Day 1 –  Arrival to Rio and transfer to Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve

Upon arrival at the airport in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met by an Earth Trip representative and transferred to the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve. Regua boasts an extensive network of trails that lead through some of the best-preserved areas of the Atlantic Forest, winding past restored floodplains, pristine rivers, and waterfalls that remained untouched until just a few years ago. The trails provide excellent birdwatching opportunities, making this one of the most accessible places in the Atlantic Forest to observe a wide variety of bird species.

The journey from Rio de Janeiro to REGUA takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a local guide who specializes in birdwatching and has in-depth knowledge of the trails. Together, we’ll determine the most suitable trails to explore, considering the current local conditions.

Mid-range

Brazil Holidays • Brazil

Regua Lodge

The Lodge, opened in 2004, offers ten suites in a relaxed setting within Brazil's Atlantic Forest....

• Board Includes:
• Dinner

Day 2 – Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve

After breakfast, you will spend the day exploring Regua’s extensive network of trails, immersing ourselves in the incredible wildlife of the Atlantic Forest. These trails lead through some of the best-preserved areas, passing restored floodplains, pristine rivers, and untouched waterfalls. The region is renowned for its exceptional bird watching opportunities, offering one of the easiest chances to spot a wide variety of bird species in the Atlantic Forest.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to Rio de Janeiro, a journey of about one hour. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.

Mid-range

Brazil Holidays • Brazil

Windsor Excelsior Copacabana

Convenience and refinement by the ocean for those who want to enjoy unique moments in the...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 3 – Corcovado and the Tijuca Forest

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we will start our day with a visit to Corcovado Peak and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Setting out early, we’ll beat the crowds and increase our chances of enjoying clear views. Our journey begins with a drive to the base of Corcovado, where we’ll board a train that ascends through the lush Tijuca Forest, providing a scenic ride surrounded by vibrant greenery.

Standing 710 meters above sea level, Corcovado Peak is one of the most famous mountains in the world, crowned by the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, a 38-meter-high masterpiece recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. From the summit, we’ll take in breathtaking panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro.

After soaking in the scenery, we’ll return to the base and head to Rio’s revitalized port area for a delightful lunch at Cais do Oriente, a renowned restaurant set amidst charming gardens.
(Lunch is included; drinks are not.)

In the afternoon, we will explore Tijuca Forest National Park, home to the world’s largest urban forest. Highlights include a stop at Vista Chinesa, a picturesque gazebo offering stunning views of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Guanabara Bay, and Sugarloaf Mountain. We’ll also visit the Cascatinha Waterfall, pass by the historic Mayrink Chapel, and stop at the Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s unique ecosystem and history.

Mid-range

Brazil Holidays • Brazil

Windsor Excelsior Copacabana

Convenience and refinement by the ocean for those who want to enjoy unique moments in the...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 4 – Rio de Janeiro → Chapada dos Guimarães

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport dor your domestic flight to Cuiabá.

Upon arrival, you will be met by another English-speaking guide and begin our transfer to Chapada dos Guimarães, located approximately 75 kilometers from the city. During the drive, we’ll admire the stunning landscapes, including views of striking sandstone cliffs, before arriving in the charming town of Chapada dos Guimarães to check in to our accommodations.

After settling in, we’ll head out for a breathtaking sunset tour at Alto do Céu lookout. From this vantage point, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the vast plains bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. Following this serene experience, we’ll return for an overnight stay.

Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, established in 1989, is celebrated for its natural beauty and ecological significance. The park features Brazil’s largest sandstone cave, the iconic Bridal Veil waterfall, striking orange cliffs, and pristine rivers. Its diverse environments are home to unique flora and fauna of the Cerrado biome. The park also plays a critical role in protecting the headwaters of the Cuiabá River, a key tributary of the Pantanal within the Upper Paraguay River Basin.

Mid-range

Brazil Holidays • Brazil

Pousada do Parque

The natural grandeur of Chapada dos Guimarães justified the creation, in 1989, of the National Park...

• Board Includes:
• Dinner

Day 5 – Chapada dos Guimarães

Today you will have the day at leisure to explore the surroundings.

Pousada do Parque offers various self-guided trails to allow visitors direct contact with nature. The trails vary from easy and medium difficult level trails. They take you to the observation tower (550m distance), seasonal waterfall from December to July (380m distance), sandstone formations (450m distance), arqueologic site with rock paintings (1,3 Km distance), in addition to the primary woods trails (1,5 Km distance) with old large trees and endemic vegetation. Moreover, the lodge has catalogued local bird species found in the area, a highlight for many visitors.

Mid-range

Brazil Holidays • Brazil

Pousada do Parque

The natural grandeur of Chapada dos Guimarães justified the creation, in 1989, of the National Park...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 6 – Chapada dos Guimarães → Transpantaneira, North Pantanal

You’ll spend your final morning at Pousada do Parque, soaking in the beauty of the Cerrado biome before checking out and beginning our journey to the Pantanal. The drive to our next destination takes approximately three hours. While lunch is not included, we’ll make a stop along the way to enjoy a meal.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Pousada Piuval, the first and largest ranch located along the iconic Transpantaneira road. After settling in, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge and have the rest of the evening to relax at our leisure.

Superior

Brazil Holidays • Brazil

Pousada Piuval – Pocone

The best way to ensure great accommodation during your visit to the Pantanal is with Pousada...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 7 – North Pantanal

Today you have an early morning start at 5am in time to watch the sunrise and appreciate the spectacular flora and fauna followed by hiking in non-deciduous forest looking for animals. This will also provide an excellent opportunity for wildlife photography. In the afternoon we will go on a boat ride until sundown expecting to see Monkeys, Coatis, Otters and a variety of birdlife.

Superior

Brazil Holidays • Brazil

Pousada Piuval – Pocone

The best way to ensure great accommodation during your visit to the Pantanal is with Pousada...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 8 – Transpantaneira → Port Jofre

You may want to take an early morning walk before breakfast to witness the Pantanal come alive at sunrise. After breakfast, you’ll continue your journey along the Transpantaneira road, heading toward Porto Jofre.

Porto Jofre, located in the northern Pantanal, is a remote and captivating destination known for its vibrant wildlife and unspoiled natural beauty. Nestled along the Cuiabá River, this small settlement serves as a gateway to the world’s largest tropical wetland, offering unmatched opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

One of the main attractions of Porto Jofre is the chance to see jaguars in their natural habitat. The Pantanal is home to the highest concentration of jaguars in the world, and the area around Porto Jofre provides one of the best opportunities to spot these majestic creatures. You may see them lounging along riverbanks, hunting caimans, or swimming across the channels—boat safaris are the perfect way to get close to them.

In addition to jaguars, Porto Jofre is teeming with wildlife, including giant otters, capybaras, toucans, macaws, and many other bird and mammal species. The region’s lush landscapes, a mosaic of rivers, lakes, and forests, offer an extraordinary backdrop for wildlife photography and eco-tourism. Visiting Porto Jofre will be an unforgettable experience, immersing you in the raw beauty of the Pantanal.

Superior

Brazil Holidays • Brazil

Hotel Porto Jofre – Pantanal

Since 1984, a pioneer and only hotel in the Pantanal located at the end of the...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 9 – Port Jofre

After breakfast, your first adventure will be a boat ride along the Cuiabá River. Boat trips are a fantastic way to observe giant river otters up close, which is often one of the highlights of visitors’ trips to Brazil. During the dry season (July – October), you may even spot jaguars lounging on the exposed river beaches—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience! Other wildlife commonly seen along the river includes capybaras and caimans. Birdwatching is also excellent, with frequent sightings of kingfishers, egrets, storks, herons, and terns.

You’ll spend the day with both morning and late afternoon boat outings, exploring the rivers and streams. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Hotel Porto Jofre for dinner and an overnight stay.

Superior

Brazil Holidays • Brazil

Hotel Porto Jofre – Pantanal

Since 1984, a pioneer and only hotel in the Pantanal located at the end of the...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Days 10 – Port Jofre

On your second full day, you’ll again embark on both morning and late afternoon boat outings to explore the rivers and streams. The Cuiabá River and Piquirí River are your main routes as you intensively search for jaguars, giant otters, black-and-gold howler monkeys, brown capuchin monkeys, yellow anacondas, black skimmers, hyacinth macaws, red-and-green macaws, capybaras, Paraguayan caimans, and many other wildlife species. As water levels allow, you’ll also venture into smaller side channels to further your exploration.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Hotel Porto Jofre for dinner and an overnight stay.

Superior

Brazil Holidays • Brazil

Hotel Porto Jofre – Pantanal

Since 1984, a pioneer and only hotel in the Pantanal located at the end of the...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 11 – Port Jofre → Alta Floresta

You’ll depart early in the morning (around 4 am) and drive to Cuiabá Airport for your flight to Alta Floresta.

Upon arrival in Alta Floresta, you’ll be transferred to Cristalino Jungle Lodge (approximately 1.5 hours), located in a private reserve in the southern part of the Brazilian Amazon. The lodge is surrounded by lush forest and the tranquil Cristalino River. Designed with architecture that harmonizes with the natural surroundings, it offers a serene space to relax and unwind after your adventure-filled activities. The bar, with its beautiful outdoor deck and fire pit, offers a perfect spot to enjoy the stars, while the restaurant serves authentic and delicious candlelit dinners.

During your stay, the expert guides at the lodge will invite you to participate in a variety of activities, such as canoeing, trail walks, visits to the observation towers, wildlife observation, and boat trips. Sometimes, you may combine activities like hiking and canoeing in a single excursion, while at other times, a boat ride will be required to reach certain attractions. The guides will work with the group to select the best activities, ensuring the best opportunities for wildlife sightings and immersion in the Amazon’s stunning environment.

Deluxe

Brazil

Cristalino Lodge – An Amazon Sanctuary

Come quickly, before the sun surges above the horizon. Go out in silence, accompanying the melody...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 12 –  Alta Floresta, Southern Amazon

During the canoeing activity, you’ll glide along the calm currents of the Cristalino River, where maintaining silence and calm will increase your chances of spotting bird species and monkeys, such as the crowned heron, tiger heron, kingfisher, and spider monkey. Hiking activities will help you better understand the tropical ecosystem, as the trails pass through various types of vegetation, including non-flooding evergreen forests, wetland forests, tropical campinarana, and highlands where deciduous forests predominate, with bare branches and stunning bromeliads in bloom during certain seasons.

For a truly unique Amazon experience, don’t miss a visit to the observation towers. The towering trees in the region, some reaching over 45 meters, provide excellent platforms to observe canopy-dwelling birds, such as tanagers, charlatans, macaws, parrots, toucans, and aracaris. With platforms at different levels of the forest, you’ll be able to appreciate the diverse layers of the ecosystem and enjoy breathtaking views from above the canopy, gazing out over an endless sea of green below.

Deluxe

Brazil

Cristalino Lodge – An Amazon Sanctuary

Come quickly, before the sun surges above the horizon. Go out in silence, accompanying the melody...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 13 – Alta Floresta, Southern Amazon

Boat trips, guided by our experienced experts, are a key part of the experience at Cristalino Jungle Lodge. Many of the trails are only accessible by boat, and during these trips, you’ll have the chance to observe a variety of wildlife along the rivers. One of the highlights is a visit to the Teles Pires River, where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset. The meeting of the Teles Pires and Cristalino Rivers creates a captivating visual display as their light and dark waters blend together in a fascinating contrast.

Deluxe

Brazil

Cristalino Lodge – An Amazon Sanctuary

Come quickly, before the sun surges above the horizon. Go out in silence, accompanying the melody...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 14 – Departure

After breakfast at the lodge, you will depart for the airport to embark on your journey home.