Brazil Wildlife Holiday

Your wildlife adventure begins in the Pantanal, the largest continuous wetland in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This geographical melting pot incorporates the Amazon Forest, the Brazilian Savannah and the Atlantic Rainforest.

Your base, Caiman Lodge, is a lovely family-owned lodge which doubles as a working cattle ranch and comes complete with stylish accommodation, stunning landscapes and a swimming pool to cool off in. However, the big draw here is the opportunity to see jaguars, the Pantanal's most elusive species, up close. Join on-site biologists working on a Jaguar conservation project and head out to spot these majestic creatures on jeep safaris both during the day and at night.

During the rest of your stay you could also trek and canoe around the wetlands, and with the help of your expert naturalist guides, see tapirs, anaconda snakes and anteaters - as well as alligators and howler monkeys, and exotic birds such as scarlet macaws in the treetops.

After your adventures in the South Pantanal you'll fly north from Campo Grande to spend a night in Cuiaba before transferring to your next lodge in the North Pantanal tomorrow.

Compare and contrast your experiences in the South Pantanal with three days in the North. Stay at the relaxed and rustic Pousada Araras where your expert guides will help you spot a huge array of wildlife on guided activities throughout the day. Your options range from expert-led photography tours to active mornings trekking in the wetlands and peaceful afternoons spotting Giant River Otters from a canoe. For a really authentic Pantanal experience, join your guide to canter across the region on horseback, spotting rare birdlife as you go.

In the heat of the day, relax in a hammock and get some shut-eye before an action packed evening out on a jeep-safari. As you drive though the dark, look out for the eyes of caimans lighting up in the jeep's headlights and producing an impressive red reflex.

Today, head to the Cristalino forest reserve in Alta Floresta, which is one of the most wildlife-rich areas of the Brazilian Amazon: it’s home to hundreds of wildlife and birds, from tapirs and spider monkeys to forest falcons in the skies and giant otters in the Cristalino River.   Your hotel, Cristalino Lodge is only accessible by boat, and is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the surrounding jungle. Go hiking and canoeing, or indulge your passions with a birdwatching tour or a photography workshop. Fall asleep to the sounds of the river, wake up to the call of the howler monkeys, and in the evening, relax on the floating deck by the fire, and do some stargazing in the panoramic night skies.

Rio, with its iconic landmarks and infectious vibe, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop leading down to sweeping beaches, is simply one of the world’s most spectacular cities. Stroll along the famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, and take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with postcard perfect views over Rio.