Pure Brazil

The trip packed a lot in to it so I would strongly recommend anyone thinking about this trip to add a few days to the start in Salvador (as I did) or to add some days at the end in Rio. The travel, with 7 internal flights is quite wearing but the rewards are amazing. Tremendous wildlife in the Amazon and Pantanal, great scenery at Iguaçu, the Amazon and Rio and a wonderful range of colour, culture, music and vibe in Salvador. Diego was an excellent leader, the group was very good, the transport and hotels were good and the whole experience totally unforgettable. A shame we had two days of rain in Rio, but who can control the weather ?

I booked this holiday as from my research it was the only one that really covered Brazil. I had originally thought that perhaps the wildlife side of the holiday might be a bit too much but I actually think the amount of time spent in the Amazon and Pantanal was perfect. Our tour guide was great, he made us all feel welcome and gave us good advice along the way. The only negative would be the flights. We all felt that direct flights would have been so much better. They were available but we felt this is where Explore was being cheap! One of the days we had to sit at the airport for 5 hrs!! If direct flights are an absolute no, then instead of sitting 5 hrs, perhaps the guide could have shown us around nearby!

We saw a wide range of wildlife from River Dolphins, Tapirs, Jaguars, Giant Anteaters, Giant Otters and many others, with the help of excellent local guides. Our tour leader Marcelo was excellent especially when dealing with the airline when one of our flights was cancelled.

It is a very tiring trip. My so of law did this trip nearly 20 years ago, he told me how tedious the fights are, I was all prepared. There's no way around, but you can elaborate about it, It is a big country especially for us from UK!!! We had a wonderful group, people make or ruin the well prepared trip (by you). Marcello was wonderful.