Expedition Details

Experience some of Brazil’s most legendary sights, from the roaring falls of Iguaçu to the wildly diverse Pantanal. Approach Iguaçu Falls from both the Brazilian and the Argentinean sides, and delve into the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetlands area and home to an extraordinarily concentrated and diverse range of wildlife.

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Trip Highlights

• Spot caimans, monkeys, and colorful birds on walks in Iguaçu National Park and the Pantanal—both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Experience the power of Iguaçu Falls and gain exclusive access before the park opens.
• Explore the Pantanal by horseback and canoe, and enjoy a Brazilian-style barbecue on the riverbank.
• Join our optional extension to Rio de Janeiro and take in incredible views from the base of the iconic “Christ the Redeemer” statue.

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Itinerary - 9 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil

Depart on an overnight flight to Foz do Iguaçu, located on Brazil’s southern border with Argentina. Settle into our colonial-style hotel, the only hotel located within Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park. Take advantage of a free afternoon to relax in the tropical gardens or by the pool, or go on a short walk for a first glimpse of splendid Iguaçu Falls—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Iguaçu National Park is located within the Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most threatened biomes and home to approximately 20,000 species of plants and thousands of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, including monkeys, jaguars, sloths, and parrots. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.
Hotel das Cataratas (D)

Day 3 — Iguaçu National Park

Tumbling as far as 269 feet in a series of 275 cascades that stretch more than a mile and a half in the forests of Brazil and Argentina, Iguaçu Falls is one of the world’s most magnificent natural phenomena. Rise early for a “private” viewing of the falls from the Brazilian side, before others are allowed into the park. Then spend the day on the Argentinean side of the falls, hiking to various viewing platforms to take in different perspectives of this incredible display of thundering water. On an optional afternoon excursion, approach the falls by boat and glide into the glittering mists. Return to the hotel late this afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Hotel das Cataratas (B,L)

Day 4 — Iguaçu National Park/Cuiabá/Pantanal

This morning, fly to Cuiabá, the gateway to the northern Pantanal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Considered the world’s largest wetlands area, the Pantanal covers approximately 57,900 square miles in the upper Paraguay River Basin. The region teems with wildlife —harboring an estimated 100 mammal species, 250 fish species, 80 reptile species, and 700 species of birds. Upon arrival, journey to our eco-lodge within the Pantanal, and relax or explore the area on your own in the afternoon. After dinner, join a guide for a stargazing walk to view the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.
Araras Eco Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Pantanal

Hike to the lodge’s observation tower for a chance to see howler and capuchin monkeys up close. This afternoon, head into the wetlands on horseback and discover the rare native flora and fauna. Keep your eye out for brightly plumed Hyacinth macaws, tapirs, monkeys, and perhaps an elusive jaguar. Or you may choose to set out on a photo safari by jeep. Venture out with a guide after dinner to spot nocturnal creatures such as caimans and capybaras.
Araras Eco Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Pantanal

This morning, embark on a full-day guided canoe excursion. Spot aquatic wildlife, including giant river otters and a wide spectrum of water birds—from ibis to spoonbills. Conditions permitting, cast a fishing line to catch (and release) the piranhas that swim in these waters. Stop for a picnic lunch of Brazilian churrasco, or barbecue, along the banks of the river. Gather for dinner at the lodge tonight.
Araras Eco Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Pantanal

Awaken early for a hike at sunrise, when the wildlife is most active. After lunch back at our lodge, learn about the many conservation efforts that the lodge has undertaken to help preserve the Pantanal. A rehabilitation program for birds, assisting in the production of bee hives, and planting trees to help grow the hyacinth macaw population are just a few of the projects currently underway. Discuss the day’s adventures around a campfire at the lodge this evening.
Araras Eco Lodge (B,L,D)

Days 8 & 9 — Pantanal/Cuiabá/U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to Cuiabá for your international flight home, arriving the following day.
(B)

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Optional Extensions

• Rio de Janeiro - Pre-Trip Extension, 4 Days
• Salvador - Pre- or Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days

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