Rio & Pantanal Discovery Tour

10 Days

From $ 1,749

About this SAAT Travel tour: Rio & Pantanal Discovery

On the Rio & Pantanal Discovery trip you’ll start in the spectacular metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, where you’ll visit all the highlights, including Copacabana and Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovada and the iconic statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’. After soaking up the atmosphere of the stunning Rio de Janeiro you’ll head into the Pantanal, the largest wetland in the world, home to an astonishing array of plant, bird and animal life. You’ll spend your days in the wilderness canoeing across lakes to see giant otters, alligators and tropical piranha, as well as horse riding or trekking over the plains in search of big cats and peccaries. Experience two distinct sides of the incredible Brazil on this countryside and city-side adventure – the Rio & Pantanal Discovery trip.

Day 1
Touchdown in the Marvelous City

Rio de Janeiro
Upon touchdown in Rio you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and shown to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to spend either relaxing at your hotel or heading out to explore the nearby beaches, boulevards and boutiques. Ask your specialist for recommendations of interesting places to visit. Sunset in Rio is spectacular and the best place to experience it is with the locals on one of Rio's many beaches. As the sun sets and the mountains begin to cast long shadows over sea and sand under a stunning pink and golden sky, order yourself a caipirinha, sit back and enjoy the show.

Day 2
Tijuca Forest & Corcovado

Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast you'll begin your day with a trip through Tijuca, the largest urban forest in the world, which covers the mountains overlooking the city in a blanket of deep green. You'll then continue on to the top of Corcovado, the 710m mountain that is home to the iconic statue of 'Christ the Redeemer'. From here the views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean are breath-taking. You'll then return to your hotel and have the afternoon and evening free to enjoy the beaches, and perhaps head out to the dancing district of Lapa for a little Samba and a caipirinha or three. (Meals - B)

Day 3
Sugarloaf Hike

Rio de Janeiro
The dramatic Sugarloaf Mountain is a well-known Rio landmark. Today, instead of standing in line to ride the aerial cable car with dozens of others, you will have the unique experience of reaching the summit on foot. Starting with a stroll along the beautiful shoreline to warm up, you'll begin a 300m hike to the stunning Sugarloaf summit. From the top the views over Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and up to Corcovado are about as spectacular as you can get. This tour can be extended to a full-day adventure, either kayaking to an island five miles from Sugarloaf or rock-climbing and rappelling. Note: Those not up for the hike can opt to take the cable car to Sugarloaf's summit. (Meals - B)

Day 4
Favela Visit

Rio de Janeiro
The favelas are home to about 20% of Rio's population, yet for those who don't live there they are somewhat of a mystery. It is true that there are many social problems in these colorful urban settlements, but the favelas are also vibrant close-knit communities with a lot to offer. Today's favela tour will take you to Rocinha slum, the largest in South America, with around 150,000 inhabitants. As you visit some of the area's community projects and meet the locals you'll see another fascinating side of the multifaceted Rio. Note: If you would rather not take the favela tour we can easily arrange an alternative. (Meals - B)

Day 5
Relaxing in Rio

Rio de Janeiro
A free day in Rio is full of possibilities - boat trips, hang-gliding, art tours, football matches and of course the failsafe option of sun, sea and sand at one of Rio's top beaches. You could also head out of the city and spend a day in Petropolis, the mountain town where the Emperors of Brazil spent their summers, or pick up a new skill and take some Brazilian cuisine or dance classes. Other options include heading into the nearby mountains for whitewater rafting, horse-riding, mountain biking or trekking. Just let us know how you prefer to spend your time and we can help make it happen. (Meals - B)

Day 6
Into the Wilderness

Rio de Janeiro to the Pantanal
After breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight to the Pantanal wetlands - the world's largest wetlands, home to a diverse range of plant, birds and animal life. On the drive from the airport to your lodge, you will pass through the wetlands on a raised dirt road affording great views of the surrounding countryside. Arriving at the lodge in the afternoon, you'll have tome to settle in, have a look around and find out about the different options available over the next couple of days. Grab a drink at sundown and experience your first spectacular Pantanal sunset. (Meals ? B, L, D)

Day 7
Exploring the Pantanal

The Pantanal
Today you can head out to explore the forests of the Pantanal on a guided hike. With the help of your expert guide, you will be able to spot a wide array of animals such as capuchin monkeys and deer while learning about the magnificent flora and fauna of the region. After returning to the lodge for lunch you can take a gentle afternoon canoe trip across the wetlands to view the aquatic life of the waters from close up. The huge presence of alligators in the area is due to a plentiful supply of fish, with around 260 different species making their home here. Dinner is served back at the lodge. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 8
Wildlife Extravaganza

The Pantanal
Following breakfast at the lodge you can take a horseback ride through the flood-lands and the forests of the Pantanal. The savannah and the flooded plains of this area make for a beautiful landscape, and the open spaces are perfect for unobstructed views of a whole array of creatures such as giant ant-eaters, tapirs, capybaras, deer and armadillos. Anacondas and giant otters are also sometimes spotted in the area and alligators are visible during the daytime, lazing in the sun on the banks of the rivers and lakes, though they are more active at night (night hikes or boat trips can be arranged at the lodge). (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 9
Birdwatcher's Paradise

The Pantanal
On at least one morning in the Pantanal you should get up early enough to experience the dawn chorus, when a cacophony of bird calls and monkey shrieks fills the air as sun rises and the sky turns from indigo to gold to clear blue. The Pantanal is alive with a staggering variety of birds - some 650 different species. Flocks of thousands of colorful parakeets and parrots glitter in the sun as they swirl overhead and eagles and hawks watch from the treetops alongside toucans and woodpeckers. Even if you don't consider yourself much of a birdwatcher the sights are both spectacular and fascinating. (Meals - B, L, D)

Day 10
Back to Rio

The Pantanal to Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast you will head to the airport for your flight back to Rio. Once in Rio you can connect with your flight home. This tour can be combined with any of our other fantastic destinations in Brazil or South America - how about a trip to see the spectacular force of nature that is Iguazu Falls or exploring the exciting Argentine capital of Buenos Aires? (Meals - B)