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This journey is an imersion into 3 different and wonderful areas of South Brazil.
The main highlight of South Brazil is definitely the Iguazu Falls, by many considered to be
the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls in the world, perhaps because of
the 200 streams that suddenly appear from the rainforest to form a myriad of
gorgeous falls, large and small, which mingle and blend so graciously with
the surrounding vegetation. For this reason, they have been declared a "World Heritage Site".
Refugio da Ilha is a farm in the South Pantanal, between the Salobra and Salobrinha Rivers. Its owners created an ecological reserve sheltering animals like tapirs, capybaras, jaguars and countless birds. The farm has simple but efficient facilities for horseback riding, motor boating and hikes into the floodplains of an old rice plantation.
Bodoquena Mountain Range, a uniquely beautiful region situated in the Southwest of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, is on the fringe of the Pantanal. This program includes cave exploration, rubber boat rides down rapids and snorkeling in the amazing crystalline blue river and spring waters found in the region. Comfortable accommodations in the town of Bonito.
The Itinerary
DAY 1 FOZ DO IGUAcU
Arrival and transfer to your hotel, ideally locatd next to the Iguacu falls. The rest of the afternoon is free to visit the Brazilian side of the Falls in front of Das Cataratas Hotel where you are lodged (depending on availability)
DAY 2: FOZ DO IGUAcU
In the morning, excursion to Salto Macuco. After a 4 km jeep or walking tour through the forest, we embark on speed boats and travel up the Iguacu River Canyon to the mighty Iguacu Falls. Right after lunch, excursion to the argentinian side of the falls. The rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities such as rapelling in front of the falls, rafting, canopy tour, hiking or climbing. (B)
DAY 3: FOZ DO IGUAcU- SOUTH PANTANAL
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Campo Grande in the South Pantanal. Transfer to Refugio a Ilha Lodge. Arrival, snacks and organisation of a small briefing about your stay and the way the lodge is managed. We then leave for a short hike to enjoy the Pantanal sunset. Dinner and a presentation of the next days activities. (BD)
DAY 4: SOUTH PANTANAL
Breakfast and boat ride on the Salobra River in search of wild animals observing the different aspects of the Pantanal landscape. We stop at the natural fish reproduction aquarium and at the banks of the Silencio River to observe the local forest. After lunch, we organise a horseback ride through the surrounding countryside while the guide points out the highlights. Dinner and hike along the river bank to "hunt" for alligators with flashlights. (BLD)
DAY 5: SOUTH PANTANAL
Breakfast and rowboat excursion on the Salobrinha River to observe the local flora and fauna. After lunch we try to to fish some hungry piranhas before coming abck to the lodge. (BLD)
DAY 6: SOUTH PANTANAL - BONITO After breakfast, transfer by road to Bonito (4 hours). Check in at Pousada Olho D'agua and departure for a inflatable rubber boat ride down the Formoso River Rapids and visit of Padre Island. Monkeys, toucans and macaws live in the forest along the banks. In the crystalline blue waters, one can see large schools of fish. Return to the lodge. (BD)
DAY 7: BONITO - BLUE LAKE CAVE and PRATA RIVER
Early in the morning, excursion to the famous Blue Lake Cave. Visit of the caves and transfer (2 hours) to Prata River to hike along a trail surrounded by several ancient trees species such as perobas, angicos, aroeiras, courbaril and others. We then snorkel in the crystal clear water down the Olho D'agua River from its source to the meeting with Prata River, observing many schools of fish. Lunch is served on location and we return at the lodge at the end of the day. (BLD)
DAY 8: BONITO - RIO DE JANEIRO
After breakfast, transfer to Campo Grande Airport and flight to Rio. Arrival at Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your Hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities. (B)
DAY 9: RIO DE JANEIRO
After breakfast, excursion on top of the Sugar Loaf passing by the principle points of interest of historic Rio, including the Cathedral. The tour continues to the foot of the Sugar Loaf - "Praia Vermelha" area - from where we climb the loaf by cable-car to the mountain-top (ticket is included). Once there, we have approximately one hour to enjoy the magnificent view as the sun sets over Copacabana Beach before riding down again and returning by coach to the hotel. (B)
DAY 10: RIO DE JANEIRO
After breakfast, drive to the Cosme Velho Station to catch the cog train (ticket is included) for a journey through the dense Atlantic Rainforest of Tijuca (the world widest in-town forest) to the Christ Statue on Corcovado Mountain. The guide has between 40 and 60 minutes to show the wonderful sights of Rio before the return journey by train and coach. The tour continues to Sao Conrado and Pepino Beach where the handgliders land and, by noon, the passengers are returned to their respective hotels.
Afternoon at leisure or optional activities (B)
DAY 11: RIO DE JANEIRO Transfer to the airport for your flight our or continuation of your holidays in Brazil.
General Information
Rated: Easy.
Hotels specified in this program are only given as an indication.
Depending on availability at the time of booking, they may be replaced by equivalent ones. Note that the earlier you book, the more likely you will be lodged in the best located hotels and lodges (which are usually booked up months in advance)
Hotel upgrade in Rio upon request.
Note that on day 1, you should arrive around noon in Foz do Iguacu. If you do not, it is best to arrive one day earlier to fully enjoy the Iguacu falls area (at extra cost,around $70 per person)
Prices not valid for New year's Eve from December 28 to January 03 when most hotels in Rio and at the beach increase their prices by a factor 3.
| Tour Tariff | ||
| Per person | SGL Supp. | |
| USD | $ 2441 | $ 675 |
| EUR | € 2026 | € 560 |
| GBP | £ 1367 | £378 |
Included: Transfers, all land and river transport, accommodation in double room
with private bathroom in specified hotels, shared or private excursions with English speaking guides,
specified meals
Not included: Other meals, tips, drinks, domestic flights, optional excursions
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