Lovers of nature and exotic landscapes, welcome to paradise!
Discover the unique and lush ecosystems of Brazil!
An expertly crafted Discovery tour, for those who enjoy the beauty of planet Earth.
The Brazil Selection Discover Nature tour visits the most extraordinary landscapes in Brazil and reveals unique ecosystems often unknown to the general public due to their remote location or simply because they have not been thoroughly explored. For example, the Lençóis Maranhenses; a unique desert where the dunes, interspersed with lagoons of transparent rainwater, form a magnificent and enchanting spectacle.
On this tour, you will cross the country from one end to the other visiting and discovering places of exceptional natural beauty. You will get right up close to the impressive Iguaçu Water Falls and admire their majestic power in the midst of the jungle. Also, explore the urban greenery in Rio de Janeiro where nature is omnipresent, with miles of beaches, numerous spacious parks and the largest urban forest in the world – Tijuca.
You will also get the chance to visit some wild regions still practically untouched by Man, such as the jungle region of Manaus in the heart of the Amazon or Pantanal, the largest wetland in the world with the widest range of biodiversity on the planet.
The Discover Nature tour is an ideal choice if you want to do something different away from the classic tourist sites. In less than 2 weeks, you can discover the most famous places in Brazil as well as the most hidden natural gems, for a truly spectacular and unforgettable holiday!
On the Discover Nature Tour
visit :
Iguacu Falls
Pantanal
The Amazon Forest
Lençóis Maranhenses
Rio de Janeiro, the “Wonderful City”
Discover Nature Tour – Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 : Iguaçu / in
Visit the Falls from the Brazilian side with a guide (Macuco Safari Option).
Day 2 : Iguaçu/Pantanal
Visit the Falls from the Argentinian side with a guide, flight to Cuiabá and transfer to lodge at the Fazenda (farm).
Day 3 : Pantanal
Excursions suggested by the lodge, morning and afternoon.
Day 4 : Pantanal
Excursions suggested by the lodge for the afternoon.
Day 5 : Pantanal / Amazon
Excursions, transfer to Cuiabá and flight to Manaus, transfer to the Saint Paul hotel.
Day 6 : Amazon
Visit of Manaus with a guide and transfer to the Juma Lodge. Activities and excursions organized by the lodge.
Days 7 and 8 : Amazon
Stay at the Juma Lodge with full board (drinks not incl.) and various excursions and activities organised by the lodge.
Day 9 : Amazon / São Luís
Transfer and return to Manaus and flight to São Luís.
Day 10 : São Luís / Barreirinhas (Lençóis)
Transfer by road to Barreirinhas in the morning. Afternoon visit to the Lençóis Maranhenses.
Day 11 : Barreirinhas / São Luís
Free morning (Contact us for possible excursions). Road trip to São Luís in the afternoon.
Day 12 : São Luís / Rio
Visit São Luís in the morning, then transfer to airport and flight to Rio de Janeiro in the afternoon.
Day 13 : Rio de Janeiro
Guided visit of the Corcovado in the morning and Sugar Loaf mountain in the afternoon.
Day 14 : Rio de Janeiro / out
A free day to sight see with optional activities (contact us), transfer to Rio airport, end of our services.
Experience the true power of nature in Iguaçu and Pantanal!
Straddling the natural river border between Brazil and Argentina, the Iguaçu Falls are the largest in the world in terms of volume of water.
The enormous waterfalls of Iguaçu are listed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. With the roar of the falling water and the thousands of rainbows appearing in the mist surrounding 275 cascades, this unique natural site offers you an unprecedented multi-sensory experience.
In the middle of a luxuriant tropical forest, which is also a national park, you can observe this magnificent and hypnotising spectacle, from both the Brazilian side and the Argentinian side.
Access to the falls is via a network of paths and bridges that pass above the falls. The “Garganta del Diablo” bridge takes you as high as 90m to where the river falls into the abyss and you can enjoy the impressive view.
Next stop is the savannah and flooded plains of Pantanal in the centre-west of the country. The biggest terrestrial wetland in the world, this region is still scarcely inhabited by man and essentially untouched offering a unique discovery experience. Both land and aquatic animals live here in abundance, due to the extraordinary variety of plants, a favourable climate and little human impact.
There are safaris on foot, by vehicle, on horseback or by boat that can take you to see rare animals such as Jaguar, Giant anteater and the Maned wolf as well as many others living in this amazing environment.
You can also get up close up to hundreds of little Jacaré (alligators) by day or night and see hundreds of exotic birds, such as the famous Jabiru, the emblem of this region.
This immersion in a natural paradise also presents an ideal chance to connect with the locals by staying in guest houses on the local farms or fazendas that are several hundred hectares in size.
Explore the unseen world of the Amazon and Lençóis Maranhenses
The next stage will take you further into the Amazon. The world’s largest tropical forest is an absolute must if you have come to Brazil to see nature.
You will begin your Amazonian stage with a private visit of Manaus, accompanied by a guide who will reveal all the secrets of this incredible town. You will be dazzled by the amazing Belle Epoque theatre, the interesting floating jetties and the colourful market.
Then you will set off towards the Juma lodge, a small hotel in the jungle with 20 rooms, isolated in a totally preserved part of the rainforest. It consists of charming bungalows on stilts facing a beautiful, calm lake. On the way to the lodge (3hrs) by vehicle and boat, you will experience the “meeting of the waters” where the Solimões and Negro rivers meet to create the majestic and famous Amazon.
This is a rare and fascinating phenomenon where the two rivers flow side by side for tens of kilometres but don´t mix. You will then spend several days isolated in the heart of the Amazon jungle, a new world waiting for you to discover through excursions to see the many beautiful and natural sites. Fishing for piranha and getting up close and personal to alligators are some of the options available for the brave! You will leave with a totally different image of this complex and enchanting environment.
Lençóis Do Maranhão is the next stage of your tour. This vast natural park at the gates of the Amazon that resembles giant crumpled white bed sheets from the sky, is in fact a giant dune field dotted with thousands of rainwater lagoons. This is the combined result of the rains falling every year from March to May and the water-tight ground that traps the water on the sandy surface where it slowly evaporates under the hot tropical sun.
After venturing into the dunes, you will find it is totally deserted and you can experience magical moments; bathing in these natural swimming pools of fresh water, alone in the calm of this incredible landscape. You will be able to truly relax in this unique destination, walking bare foot and bathing in the clear waters. Top it off with a fabulous sunset over the desert, a rare and unique moment you will never forget!
To get to this other world, you pass through the regional capital Sáo Luís, then 4hrs. by road to the small town of Barreirinhas from where you will set off to explore this unique desert. On the way back you will get to visit this interesting town founded in 1612 by a French expedition from Cancale.
After having conquered the town, the Portuguese established a large and prosperous trading port here. The wealth created attracted many artists and the affluent traders lived in beautiful houses. These are listed as important and historic pieces of Portuguese colonial architecture.
Top it all off with the legendary Rio de Janeiro
Your tour comes to a majestic end in Rio de Janeiro. It has been the world’s samba capital for years, and as the most visited tourist destination in Brazil, the Fluminense capital is a must.
The “Zona Sul” is in fact one of the greenest urban areas in the world which is why it´s included on our Discover Nature Tour. Surrounded by the “morros” – small rounded mountains with their feet in the ocean, Rio is in a unique geographical setting especially when you consider the size of the city.
Sugar Loaf Mountain and its little brother Urca mountain that stand at the entrance to Guanabara bay and Corcovado are surrounded by the Tijuca forest. Atop these guardians of Rio you will be greeted with a breathtaking view of the “City of God.”
One always remembers a visit to Rio, where you can really feel the famous “joie de vivre” of its inhabitants, the “Cariocas.” Proof that you can reconcile nature and urbanism in a harmonious way, Rio is a city full of nature and simply amazing!
Discover Nature Tour – Detailed Itinerary
All transfers and excursions are provided by private companies except at the Juma Lodge
Day 1 : Iguaçu/ in
Transfer from Foz airport to Iguaçu (Brazilian side), your chauffeur will take you to the hotel you have chosen from our selection.
Afternoon, a guided visit of the Brazilian side of the falls.
There are two advantages to exploring the falls from the Brazilian side: The overall, panoramic view of the falls and their sheer size is better. Also, the Brazilian side offers a more natural view of the falls which makes for a more enchanting discovery of this incredible place.
Return and a free afternoon or the optional Macuco Safari (lasting 1hr45).
The Macuco Safari begins with a short ride in an electric car through the national park then 500m on foot to get close to and examine the local flora.
Protection and safety equipment are provided before you set off on your waterfall adventure going up the river in powerful zodiac RIB boats to get to the canyon and right under the falls. A thrilling experience that really gets your adrenaline pumping!
Return and night at your hotel.
Day 2 – Iguaçu/ Cuiabá
Brazilian buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, guided waterfall visit from the Argentinian side.
The Argentinian side of the falls is the most spectacular. On this side you can get right up close to the water, thanks to a network of footbridges.
Here you can see the most impressive drop called the ‘Devil’s throat.”
Transfer to the airport in the mid afternoon then flight to Cuiabá in Pantanal.
On arrival in Cuiabá your chauffeur awaits to take you to your hotel at the fazenda (ranch).
Night at the fazenda.
Day 3 : Pantanal – Fazenda
Brazilian buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
A day of activities: (3hrs in the morning & 3hrs in the afternoon) suggested by the guides depending on the season and the weather (either in a vehicle, on foot, by boat or horseback).
Dinner and night at the fazenda.
Day 4 : Pantanal – Fazenda
Brazilian buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
Daily activities organised by the ranch with professional guides. For example, photo safaris, (truck with a photo platform) hiking, horse riding and boat excursions. Activities are dependent on the season and on the weather.
Lunch and dinner at the ranch.
Day 5 : Fazenda / Cuiabá / Manaus
At dawn, you will set off to observe some of the incredible local wildlife. When you get back there will be breakfast and then transfer to Cuiabá airport.
Flight to Manaus.
On arrival in Manaus, your driver will transfer you to the Saint Paul hotel.
Check-in and night at the Saint Paul hotel.
Day 6 : Manaus / Juma Lodge
Brazilian buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
A guide will collect you and take you on a visit of Manaus. (3hrs)
You will discover the main monuments of the town, vestiges of the prosperous era when the rubber industry was thriving in this region. There is the court house, the Rio Negro palaces and the famous Amazonas theatre built in the mid 19th century and recently totally refurbished. This beautiful theatre has become the symbol of Manaus. Inside you will find a magnificent European style performance hall but with a characteristic Brazilian rococo touch.
You will also see the Mercado Municipal, a permanent market with literally piles of “cuia” for sale. These are small bowls for drinking tea, made from the fruit of the Cuiera tree. They are usually carefully painted with local designs or flower designs on a black background. An interesting market full of this kind of handicraft. The Mercado Municipal is a great opportunity to taste lots of new and different local forest foods as well.
Furthermore there is a local fish market that sells very exotic and delicous fish. There are enormous Pirarucu and the unusual Tambaqui with almost human-like teeth and the delicious Tucunare. Ideal for choosing what you want to eat later!
After returning to the hotel and having lunch, it’s off to the port to take a ferry for your transfer to the lodge. It’s a 3hr expedition to reach your destination in the heart of the jungle and the transfer itself is already an adventure. You will experience the “Encounter of the Waters,” the contrast between the dark but clear waters of the Rio Negro running alongside the lighter but murky waters of the Rio Solimoes, creating an unusual phenomenon in that they don´t mix for kilometres.
Once across the river you will take a vehicle and another boat before arriving at your lodge. Then you will go nocturnal alligator watching!
Dinner and night at lodge.
Days 7 & 8 : Juma Lodge
Brazilian buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
Full board and stay at Juma Lodge, including activities supervised by professional and passionate guides. (drinks not incl.)
We recommend the: Jungle excursions, canoe trips on the lake, piranha fishing, and visits to meet the local people. There are also interesting and informative workshops on life in the Amazon rainforest. The activities suggested depend on the season and they will really make your stay a memorable one.
Nights at the lodge.
Day 9 : Juma Lodge / Manaus / São Luís
Brazilian buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
End of your stay at the lodge and transfer to Manaus (3hrs) then transfer to the airport and flight to São Luís.
Arrival in São Luís, your chauffeur awaits to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 10 : São Luís / Barreirinhas
Brazilian buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, your chauffeur will come to take you to Barreirinhas, the small town from which you will set off to visit the famous Lençóis do Maranhão desert.
Along the way you will discover the typical landscapes of this region; buriti and carnauba plantations, which are two types of palm trees whose fruits, leaves and wood all have their uses. It is also an opportunity to see how the locals live and in particular the traditional houses constructed of clay and wooden trellises built along the road.
Arrival in Barreirinhas, and check-in at hotel.
In the Afternoon, you will set off in a 4X4 vehicle with driver and local guide to explore a landscape found nowhere else in the world! The Lençóis desert.
First you will cross the river on a ferry then after about 40 minutes along sandy tracks, you will arrive at the first dunes. From here, you continue on foot with your guide into the desert to the first lagoons (between May and October). You can walk barefoot and bathe whenever you like in the natural swimming pools of crystal clear waters. Do not miss the desert sunset which is always an unforgettable moment!
Return to the hotel for the night.
Day 11 : Barreirinhas/São Luís
Brazilian buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
Free morning to relax and enjoy the pousada’s services or go on an optional excursion.
We would recommend going down the Preguiças river to the mouth at Caburé in a motor canoe.
We can also organise a quad bike ride, a visit to a farinha, (house where they make the famous manioc flour the old fashioned way) or you can go down the Formiga river, also known as Cardoso. Aboard giant buoys, you can float down the river current accompanied by a guide.
After lunch, you set off by road for your transfer back to São Luís (4hrs). In São Luís, the driver drops you off at your chosen pousada.
Check-in and night at the pousada.
Day 12 : São Luís / Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning your guide will pick you up at the hotel for a walking tour of the historic district of São Luís.
They will take you along the cobbled streets of the old town, to learn of the Portuguese colonial architectural heritage, a vestige of the city’s bourgeois life in the 18th century. At the time it was called the “Paris of the Tropics” due to its intellectual and artistic abundance.
Afternoon, transfer to the airport in São Luís then flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to your hotel.
Check-in and night at hotel.
Day 13 : Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
Guided visit with vehicle and driver. (4hrs. in the morning & 4hrs in the afternoon). You will set off towards the Tijuca forest and the famous Corcovado, the mountain with the impressive statue of Christ the redeemer on top, the icon of the “Wonderful City”.
There is a funicular railway that takes you to the top and to the statue from where you can admire the whole city.
After lunch, you continue towards the other amazing view point in town, Sugar Loaf Mountain.
First you will go to the fashionable Urca quarter of town then take a first cable car to the praia Vermelho, a small beach hidden between the hills from where you will get to the top of Mount Urca at 224 metres high.
From here, you will take a second cable car to the very top at 395 metres. The view across the whole bay, Niteroi and the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches is absolutely breathtaking.
Night at the hotel.
Day 14 : Rio / out
Brazilian buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
The last day is free to do some last minute souvenir shopping before you go. However, you can ask for a guide for half a day and visit some other interesting places in Rio.
Transfer to the airport and end of our services.
Accommodation on the Nature Tour
Continental Inn (Standard)
The Continental Inn is a modern and comfortable hotel that has 111 rooms and 13 pleasant suites. It is located in central Iguaçu, close to all amenities so ideal for travelers.
Pools, gym, bars and children’s playroom make this hotel a great address for everyone. This is currently our best value for money in Foz de Iguaçu.
Hotel Bourbon das Cataratas Spa & Resort (superior)
This hotel is located at the entrance of the city but next to the Iguaçu Falls National Park. It is one of the best accommodation options in Iguaçu. It is set in a large garden and offers modern comforts as well as common areas and recreational facilities that can be expected from a hotel of this category.
Hotel Belmont das Cataratas (Luxe)
The best place to stay in Iguaçu. It faces the wonderful falls of Iguaçu, in the heart of the national park, in a beautiful green setting. It is managed by the Belmond chain, a pledge of luxury and excellence in service. The rooms are tastefully decorated in a colonial style and combine charm and comfort. An exclusive establishment in a breathtaking location.
Hotel Golden Tulip Cuiaba
The Golden Tulip Cuiaba Hotel is modern and comfortable. It is the only hotel offering international quality services in the region while ideally located less than one kilometer from the historic center and about ten minutes from the airport.
Perfect for a good night’s sleep to start a stay in the Pantanal energized and ready to go!
Pousada Rio Claro (standard)
The pousada has a good modern infrastructure with simple but comfortable rooms. Access is from Cuiabá in about 2.5hrs by road to Poconé then 42 km on the Transpantaneira. Rio Claro is in the heart of a huge property, 3km from the famous road, which makes it a very quiet and peaceful place. It is also ideally located on the edge of a beautiful river which makes it easy to observe the abundant wildlife.
Pousada Piuval (standard)
This pousada is located at the beginning of the transpantaneira just 1 hour from Cuiabá airport. It offers the most comfortable stay in the region with modern and well-equipped rooms in a superior luxury category. It is on a large “fazenda,” (local farm) with a beautiful observation tower and a vast territory of flood plains and forest. This is the best option if you like to ride horses and observe the life of the Mato Grosso cowboys.
Pousada Rio Mutum (superior)
Located in a very quiet part of Pantanal, away from all disturbance, this pousada has the great advantage of being a part of the wild landscape of the region. The accommodation is in pleasant rooms, well decorated and organized in small bungalows. Out in the garden you can frequently see visiting local animals!
A lake borders the pousada and allows access to the surrounding rivers for a privileged observation of the abundant wildlife.
A beautiful place particularly suitable for a longer stay.
Fazenda Santa Tereza (Pantanal Wildlife Center)
In the heart of the Pantanal, this small, 11-room hotel is part of the Fazenda Santa Tereza cattle farm, which covers an immense area of several thousand hectares where oxen graze. Located a little more than two kms away from the famous Transpantaneira road, its isolation and its setting in the heart of a farm is the guarantee of a stay in total immersion in nature.
A team of local Portuguese and English speaking guides are on-hand everyday to take you on excursions to discover the extraordinary variety of wildlife. A traditional decor that gives pride of place to local materials and the comfort of the well equipped rooms offer an ideal compromise for an authentic stay.
Hotel Saint Paul (standard)
Located in the heart of the historic center of Manaus, a few hundred meters from the Amazonas Theater and Largo São Sebastian, the Hotel Saint Paul is really well located for travelers who wish to explore the city and its port not far away.
The modern, comfortable and spacious rooms (35 m2) all have balconies and some have views of the theater. The best option in the historic center of Manaus. Ideal for couples and tourist stays of several days with suites offering living rooms and kitchenette.
Villa Amazonia (superior)
This new charming pousada in Manaus is a great plus for those who want to stay in the center of the city in the best conditions. The property, managed by the same team as the Anavilhanas Lodge, offers comfortable and tasteful rooms that will appeal to all travelers.
Tropical Manaus Eco-Resort (standard & superior)
The Tropical Hotel is a large and very comprehensive structure offering all the services that a family on vacation could wish for. From the mini zoo with 11 emblematic species to various entertainment and games rooms, not to mention the restaurants, everything is done for the comfort of visitors.
611 rooms in a classic style, well equipped and available in all categories complete this set and make The Tropical a place for everyone. 10km from the airport and 16 from the center of Manaus, it also has its own port.
Juma Lodge
Set in the middle of the Amazon jungle 3 hours from Manaus, on the other side of the Amazon river, the Juma Lodge is a unique place. Installed on the edge of a lake about ten meters off the ground to escape the floods in the rainy season, it has 20 comfortable bungalows connected by strong bridges including 16 with a splendid view of the lake.
Everything is built with local materials but equipped to preserve your comfort and 4 are provided for people with mobility difficulties and families with young children.
A team of professionals offer activities and excursions throughout the day so that the stay in the lodge is also a time of discovery and of awareness of the fragile and priceless ecosystem of the rainforest.
Anavilhanas Lodge (superior)
Simply the most luxurious and comfortable lodge in the Amazon. Located at the edge of the Anavilhanas, the largest freshwater archipelago in the world, it is the best solution for those who want to immerse themselves in the world of the Amazon rainforest but keep a high standard of comfort.
The rooms are in fact small, independent and very comfortable bungalows with large windows allowing you to observe the jungle from the inside.
Professional guides are on hand each day to take you out on the water and into the forest to explore the wild life and meet the inhabitants of the area. A unique place from which to discover the rainforest!
Grand São Luis (standard)
Facing the bay that borders the historic center, next to the Se Cathedral, the Grand São Luís Hotel is modern and classic. It has spacious and simple rooms as well as a welcoming swimming pool to cool off after visiting the historic center.
An establishment that represents the best compromise for visitors wishing to stay in the historical district of the city in desirable conditions of comfort and calm.
Pestana São Luis (standard & superior)
About twenty minutes from the historical center, the Pestana São Luís is located in a more modern area of the city in front of Calhau beach. 124 bright and well-equipped rooms with garden, pool or ocean views welcome visitors.
The large swimming pool and leisure facilities such as the proximity of the beach make it an ideal address for those traveling with children or who intend to stay several days on site.
Pousada Encantes do Nordeste (standard)
Located 5 minutes by taxi from the city center and 200m from the Preguiças River where its pontoon and restaurant are located, Encantes do Nordeste is a little pousada offering twenty small bungalows with a rustic decor and placed in a beautiful tropical garden.
The best compromise currently for visitors who do not wish to stay in a big hotel whilst in this area.
Porto Preguiças Resort (superior)
The only superior category hotel in the Lençois area, 15 minutes from the center of Barreirinhas. The Porto Preguiças offers bungalows scattered in a large fenced park that borders the river and has extensive recreational facilities including a beautiful pool, kayaks and a game room.
The rooms are bright and well maintained and the restaurant is excellent. Ideal for families and visitors looking for more comfort and services.
Altos de Santa Teresa (standard & superior)
Located on the heights of Rio de Janeiro, 20 minutes from the beaches of Copacabana, the charming pousada Altos de Santa Teresa is a small establishment set apart from the tumult of the wonderful city. The owners have transformed this house into a place dedicated to the comfort of travelers.
The common areas are pleasant with a terrace and swimming pool and Jacuzzi that allow you to relax while contemplating the city, Guanabara Bay and the famous Pão de Acucar in the distance.
A very sophisticated designer decor and generously proportioned rooms add the finishing touch of excellence to this exclusive establishment and provide unbeatable value for money in the region.
Hotel Olinda (standard)
It’s hard to imagine a better location than the Olinda Hotel, practically in the center of the famous Copacabana Beach.
The hotel dates back to the 1950s, completely renovated in 2015 it offers rooms with sea views and beautiful views of Copacabana beach, at an affordable price.
An ideal address for vacationers who wish to be at the heart of the famous Copacabana!
Hotel Arena Leme (standard)
This hotel is ideally located at the end of the Copacabana beach in Leme, a little bit away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Recently built, it offers modern and pleasant rooms, and luxury categories facing the sea.
A very good compromise between price, comfort, tranquility and location for an unforgettable stay in Rio.
Hotel Miramar (superior)
The Miramar Hotel is located at the end of Copacabana beach, it offers beautiful rooms with comfortable bedding that offer a side view or head on view of the sea.
The breakfast is simply delicious with a wide range of fresh foods. The roof terrace of the hotel offers breathtaking views. This is really a good address in the range of upper class hotels.
Double room prices:
Catégorie standard :
Base 2 personnes
5611$ /pers
–
Base 4 personnes
5222$ /pers
Catégorie supérieure : Base 2 personnes 6056$ /pers – Base 4 personnes 5489$ /pers
Catégorie supérieure : Base 2 personnes 6056$ /pers – Base 4 personnes 5489$ /pers
Prix basse saison de l'année en cours, donnés à titre indicatif et ne valant pas devis
