Natural Wonders of Brazil - 12 days
Natural Wonders of Brazil - 12 days
12 Days Starting and ending in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Visiting: Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Iguazu Falls, Foz do Iguaçu, Pantanal, Rio De Janeiro
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2051/NWOB
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day journey through the Natural Wonders of Brazil, a captivating small group tour that unveils the country's most iconic landscapes. Begin in Rio de Janeiro, where you'll stay in the vibrant Copacabana district and explore the city’s highlights, including the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain. Venture to the charming town of Paraty, cruising its stunning coastline dotted with tropical islands. Experience the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the Pantanal wetlands, home to exotic wildlife. With comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and local expertise, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Brazil's natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Augustos Copacabana Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saturday. Bem Vindo ao Brazil! Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to our start hotel in Copacabana. The rest of the day is at your own leisure to explore the beautiful stretch of Copacabana beach.
The next day we have a guided tour of this extraordinary city of extremes, where the glamorous apartments of Rio’s rich and famous are set against the back drop of the favelas and half-built shanty towns that cling onto the hillsides. We take a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to enjoy views of the city and board a steep rack-and-pinion railway which glides through the Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world, before reaching the summit of Corcovado Mountain. Here we marvel at the iconic 40-meter Christ the Redeemer statue which overlooks the city with arms outspread. On a clear day the views over the city and across the ocean are simply spectacular.
Day 3: Paraty
Location: Paraty
Accommodation Name: Pousada do Príncipe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rio de Janeiro - Paraty. We venture west of Rio this morning, through the high-rise suburbs as we drive along the ‘green coast’ to the colonial bay-side town of Paraty. This small-town, whose name means ‘river of fish’ in the indigenous Tupi language, is set on a beautiful stretch of the bay of Ilha Grande which is surrounded by pristine beaches and jungled mountains. The rest of the day is free to wander around the cobbled streets of this picturesque town and check out local art work in the many contemporary galleries. Be sure to try some of the amazing local fresh fish for lunch or dinner today.
Day 4: Paraty
Location: Paraty
Accommodation Name: Pousada do Príncipe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we board a schooner and cruise south along the spectacular emerald coastline which is studded with tropical islands. We take some time to stop and explore hidden and hidden bays and take a swim in the shimmering waters of the picture-perfect beaches. Upon arrival back to Paraty we have the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5-6: Iguazu Falls (Brazil)
Location: Iguazu Falls
Accommodation Name: Taroba Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Paraty - Foz do Iguacu. Today we depart Paraty and enjoy a scenic drive across the state border to Sao Paulo where we board our flight to Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival we’re transferred to our hotel in the town Foz do Iguacu, which is situated on the border between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. This is our base for excursions to the Argentine and Brazilian side of the spectacular Iguazu Falls, where a total of 275 falls thunder through dense forest over a 2.5km stretch.
At the u-shaped Devil’s throat we can hear the waterfalls crashing over the gorge and watch the water flow through the rainforest breaking up into smaller falls. Here we have the chance to spot colourful toucans perched in the leaves above the fierce waters. The Brazilian side of the falls offers broad panoramic views of the falls, while the Argentine side offers a series of walkways to explore the forest as we feel the spray from the falls.
Day 7-10: Pantanal
Location: Pantanal
Accommodation Name: Pousada Aguape
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Foz do Iguacu - Pantanal. Bidding farewell to Iguazu Falls we travel on to the world’s largest wetland today, known as the Pantanal. After a flight to Campo Grande we continue by road into the vast wilderness where we reach our lodge which is also a working ranch.
Over the next three days we discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the wetlands, as we explore the rivers, marshes and savannahs with local guides. Take a 4WD by road and track tour through the open grasslands, swampland and permanently flooded bays. Ride a horse across the savannah, motorboat down the local rivers or paddle a canoe on one of the numerous waterways. There is an extraordinary variety of wildlife in the area including giant storks, howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos as well as an array of birdlife in addition to the aquatic birds, including parakeets, macaws and toucans.
Day 11: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation Name: Augustos Copacabana Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pantanal - Rio de Janeiro. We leave the wildlife-rich wetlands and fly back to Rio for our final night in one of the world's most exciting cities. Head to the edgy district of Lapa which is home to dozens of music halls offering live music entertainment and weekend street parties or sit back and try one of the famous steaks in a Brazilian Churasco.
Day 12: Rio De Janeiro
Location: Rio De Janeiro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wednesday. Our tour comes to an end today. Included transfer to the airport for your onward flight or we arrange some extra nights accommodation if you'd like to extend.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 star hotels -
11 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
Enjoy 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners during your tour.
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7 nights 3 star hotels and 4 nights wetland lodge
Stay for 7 nights in 3-star hotels and 4 nights in a wetland lodge.
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All relevant transfers and transportation
All necessary transfers and transportation are included in the tour.
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Airport arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 12
Airport transfers are provided on the first and last day of the tour.
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3 economy class flights from Sao Paolo - Foz do Iguacu, Foz do Iguacu - Campo Grande and Campo Grande - Rio de Janeiro
Three economy class flights are included: Sao Paolo to Foz do Iguacu, Foz do Iguacu to Campo Grande, and Campo Grande to Rio de Janeiro.
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Excursion of the Argentine and Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
Experience excursions to both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls.
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Schooner cruise around the bays and islands of Paraty
Enjoy a schooner cruise around the bays and islands of Paraty.
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Guided tour of Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado Mountain
Participate in a guided tour of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado Mountain.
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Pantanal Wetlands - 3 day full programme of excursions on foot, horseback and by boat or road
Engage in a 3-day full program of excursions in the Pantanal Wetlands on foot, horseback, and by boat or road.
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Escorted by an experienced tour leader with the services of local guides
The tour is escorted by an experienced tour leader with the assistance of local guides.
What's Not Included
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International flights to/from our tour start/end points and visas
International flights to and from the tour start and end points, as well as visas, are not included.
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Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is considered a personal gesture.
Age Policy
Minimum age 12. If booking a family please contact GH to request/check triple rooms / rooms next to each other before confirming the bookingThere is no maximum age. Those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability tour.
Accommodation
Stay at the Augustos Copacabana Hotel in Rio, offering air-conditioned rooms, a pool, and dining options. In Paraty, enjoy the colonial-style Pousada do Príncipe with pool views. At Foz do Iguazu, the Taroba Hotel provides modern comforts and a central location. Experience nature at Pousada Aguape in the Pantanal wetlands.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes all relevant transfers and transportation, with airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 12. It also features three economy class flights from Sao Paolo to Foz do Iguacu, Foz do Iguacu to Campo Grande, and Campo Grande to Rio de Janeiro.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Pantanal?
In the Pantanal, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including giant storks, howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and an array of birdlife such as parakeets, macaws, and toucans.
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What activities are included during the stay in the Pantanal?
During the stay in the Pantanal, activities include exploring the rivers, marshes, and savannahs with local guides, taking a 4WD tour through the open grasslands, riding a horse across the savannah, motorboating down the local rivers, and paddling a canoe on the waterways.
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What is the accommodation like in Paraty?
In Paraty, you will stay at the Pousada do Príncipe, a bright colonial-style hotel set minutes from the historical center. Each room overlooks the swimming pool or lush gardens and includes amenities such as a private bathroom, WiFi, TV, minibar, and mosquito netting.
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What can I expect during the visit to Iguazu Falls?
During the visit to Iguazu Falls, you will explore both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. The Brazilian side offers broad panoramic views, while the Argentine side provides a series of walkways to explore the forest and feel the spray from the falls. You will also visit the Devil’s Throat, where you can hear the waterfalls crashing over the gorge.
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What is the accommodation like in the Pantanal?
In the Pantanal, you will stay at Pousada Aguape, a working country farm that has been in the same family for 150 years. The rooms are simple yet comfortable, featuring air conditioning and hot water showers. The property offers a pool, beach volleyball, and a restaurant with a full board meal plan.
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What is included in the meals during the tour?
The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes all relevant transfers and transportation, airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 12, and 3 economy class flights from Sao Paolo to Foz do Iguacu, Foz do Iguacu to Campo Grande, and Campo Grande to Rio de Janeiro.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.