Jewels of Brazil - Overland Trip

2 weeks: Rio De Janeiro to Salvador (IMT-LTJE)

Intro

Brazil is an astonishing mixture of experiences - on this trip you will feel that you have visited five different countries instead of just one. From the vast and mysterious Amazon rainforest to the urban bustle of Rio de Janeiro, set in one of the world\'s loveliest locations, from seeing the traditional way of life on a ranch in the wild Pantanal region to exploring the imposing Portuguese architecture of Salvador, Brazil has it all.

Group Size

Max 15

Activities

Wildlife spotting, walks and canoeing in the Pantanal and Amazon, piranha fishing, horse-riding and ranch activities in the Pantanal

Accommodation

7 nights hotels, 3 nights jungle lodge and 3 nights local fazenda in the Pantanal (twin or triple share rooms)

Transport

Plane, bus, boat, canoe

Flights

Rio to Iguazu, Iguazu to Campo Grande (via Sao Paulo), Campo Grande to

Manaus (via Sao Paulo), Manaus to Salvador (via Brasilia)

Airport Transfer

To hotel day 1

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides in Rio and Salvador, services of wildlife guides in the Amazon, local host and gauchos in the Pantanal

Entrance Fees

Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary

NOTE

You can finish your trip in Rio de Janeiro if you wish, flying back there unescorted on Day 14 and spending two nights in this fantastic city to round off your trip. If you wish to do this, please let your booking agent know at the time of booking.

Itineraries

Day 1,RIO DE JANEIRO

Arrive and transfer to hotel.

Day 2,RIO DE JANEIRO

In the morning we visit the landmark that has made this beautiful city internationally famous: the enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer. On our way back we explore the Tijuca Forest, the biggest urban forest in the world, spreading along the slopes of the Corcovado Mountain. (B)

Day 3,RIO DE JANEIRO - IGUAZU FALLS

Fly from Rio to Iguazu. The majestic Iguazu Falls, on the border between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, make for one of the most aweinspiring natural wonders in the world. Situated in the middle of the rainforest, some 275 individual cascades plummet over the cliffs and into the gorge below. This afternoon we visit the Brazilian side with our guide. (B)

Day 4,IGUAZU FALLS

Early in the morning we drive into Argentina to visit the Argentinian side of the falls. Returning to Brazil, the rest of the day is free to relax or visit the Foz de Iguazu National Park. (B)

Day 5,IGUAZU – PANTANAL

Fly from Iguazu via Sao Paulo to Campo Grande, the gateway for our journey to the Pantanal wetland area. Our host for the next three day will welcome us to his ‘fazenda’ (ranch). (BLD)

Day 6 to Day 7,PANTANAL

We have two full days in the Pantanal, a vast natural wetland paradise. There is time to explore on foot or go horse-riding with one of the local gauchos, as well as take a boat or kayak excursion. (BLD)

Day 8,PANTANAL – MANAUS

Return to Campo Grande and fly via Sao Paulo to Manaus, in the heart of the Amazon. The town became famous in the 19th century when the rubber trade boomed and the local rubber barons built lavish mansions and a remarkable opera house. (B)

Day 9 to Day 11,AMAZON EXCURSION

We journey into the Amazon, by bus and canoe, to our jungle lodge. We spend three nights here and have plenty of time to explore on foot and by canoe with our local wildlife guide. (BLD)

Day 12,AMAZON - MANAUS - SALVADOR

We return to Manaus and fly via Brasilia to the colonial city of Salvador, a picturesque place with a strong Portuguese and African influence. (B)

Day 13,SALVADOR

Discover the colonial heritage of the city with a walking tour in the morning. Rest of the day is free to explore or relax in the stunning beaches. (B)

Day 14,SALVADOR

Tour ends. (B)

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Last updated: 20th October 2009