- ✓ Discover secluded sandy beaches on a sailing tour in Paraty
- ✓ Witness the spectacular beauty of Iguazu Falls
- ✓ Experience freshwater river snorkelling
- ✓ Spot capybaras in the Pantanal
- ✓ Wander the cobbled streets of Salvador
If you've got three weeks to spare and want to experience the diversity of Brazil, this trip's for you! It's a jam-packed itinerary that journeys from the buzzing city of Rio to the cobbled streets of Salvador. It's got wildlife and natural wonders, colonial towns and palm tree islands. You'll snorkel in freshwater rivers, spot animals on safari, take a sailing trip on a schooner and get up close to the mighty Iguazu Falls .
Day 1 – Arriving in Rio
Rio offers sweeping beaches, great food and a lively atmosphere. When you arrive you will be met by a guide who will take you through your itinerary and answer any questions. It’s about an hour’s transfer to your comfortable hotel right next to Copacabana Beach, the perfect place for a stroll to watch the sunset behind the mountains.
Days 2-3 – Discover Rio
The following morning will be spent getting acquainted with this vibrant city. You’ll be collected from your hotel by a private guide, before being driven through the city on a sightseeing tour where you can decide which spots you want to visit. You could head straight for Sugarloaf Mountain and take the cable car to the top for a fantastic view across Rio, or drive through the historic downtown area, where you’ll find old churches laden with gold ornaments and Portuguese artefacts. End your tour with a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer, a 125ft high statue that stands guard above the city. Once your tour is over and you’ve got your bearings, your driver will drop you back to your hotel or another spot you’d like to visit in Copacabana.
The following day is free for you to explore Rio as you wish.
Day 4 – Arriving in colonial Paraty
The following day you will be collected and transferred to your next destination…Paraty. The journey time is approximately 5 hours. You’ll arrive in Paraty and check into a charming pousada on the edge of the historic centre. After settling in, the afternoon and evening is free for you to explore the town and take in the relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere which the town is famed for.
We can arrange a walking tour of the historic centre with a local if you’d like to get your bearings and learn more about the history of Paraty. It’s only two hours and can easily be included on your arrival day.
Day 5 – Explore Paraty Bay by boat
Today we’ll arrange a leisurely sailing trip from Paraty aboard a schooner. Relax onboard as you sail past densely forested islands and secluded white, sandy beaches. You’ll stop off at several different locations so that you can explore, laze on the beach or snorkel in the crystal-clear sea. Lunch is not included in the cost, so you may want to take snacks with you, or you can pay for a delicious fish lunch onboard. At around 3 pm you will sail back into Paraty harbour.
If you’re looking for a more active experience we can arrange a kayak excursion in the bay or a full day hike along the green coastal strip of Paraty through the forest along several sandy beaches. Speak to your travel specialist for more details.
Day 6 – Free time in Paraty
The rest of your time in Paraty is free for you to do whatever you choose. The town is full of great restaurants, bars, and artisan shops to explore. The historic centre is also car-free, so it is a wonderfully peaceful place to stroll around. If you feel like getting away from the town, why not take a trip into the surrounding hills, or explore some of the beautiful beaches a little further afield? Feeling suitably relaxed after your time here, you’ll pack your bags and continue your Brazilian journey tomorrow.
Day 7 – Head to Foz do Iguazu
The following day, you’ll be collected and taken to the airport for your domestic flight to Foz do Iguazu – the home of Iguazu Falls. Once you have landed at Iguazu’s tiny airport, you’ll see your driver waiting for you in the arrivals hall. He’ll take you straight to your modern resort hotel near the airport and park entrance. The resort offers a lovely pool, restaurant, bar and comfortable rooms. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and do whatever you wish.
Day 8 – Catch your breath at Devil’s Throat
Today you will experience the mighty Iguazu Falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, as each offers a different perspective of the landscape and the waterfalls. In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Argentine side, crossing the border on the way. Once inside the park, you’ll walk around the many tracks, and through the trees, spotting capuchin monkeys and coatis. The sound of rushing water is ever present and there are several viewing platforms along the way.
Then, head back over the border to the park on the Brazilian side. The Brazilians are known for saying: ‘Argentina may have the falls, but we have the view!’ The walking trail runs beside the river so you have a constant view of the falls, and there are plenty of places to stop for photo opportunities. The final section of the walk takes you across a platform over the water for a full view of the Devil’s Throat. Prepare to get a little wet as the raging waterfalls gush down in front of you. But it’s an unforgettable sight. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel.
Day 9 – Foz do Iguazu to Campo Grande
The next day, you’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your next domestic flight to Campo Grande. On arrival in Campo Grande, you’ll be collected and taken to your accommodation for the night. The hotel we have picked is virtually next door to the car rental office, making it easy for you to collect your rental car the next morning. Campo Grande is a modern city, without much in the way of tourist attractions, but there are some nice bars and restaurants you can visit in the evening.
Day 10 – Campo Grande to ‘beautiful’ Bonito
This morning, you will collect your hire car and head off on a 4-hour drive to Bonito. It’s an easy drive along well-maintained roads, but we’ll provide a detailed road book for you to follow, so there’s no chance of getting lost! Bonito is the Portuguese word for beautiful, and the area around the town lives up to the name. After checking in to your pousada the rest of your day is free to explore. The town itself is pretty tiny, with a relaxed atmosphere. The main street is dotted with shops and eateries.
Day 11 – Bonito: snorkelling & macaws
This morning you’ll drive to the Rio da Prata River for a magical snorkelling experience. Plunge into the crystal-clear waters and follow your guide. Snorkelling requires hardly any effort as the gentle current carries you past schools of colourful fish and underwater scenes reminiscent of a tropical aquarium. You’ll leave the water and walk along the riverbank for some short sections. After around 2.5 hours you’ll reach a jetty and transfer back to the centre in time for lunch.
After lunch drive the short distance to Buraco das Araras: an impressive sinkhole that measures over 100 metres deep and 500 metres wide. Many red-blue macaws, as well as toucans and other bird species, have built their nests amongst the cliffs here. Follow the walking trail along the rim of the sinkhole and you should be able to spot the macaws as they leave their nests for foraging.
Day 12 – Bonito to the wetlands of the Pantanal
After breakfast, you’ll leave Bonito and travel into the Pantanal – a wetlands area that’s half the size of France and one of the best places in the country to spot wildlife. After around 3 hours you’ll take an unpaved road to a small, family-owned Fazenda (farm). Accommodation is simple, but comfortable, with an en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning. There are hammocks to relax in, a pool where you can cool off, and a small dining area. All your meals are included and are served buffet style. Settle in and listen to the sounds of nature all around you.
Days 13-15 – Southern Pantanal wildlife spotting
Your stay in the Pantanal will revolve around wildlife spotting. The fazenda organises various activities that you can take part in: wildlife spotting safaris by truck or boat, nature hikes, Piranha fishing and horse riding. Whatever you decide to do, there’s a very good chance that you’ll see lots of wildlife. The area is home to capybara, caiman, deer, anteaters, giant otters and a huge variety of birds. When you’re not out and about, you can relax beside the pool, doze in a hammock and tuck into the buffet meals that are included in your stay.
Day 15 – From the Pantanal to Salvador
After breakfast, it’s time to head back to Campo Grande, which will take about 4-5 hours. You’ll drive across well-maintained roads back to Campo Grande airport where you’ll drop off your rental car. From here you’ll catch a flight to your next destination – Salvador. On arrival in Salvador, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in the atmospheric Pelourinho district. During your time in Salvador, you’ll get a taste of the Bahian faith, spicy cuisine and rhythmic music. You will spend two nights close to all of the excitement of the old town in a comfortable pousada.
Day 16 – Walking tour of the Pelourinho
Today you will head out with a local guide to explore the historic Pelourinho district. This easy-paced walk is a great way to soak up the colour, music and energy of Salvador’s old town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, Pelourinho blends colonial history with strong Afro-Brazilian roots. As you wander along the cobbled streets you will learn all about the history of the slave trade and how the African religions and cultures have mixed with the Portuguese heritage to create a unique Bahian community. From churches to lively squares you will get a real taste of the history and spirit which fills this atmospheric district.
If you want to see more of the area surrounding Salvador, we can extend this tour to explore beyond the district of Pelourinho. Ask your Travel Specialist for more details
Day 17 – Take the ferry to Morro do São Paulo
We’ll arrange a transfer from your pousada in Salvador to the pier for the 2-hour ferry across to Morro do São Paulo. The island really is a paradise and the beautiful sandy shores are dotted with swaying palm trees. There are no cars on the island (except for a jeep or two), so wheelbarrow porters will carry your bags to your pousada for a few Real. You’ll stay in a spacious, comfortable room just a few steps away from a broad sandy beach. You have a hammock on your veranda to relax into the sounds of the upcoming tide and rustling palm leaves.
Days 18 & 19 – R&R time on Palm Island
For the next two days, your time can be spent however you wish. If you feel the need for a bit more excitement and people around you, you can take a 30-minute walk along the beach to a more lively stretch of sand lined with restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops. In the evenings you can catch a jeep shuttle to the town centre which runs every half hour. The drive to the town should only take about 20 minutes. We’ll also arrange your ferry tickets back to the mainland, so you won’t have to worry about the ferry being overbooked when you leave the island.
Day 20 – Departure from Morro do São Paulo and flight back to UK
The following day, you’ll catch a ferry back to Salvador where you will catch your international flight back to the UK, via Rio. (Flight cost not included)
Accommodation
