Trogon: Natural Brazil
12 days from £3,662
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Those of you arriving on an international flight will be met at the airport by the tour leader or a local representative and escorted to the group hotel in Copacabana. The drive from here into the city gives a fleeting glimpse of the docks and commercial centre as you head towards the magnificent stretch of sand at Copacabana beach.
You spend 2 days in Rio, with time to explore this extraordinary city of extremes. Sumptuous apartments overlook the sparkling bays against a backdrop of half-built shanty towns, favelas, which cling precariously to the hillsides. Rio squats among towering jungle-clad granite mountains, fringed with white sand beaches which swoop down into the Atlantic surf.
Today is an included tour of this iconic city, including the cable car up to Sugar Loaf mountain, a twin-peaked vertical mountain protruding over the ocean, and enjoy the views back over the city and into the lush mountains beyond. You’ll also board a steep rack-and-pinion railway which glides up through tropical Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world dripping with fruit and flowers, to reach the summit of Corcovado Mountain. Here the famous 40m art deco Christ the Redeemer statue soars above the city, arms outspread benevolently. On a clear day the views over the city and out across the ocean and outlying islands are stupendous.
We head to the airport for the flight to the Iguazú Falls. Situated where the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay converge, the town of Foz do Iguaçu is your base for 2 days. A total of 275 falls thunder through dense forest over a 2.5km stretch. The u-shaped Devil’s Throat is a thunderous gorge where the frothy water of the Iguazú River crashes over a 1km wide precipice and columns of vapour are thrown skyward. Elsewhere the river flows decorously through the rainforest breaking up into dozens of smaller falls. You can often spot colourful toucans perched in the foliage above the tumultuous waters.
From the Brazilian side there is a broad panorama of these magnificent falls, while a series of walkways on the Argentine side take you through the abundant forest, beneath and even behind some of the dramatic cataracts. Walking within touching distance of these thunderous cascades, your clothes and hair soaked with the spray, is one of the most invigorating experiences to be had.
Fly to Brasília which was inaugurated in 1960 as Brazil’s new capital, designed by Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer to symbolize national progress. Its layout, resembling an airplane, and its modernist architecture make it one of the most innovative cities in the world.
One of the Brasilia’s original hotels (opened in 1958) it’s immediately apparent that the Brasilia Palace was designed by Oscar Niemeyer. This landmark structure resembles a residential building typical of the city’s signature superblocks.
Destroyed by fire in 1976, it was restored and reopened 30 years later and a stay here offers full immersion in the heritage of the city. It’s sure to delight lovers of anything retro. A highlight is its 26m-long tiled wall by the artist Athos Bulcão whose tiling is symbolic of Brasilia’s architecture – especially attractively lit after dark. The hotel is close to the shore of Lake Paranoá and not far from the Presidential Palace, with extensive lawns, an inviting oval-shaped outdoor pool and an Italian-theme Oscar restaurant with al-fresco dining possibilities.
In any other city, the interiors of the guest rooms would seem trapped in a time-warp – but here in modernist Brasilia you would not expect anything else, and they are generally well kept, each with air-con and a balcony. As is typical of sprawling Brasilia, you’ll need to take a taxi if you wish to explore independently or eat elsewhere.
Spend the day exploring Brasília’s main attractions: Our Lady of Fatima Church, the Super Blocks district, St John Bosco Sanctuary, the Metropolitan Cathedral, JK Memorial, Itamaraty Palace, Ministries Boulevard, Three Powers Square, Jabarú and Alvorada Palaces, and the South Embassies Sector.
One of the Brasilia’s original hotels (opened in 1958) it’s immediately apparent that the Brasilia Palace was designed by Oscar Niemeyer. This landmark structure resembles a residential building typical of the city’s signature superblocks.
Destroyed by fire in 1976, it was restored and reopened 30 years later and a stay here offers full immersion in the heritage of the city. It’s sure to delight lovers of anything retro. A highlight is its 26m-long tiled wall by the artist Athos Bulcão whose tiling is symbolic of Brasilia’s architecture – especially attractively lit after dark. The hotel is close to the shore of Lake Paranoá and not far from the Presidential Palace, with extensive lawns, an inviting oval-shaped outdoor pool and an Italian-theme Oscar restaurant with al-fresco dining possibilities.
In any other city, the interiors of the guest rooms would seem trapped in a time-warp – but here in modernist Brasilia you would not expect anything else, and they are generally well kept, each with air-con and a balcony. As is typical of sprawling Brasilia, you’ll need to take a taxi if you wish to explore independently or eat elsewhere.
In the west of Brazil lies a vast area of wetlands known as the Pantanal, a flight to Campo Grande followed by a few hours by road take you into this vast wilderness. This huge territory of rivers, marsh, savannah and cattle ranches is considered to have the world’s most dense flora and fauna ecosystem, and in the wet season 80% of the land is submerged by the overflowing rivers which nurture a rich variety of aquatic plants. You are based in a lodge which is also, a working ranch. Take a 4WD by road and track tour through the open grasslands, stunted cerrado vegetation, swampland and permanently flooded bays.
Ride a horse across the savannah, motorboat down the local rivers or paddle a canoe on one of the numerous waterways. Set out to explore the countryside at night, when the Pantanal comes alive with the sounds of frogs and insects.
Over 3 full days knowledgeable local guides take you to areas inhabited by giant storks, caiman, giant anteaters, armadillos, howler monkeys and capybara. There is also an extraordinary variety of birdlife: in addition to the aquatic birds egrets, macaws, parakeets and toucans all provide clusters of colour in the low trees. Whatever the season, the wildlife is abundant.
This working fazenda (country farm) is deep within the Pantanal wetlands, three hours’ drive from Campo Grande. Pousada Aguape has been in the same family for 150 years, and retains its homely atmosphere.
Rooms are comfortable if simple, with few adornments but all the essentials. The prime motivation for staying here is of course the magnificent wildlife-spotting opportunities. Even within the hotel grounds you will be presented with a theatre of animal and bird life, from toucans and parrots displaying their plumage in the branches to the occasional armadillo, capybara or anteater roaming through the gardens. Included in your stay is a well-organised programme of excursions to show you the natural environment as you go in search of its exotic wild inhabitants.
Also included are all meals at the restaurant, which places an emphasis on tasty local food. There’s also a swimming pool, sand volleyball court and hammocks to relax during breaks between excursions. The property is involved in several community and conservation initiatives.
Fly back to Rio for a final night in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Brazil - Rio de Janeiro
Waking up to your first view of Copacabana Beach is one of Brazil’s great travel moments, and Rio only builds from there. Granite peaks, rainforest-covered hills and golden sand meet a city that never quite sits still: samba spilling out of bars, football on the beach, Carnival taking over the streets once a year.
Brazil - Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side
Experience one of South America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, where immense waterfalls plunge through subtropical rainforest alive with birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls offers sweeping panoramic views, exhilarating adventures and an unforgettable perspective on this extraordinary landscape.
Argentina - Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side
Walk the spray-soaked catwalks that carry you out over the falls, take the ecological train through the jungle to the Devil’s Throat and ride a speedboat into the base of the cascades. The Argentinian side of Iguazú puts you closer to the water than anywhere else, deep inside the national park and its wildlife-rich forest.
Brazil - Brasilia and the Cerrado
Futuristic architecture rises out of vast savannah here, giving Brazil a side of itself most visitors never see. Brasília holidays centre on a purpose-built capital of brutalist lines and modernist curves, paired with the biodiversity-rich Cerrado on its doorstep – together offering a different mix of culture, design and nature within a single trip.
Brazil - The Pantanal
Vast floodplains, winding rivers and open grasslands make up the world’s largest tropical wetland, and this corner of Pantanal Brazil is one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in South America. From jaguars and giant anteaters to macaws, capybara and caiman, the Pantanal offers some of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters anywhere on the continent.
Brazil has an exotic variety of wild life thriving in spectacular natural settings. This journey takes you to a selection of these remarkable places.
The trip begins in Rio de Janeiro, an imposing city clinging to forested mountains and the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. From here, head west to view the roaring waters of the Iguazú Falls, where a foaming torrent pours over 275 separate cataracts and walkways lead you through subtropical forest to stunning view points.
Next it’s Brasilia, the country’s futuristic capital offers brutalist architecture, a modernist Cathedral and wind-funnelled avenues.
We travel on to the Pantanal wetlands, Latin America’s wilderness safari park, and a wonderful place to observe thousands of aquatic, forest and grassland birds as well as a host of exotic mammals, before you head back to Rio for one last caipirinha cocktail and a stroll along Copacabana beach.
David Nichols
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- About Our Group Tours
To find out more about how our group tours including group sizes, solo travellers and why to choose us. Please click here.
- Tour Leader
On this tour, you’ll be accompanied from start to finish by one of our exceptional Journey Latin America tour leaders. From the moment you land in Latin America until the day the tour ends they will deal with all the practicalities, expertly adapting to the circumstances and individual needs of the group. Rather than different guides in different cities, your leader will get to know the group and keep you informed and entertained as you go.
- Summary of Nights
12 days, 11 nights: Rio 2; Iguaçu 2; Brasilia 2; Pantanal 4; Rio 1.
- Accommodation
For our Discovery Journeys we aim to use good quality, value-for-money accommodation, in a mix of larger more modern and smaller family run hotels. All the properties we use are well maintained and rooms will have a private bathroom with hot water.
The focus of these trips is on getting outside, seeing the sights, and experiencing local restaurants and cafes, therefore a few hotels may not have evening dining facilities. If you prefer more luxurious accommodation, please see our classic tours range.
We use the following properties on this tour:
• Rio de Janeiro: Windsor Copa Hotel
• Foz do Iguaçu: Hotel Taroba
• Brasilia: Brasilia Palace
• Pantanal: Pousada AguapeOn very rare occasions these hotels can change, however please speak to one of our consultants who can provide full details for each departure if you have any doubts. Address and contact details will be sent out with your final documents.
- Transport
4 flights (longest 5-6 hours with connections). All land transport is operated privately for the group.
- Meals
Breakfast daily. Full board at the Pantanal lodge.
- Optional Excursions
On this tour the price includes excursions in all the places you visit as per the itinerary. There will however likely be some free time when you may choose to take part in an optional excursion. These are booked locally through your tour leader once you are in Latin America, however we are more than happy to advise you of what is on offer in advance of your holiday so you can best plan the excursions that suit you.
- Travelling Alone
There is no extra cost for single travellers who are willing to share a room. You will be accommodated with a same-sex member of the group who is usually also travelling solo. For single travellers who wish to be sure of having their own room there are a limited number of single supplement places available, which carry a surcharge.
- Trip Suitability
There are some long days spent travelling (including a number of internal flights) and in the southern summer the heat can be tiring. No previous horse riding experience is required for the horse back trip in the Pantanal.
- Climate
We run this tour outside of the wet season from May to November. Brazil is at it’s hottest in our winter so from May to September, temperatures are more moderate and there is plenty of sunshine.
In the Pantanal from April to June the waters recede and water-birds return to the isolated lakes, while July to September wildlife is at its most abundant. A comprehensive overview of the weather in all the regions you are visiting can be found in our Destination pages. Our Travel Experts can answer your questions on climate and further details will be sent with your confirmation documents.
- Clothing, Equipment and Luggage
A daypack is essential for carrying rainwear, snacks, books/tablet and a water bottle. For day-to-day wear you should take loose-fitting, breathable clothes. Comfortable shoes are important and sandals are useful. A sun hat, sun block and sunglasses are necessary, and you should take warmer layers for the cooler evenings, as well as swimwear, a towel, insect repellent and a torch. Binoculars are useful for wildlife spotting in the Pantanal.
- Money
Please see the Country Info tab on this holiday for our latest currency information and advice about how to take your spending money. Tipping in Latin America is almost always done using cash. It is customary to tip tour leaders, local guides, drivers, boat crews and other service providers such as restaurant staff and porters. Full tipping guidelines are sent with your confirmation documents as is advice on local costs.
- Health, Entry Requirements and Insurance
For health information on travelling to Brazil including recommended vaccinations, please see https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/
All Latin American countries have specific entry regulations related to Covid 19. Please also check our Travel Hub for further information.
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Other nationalities should enquire with us or check with the consulates.
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on the Travel insurance website.
Our full briefing dossier contains more information on vaccinations, visas and insurance and will be provided with your final travel documents or can be requested from your travel consultant at any time.
- Do I need a visa to visit Brazil?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Brazil from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, taking around 11.5 hours to Rio. There are also connecting routes via Lisbon, Madrid and other European hubs. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Brazil?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, with most routes connecting through São Paulo or Rio. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions. In the Pantanal, travel is by 4×4 and boat from your lodge, and in the Amazon, river transport is part of the experience.
- What currency does Brazil use?
The official currency is the Brazilian real. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and ATMs are available in most towns, though some have withdrawal limits. Carry some cash for tips, smaller purchases and rural areas. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Brazil?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Rio with Iguazú Falls and either the Amazon or the Pantanal. To go further and add Salvador, the northeast beaches or Fernando de Noronha, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Brazil?
Portuguese is the official language, and Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking country in South America. English is spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few words of Portuguese go a long way and are always warmly received.
- Is Brazil safe for travellers?
The tourist areas of Brazil are generally safe and well visited. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Rio and São Paulo, keeping an eye on your surroundings, avoiding flashy valuables and using licensed taxis or ride apps. We plan every itinerary carefully with trusted local partners, and our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to your route.
- What countries can I combine with Brazil?
Brazil pairs naturally with Argentina, taking in both sides of Iguazú Falls and adding Buenos Aires or Patagonia. Peru combines well for a broader South America itinerary, and Uruguay is an easy connection from the south. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Reach the top of Sugar Loaf mountain to enjoy views over Copacabana and Christ the Redeemer over Botafogo Bay, especially glorious at sunset.
Explore the walkways of the Brazilian side of the falls for extraordinary panoramic views and the opportunity to venture right into the gaping mouth of Iguazú’s most dramatically impressive section.
Explore the walkways of Argentina’s Iguazú National Park to see the falls from a multitude of angles, including the chance to stand on the precipice and watch the water plummet down to earth right beneath your feet.
Head into the bush on a variety of excursions by boat, on horseback and on foot to spot wildlife in the Pantanal.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Spend the night at a true design classic in this most unique of South American capital cities. We love its retro appeal.
Windsor Copa is a good value, mid-range hotel just a short stroll from Copacabana beach
Charming, homely lodge on a working cattle ranch, offering wonderful wildlife-viewing opportunities in Brazil’s Pantanal.
If there’s somewhere you particularly want to go that isn’t included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
Buzios
Head along the Atlantic coast from Rio, passing lagoons and wild, surf-lashed beaches to the chic beach village of Búzios. The low-key, but upmarket, European-style resort is renowned for art shops and fine dining. Here a peninsula of cliffs and low hills is dimpled with little coves and speckled with boutique-style hotels. Day 1: Transfer…
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Papagaio
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