Rio, Pantanal & Jaguar Safari - 8 days

Welcome to Rio! On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel by an English-speaking driver. The rest of your first day is at leisure.

Tour Style: The included Rio de Janeiro city tour is conducted on a shared basis, meaning you will be joined by other travellers. For your 5-night stay at an eco-lodge in the Pantanal, you will also be joined by other travellers and included activities and excursions will be on a shared basis. Your tour in Rio de Janeiro will be led by a bi-lingual (English & Spanish speaking) local guide, whilst an English-speaking local team of experts will look after you in the Pantanal.

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel at approximately 8:00 for a full day of included sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro. You will start by riding the train to the summit of Corcovado Mountain, passing through the tropical Tijuca Forest. You will be greeted at the top by one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Christ the Redeemer. Marvel at this incredible monument and enjoy panoramic views over Rio.

Next, you will pass by the Maracana Stadium en route to the Sambadrome and the imposing Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. You can snap a photo at the iconic Selaron Steps before enjoying an included lunch at a traditional Brazilian churrascaria. The day ends with a memorable ride on the cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain. You will be transferred back to the hotel at approximately 17:30, and the evening is yours to head out and explore.

Today you have a full free day for sightseeing, relaxing on Copacabana Beach or making the most of the facilities at the hotel.

Alternatively, you can join one of these available excursions:

Hiking to Pedra Bonita (private excursion): Embark on a hike to one of Rio de Janeiro’s most breathtaking viewpoints, Pedra Bonita, which is nestled in the Tijuca Forest National Park. An easy hike will take you to the summit at 695 metres, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Pedra da Gavea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Rocinha Favela, and the distant Sierra dos Dois Irmaos. To the west, you’ll see the stunning Barra da Tijuca, a rapidly developing and modern neighbourhood.

Carnival Experience (shared excursion): Go behind the scenes of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival with an exclusive tour. Visit the City of Samba, where the renowned samba schools create their magnificent floats and colourful costumes. Explore the Rio Grande Samba School Factory, gaining insight into the craftsmanship, choreography, and the dedication of everyone involved in bringing the parade to life - musicians, dancers, designers, and more. In the exhibition hall, discover the history of samba and the iconic schools that have shaped it. Try on authentic costumes for a photo opportunity, and enjoy a samba class to learn the basic dance steps. The experience concludes with a refreshing Brazilian cocktail.

Boat Tour of Guanabara Bay (private transfer, shared excursion): Enjoy a scenic 2-hour boat tour filled with captivating stories, stunning landscapes, and striking modern architecture, offering a unique perspective of Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro - Cuiaba (Pantanal). Check out after breakfast for your included transfer to the airport. Your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Cuiaba is not included - we can assist with booking this flight.

On arrival, transfer to your eco-lodge in the remote wilderness of the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. As you plunge into the wilderness for around 32km, you will stop whenever you come across anything of note, including natural features or interesting wildlife. Arriving at the lodge, a local guide will take you on an introductory walk around the area. See the Great Egret Lookout, an observation tower, and marvel at the clear night skies overhead, with no light pollution to dilute your view of the stars. Spend your first night in the Pantanal.

Please note: The program of activities in the Pantanal is subject to change dependent on weather conditions - the staff at the lodge will always ensure you are given the best chance to see the Pantanal's unique wildlife.

Your first full day of exploring the Pantanal begins with a drive towards the Clarinho River - keep your eyes peeled for capybaras, giant anteaters, coatis and all manner of birdlife. Reaching the river, embark on a canoe paddle downstream, reaching a known colony of giant river otters, or "ariranhas". Sightings cannot be guaranteed but hopefully you will be able to see these playful creatures feeding their young and swimming strongly in the current. You will also have the chance to fish for piranhas, or if you prefer, laze in a hammock on the riverbank.

Back at the lodge, trek the Howler Monkey Trail and climb an observation tower in the hope of catching a glimpse of the monkeys - you are more likely to hear them before you see them, the clue is in the name! Return to the lodge for dinner, and then head out once more after dark in search of nocturnal creatures, including the elusive jaguar...

Today you will enjoy a memorable horse-riding experience, allowing you to reach some of the more flooded regions of the Pantanal, that cannot be reached on foot or by vehicle. The Pantaneiro horse is well used to this environment, and has even adapted to eat with its nose submerged underwater. After a short ride, you will return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, trek the Rondon Trail to another observation tower, this one in full view of the impressively large nest of the jabiru stork.

Spotting the Pantanal's top predator requires a keen eye, patience, and a lot of luck. You will be given the best chance possible to spot a wild jaguar today, as you embark on a 6-hour safari in the Pantanal, home to one of the biggest and most stable jaguar populations in the world.

Leaving the lodge after breakfast, you will make the 2.5 hour drive towards the Cuiaba River. Here, a known jaguar hotspot, you will board a boat to spend the day searching for this elusive big cat along the riverbanks. Listen carefully for its coughing roar, and keep your eyes fixed on the bank. A packed lunch is provided, and after hopefully spying a jaguar, you return to the lodge at around 17:00 for a final evening.

Pantanal - Cuiaba. If you wish, rise early to hear the awakening of the Pantanal at dawn. You leave the lodge after breakfast, returning to the airport in Cuiaba, where your touring arrangements come to an end. From Cuiaba, you can fly to most large Brazilian cities for your onward journey home.