Trip Highlights

  • Jaguar spotting in the Pantanal, widely regarded as the best place in the world to see them
  • Immerse yourself in the Amazon at Cristalino Lodge
  • Chapada dos Guimarães takes you off the beaten path
  • Kayak through mangroves and hike to waterfalls
Our South America expert Sinead

Our Expert Tip

”Cristalino Lodge offers special programmes and workshops (photography, birdwatching, yoga etc) so let us know if you have particular interests, to get the most out of your stay here”

Sinead, Brazil Expert


Day 1-3: Pantanal

Begin in the breathtaking Pantanal. During your time here, explore the huge diversity of flora and fauna by river boat, canoe, walking trails, 4×4 jeeps and horseback.

Among the biodiversity are 35 species of mammals (including the jaguar), 352 species of birds, and over a mighty 10 million caimans!

If you are especially keen to see jaguars, we can arrange an extension to Porto Jofre where sightings are very common.

Jaguar in the Pantanal, Brazil
Chapada dos Guimarães is a national park

Day 4-5: Chapada dos Guimarães

Driving north from your Pantanal lodge, take the time to go off-the-beaten-track amongst the Savannah Tablelands.

Chapada dos Guimarães is a national park of dramatic views, rocky canyons, crystal-clear waterfalls, refreshing river swims and calming birdsong.

Return each evening to your boutique pousada and take a short walk to witness the stunning sunset over São Geronimo Peak.

Day 6-8: Amazon

Travel by plane, car and boat to the deep Southern Amazon, a million miles (metaphorically) from the tourist crowds that head to Manaus further north.

The guides at Cristalino Lodge will guide you through the local flora and fauna, by canoe, jungle hikes, boat trips, and up into their canopy observation towers.

Learn about the lodge’s private rainforest reserve and conservation programme.

Cristalino Lodge in the southern Amazon
The beautiful and untouched beaches of Southern Brazil

Day 9-11: Paraty

Fly south to Sao Paulo, from where you will be driven to the coastal town of Paraty, a true Travel Differently favourite. This delightful, well-preserved colonial town is the ideal place to explore the beaches, enchanting coves, jungles and incredible waterfalls of the Green Coast.

Take a small boat trip to neighbouring bays, kayak into thick mangrove forests, take a thrilling 4×4 trip, and leave time to amble through the streets of this charming town. Read more about Paraty and the best things to do in Brazil.

Day 12-14: Rio de Janeiro

End your journey in iconic Rio de Janeiro, visiting Sugarloaf and Corcovado Mountains (including the Statue Of Christ The Redeemer), and with the option of an evening tour with our local guide to experience Rio’s famous vibrant nightlife.

Spend your final day relaxing on the beach, or grab your walking boots and hike up to a viewpoint through the rainforest. The choice is yours!

Overlooking beach

Day 15: Depart

Fly home from Rio de Janeiro. Jaguars your top priority? See our Wild Brazil jaguar holiday, with a full-day jaguar safari from Porto Jofre.

When to Go

Best time for a luxury Brazil wildlife holiday

The best time for this trip is June to October, the dry season in the Pantanal and southern Amazon, when wildlife gathers around the rivers and jaguar season is under way (peak sightings from mid-June to August). December to March is warmest for Paraty and Rio but wetter inland. Cristalino Lodge and the best Pantanal lodges sell out months ahead, so book early.

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