“The Pantanal in Brazil is the second-largest inland seasonal floodplain on Earth and largely unknown. Ever since reading about the Pantanal and its wildlife in National Geographic, I’ve dreamed of visiting this isolated part of South America.
The highlights on this trip are almost endless. A biologist at heart, experiencing the Pantanal’s wide array of birdlife, land creatures, plants, and trees including some rare, threatened, and exotic species, was deeply rewarding. The magnificent hyacinth macaws, jaguars, anacondas, giant anteaters, and caimans were just a few of our favorites. We logged 84 bird species in our short stay.
Caiman Lodge was truly exceptional, not only for the accommodations but also for their concentrated focus of the broad wildlife knowledge with highly educated and committed guides.
One evening we were treated to an enchanting BBQ dinner. The trees were lit up with thousands of lights and as we entered the forest, we watched a jaguar saunter past us. While the dinner was being set up, we had an astronomy talk and demonstration of Southern Hemisphere constellations.
Krista at Knowmad is at the top of the list of favorite people we’ve never met in person! Her knowledge of the places and ability to manage logistics to optimize our travels are astounding. The deep experience in custom travel planning is evidenced repeatedly when she anticipates many of our questions and requests even before we raise them. Our guides have all been top-notch. Krista’s travel timing recommendations are spot on. Now she’s got us all set for Antarctica!
For those considering the Pantanal, I recommend including at least a few days in Rio. It’s the most topographically beautiful city we’ve ever visited. The combination of beaches, mountains, ocean inlets, and urban spread is unique and stunning. Include some hiking in the nearby mountains, and take the cable car to Sugarloaf Peak to appreciate the city’s interplay with the mountains and ocean. We would also strongly recommend a side trip to Iguazu Falls, both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. It is a true natural wonder of the world and well worth the additional time and travel involved.”
– Rick and Sally O., Arizona
Rick and Sally are passionate about wildlife and natural beauty and deeply curious people with special interests in wildlife and birds. They’re physically active 60-somethings who like amazing luxury properties, but with prioritization on location and access. They like their trips to move fairly briskly as they’re usually trying to fit a lot in, but seek out a balance of pacing and do not want to return home exhausted. After working closely with Knowmad Senior Brazil Specialist Krista, they created a custom itinerary tailored to their travel style.
If Brazil is on your list, feel free to reach out to our team at 612-315-2894 or [email protected].
NATURE & WILDLIFE OF BRAZIL
DAY 1 USA – Rio de Janeiro/São Paulo
You will take an overnight flight from the US, arriving in Rio de Janeiro/São Paulo the following morning.
DAY 2 Rio de Janeiro/São Paulo – Iguazú
Today you will be independently responsible for boarding your onward flight to Iguazú. Upon arrival in Iguazú you will be met by your guide at the airport and transferred to your accommodations. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps taking your first trip to the Brazilian side of the falls. The Iguazú Falls are a series of 275 waterfalls that join together the borders of Brazil and Argentina. Declared a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 and a Natural Wonder of the World in 2011, these falls have the world’s sixth-largest annual flow. Enjoy panoramic, postcard views of the roaring thunder and majestic exuberance of the falls, as well as the deep horseshoe-shaped canyon of the Iguazú River nearby.
- No meals – Belmond das Cataratas, Superior Garden View
DAY 3 Iguazú Falls (Argentina)
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide and taken on a full-day exploration of the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls. Enjoy the Visitors Center showing the importance and biodiversity of the subtropical humid forest, and enjoy the panoramic views on a variety of walkways near and around the falls as your guide also shows you the endless assortment of plants and flowers. You will access part of these walkways by boarding a train that takes you to the Upper Falls Circuit and the Devil’s Throat, where catwalks crossing several islands and built over the Upper Iguazu River will end with a strategic lookout point resting on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat.
- B – Belmond das Cataratas, Superior Garden View
DAY 4 Iguazú – Rio de Janeiro
Today you will be met at your accommodations and transferred to the airport in accordance with your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport by your Knowmad Adventures guide and transferred to your accommodations. After some time to settle in, you will be picked up by your Knowmad Adventures guide to visit Sugar Loaf Mountain. Take a cable-car ride to see the entire Guanabara Bay for a romantic viewing of the sunset and the city of Rio from above.
- B – Hotel Arpoador, Large Ocean View Room
DAY 5 Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast you will depart with your guide to visit the most iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer located at Corcovado Mountain, at a height of 38m. From this addition to the new “Seven Wonders of the World” you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city and spectacular photo opportunities. After this scenic view you may continue on to the charming artist neighborhood of Santa Teresa for lunch (to be paid direct at restaurant by travelers), and into the downtown sector to see important historic sites such as the National Library, the Paço Imperial, Tiradentes Palace, The Portuguese Royal Lecture Room and the panoramic view of the colonial buildings that remain at Uruguaiana Street. After the excursion you will be transferred back to your accommodations.
- B – Hotel Arpoador, Large Ocean View Room
DAY 6 Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy the day taking in the sights of the wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro. Your day of independent exploration could include: taking a stroll along Ipanema Beach or taking in the 600-foot-long mural along the Olympic Boulevard. Enjoy your day soaking in the stunning views, colorful culture, and delicious food of this famed city.
- B – Hotel Arpoador, Large Ocean View Room
DAY 7Rio de Janeiro – São Paulo – Campo Grande – Pantanal
Today you will be met at your accommodations and transferred to the airport in accordance with your onward flight to São Paulo. Upon arrival in São Paulo you will be independently responsible for catching your connecting flight to Campo Grande. Upon arrival in Campo Grande you will board a charter flight to Caiman Ecological Refuge. The flight takes approximately 50 minutes. Take in the local fauna and flora on the way. Whilst at Caiman Ecological Refuge, you will be able to choose from a wide range of activities such as hiking the many trails surrounding the lodges, canoeing, Jeep safari, nocturnal wildlife spotting, and more. As part of your package, you will also have one full day Onçafari Experience included (exact date to be confirmed closer to departure). All excursions take place in small groups of Caiman guests accompanied by bilingual guides.
- B, D – Caiman Ecological Refuge, Double Standard Suite (Casa Caiman)
DaY 8Caiman Ecological Refuge
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Caiman Ecological Refuge.
- B, L, D – Caiman Ecological Refuge, Double Standard Suite (Casa Caiman)
Day 9Caiman Ecological Refuge
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Caiman Ecological Refuge.
- B, L, D – Caiman Ecological Refuge, Double Standard Suite (Casa Caiman)
Day 10 Caiman Ecological Refuge
Continue enjoying your adventures throughout the region and your stay at Caiman Ecological Refuge.
- B, L, D – Caiman Ecological Refuge, Double Standard Suite (Casa Caiman)
DAY 11 Caiman – Campo Grande – São Paulo – USA
Today you will take a charter flight back to Campo Grande, in accordance with your onward flight to São Paulo. Upon arrival in São Paulo you will be independently responsible for boarding your onward, international flight home.
- B
DAY 12 USA
Arrive home.
Knowmad Adventures works closely with independent-minded travelers creating innovative trips to South America. Our specialists in Patagonia, Chile, Machu Picchu, Peru, Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Antarctica are eager to collaborate and create a trip as unique and authentic as you are, and our experienced South American operations team guarantees you get an insider’s perspective, superior values, and a flawlessly-operated trip.
