Kathy Sharpe and family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN PANTANAL AND EXPLORE THE CAIMAN ECOLOGICAL REFUGE
Your trip begins in the wild Pantanal Reserve. Arrive at Campo Grande airport and be transferred to Pantanal by car for the approximate 3.5-hour drive. If you prefer, take a 45-minute flight via a small private plane.
Encompassing rivers, lakes, marshes, floodplains, and streams, the Pantanal Reserve is home to myriad exotic wildlife species, including jaguars, hyacinth macaws, giant anteaters, capybara, and caiman.
Once at your accommodation, the Caiman Ecological Refuge, enjoy the treasure of the surrounding fauna and flora in this 53-thousand hectare ranch.
Overnight Caiman Ecological Refuge
Day 2 - 4
THE PANTANAL
The next three days are dedicated to spending time doing the activities which interest you most. With the choice of two activities per day, you have plenty of incredible options to choose from.
Embark on a Jeep or photo safari to look for wildlife and absorb the amazing scenery, or take a walking safari around the lodge to explore interesting animals and plants. Explore the private ranch and visit the horse corral, school, and environmental research center onsite.
For the adventure enthusiast, canoe into the wetlands and look for wildlife before admiring the Brazilian sun setting on the horizon.
You also have a choice to participate in the optional night safari to explore the Pantanal and its nocturnal animals.
Overnight Caiman Ecological Refuge
Day 5
THE PANTANAL – BONITO – HIKE THE BOCA DA ONCA ECOLOGICAL TRAIL
Today you’ll embark on the next step of the journey. Depart the Pantanal and be privately transferred to Bonito, stopping at Boca da Onca en route.
Stretch your legs on the Boca da Onça Ecological Trail, roughly a 4.5-mile hike through this preserved rainforest, crossing over 10 waterfalls including the stunning Boca da Onça waterfall – the highest in the state. Cool off in the natural pools and swim in the refreshing Salobra River. The Rio Salobra Ecological Trail then continues on for further views of the falls and the Bodoquena Mountain Range.
Use the rest of the journey to Bonito to unwind before arriving at the Blue Tree Zagaia Resort. If you still have energy, explore the resort’s gardens and trails. There is also a lake of storks, pools, and recreational courts. For dinner, savor the special cuisine and tradition of the Kadiwéu people.
Overnight Blue Tree Zagaia Resort
Day 6
BONITO – MYSTERIOUS LAGOON
After breakfast, visit Rio da Prata for a unique snorkeling and scuba diving tour in its strikingly clear waters. Look out for numerous fish species in addition to other wildlife in this interesting ecosystem.
Afterward, swim in one of the deepest caves in Brazil, Lagoa Misteriosa — also known as Mysterious Lagoon — which is believed to be more than 720 feet deep. The cobalt blue lagoon is full of transparent water with visibility up to 130 feet. The day will begin by walking along a short interpretive trail through the forest before accessing the inviting water via 179 steps.
Overnight Blue Tree Zagaia Resort
Day 7
BONITO – CAVE RAPPELLING AND SNORKELING
After breakfast, depart for Abismo Anhumas — one of the most sensational caves in the Anhumas Valley — for a day of snorkeling. The base of the cave is accessed by a 230-foot rappel, an entirely safe technique which involves a descent down ropes. You will be with highly-trained instructors and monitors to ensure your safety. The rappelling takes you to a floating deck over a lake of crystal clear water where you can snorkel or scuba dive among the cave’s impressive formations.
If you’re interested in this activity, you will receive rappelling training the night before your descent so you can become comfortable with the equipment and safety precautions.
Overnight Blue Tree Zagaia Resort
Day 8
BONITO – RIO DE JANEIRO
After breakfast, there will be a 3.5-hour private transfer to Campo Grande to board your flight to Rio de Janeiro. A private transfer will be waiting to bring you to your hotel, which overlooks the sea.
Bathe in the magnificent hotel pool, and enjoy a drink in the Bar do Copa. The hotel’s restaurants are destinations in themselves, for great local dishes or fine Italian dining in the Hotel Cipriani Restaurant.
Overnight Belmond Copacabana Palace
Day 9
RIO DE JANEIRO – CORCOVADO MOUNTAIN AND VOLUNTEERING
Visit Corcovado Mountain, home of Rio’s most iconic landmark, Christ the Redeemer. The statue is one of the most important symbols of Rio de Janeiro and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Admire the monument’s size, and take in the impressive, panoramic view of the city.
Afterward, head to the neighborhood of Santa Teresa, located in the old part of Rio de Janeiro. Santa Teresa is a charming area where local artists live and exhibit their art.
You will then travel to the outskirts of the Favela of Pereira da Silva in Southern Rio to spend some time with the Morrinho Project. The Morrinho Project is a social and cultural program that aims to communicate the reality of living in Rio’s favelas. The mediums of film, plastic arts, theatre, and music are all used to express life as they know it.
Overnight Belmond Copacabana Palace
Day 10
RIO DE JANEIRO — CULTURE AND SAMBA
After breakfast, transfer to Sugar Loaf Mountain, a trademark of Rio de Janeiro. A cable-car will bring you to views of the entire Guanabara Bay, the Corcovado and Rio-Niteroi Bridge, Copacabana Beach, Santa Cruz Fortress and some beaches of Niterói. A sight not to be missed!
Next stop is Olympic Boulevard, a revitalized area comprised of Porto Maravilha, the Praça Mauá, Orla Conde and Praça XV. It is a 2-mile strip which was the cultural epicenter of the Rio 2016 Olympics. You can see the famous “Ethnicities” mural by Eduardo Kobra, the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow), the Mosteiro de São Bento (São Bento Monastery), the M.A.R. (Rio de Janeiro’s Art Museum), and much more.
This afternoon, participate in a unique opportunity to see into Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival world – the biggest and the most famous event in Brazil. There are over 90 samba schools and thousands of professional musicians, choreographers, dancers, craftsmen, Samba Masters and producers involved in making the event happen each year. During this tour, you’ll go backstage to one of the 12 premier league samba schools and learn a little about the samba history, taste a caipirinha, and if you’re interested, try on some traditional Carnival Samba costumes!
Overnight Belmond Copacabana Palace
Day 11
RIO DE JANEIRO – FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Today you will fly from Rio to the island of Fernando de Noronha off Brazil’s northeast coast, where deep blue waters and white sand beaches will be waiting for you. As the area has been declared a national maritime park, only 420 visitors are allowed at any one time.
Upon arrival into Fernando de Noronha, your private transfer will take you to your accommodation. Enjoy a free afternoon in this land of rugged landscapes, rushing waterfalls, and natural pools.
Overnight Pousada Maravilha
Day 12 - 14
FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Enjoy these free days to enjoy this marine wonderland retreat as you wish. Discover the unspoiled white beaches and waters teeming with colorful fish, dolphins, and turtles, or book an excursion to see more of these enchanting islands.
Hike down the Costa dos Mirantes trail to scenic viewpoints over the water to spot dolphins. Sail through the UNESCO-listed Fernando de Noronha Archipelago on a catamaran, stopping at a selection of the 21 islands for swimming and snorkeling. For an even more relaxing experience, take a boat cruise around Fernando de Noronha at sunset for striking views of Praia da Conceição and Morro Dois Irmãos.
Overnight Pousada Maravilha
Day 15
FERNANDO DE NORONHA – 4WD TOUR
Take part in an optional Private Island Tour, covering the entire island in a 4WD visiting the main beaches, natural pools, historic sites, and stunning lookouts. The day will end with a beautiful sunset. This tour is perfect for those who want to visit the best points of the island, including stops to enjoy beach swims, snorkeling, and lunch.
Overnight Pousada Maravilha
Day 16
Departure
Departure day. Transfer to the airport to connect with your flight to either Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo and your flight home!
