Ultimate Brazil

Board an overnight flight from the UK to São Paulo.

Note: British Airways currently have a daily overnight service between London Heathrow and São Paulo. There are also connecting flights with Iberia & LATAM via Madrid, KLM via Amsterdam and Air France via Paris. There are also flights via Lisbon with TAP (Air Portugal).

On arrival in São Paulo you will need to pick-up your luggage and check-in for your morning flight to Campo Grande. 

Campo Grande is the entry point to the Southern Pantanal in Brazil. On arrival you will be met and driven overland to the lodge. The journey takes around 4 hours and there is also the option of taking a short charter flight to the lodge.

Refúgio Ecológico Caiman is a cattle farm, an important centre for nature conservation projects and home to one of the most exclusive eco-lodges in the Pantanal.

Established in 1985, the 53,000 hectare ranch was the first eco-tourism operation in the Southern Pantanal. Since its inception it has aimed at creating and offering visitors a means of getting close to the the region’s nature and culture, while pursuing excellence in hospitality services and gastronomy.

The area is famous for wildlife including anteaters, armadillo, caiman and monkeys, but it is the lodge’s world-leading jaguar habituation program which makes it so special. The Onçafari is unique in South America and offers visitors an opportunity to track jaguars in an Africa style jeep safari. Farmers hunt jaguar in the Pantanal and their numbers have seen a rapid decline, but the Onçafari has helped to protect the species and inform locals of their importance to the eco-system. 

During your stay at the Caiman Ecological Refuge you will spend a day with the jaguar habituation team and see the work they are doing and hopefully see the jaguars in the wild (if visiting during the dry-season from May to September, the chances are very good).

Stay: Four nights at Caiman Ecological Refuge – Full-board

Today you will transfer back to Campo Grande airport and board a flight to São Paulo. 

São Paulo is Brazil’s largest city and financial centre. It’s often only used for its airports, but does have some wonderful architecture. It also has some of the best restaurants in all of Latin America!

Note: This is a logistical night as currently it isn’t possible to connect from Caiman Ecological Refuge to your hotel at Iguassu the same day.

Stay: One night at the Fasano São Paulo – Bed & breakfast

After breakfast you will board a short flight to the world famous Iguassu Falls.

You will be met on arrival by your guide from the acclaimed Awasi Iguazú hotel and taken on a private tour of the Brazilian National Park. This is a great opportunity to see all the falls in all their glory. The Brazilian side has wonderful panoramic views and a series of walkways to explore.

Afterwards you will be driven across the border into Argentina. Awasi Iguazú is one of the most spectacular hotels in South America. The hotel is surrounded by jungle but is only a short drive from the Falls.

During your stay at Awasi you will have your own private guide, who will put together a bespoke program to suite your interests. Whether it is a visit to the Devil’s Throat in the Argentine national park, kayaking on one of the nearby rivers or exploring the lush jungle in search of endemic wildlife and colourful birds, your expert guide is on hand to help.

During your stay you’ll be treated to a delicious menu created by Awasi’s award winning chefs, paired with some of South America’s best wines.

Stay: Three nights at Awasi Iguazú – All-inclusive

From Iguassu you will cross the border back into Brazil and board your flight to Rio de Janeiro.

You’ll be staying at one of Belmond’s most famous properties – the Copacabana Palace. Overlooking the world-renowned beach, you’ll be perfectly placed to discover the highlights of one of the world’s most vivacious cities. You’ll revel in glorious beaches, majestic colonial architecture, contemporary skyscrapers, soaring granite mountains and deep green forests.

Your first tour will take you to the top of mighty Sugarloaf Mountain – totally unmissable – by cable car, and through the 19th century streets to the old port where gold was once exported to Europe. A trip around the buzzing Santa Teresa area follows. Your second city tour will take you up to the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer with awe-inspiring views over the city, lagoon and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. 

Stay: Three nights at the Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel – Bed & breakfast

From the bright lights and party atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro, you will be driven out of the city and into the hills and countryside of Minas Gerais. The journey takes around 4 hours and there is also the option of flying in on a charter aircraft.

Your home for the next three nights is Comuna de Ibitipoca. An inspiring, ambitious 5000 hectare private conservation and sustainability initiative, aimed at the reforestation of native flora species and wildlife corridors.

Dating from 1715, the traditional farmhouse was rebuilt and offers its guest a beautifully authentic setting to explore the surrounding waterfalls and mountains. There is a restaurant, Spa, sauna and hydro-massage pool. Meals are freshly prepared using ingredients from the gardens.

The farm has its own stables and guests can explore the surrounding countryside on horseback, foot or 4×4.

It’s a very unique and special place to stay.

Stay: Three nights at Comuna do Ibitipoca – Full-board

From Ibitipoca you will return to Rio de Janeiro and board a flight to Salvador.

Salvador was the colonial capital of Brazil and has retained much of its period charm, as well as its African soul, imported when slaves were brought over to work in the booming sugarcane and cocoa plantations.

The steep, cobbled streets and split levels connected by lifts, the grand colonial buildings and the views over the horizon-wide Todos dos Santos Bay will make your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site unforgettable.

Stay: Three nights at Villa Bahia – Bed & breakfast

From Salvador you will board a short flight to Porto Seguro, where you’ll be within easy reach of Trancoso.

A charming fishing village that has evolved into a mecca for well-heeled Brazilians, Trancoso is the perfect place to relax before flying home.

Life here revolves around the quaint square with its collection of little shops, good restaurants and opportunities to people-watch. Great beaches and a truly picturesque coastline are just a short trip away.

Stay: Three nights at Casa Uxua – Bed & breakfast

On your final day in Brazil you will return to Porto Seguro airport and board a flight to São Paulo.

After completing Brazilian departure procedures you will board your overnight international flight home. Arriving the following afternoon.