Brazil's Endangered Wildlife

14 days London to London

A rewarding 14 day small group or tailor made holiday to the wildlife rich Pantanal. Learn more about Hyacinth Macaws, Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot, Giant River Otters, Piranhas, Howler Monkeys... Also visit the Natural Aquarium, and Blue Lake Grotto.

Days 1 to 3. Rio de Janeiro [B, L, D (Days 2 & 3 only)]

Take the overnight flight to Rio, where you spend two nights. Enjoy the sights of this wonderful city and visit the Poco das Antes Biologic Reserve, home to the endangered Golden Lion Tamarin.

Day 4. North Pantanal [B, L, D]

Fly in the morning to Cuiaba and then travel by road into the heart of the Pantanal to Fazenda Santa Tereza for the night. Surrounding the lodge you may spot Spectacled Caimans, Giant Anteaters, monkeys, foxes and Capybaras. Birds here include Jabiru, Roseate Spoonbill, Southern Screamer, and Hyacinth Macaw. The lodge, located in the margins of the Pixaim River, is considered one of the best birdwatching sites in the northern Pantanal.

Days 5 & 6. North Pantanal [B, L, D]

After a morning of wildlife-viewing you head deeper into the Pantanal. Based at Jaguar Lodge for two nights, your time here will be spent bird and mammal spotting both during the day and at night. The more preserved inner lands of the Pantanal hide the largest populations of wild animals and huge flocks of birds. Monkey, Tapir, Ocelot, Margay, Puma (and perhaps Jaguar!) are all possible sightings during the day, whilst at night you may see owls, nightjars, armadillos, foxes and maybe even Manned Wolves.

Day 7. North Pantanal [B, L, D]

Take a boat trip along the river this morning searching for Jaguars and other animals. Between June and October the chances of observing wildlife increase considerably as it is dry season in the Pantanal. Howler Monkeys are abundant in the trees, Capybaras, Tapirs and even Spectacled Caimans may indicate Jaguars nearby. Return to Fazenda Santa Tereza for the night.

Day 8 to 10. South Pantanal [B, L, D]

After a short flight you drive to the southern reaches of the Pantanal where you stay at San Francisco Farm for three nights. Although no one can guarantee Jaguars sightings in the wild, this is one place where your chances of seeing one are maximized. During the dry season here they generally have a 25% success rating - which in terms of Jaguars is pretty high! You will visit the nearby Hyacinth Macaw project and have the opportunity to travel by boat through the Pantanal's watery channels fish for piranhas or even go horse riding.

Day 11 & 12. Bonito [B, L, D]

Depart the Pantanal and head for Bonito by road where you spend the next two nights. In the afternoon visit the Natural Aquarium to snorkel on the surface of a river which is said to have transparent water in the world. If time permits you will visit a nearby research centre to learn about conservation efforts and research activities of Brazil's endangered species.

On day 12 you visit Blue Lake Grotto one of the largest flooded cavities in the world. With luck you may see Spectacled Caimans, Anacondas or perhaps Giant Otters. Return to Bonito via the incredible Macaw's Crater, a huge depression in the ground, which his home to a large macaw population.

Day 13 & 14. Homeward [B]

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Sao Paulo or Rio and connecting overnight flight to the UK.