Amazon Adventures

Brazil Tours and Travel

South Brazil Journey - 11 days/10 nights

A fully-escorted trip that will take you to famous highlights as well as to off-the-beaten-track areas of South Brazil.

First visit the Iguazu Falls, one of the unmissable natural sights in Brazil. Then continue on to Curitiba for the most impressive train journey in Brazil and an expedition to the unspoiled and remote Lagamar estuary, part of the World Biosphere Reserve of Atlantic Rainforest. From here continue by road to Florianopolis, an island with gorgeous beaches and nature that offers many opportunities for outdoor activities and experiences with the local community.

Day 1: Arrival in Foz do Iguaçu and private transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free. D

The world famous Iguazu Falls is a 3km-long wall of water inside tropical rainforest on the borders of Brazil and Argentina. Surrounded by two National Parks, the most magnificent waterfalls in the world are simply stunning.

Day 2: Full-day trip to the Argentinean side of the falls for a close view of the different falls and a visit to National Park. Many birds' species and small mammals can be easily spotted on the trails. B, D.

Day 3: Morning visit the Brazilian side of the Falls. Private transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Curitiba (*flight not included). Arrival at Curitiba airport. Transfer to a tourist class hotel. Rest of the day free to explore this pleasant city. B.

Days 4 - 7: Rainforest Expedition to Lagamar Estuary
From mountains covered by dense forests, down to wetlands, coastal islands with isolated villages, mountains and dunes. This journey will take you to the Lagamar estuary, a rich natural environment of great scenic beauty, part of the World Biosphere Reserve of the Atlantic Rainforest.

Day 4: Early transfer to the railway station for the train journey from Curitiba to Paranagua on the coast. Completed in 1885 this railway line is still a testimony of great railway engineering and doubtless the most remarkable train journey in Brazil. On the way you will have fantastic views of the lush Serra do Mar, covered by Atlantic Rainforest. Disembark in Morretes, a small colonial town enroute, where you will have lunch. Continue by car to Paranaguá and by private fast boat to the SEBUI RPPN, a private nature reserve, for a 3-night stay at a jungle lodge. The area of 400 ha is part of the Environmental protection area of Guaraqueçaba and is located in an estuary behind the Superagui National Park. The reserve contains almost 70% of primary Atlantic forest, plus areas of secondary rainforest and mangroves. B,L,D

Days 5 and 6: Choice of activities in and around the lodge. B, L, D
Activities included:
* Trekking through nature trails inside the reserve accompanied by a naturalist guide, to observe fauna and flora typical of the Atlantic rainforest. Stop at various points for refreshing dips in natural pools and waterfalls.
* Guided kayak trips through the mangroves and estuaries that border the reserve. You will spot aquatic birds and might see even small caimans, dolphins and river otters.
* Late afternoon visit by motor boat to the Pinheiro Island, to see the amazing spectacle of the flight home of hundreds of red-tailed parrot, an endangered endemic species.
* Fishing in the traditional "caiçara" way in the nearby estuary
* Night trip to a platform built in the forest for wildlife observation (pumas have been heard many times in these nocturnal trips - spotting them is, however, very difficult).

Please note that transport and activities in this region are totally dependent on tides, so itinerary might be modified accordingly.

Day 7: morning return by fast boat to Paranaguá (1h 30 min), and then continue by road to Florianopolis (5- 6 hours drive), arriving mid-afternoon. B, D.
On arrival, transfer to Sítio dos Tucanos guesthouse in Costa de Dentro for a 4-night stay. Rest of the day free.

Sítio dos Tucanos is a friendly guesthouse located on the hillside in Costa de Dentro, South of Santa Catarina Island, only 2km inland from beautiful Açores beach. Surrounded by 13 hectares of Atlantic Rainforest, its rustic accommodation suits those that look for a relaxing place in close contact with nature. Bird lovers will be delighted with the more than 70 species found in its immediate surroundings, including the only two species of toucans found in South Brazil. Excellent home cooked meals are served in the evenings.

Day 8: Day at Pantano do Sul beach for activities run by the local community. B,L,D

Examples of activities:

* Fisherman's Life- Take part in an authentic traditional fishing. Fishermen from the community of Pântano do Sul will introduce you to the "trap fishing", the removal of a fishing net, as well as collecting and classifying the fishes inside of a "baleeira".

* Surf Lesson - Surfing is a big part of the Island's life and the beach of Açores offers good conditions for learning for absolute beginners. The surf schools are a major part of the NGO Ilhas do Brasil's project to involve the local youth in the preservation of the environment and create sustainable economical development in the area.

* Snorkeling in Pantano do Sul - Accompanied by a local monitor you will go snorkeling around the rocky shores of Pantano do Sul. Access to the best points will be on a fishing boat or through a walking trail of 20-30'.

Please note that all community activities are dependent on weather and the availability of local guides. Other activities (cooking classes or light trekking) might be offered as replacement.

Day 9: Day free for enjoying the beach or bird watching around the guesthouse. B, D

Day 10: Naufragados Beach and Oyster farms of Ribeirão da Ilha
Morning trek to Naufragados, one of the most unspoiled beaches on the island.
Return by boat to visit an oyster farm at the entrance of the South Bay. From April to October we may also visit the Cardos island. This little bay island has one of the largest concentrations of migrant Cayenne terns in South America that come here to nest.

Florianópolis in recent years became the centre for oyster production in Brazil. The old Azorean fishing village of Ribeirão da Ilha is one of the main areas for oyster farming on the Island. On this trip accompanied by a local producer, we will follow all the stages of the production then taste the local produce accompanied by the most Brazilian of drinks, the caipirinha.

Return to the Pousada for a farewell dinner. B, S, D

Day 11: Transfer to airport or bus station.

I want to book this!

2 nights in Iguazu at San Martin Hotel
1 night in Curitiba at Slaviero Palace
3 night Rainforest Expedition at Sebui Lodge
4 nights Florianopolis at Pousada Sitio dos Tucanos

Fixed departure price for small groups (minimum of 2, maximum of 10) for US$3110 single or US$2842 double occupancy.
Next guaranteed departure: 18th to 28th April 2011
Can set other dates for groups of 6-10 for same prices. Can also quote for smaller groups.

Price Includes:
" 10 nights accommodation in double or twin basis*. Single supplement for clients wanting to have their own room will apply. Accommodation at the jungle lodge is basic and facilities are shared.
" All internal road transport as described;
" Meals as described on the text: B=Breakfast, S=Snack, L=Lunch and D= Dinner;
" Entrance fees to National Parks in Iguazu;
" Tours in Iguazu and Florianopolis;
" All activities described in the Lagamar and Florianopolis area;
" English-speaking tour leader throughout;
" Local guides on tours and activities;

Price does not include:
" International flights and domestic flights;
" Travel Insurance
" Meals not mentioned;
" Drinks;
" Tips