Rio & Brazilian Wildlife Highlights (Amazon / Pantanal)
Amazing Wildlife in the Pantanal and Amazon
Days: 11 | From: $6,790/per person
Combine the coastal city of Rio with two of South America's top wildlife destinations. Explore the Amazon from a unique jungle lodge, then head into the heart of the Pantanal, the world’s largest alluvial flood plain.
- Includes accommodations at first class hotels that reflect the best of local culture
- Includes excursions and tours with superb private guides
Talk to a Vaya Travel
Specialist
We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.
At a glance
- Rio de Janeiro
3 nights: visit the beaches of this sparkling coastal metropolis - Amazon Jungle
4 nights: explore the Amazon from your boutique-style jungle lodge - Pantanal
3 nights: explore the world’s largest continuous wetland
All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.
Customize this trip
(800) 342-1796
Sample itinerary
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Arrive to Rio de Janeiro, a coastal metropolis, where your private guide will take you to your hotel on Copacabana Beach. This is one of the best locations in the city; many of Rio’s best restaurants, boutiques, and cafes are located here and in neighboring Ipanema and Leblon.
Accommodations: Belmond Copacabana Palace
The Copacabana Palace opened its doors in 1923 and continues to be the grande dame of Rio hotels. The hotel's illustrious history is apparent from the minute you walk in the door and see the photos of the countless celebrities and political leaders that have stayed there. The hotel overlooks Copacabana Beach, and its grounds and facilities are exceptionally elegant. Operated by Belmond (formerly Orient Express), the service is impeccable.
Alternative lodging options: Janeiro Hotel, in the trendy Leblon areaChrist Statue and Historic Santa Teresa
Get to know beautiful Rio with your private local guide. Head to the top of Corcovado Mountain to the iconic Cristo Redentor statue, where you can take in one of the best views in the world. Afterward, visit the Tijuca Forest National Park, the largest urban forest in the world. Drive through the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood, filled with mansions dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and see Rio’s bustling downtown.
Time to Relax and Explore Rio; Cable Ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain
After a relaxed morning on your own, head up Sugar Loaf Mountain on a cable car for privileged views of Guanabara Bay, Corcovado, Rio-Niteroi Bridge, Santa Cruz Fortress, and the glittering scenery of Rio.
Fly to the Amazon
Fly into Cuiabá and take a short flight north to the remote town of Alta Floresta, at the southern edge of a massive expanse of pristine Amazon rainforest.
Your hotel is a high-quality bird watching location, and is a comfortable place to spend the first night of your foray into the Amazon.
Accommodations: Floresta Amazonica Lodge
The Floresta Amazônica Hotel has lovely gardens and a pool. The hotel is near an orchid garden and a local handicrafts market.
*Includes: BreakfastHead to Cristalino Jungle Lodge
Journey into the jungle by vehicle and boat to Cristalino Jungle Lodge, a winner of the Conde Naste Traveler World Saver’s Awards for its pioneering efforts in preserving the southern Amazon rainforest in Brazil, an area under relentless threat of clearcutting by ranchers and loggers. The lodge is one of the best in the Amazon for viewing tropical birds (over 540 species on record) and wildlife, and has very comfortable facilities, top quality guides, and very good food.
Meet with your guides to learn about your excursions for the next few days, then start exploring the area.
Accommodations: Cristalino Jungle Lodge
Cristalino Jungle Lodge is located in a private reserve in the Southern Brazilian Amazon rainforest, bordering Cristalino State Park. The lodge, a favorite among bird and butterfly enthusiasts, boasts a 50-foot observation tower, which rises over the forest canopy. An award-winning environmental project, this is one of the very top Amazon lodges in Brazil.
*Includes: Breakfast, DinnerExplore the Jungle by Foot, Boat, or Canoe
Your exact activities will vary, but Cristalino offers a variety of excursions to discover this natural ecosystem: jungle hikes, visiting local villages, boat trips, nighttime canoeing, and more. There is an incredible abundance of plant and animal life in this area, and your guides will help you spot the local species and make the most of your time.
Head to the World’s Largest Continuous Wetland
Travel to what is arguably the best place in South America for viewing wildlife: the Pantanal.
Journey back through the jungle to Alta Floresta, and from there to the Pantanal gateway city of Cuiabá. The “transpantaneira” highway (a narrow 2 lane dirt road) takes you into the heart of the Pantanal, the world’s largest alluvial flood plain, where the abundance of bird and animal life will amaze any visitor. Because there is far less tree cover than in the Amazon to the north, the animals are easier to see. Monkeys, toucans, macaws, giant anteaters, tapir, and countless other species of birds and animals make their home here.
Accommodations: Pousada Rio Mutum: Pantanal Eco-Lodge
Pousada Rio Mutum, located between the Sia Mariana and Chacorore lakes, has 22 air conditioned rooms, each with a hammock on the veranda. Mango and cashew trees surround the hotel and serve as a haven for the local birds. An excellent base for exploring the surrounding Pantanal and appreciating the diversity of its abundant wildlife.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerGo in Search of Monkeys, Toucans, Macaws, Giant Anteaters, Tapir, and More
The exact itinerary at the Rio Mutum Lodge can vary, but you will make excursions into the Pantanal by foot, horseback, and boat (depending on the season).
Depart for Home or Your Next Destination
Today you will say goodbye to your local guides and head to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary
Take in a samba show in Rio; we’ll arrange an evening at one of our local favorites, an intimate and authentic venue.
Hike with your private guide up Tijuca Peak, the highest peak in Rio, for rewarding views of the city and coastline.
Enjoy a private tour of Rio’s street art, learning about the history and politics of this unique art form.
Include some downtime for rest and relaxation! Some free time to unwind or have a massage will allow you to feel refreshed and ready for the remainder of your trip. Many of our properties include excellent spas or wellness centers. We can help arrange these services or include properties that offer health & wellness amenities.
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Why Travel with Vaya?
We're TRUE specialists
South America is the only place we do trips, and no one knows our destinations better. Our smart and engaging specialists are all current or former U.S. expatriates with years of experience in the region.
Uplifting service
From the first phone call to after you get back, we’re here for you every step of the way. We listen, create, customize and advocate for you, and design experiences that go beyond the expected.
Thoughtful, respectful travel
Our discerning sensibility and good taste go beyond just choices in hotels and top guides; we have a walk the walk commitment to the environment and are genuine leaders in conservation efforts.