Day 1 - Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Meet your tour director at the Rio de Janeiro airport and transfer to your hotel right on the Famous Copacabana Beach. Your tour director will provide you with some introductory information to Rio de Janeiro as you arrive. You will see the famous Tijuca Rainforest that hosts the Christ Redeemer statue.

Overnight: Copacabana Palace

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro - Sugarloaf

Overnight: Copacabana Palace

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Visit the Corcovado

Overnight: Copacabana Palace

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Welcome to South Pantanal!

Private transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport and flight to Campo Grande. Once there a private guide and vehicle will be waiting to bring you to Caiman Ecological Refuge, Pantanal’s (3.5 hours).
The Caiman Ecological Refuge is a pioneering ecotourism enterprise in Southern Pantanal, sitting on a 53,000-ha cattle ranch (Estancia Caiman) in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, near the city of Miranda, 236km west of the State Capital, Campo Grande.
In addition to ecotourism, Caiman is involved with cattle production, as well as environmental research and conservation projects, including the Hyacinth Macaw Project, Onçafari (Jaguar) Project, and Blue-Fronted Parrot Project, all done through partnerships with researchers and universities. Additionally, Caiman has an Environmental Interpretation Center, which is a cultural space aiming to show a complete panorama of the Pantanal’s ecosystem and a secular vision of Brazilian history.

Overnight: Caiman Ecological Refuge

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 5 - Enjoy South Pantanal

Today guests can keep on enjoying these beautiful places and the wide array of activities that it offers.

Overnight: Caiman Ecological Refuge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6 - Meet the Jaguar Team

Today, guests have the option of enjoying the activities at the lodge or spending a full day with the Jaguar Habituation Team.
The special Jaguar team spends a vast amount of time searching for the animals themselves as well as for clues that will point us in the right direction when the nocturnal Jaguars get active as the sun sets down on the horizon.
Once a sign of the jaguar is found we will attempt to locate it and you can be part of this amazing experience. More often than not we will be likely to find the approximate location of the cats during the day, increasing our chances of finding them at night. Depending on the circumstances, we will set out at sunset or just after dinner in order to see the elusive Jaguars. You will also be given a full presentation on the Project’s work and objectives at our base station.

The Jaguar Safari tour is optional and is available at extra cost.

Overnight: Caiman Ecological Refuge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - Welcome to the Foz do Iguaçu

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Foz do Iguaçu.
Here you will be met by your local tour director at the airport and brought to the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, located inside the Brazilian Falls National Park.
The only hotel located within Brazil’s Iguassu National Park, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas enjoys an unrivaled location just a short stroll from the sensational waterfalls. Enjoy exclusive access to this magnificent evening, when the park is closed to others.
A former Portuguese colonial residence, this is one of the most inspiring hotels in Brazil. The classic ambiance is redolent of lazy days lounging on a veranda or beneath sub-tropical palms. The 5-star property allows guests to enjoy a cocktail by the swimming pool or play a game of tennis on the provided court, and also provides free WiFi. The Ipe Grill Restaurant provides a view of the pool and the Itaipu Restaurant provides a view of the falls. They serve a selection of international and local Brazilian cuisine.

Overnight: Belmond Das Cataratas

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Enjoy a Visit to the Iguassu Falls and the Bird's Park

After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Brazilian Falls and a visit to the beautiful Bird’s Park.
We will take a descending trail of the canyon, from where we can enjoy panoramic views of more than 240 falls. We will board a glass elevator, which takes us to a platform where more exquisite views will be revealed. Along with its “sister” park in Argentina, The Iguassu National Park forms the most significant remaining rainforest in the southern cone of South America, which along with the waterfalls has been declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Bird Park gives the opportunity to experience the flora and fauna firsthand. By following the trails through the forest, visitors will have the opportunity to closely spot native Brazilian bird species, some of which are classified as endangered.

Optional Helicopter tour
See the falls from above, on a helicopter ride. This exciting tour of 10 minutes, with lots of information and a unique opportunity to see the tri/border (Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay) and the famous Itaipú Dam and reservoir.

Overnight: Belmond das Cataratas

Meal Plan: B

Day 9 - Visit the Argentinian Falls National Park

After breakfast, check out and depart for a full day at the Argentinian Falls National Park followed by a transfer to Puerto Iguazu airport.
Depart from the hotel, and cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge with its lovely view of the Iguassu Canyon before heading towards the Iguaçu National Park in Argentina. At the entrance, a small train takes visitors on a tour through the park, making 2 stops: upper and lower circuit. Follow the walkways to the top of the waterfalls that provide spectacular and unique views of the ‘Cataratas’, amidst the abundant nature filled with orchids, colorful birds, and other wildlife. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the suspended platform at the very brink of the Devil’s Throat – the largest of the waterfalls.
A fond farewell as you depart Foz do Iguaçu and Brazil.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B