Highly recommend! Trip of a lifetime.
Brazil
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Jan 17 - Jan 25, 2025
Highly recommend! We just completed the trip of a lifetime, with the help of our wonderful travel planner Sara! Our itinerary was Bonito-Pantanal-Iguazu-Rio and I cannot say enough about the places we saw and the people who guided us. All of them were so deeply knowledgeable and gracious. We sought out the help because we knew we wanted to travel in the interior of the country and not knowing the language, we were not sure we could manage it on our own. It was the right call. Throughout the trip, Sara was always able to answer questions and provide reassurance.
Bonito: come for the snorkeling, stay for the lovely town. Our guide Gabby was fantastic, teaching us about the conservation efforts in the area and taking care of us like her own family members. She recommended the best restaurants and shopping. Turquesa is wonderful for vegetarians (and probably others as well!), as is Bonito Beer & Pizza. Udu Ceramica is a gem of a place -- if Bonito were our last stop rather than our first, I would have bought much more.
Pantanal: what a special place. Our guide Lillian is a naturalist extraordinaire, spotting birds and teaching us about the flora and fauna of the region. Pousada Aguape provided a unique experience we won't soon forget.
Iguazu: this place dwarfs anything you have ever seen. Our wonderful guide Diego took us past the long lines and right to the falls. You will appreciate not being in a large tour group! Stay at the Belmond (don't let anyone talk you out of it) and walk down to the falls in the evening. It is an unforgettable experience. Then treat yourself to dinner at Restaurant Y. You won't regret it.
Rio: an experienced guide makes all the difference! It was the end of our trip. We didn't want to deal with crowds, and Alberto knew just what to do. He took us to the Selaron steps first so the crowd was truly minimal, and then arranged for us to join a "Carnaval experience" tour, which taught us so much about this event (it's so much more than a parade!).
Hotel Reviews
Staying at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas was an extraordinary experience. It's the only hotel located inside the national park on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Despite the high cost, it was worth every penny for the convenience and the magical proximity to the falls. By residing here, we saved hours we would have spent commuting, avoiding lines and crowds. The ability to step out and walk the uninterrupted pathways directly to the falls was incomparable. Waking up and enjoying breakfast with the astonishing view from the hotel tower was an experience I'll never forget. It's definitely worth considering if you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Pousada Arte da Natureza in Bonito was the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Right after arrival, we could unwind easily with an on-site restaurant offering delicious meals and drinks. This setup allowed us to relax without any hassle when we first got there. A short distance from the downtown area, it provided a sense of peaceful seclusion. Our guide, Gabby, was phenomenal! On our trips, especially during the snorkeling activity, she took care of us like family, making the entire experience even more special.
Activity Reviews
Parque des Aves is such a special place. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the Atlantic rainforest.
Bonito is a lovely idyllic place! Our guide Gabby was absolutely fantastic, so knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, and the conservation efforts in the region. Buraco das Araras is not to be missed and the snorkeling is amazing!
Beautiful place. Our guide Lillian is an amazing naturalist, so knowledgeable and a wonderful teacher.
It made such a difference to have a personal guide. Diego knew where to take us so we could get the best views, and also enabled us to avoid crowds to the extent possible.
Fantastic! Not to be missed.
Our experience was good because our guide tailored it to our needs and preferences on that day.
At Pousada Aguape, I had an amazing time on the photo safari. Initially, birds weren't a particular interest, but the experience was illuminating! Guided by an expert, we encountered a plethora of birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. It became a beautiful and informative experience with unforgettable close encounters with nature in the Pantanal of South Pantanal region. We had a fantastic time with the friendly travelers we met there, making it truly memorable.
Hello Anita
It was a great pleasure for us to organize your trip and be part of it in some way.
I am fascinated by your detailed and enthusiastic review!
Every feedback is important to us and also to the next travelers who will rely on us to visit Brazil..
so thank you very much for taking the time to leave your travel story.
I wish you and your husband a peaceful return to your routine at home.
warm greetings
Sara