The Best of Brazil

Days 1 to 3. Rio de Janeiro [B (Day 3 only)]

Depart on the overnight flight to Rio, where you spend two nights at the Rio International Hotel. Rio has a wonderful setting surrounded by beaches with Tijuca National Park on its outskirts. You will be able to visit the park as well as Corcovado to see the world famous statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Days 4 & 5. Iguazu [B]

A 2-hour flight takes you south to the border with Argentina and the Iguazu Falls. Set amongst lush tropical forest there are 275 waterfalls, which stretch for a total of three kilometres. Higher than Niagara and more impressive than Victoria Falls, the surrounding national park is home to over 2,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds and an array of mammals. Spend two nights at the Hotel Das Cataratas.

Hotel Das Cataratas is a colonial style hotel that overlooks the mighty Iguazu Falls with a total of 200 rooms, all of which are spacious and furnished to a high standard. Facilities available at the hotel include tennis courts, and an outdoor pool bar and restaurant. Hotel Das Cataratas is the only property on the Brazilian side of the falls that is able to offer such a high standard of service combined with an unrivalled location next to one of the true wonders of the world.

Tours are included to both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the falls.

Days 6 to 9. Pantanal [B, L, D]

Today you fly to Campo Grande where you will be met and transferred to Caiman Lodge. This comfortable lodge, four hours drive from the airport, will be your base for four nights. The Pantanal is a large open floodplain in the west of the country. The conditions are perfect for many migratory birds and it is the last stronghold of the Hyacinth Macaw, in fact the lodge is home to the headquarters of the Blue Macaw Project dedicated the birds preservation.

You may also see Great Blue Heron, Orangebacked Oriole, Horned Screamer, Keel-ridged Toucan and parakeets as well as Red, Green, and Blue-winged Macaws. The mammal possibilities include Black Howler Monkeys, Marsh Deer, Coatimundi, Black-capped Capuchin, Yellow Anaconda, Crab-eating Fox and both Greater, and Lesser Anteater.

There are a number of activities on offer at the lodge in addition to game-drives with expert naturalists. These include horse-riding, canoeing and numerous walking trails (all with expert local guides). It may also be possible to take part in a traditional Pantanal cattle drive along with guides and ranch workers.

Day 10. Sao Paulo [B]

Return to Sao Paulo for a night at L'Hotel.

Days 11 to 14. Amazon [B, L,(12 to 14 only) D]

Fly on to Manaus today, which is the starting point for your jungle adventure. Travelling by boat along the narrow and winding rivers you cruise deeper and deeper into what is the largest area of tropical rainforest anywhere in the world. Your home for four nights is the Amazon Village Lodge, 30 kilometres from Manaus. The mighty Amazon River which has over 1,000 tributaries holds over 20% of the planet's fresh water. In this environment you may see Pink River Dolphins, Giant Anacondas and Amazon Manatee. There are 2,000 species of fish and an equally astonishing number of birds and bats. Excursions here include caiman-spotting and wildlife walks along the jungle trails.

Days 15 to 17. Salvador [B, D]

Today you fly via Brasilia to the old colonial town of Salvador. Spend three nights at the resort of Praia do Forte. Set in beautifully landscaped grounds, the hotel is near to popular turtle breeding grounds and in season (May to December) you may see Green, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead Turtles. There are wonderful beaches here offering a relaxing sojourn at the end of your holiday.

Day 18 . Homeward [B]

Return to Salvador for the flight to Rio or Sau Paulo and home.

Day 19. Arrive home