Rio, Bonito, Pantanal and Iguassu Tour - 11 days
See the most popular natural highlights of southern Brazil
Day 1 - arrive Rio. After getting your luggage and going through customs, walk out the exit door and look for a person holding a sign with your name on it. He will transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon you will be taken to the top of Corcovado mountain. From here the visitor can see nearly the entire city of Rio. Also located here is the Christ the Redeemer statue, 38 meters high. From any place in the city, the visitor can see the most beautiful postcard of Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer statue on the mountain of Corcovado, located at 710 meters above the sea level and inaugurated in 1931. This tour begins with a pass by the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (except on Sundays) and continues on to Cosme Velho's neighborhood from where the cog train starts a trip through the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, up to the statue. Once there, a panoramic and extraordinary view of Rio will be seen including the Sugar Loaf, the Guanabara Bay, the beaches of Southern Zone and the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. After the visit of the Corcovado, you will be returned to your hotel.
Day 2 - breakfast, then you will be picked up for a Sugarloaf tour. This tour begins with a drive through downtown Rio, passing by the Sambodrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral, in pyramid form, with internal diameter of 96 meters and height of 80 meters. Get to know the traditional Cinelândia square with the historical buildings, the Municipal Theater, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. By taking the Aterro do Flamengo, you will be taken to the neighborhood of Urca where it is located one of the largest symbols of the city: the Sugar Loaf. This visit is made in two steps by cable car. The first cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill which is 215 meters high and from where one can have a beautiful view from the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói bridge and Corcovado hill. From this stage, a second cable car will be taken up to the top with 395 meters to find a splendid view from Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress and some beaches of Niterói You will be delivered back to your hotel again at the end. Cost of cable car is included in the fare. Free afternoon.
Day 3 - breakfast, then choose from an optional tour from the list below:
Enter the Tijuca Rain Forest on a open jeep where is possible to see the contrast between the "Stone jungle and a tropical forest in the middle of a big city." We pass by the "Cachoeira dos macacos" (monkey's waterfall) At "Vista Chinesa" (chinese view) where you can take pictures, we explain the history of the reforestation process of that forest and the importance of the "Mata Atlântica" (Atlantic Forrest). We also pass by "the Mesa do Imperador" (emperor's table), Cascatinha (Taunay's waterfall), and Capela Mayrink (Mayrink chapel). Trekking of approximately 1 hour through an easy trail, where the botanical aspect is developed. Passengers will have straight contact with the local nature ecosystem. During this tour we will be able to see different types of tropical fruits, trees, animals like monkeys, various kind of birds and butterflies.
or
4 Hour Walking Tour – Downtown and Porto Maravilha (by public transport) - This tour combines the historic highlights of downtown Rio with the modern attractions in the Porto Maravilha area including the Olympic Boulevard. Ride Rio’s modern metro line to the Cinelãndia station downtown and visit the Municipal Theater, National Library, and the fine arts museum. Transition from the historic sites to Rio’s newly developed Port area riding on the new VLT, the light rail system. Visit the Mauá square learning about the history of Rio’s port and visiting the new attractions, including the “Olympic Boulevard” and the famous Graffiti Murals by Eduardo Kobra. A quick visit of Rio’s Art Museum (MAR) will provide a panoramic view of the Porto Maravilha area including the new Museum of Tomorrow. Return walking along the Olympic Boulevard (Orla Conde) to the Square of Nov. 15th (Praça XV) which provides a great view of the Guanabara Bay. From there we can see the Ferry station, Imperial Paço (Palace), and the Tiradentes monument. To end the tour, walk back to the Carioca square in the heart of the city. Return to Copacabana or Ipanema.
Day 4 - breakfast, then transfer to the airport to fly to Campo Grande. After arriving at the Campo Grande airport, you will be met and transferred to Bonito (330km), leaving at leaving at 9:30am, 11:30am, 2:30pm 4:30pm, 6:20pm or 11:30pm and arriving approximately 5-5.5 hours later. Check in to Hotel for overnight. (on Wednesdays and Saturdays, there are flights to the Bonito airport (BYO) from the Campinas airport (VCP) in Sao Paulo on Azul airlines)
Day 5 - breakfast, then full day Rio da Prata + Buraco das Araras (Macaws´ Hole). One-hour walk along a jungle trail as far as the Olho d'Água wellspring. A one-hour and a half snorkeling in the springs and down the Olho d'Água River without a support boat. Mask, snorkel, neoprene clothing and boots included.The Buraco das Araras is a 124-meter deep doline (a cave whose roof caved in) with a circumference of 500 meters. In its interior there is a very special ecosystem made up by a forest and a lake complete with microalgae and fish. In this environment there is a fauna represented by fruit-eating bats, insect-eating bats, some species of reptiles, little rodents and birds, among them, the bright and wonderful red-and-green macaw (Ara chloroptera)- This tour takes place in the city of Jardim, 50 km from Bonito - Duration: full day. Lunch is included.
Day 6 - Breakfast. Right after breakfast we shall visit one of the most famous places of Bonito, the Lago Azul grotto. Blue Lake Cave is doubtless the most beautiful and imposing cave of the region. It is approximately 400 million years old. The access is by stairway with 292 steps that descends to the level where we see the lake rich in water with calcium carbonate and magnesium that gives its blue color of hypnotic intensity. It’s the largest submerged gallery in the world. Divers have reached depths of 57 meters and found fossils of pre-historic animals, such as the giant sloth, saber-tooth tiger and others.
In the afternoon, visit Estancia Mimosa, where visitors go on a pleasant stroll through the gallery forest of Mimoso River, passing by eight waterfalls of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, you can swim under waterfalls or in natural pools, explore small caves, enjoy spectacular lookouts and (for the more daring visitors) jump from a 6-meter high diving board into a natural water hole. On part of the river you can ride a small boat through paths and passageways, relaxing while you enjoy the sights.
Day 7 - Breakfast, then transfer to a Pantanal lodge. Activities include the following:
Hikes - they offer a number of different hikes to observe the fauna and flora of the Pantanal. Each of these hikes can be done during the day, whilst two hikes are also available at night.
Canoe tours - Paddling is an excellent way to experience the sights and sounds of the Pantanal, with frequent views of Giant Otters fishing in the river, Capybaras on the shoreline and monkeys in river edge trees. Birds commonly seen on our outings include the tallest flying bird in the New World (the Jabiru Stork) as well as a large number of other species of water birds, hawks, and kingfishers.
Horseback riding offers one of the best ways to explore the Pantanal, as you can reach spots not accessible by car.
4 x 4 safaris - Open-backed 4 x 4 vehicles enable exploration of the further reaches of the ranch to search for large mammals and birds. Night spotting excursions reveal the phenomenal nocturnal animals of the Pantanal. Outings often include one or more of the following: thousands of caimans with their eyes glowing orange in the beams of our flashlights, Capybaras and Giant Anteaters.
Day 8 - Breakfast. Tour according to lodge arrangements. Lunch at the lodge restaurant. Afternoon tour. Dinner. Option to do night tour. Overnight.
Day 9 - Breakfast. Morning tour. Check out. Transfer to Campo Grande airport. Fly to Iguassu, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 10 - breakfast, Then visit to the Argentinian side on a group tour, . Then do the zodiac boat trip to the bottom of the falls.
Day 11 - after breakfast, visit to the Brazilian side of the falls on a group tour. Transfer to the Brazil airport for departure after 2pm.
Day 2 - breakfast, then you will be picked up for a Sugarloaf tour. This tour begins with a drive through downtown Rio, passing by the Sambodrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral, in pyramid form, with internal diameter of 96 meters and height of 80 meters. Get to know the traditional Cinelândia square with the historical buildings, the Municipal Theater, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. By taking the Aterro do Flamengo, you will be taken to the neighborhood of Urca where it is located one of the largest symbols of the city: the Sugar Loaf. This visit is made in two steps by cable car. The first cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill which is 215 meters high and from where one can have a beautiful view from the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói bridge and Corcovado hill. From this stage, a second cable car will be taken up to the top with 395 meters to find a splendid view from Copacabana beach, the Santa Cruz fortress and some beaches of Niterói You will be delivered back to your hotel again at the end. Cost of cable car is included in the fare. Free afternoon.
Day 3 - breakfast, then choose from an optional tour from the list below:
Enter the Tijuca Rain Forest on a open jeep where is possible to see the contrast between the "Stone jungle and a tropical forest in the middle of a big city." We pass by the "Cachoeira dos macacos" (monkey's waterfall) At "Vista Chinesa" (chinese view) where you can take pictures, we explain the history of the reforestation process of that forest and the importance of the "Mata Atlântica" (Atlantic Forrest). We also pass by "the Mesa do Imperador" (emperor's table), Cascatinha (Taunay's waterfall), and Capela Mayrink (Mayrink chapel). Trekking of approximately 1 hour through an easy trail, where the botanical aspect is developed. Passengers will have straight contact with the local nature ecosystem. During this tour we will be able to see different types of tropical fruits, trees, animals like monkeys, various kind of birds and butterflies.
or
4 Hour Walking Tour – Downtown and Porto Maravilha (by public transport) - This tour combines the historic highlights of downtown Rio with the modern attractions in the Porto Maravilha area including the Olympic Boulevard. Ride Rio’s modern metro line to the Cinelãndia station downtown and visit the Municipal Theater, National Library, and the fine arts museum. Transition from the historic sites to Rio’s newly developed Port area riding on the new VLT, the light rail system. Visit the Mauá square learning about the history of Rio’s port and visiting the new attractions, including the “Olympic Boulevard” and the famous Graffiti Murals by Eduardo Kobra. A quick visit of Rio’s Art Museum (MAR) will provide a panoramic view of the Porto Maravilha area including the new Museum of Tomorrow. Return walking along the Olympic Boulevard (Orla Conde) to the Square of Nov. 15th (Praça XV) which provides a great view of the Guanabara Bay. From there we can see the Ferry station, Imperial Paço (Palace), and the Tiradentes monument. To end the tour, walk back to the Carioca square in the heart of the city. Return to Copacabana or Ipanema.
Day 4 - breakfast, then transfer to the airport to fly to Campo Grande. After arriving at the Campo Grande airport, you will be met and transferred to Bonito (330km), leaving at leaving at 9:30am, 11:30am, 2:30pm 4:30pm, 6:20pm or 11:30pm and arriving approximately 5-5.5 hours later. Check in to Hotel for overnight. (on Wednesdays and Saturdays, there are flights to the Bonito airport (BYO) from the Campinas airport (VCP) in Sao Paulo on Azul airlines)
Day 5 - breakfast, then full day Rio da Prata + Buraco das Araras (Macaws´ Hole). One-hour walk along a jungle trail as far as the Olho d'Água wellspring. A one-hour and a half snorkeling in the springs and down the Olho d'Água River without a support boat. Mask, snorkel, neoprene clothing and boots included.The Buraco das Araras is a 124-meter deep doline (a cave whose roof caved in) with a circumference of 500 meters. In its interior there is a very special ecosystem made up by a forest and a lake complete with microalgae and fish. In this environment there is a fauna represented by fruit-eating bats, insect-eating bats, some species of reptiles, little rodents and birds, among them, the bright and wonderful red-and-green macaw (Ara chloroptera)- This tour takes place in the city of Jardim, 50 km from Bonito - Duration: full day. Lunch is included.
Day 6 - Breakfast. Right after breakfast we shall visit one of the most famous places of Bonito, the Lago Azul grotto. Blue Lake Cave is doubtless the most beautiful and imposing cave of the region. It is approximately 400 million years old. The access is by stairway with 292 steps that descends to the level where we see the lake rich in water with calcium carbonate and magnesium that gives its blue color of hypnotic intensity. It’s the largest submerged gallery in the world. Divers have reached depths of 57 meters and found fossils of pre-historic animals, such as the giant sloth, saber-tooth tiger and others.
In the afternoon, visit Estancia Mimosa, where visitors go on a pleasant stroll through the gallery forest of Mimoso River, passing by eight waterfalls of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, you can swim under waterfalls or in natural pools, explore small caves, enjoy spectacular lookouts and (for the more daring visitors) jump from a 6-meter high diving board into a natural water hole. On part of the river you can ride a small boat through paths and passageways, relaxing while you enjoy the sights.
Day 7 - Breakfast, then transfer to a Pantanal lodge. Activities include the following:
Hikes - they offer a number of different hikes to observe the fauna and flora of the Pantanal. Each of these hikes can be done during the day, whilst two hikes are also available at night.
Canoe tours - Paddling is an excellent way to experience the sights and sounds of the Pantanal, with frequent views of Giant Otters fishing in the river, Capybaras on the shoreline and monkeys in river edge trees. Birds commonly seen on our outings include the tallest flying bird in the New World (the Jabiru Stork) as well as a large number of other species of water birds, hawks, and kingfishers.
Horseback riding offers one of the best ways to explore the Pantanal, as you can reach spots not accessible by car.
4 x 4 safaris - Open-backed 4 x 4 vehicles enable exploration of the further reaches of the ranch to search for large mammals and birds. Night spotting excursions reveal the phenomenal nocturnal animals of the Pantanal. Outings often include one or more of the following: thousands of caimans with their eyes glowing orange in the beams of our flashlights, Capybaras and Giant Anteaters.
Day 8 - Breakfast. Tour according to lodge arrangements. Lunch at the lodge restaurant. Afternoon tour. Dinner. Option to do night tour. Overnight.
Day 9 - Breakfast. Morning tour. Check out. Transfer to Campo Grande airport. Fly to Iguassu, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 10 - breakfast, Then visit to the Argentinian side on a group tour, . Then do the zodiac boat trip to the bottom of the falls.
Day 11 - after breakfast, visit to the Brazilian side of the falls on a group tour. Transfer to the Brazil airport for departure after 2pm.
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Sample 2023 price per person in US$: (check with us for current price because rates can change due to the exchange rate, and may be lower) $4456 for single, $2689 for 2 people in double, $2238 for 3 people in triple * Prices are for low season with the Windsor Copa Hotel in Rio, Pousada Galeria Artes in Bonito, Pousada Aguape in Pantanal and Viale Tower in Iguassu Falls. * Can quote with other hotels/lodges Prices include all transfers, accommodations, breakfasts in the cities, 1 lunch in Bonito, all meals at Aguape, English-speaking guides, entrance fees. Some transfers are with Portugese-speaking driver
Do not include: flights, other meals, drinks at Aguape |
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