. This edge provides an almost aerial view of the waterfalls earth-shattering depths. Make sure your camera has waterproof protection if you wish to capture this. Given Iguazú National Park is notably larger than it’s Brazilian neighbour, there are even more opportunities for you to be roused by your heavenly surroundings. Peruse the options offered here, such as a jeep tour through the jungle or a boat tour into the falls from below. If you wish to take on the park alone, there are copious trails which lead to hidden spots and unique views. This tour is usually a full day - Arriving at the park at around 08-08:30, and leaving at around 16:00.


An Argentine Foodie Experience
Shared Excursion: Tonight, a unique culinary experience awaits you. It will combine what many travellers look for in an evening out in Puerto Iguazu: great food, great drink and great company! The night includes a cocktail making masterclass, wherein you learn how to make wine-based cocktails under the guidance of a sommelier, an uproarious empanada competition and the best steak in town- according to our local experts. Be led by passionate local and expat hosts and chat with people from many different backgrounds. In an evening characterised by laughter and warmth, take a unique look into some curious quirks and customs that make Argentinians some of the most interesting and spirited people of Latin America. This night includes dinner and all transportation.
Duration: 4 hours

Foz Do Iguaçu (Igu) - Cuiabá (Cgb) - Pantanal

Day 4: The Pantanal

Flight from Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) to Cuiabá (CGB)
Scheduled flight Transfer: Take a flight from Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) to Cuiabá (CGB), with a connection in São Paulo/Campinas. Estimated journey time: 5 hours


Transfer from Cuiabá to Lodge in the Pantanal
Shared Car Transfer: Transfer from Cuiabá to your selected lodge in the Pantanal. This transfer goes along the Transpantaneira highway, which is nearly 145 km of bumpy dirt roads, all leading to stunning lodges and farms. Your transfer may include a few stops to spot wildlife - our drivers and guides make sure to take advantage of these moments. Estimated journey time- between 2 and 4 hours depending on whereabouts your chosen lodge is located in the Pantanal, and how many animals you see on the way!


Welcome to the Pantanal - first afternoon at your hotel
Shared Excursion: Before you embark on your Pantanal exploration, relax this afternoon and get to know your lodgings. Walk around the green spaces, recline with a drink and and learn more about your itinerary over the next few days. You're likely to hear about the hotel's environmental projects and about the spectacular surroundings in this region of Brazil.

The Pantanal

Day 5: The Pantanal

Horseback Riding in the Pantanal
Shared Excursion: The Pantanal is cowboy country in Brazil! This is the best place to witness the traditional Pantaneiro lifestyle, where fishing, horse-riding and cattle farming is prolific. So today, get your hats and boots on and take a leisurely horseback ride along the river to get into the cowboy spirit. Tour is done early in the morning and is appx 2 hours. Estimated time: 1 - 2 hours Small group with English-speaking guide
*Can be switched to a canoe/boat trip.

Night Safari in the Pantanal
Shared Excursion: Following a hearty dinner, take a drive or boat trip into the wild and wonderful depths of the Pantanal, and spot distinctive fauna roaming under a blanket of stars. Prepare for your senses to be thwacked by vivid sounds, smells and sights throughout the safari; you will be exposed to an impressive array of exotic wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for armadillos, as this is their prime time to scamper about. If you’re keen on birds, nocturnal species such as owls, nightjars, and potoos are particularly prevalent on these tours. Small group with English speaking guide.

The Pantanal - Poconé - Porto Jofre

Day 6: The Pantanal

Sunrise Tour in The Pantanal
Shared Excursion: Rising before the break of dawn in the Pantanal is well worth those blurry eyed yawns. The the morning red, orange and pink is mirrored across the surface of the waters. This is coupled with majestic bird song to create a truly transfixing atmosphere. Made up of approximately 11,000 square kilometres, only 3% of the Pantanal is dry land, meaning the variety of fauna here is immense. As the wildlife begins to stir, catch these creatures in their natural habitat as you embark upon a sunrise walk around these captivating wetlands.


Transfer from Poconé to Porto Jofre
Car Transfer: You'll be leaving the Pantanal's marshlands and narrow waterways to a much broader river, where you will go on a boat tour and jaguar observation. You will be able to do a few stops during the trip to observe the flora and fauna along the road. Estimated travel time: 2 hours (weather and road condition dependent)


Jaguar Observation in the Pantanal
Shared Excursion: Jaguars once roamed all the way to the US-Mexico border, but over time their original habitat has been reduced by almost 40 percent across Central and South America. Many roam the Amazon river basin, and today, you’ll have the privilege of sighting these majestic cats. Despite being famously difficult to spot in the wild, the Jaguars of Pantanal are both prolific and more accustomed to awe-struck visitors gazing at them from a nearby boat. Since they are the third largest cat in the world, you won’t miss them. They’ll likely peruse the river banks or loll by the forest fringes. Remember to bring your camera!

The Pantanal

Day 7: The Pantanal

Jaguar Observation in the Pantanal
Shared Excursion: Jaguars once roamed all the way to the US-Mexico border, but over time their original habitat has been reduced by almost 40 percent across Central and South America. Many roam the Amazon river basin, and today, you’ll have the privilege of sighting these majestic cats. Despite being famously difficult to spot in the wild, the Jaguars of Pantanal are both prolific and more accustomed to awe-struck visitors gazing at them from a nearby boat. Since they are the third largest cat in the world, you won’t miss them. They’ll likely peruse the river banks or loll by the forest fringes. Remember to bring your camera!

The Pantanal - Chapada Dos Guimarães - Véu Da Noiva

Day 8: Chapada dos Guimarães

Transfer from the Pantanal do Chapada dos Guimarães
Car Transfer: Transfer from wetlands of the Northern Pantanal to the mountainous region of the Chapada dos Guimarães Estimated journey time: 3 hours.


Véu da Noiva & Mirante
Excursion: The striking Véu de Noiva waterfall is the highest fall of the Chapada dos Guimarães Park, towering a mighty 89m above the gurgling pools below. The name is due to its uncanny resemblance to the veil of a bride, encompassed by forests and intriguing rock formations. From the top, you can see the emerald valleys of the park sprawling far into the skyline ahead. On your way up, you’ll be accompanied by alluring species of bird such as Red and Green Macaws and Cliff Flycatchers. In the afternoon, clamber a jagged natural balcony called the Mirante, which overlooks the epic plains of Cuiabá. The rock juts into the horizon and provides unrivalled views of Brazil’s natural world, but be careful not to veer too far to the edge- Mirante has quite the drop. As you marvel at the landscape, see if you can hear songbirds and parrots chirping too.

Cidade De Pedras - Cuiabá Airport (Cgb) - Manaus Airport (Mao)

Day 9: Chapada dos Guimarães - Manaus

Marimbondo Waterfalls and Cidade de Pedras
Excursion: Cachoeira do Marimbondo is one of the most visited waterfalls of the region. Its waters cascade down a 15 metre drop into a small lake below. Here, have a reviving swim and admire the plummeting rock formation above you. Your next stop is Cidade de Pedras, or the City of Stones- a point which best characterizes Chapada dos Guimarães. This natural wonder is a geologist’s dream: the dazzling canyon and consequential stone formations were formed thousands of years ago, deep beneath the ocean’s surface. Located within the National Park at the top of the region of Vale do Rio Claro, this place is only accessible with a certified guide, and provides the best spot to observe great sandstone cliffs and gargantuan hills against the backdrop of the park. Admire the blooming plants, many of which are unique to this sensitive area, and be sure to photograph the stunning cliffs and isolated rock islands.


Transfer from your hotel to Cuiabá Airport (CGB)
Car Transfer: Transfer from your hotel to Cuiabá airport. Estimated transfer time: 30 minutes


Flight from Cuiabá (CGB) to Manaus (MAO)
Shared Scheduled flight Transfer: Flight from Cuiabá Airport to Manaus Airport. Estimated travel time: 6 hours

Amazon Jungle

Day 10: Manaus

Amazon Jungle: Full day tour of the Manaus region
Excursion: The Manaus region is diverse, vibrant and entirely unique. Today you will have the chance to experience its highlights and find out why it draws visitors from across the globe. Your journey begins at Manaus Harbour where you will board your boat for the day. You will travel along the Rio Negro, passing under the iconic Rio Negro bridge and seeing white sand river beaches on all sides. You will then sail on to the 'Meeting of the Waters' - the point where the Negro and Solimoes rivers meet to form the source of the Amazon River. The sand-coloured Solimões River carries rich sediment from the Andes Mountains whereas the dark Rio Negro carries no sediment and is considered one of the cleanest natural waters in the world. Make sure you have your camera at the ready for this unique spectacle. Crossing over to the Rio Negro side, you enter the lake of Catalan and its floating village. You will have a chance to explore the village and chat with the locals, as well as trying your hand at fishing. It is a huge industry in this region and has contributed to local livelihood for centuries. Your rod won't have a hook so that you can release any fish that you catch. You may even chance upon the notorious Arapaima, the largest freshwater fish in the world. From Catalan, you will make your way to the Ecological Janauari Park. On the way you will pass by more floating villages with quaint stilted houses. In the heart of the park, you will disembark onto a wooden walkway that loops around the side of the river. Observe the Regal, a giant aquatic plant, and spot animals such as sloth, monkeys and birds. Porpoises are also often found in this area. They play an important part in Amazonian folklore and are docile and playful animals. Great efforts have been made to protect this species and you will be able to observe them from a respectful distance. You will also get to attend demonstrations of music and dance in one of the indigenous villages at the water's edge. Chat to the locals about their way of life, admire their handicrafts and learn more about the myths and legends that surround this unique part of the world. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred back to Manaus - enjoying a beautiful sunset and ever-changing landscapes along the way.

Amazon Jungle - Novo Airão

Day 11: Novo Airão

Transfer from Manaus Airport (MAO) to your lodge in the Amazon Forest
Mixed Transfer: You will be met by your guide at Manaus Airport and transferred to your lodge in the middle of the jungle, taking a land transfer and boat. Estimated travel time: Depends on destination, weather and terrain. Usually 2-4 hours total travel time.


Explore Novo Airão
Excursion: Novo Airão is known by many as a "portal" to the sensational Anavilhanas Archipelago and the Jaú Park, situated in the middle of the Rio Negro (river). Its people come from a tradition of trading rubber extraction from the Seringueira trees in the Amazon. Today, you’ll have the option to either drive around or cycle through the village where the lodge is. As you engage with village artisans and traders, you’ll gain a compelling insight into the local culture around you. This will make your stay all the more enriching.

Mirante Do Gavião - Anavilhanas National Park

Day 12: Novo Airão - Manaus

Mirante do Gavião - Anavilhanas and Community Tour
Excursion: Low River Season: After a tasty breakfast, head out on an exhilarating speed boat ride to visit the Santo Antônio and Tiririca communities. Hike through the dense jungle, learning about the different flora species with a local naturalist guide. Afterwards, have a traditional lunch of Amazonian fish in a village home! As you chat to your hosts over a flavoursome lunch, discover more about local culture and stories of the people sitting with you. Once replenished, venture out to Tiririca beach in the Anavilhanas National Park. If you fancy a swim, take a dip in the rivers crystal waters. The largest tree in Anavilhanas is the giant Macucu tree, and today, you’ll get a chance to marvel at its towering heights. Finish this exciting escapade with a relaxing stroll through the nearby jungle, and look out for the flora species you learnt about earlier on. High River Season: After a tasty breakfast, head out on an exhilarating speed boat ride to visit the Santo Antônio and Tiririca communities. Hike through the dense jungle, learning about the different flora species with a local naturalist guide. Along the way, you'll encounter a Samaúma tree, the largest tree species in the Amazon. Admire its remarkable heights. Afterwards, have a traditional lunch of Amazonian fish in a village home! As you chat to your hosts over a flavoursome lunch, discover more about local culture and stories of the people sitting with you. As you clamber back onto the boat, and prepare to witness another gigantic tree in Anavilhanas igapó (a forest inside the river), the Macucu tree. On the journey back to the pousada, you’ll drift through an igapó. Here provides the perfect opportunity to identify some surrounding fauna and flora.


Night Safari in the Amazon
Excursion: Under the cover of darkness, glide along the river by boat and observe a diverse array of nocturnal animals. The most common sighting is the alligator, who lurks menacingly (but at a distance!) on the surface of the water. Tapirs also lumber around the river banks; if you’re fortunate, you may spot a baby tapir, with their unmistakable striped and spotted coats. Don’t spend all your time with your eyes to the ground, of course, as many flocks of nocturnal birds are nestled in the trees. Moreover, as you’re right in the heart of the jungle, light pollution is non-existent. Cast your gaze up to the endless skies above, marvel at the blazing stars and make a wish- you’ll be sure to see a shooting one.

Mirante Do Gavião - Manaus - Fortaleza

Day 13: Novo Airão - Fortaleza

Mirante do Gavião - Amazonian Sunrise and Jungle Walk
Excursion: Today, rise at 5:30am. If you’re a morning person, waking up today will be an absolute treat. If you’re the opposite, the same applies, because an Amazonian sunrise is not to be missed. From your suite balconies, or the lodge’s serene pier, witness the vision of the red sun emerging from the distant fringes of the Rio Negro. Enjoy breakfast to a chorus of birds and feel humbled by the sheer scope of the Amazon. Afterwards, amble through the jungle. This morning, you’ll learn about the typical herbs used by the natives and caboclos of the region to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments. Alongside this, gain some awareness of jungle survival techniques- but rest assured, you won’t be needing them on this trip.


Canoeing through Creeks.
Excursion: The igarapés, or creeks, of the Rio Negro are home to a thrilling variety of animals, including monkeys, toucans and some pretty flamboyant parrots! The most direct way of viewing these is from a canoe. Drift leisurely along the water’s surface in hushed tones, and maximise the chances of animals snooping out from the foliage.


Transfer from Amazon Forest to Manaus
Mixed Transfer: On leaving your lodge, hop on a boat, then a van, and then one more boat to Manaus. Here you will be welcomed by our driver, who will then take you to the either airport in Manaus for your flight or downtown to your accommodation in Manaus.


Flight from Manaus (MAO) to Fortaleza (FOR)
Shared Scheduled flight Transfer: Flight from Manaus airport to the Northeastern state of Ceará's capital, Fortaleza. Please note there is a one hour time difference between these two cities, with Manaus being one hour behind Fortaleza. Estimated travel time: 3 hours on a direct flight.

Fortaleza - Jericoacoara

Day 14: Jericoacoara

Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara
Car Transfer: Today's transfer is an event in itself - you'll pass about 30 beaches on your way to the village of Jericoacoara, a truly atmospheric fishing village on the Ceará coast. Estimated travel time: 5 hours

Jericoacoara National Park

Day 15: Jericoacoara

Relax at Jericoacoara National Park
Excursion: Today, you’ll journey across the scenic Preá beach and reach the Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Paraíso. Both lagoons are a snapshot of paradise itself. Float across the crystal waters or recline in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree. After a lazy day in heaven, return to Jericoacoara and head to Pedra Furadao, or the Arched Rock. From any angle, and the views of this formation will be striking against the backdrop of cobalt skies and crashing waves. Finally, gaze out from the Sunset Dune to the setting sun.

Jericoacoara

Day 16: Jericoacoara

Free Day in Jericoacoara
Excursion: With only four sandy streets all leading to the ocean, the village Jericoacoara is renowned for its idyllic setting and bohemian overtones. With a lattice of pathways and only four with names, it is suggested you acquaint yourself with visual landmarks if you choose to amble around. Jeri, as it is more lovingly known, has a handful of wonderful bars and stalls which serve up fantastic seaside dishes and refreshing drinks. Laze under the sunshine, or hike along the undulating dunes, as this beach is arguably one of the most picturesque in the whole of Brazil. If the tide is high, a separate path takes you up to Serrote hill, which offers some stunning vistas of the blue beyond. Don't miss the views of Pedra Furada, or The Arched Rock, which has become a true bastion of Jeri. For the equestrians, horse back riding along the water's edge comes highly recommended.

Jericoacoara - Fortaleza

Day 17:

Transfer from Jericoacoara to Fortaleza
Car Transfer: Transfer from your hotel in Jericoacoara to Fortaleza. Estimated time: 5 hours
Transfer for international flight home.