Brazil City, Rainforest & Wetland Adventure: Rio de Janeiro, the Amazon & North Pantanal - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Free Time at Copacabana Beach

Welcome to the second-most-populated city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro! Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Copacabana, one of the liveliest neighborhoods in the city. You can stay in to relax and fight off jet lag or venture out to explore on your own. Head to the nearby Copacabana Beach to lay on the golden sand and swim in the Atlantic Ocean. When you get hungry, stop one of the many vendors walking by with delicious street food to sample dishes like fried cheese, empanadas, or grilled corn. Wash it all down with Brazil's national cocktail, a caipirinha.

Stay to watch the sunset over the water, then return to your hotel to get ready for a night on the town. Copacabana has a plethora of beachside bars and clubs, offering a mix of electronic music, live bands, and traditional Brazilian tunes. But if you want a more exclusive experience, head to the upscale district of Leblon to visit one of the chic lounges or stylish clubs. After enjoying a fun night out, return to the hotel to rest. 

Day 2: Full-Day Guided Tour of Rio de Janeiro

After breakfast, set off on a full-day tour of the city, starting at the summit of Corcovado Mountain to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding water before taking in the colossal statue of Jesus Christ extending his arms in a welcoming embrace. Head to Sugarloaf Mountain next and take a cable car to the summit. When you arrive at the top, enjoy views of the statue and mountain you just left and Copacabana Beach.

Day 3: Schooner Cruise to Restinga da Marambaia

Wear your bathing suit and head to the pier for a leisurely schooner cruise to Restinga da Marambaia, a pristine island nestled between the lush Atlantic Forest and the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. On the way, stop for a quick swim in Sepetiba Bay before arriving at the fishing village of Itacuruçá. Disembark and take a stroll around the village to see the expansive beaches, colorful houses, and dense vegetation. Keep an eye out for vibrant parrots in the trees or elusive turtles on the beach, then enjoy a delicious lunch. After a day on the island, return to your hotel in Rio for the night.

Day 4: Visit the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden 

After a delicious breakfast, set off for the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, established in 1808. This massive garden, spanning over 140 acres (56 ha), is home to over 7,000 species of plants, including rare orchids, towering cactuses, and carnivorous plants. The centerpiece, a grand avenue of royal palms, leads the way to the greenhouse full of tropical plants from around the world. As you walk around the garden, take in the reflective ponds, burbling fountains, and historical structures, like the Victoria Regia water lily pool with leaves big and strong enough to hold a child. 

Don't forget to look up at the trees, as monkeys and colorful birds also reside in this peaceful sanctuary. Once you've explored the garden, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You can return to Copacabana Beach to relax on the sand or discover Copacabana Fort at the southern end of the beach. Explore the well-preserved military fortress, dating back to the 20th century, to see the bunkers, cannons, and panoramic views of the beach from the terrace. When you get hungry, end your day at Copacabana Night Market to browse the array of street food, fresh fruits, and juices.

Day 5: Helicopter Tour over Rio, Fly to Manaus

Get ready to see Rio from a different perspective this morning, as you set off on a 30-minute helicopter ride above the city. As you ascend, the city's iconic landmarks, like Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, come into view. Admire the geographical beauty of the city, with its lush greenery, jagged mountains, and vibrant neighborhoods.

After a whirlwind ride, return to your hotel to pack your bags, as you have a domestic flight to Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas, in the afternoon. Meet your driver outside the airport to transfer to your hotel, where you can relax for the rest of the night.

Day 6: Transfer to the Amazon, Buffet Lunch, Speedboat Tour

Get ready for an early wake-up call as you leave the hotel to start the 3.5-hour journey to the Amazon Turtle Lodge. Head to the Port of Ceasa and jump in a speedboat to the Encontro das Águas, the point where the Negro and Solimões rivers converge to form the Rio Amazonas. Watch as the dark waters of Rio Negro flow beside the sandy hues of the Solimões without mixing and look out for the curious river dolphins that frequent the area. Disembark and drive 40 minutes to the Rio Araça to jump back in a boat for the 50-minute ride to the lodge.

Cruise past native villages and an abundance of wildlife, such as alligators and monkeys. When you arrive at the Amazon Turtle Lodge around midday, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with freshwater fish and exotic fruits from the Amazon. When you're refueled, hop in a speedboat to discover the area. Listen as the guide teaches you about the local flora and fauna, and keep an eye out for glimpses of toucans, macaws, river otters, and even sloths if you're lucky. Cruise past hidden lagoons and dense jungle landscapes to return to the lodge, where you can relax for the rest of the evening.

Day 7: Watch the Sunrise over the Amazon River, Jungle Trek

Wake up before dawn to watch the Amazon come alive at sunrise. Perched along the banks of the river, the lodge offers an obstructed view of the awakening rainforest. Watch as the first rays of light pierce through the dense canopy of trees and transform the horizon into warm hues of pink, orange, and gold. Once the sun has fully risen, return to the lodge for breakfast, and put on your hiking shoes as you set off on a jungle trek next. Follow your guide through the dense forest and listen as they teach you about the thriving ecosystem. 

Immerse yourself in the experience by learning how to climb trees, use vines as ropes, and find water and food in the wild. Return to the lodge to refuel with a delicious lunch, then jump in a canoe to explore the area from the water. As you paddle, look for colorful birds flying ahead or playful monkeys following along on the shore. Get up close and personal with remote corners of the jungle that are inaccessible by other means. After an action-packed day, head back to rest and enjoy dinner. 

Day 8: Visit a Traditional Caboclo Village, Fish for Piranhas, Canoe Ride

Get ready for another early morning as you set off to a traditional Caboclo village. Meet the Caboclo community, a group of people with mixed Indigenous Brazilian and European ancestry, and learn about their customs and culture. Watch as they demonstrate traditional practices like fishing, crafting, and cultivating the land, and immerse yourself in the experience by collecting your own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and Brazil nuts. Sit down to enjoy a meal made with the ingredients you gathered, then join some of the villagers for piranha fishing in the afternoon.

Jump in a boat and navigate the intricate waterways equipped with your simple fishing gear. Attach your bait and cast your line into the water, waiting patiently for a bite from the fierce carnivore. Take your catch back to the village and sit down to enjoy a feast with the Caboclo people.

After dinner, jump in a canoe to look for wildlife, like the alligators who like to come out at night. With the help of your guide, you can catch an alligator with your bare hands, but those who don't want to get so up close and personal with these predators can just take pictures from the boat before returning to the lodge for the night.

Day 10: Transfer to North Pantanal via the Transpantaneira Highway 

Trade the city for the largest tropical wetland in the world this morning as you start the three-hour drive to North Pantanal. Follow the Transpantaneira Highway north, passing winding rivers, quaint villages, and diverse flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for anteaters or capybara meandering through the grass. When the road gives way to the Pantanal's vast wetlands, you've arrived. Settle into your base for the next few days, a fazenda, a traditional plantation found throughout the country, then sit down to enjoy dinner as a group.

Days 11-12: Jeep Safari, Canoe Ride, Sunset Horseback Ride & Night Safari

Spend the next two days discovering the wetlands, starting with a Jeep safari along the Transpantaneira. Navigate through the landscape, looking out for caimans sunning on the riverbanks or capybara grazing in the grass. After exploring by land, jump in a canoe to paddle down the river. The slow, rhythmic movement of the canoe allows for a deeper connection with the lush environment, as a motor would disrupt the tranquil atmosphere. Look out for colorful birds flitting between the reeds or more caimans gliding stealthily through the water, as there are an estimated 10 million in the region. 

End the day with a horseback ride, the region's typical transportation, to see the sunset. Watch as the sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow over the vast wetlands, while your horse traverses the open plains and meandering waterways. When darkness falls, venture into the forest to look for the nocturnal animals that live here. Listen to the chirps of insects and the rustling of unseen creatures as you look out for the glowing eyes of owls, ocelots, or anteaters. After an action-packed day, return to the fazenda to rest.

Day 13: Boat Safari in North Pantanal to Find Jaguars

After a cup of coffee to start the day, transfer 62 miles (100 km) to Porto Jofre. On the way, stop to enjoy a picnic breakfast and look out for alligators and capybaras. When you arrive in Porto Jofre, jump in a boat to cruise along the Rio Cuiabá to find the elusive jaguar grazing on the vegetation along the shores. North Pantanal is one of the best places in the world to see this majestic creature, as the region has the highest density of jaguars in the Americas. 

As you cruise, look out at the lush flora of the riparian forest. The towering centennial trees are home to playful monkeys and exotic birds, so keep an eye out. Don't forget to look in the water, as river otters, anacondas, and caiman may make an appearance as well. When the star of the show finally comes out, don't hesitate to get your cameras out to snap a shot of the graceful felines. After a day of wildlife spotting, return to Porto Jofre to check into your new hotel and relax.

Day 14: Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Evening Boteco Tour

It's time to say goodbye to the Pantanal region, as you return to the airport in Cuiabá for a 3.5-hour flight back to Rio de Janeiro. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can relax until it's time for your boteco tour. Boteco used to refer to a general store that sold food and alcohol. Today, a boteco is more of a bar, typically with a ton of outdoor seating. When it's time, meet your guide outside the hotel and venture to the lively Lapa district to hop from one boteco to another.

At each one, sample a variety of Brazilian cocktails, including the iconic caipirinha if you haven't had the chance to try one yet. While you drink, listen to the captivating sounds of live music, ranging from traditional samba to contemporary Brazilian tunes. Get up and immerse yourself in the music, as dancing outside a boteco is a must. Once you've had your fill of cocktails and danced your last night in Brazil away, return to the hotel to rest.

Day 15: Jeep Tour in Tijuca National Park, Depart Rio de Janeiro

Your last day in Brazil is sure to be a memorable one as you set off on a Jeep tour through Tijuaca National Park, nestled in the heart of the city. Drive along the winding paths surrounded by towering trees and dense foliage and listen as your guide shares insights into the rich biodiversity of the national park. When you're deep in the forest, leave the Jeep behind for an hour-long hike through the greenery. Look out for sloths slowly climbing up trees, monkeys swinging from branch to branch, or exotic birds flying overhead.

Follow your guide to some of the park's best viewpoints to enjoy panoramic views of iconic landmarks, like Ipanema Beach or the shimmering Guanabara Bay. Continue to Cachoeira dos Macacos, a crystal-clear waterfall cascading into a natural pool below. Relax on the shores, letting the sound of the rushing water wash over you, before returning to the Jeep along the same path. After the tour, return to the hotel to grab your bags, then transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!