The Dazzling Diversity of Family Friendly Brazil
Tour Introduction
Our aim was to design an itinerary of impressive diversity for families with older children (8 years old or more) and we believe we’ve done it. You and your family will begin at a ranch in the vast Pantanal wetlands for abundant wildlife and the opportunity to assist the local cowboys (pantaneiros) on their daily chores. We follow with beautiful Bonito and its crystal-clear, fish-filled rivers, caves and the wonderful Hole of the Macaws. Then on to the world’s most impressive waterfalls, Iguacu, followed by the urban delights of Rio with its Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains and Ipanema beach. The itinerary finishes in the chic Atlantic family resort of Buzios for seaside pampering and beach fun. An attractive mixture of nature, town and coast offering something for every family member while staying in excellent family- friendly accommodation throughout.
Full Itinerary
Arrive Sao Paulo. Airport assistance to connect with flight to Campo Grande. Met and transfer to lodge.
Staying at Caiman Ecological Refuge. Includes Dinner.
Guided small group activities from the lodge including photographic safaris, horse riding, boat trips, walking trails, piranha fishing, horse-drawn carriage rides, nocturnal drives by 4x4 or boat, and cattle handling with the local pantanerios (cowboys). There is a varied selection of typical Pantanal fauna including burrowing owls and a very good population of odd-looking, shaggy giant anteaters.
Staying at Caiman Ecological Refuge. Includes All Meals.
Another day of guided small group activities from the lodge.
Staying at Caiman Ecological Refuge. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to Bonito. Afternoon excursion on the Sucuri River to snorkel in the calm and crystal-clear waters amongst large shoals of freshwater fish and aquatic plants. The surrounding forest is home to tufted capuchin monkeys, tapirs and macaws.
Staying at Cabanas Hotel. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Excursion to the stunning clear waters of the Rio da Prata where there is another, longer, snorkelling opportunity to spot many large freshwater fish, including dourado. Caiman and anaconda have also been seen hereabouts. In the afternoon, visit the astonishing Hole of the Macaws (Buraco das Araras), a large sink hole where 50 pairs of red-and-green macaw nest and can be observed as they fly below, squawking happily.
Staying at Cabanas Hotel. Includes Breakfast.
Morning excursion to the 400 million year old Blue Lake Cave, famous for its pristine clear blue waters and impressive overhanging stalactites. Then transfer to Campo Grande airport and fly to Foz do Iguacu. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Hotel Das Cataratas. Includes Breakfast.
A full day to explore and marvel at the Argentinean side of Iguacu Falls including a boat trip up to the base of the impressive Devil’s Throat drop. The collection of falls stretches for over 1.5 miles with over 250 different cascades. A good selection of walkways and viewpoints allow for superb viewing of the falls.
Staying at Hotel Das Cataratas. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
A morning to explore the viewpoints and walkways surrounding the Iguacu Falls from the Brazilian side. Later transfer to the airport and take flight to Rio de Janeiro. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel in Copacabana.
Staying at Hotel Porto Bay. Includes Breakfast.
A full day in Rio de Janeiro, including a morning excursion to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for a breathtaking view over the famous city. After a BBQ lunch, take an excursion to the top of the famous Corcovado Mountain to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue up close and enjoy a sensational view over Rio from a completely different angle.
Staying at Hotel Porto Bay. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to the pretty coastal town of Buzios, not far from Rio. There are 20 exceptionally beautiful beaches here, some great snorkeling and surfing spots, a variety of shops and restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere in which to unwind. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Staying at Pousada Abracadabra. Includes Breakfast.
Enjoy a day at leisure. There are plenty of lovely beaches and restaurants from which to choose.
Staying at Pousada Abracadabra. Includes Breakfast.
At leisure.
Staying at Pousada Abracadabra. Includes Breakfast.
A final day at leisure.
Staying at Pousada Abracadabra. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport, and take your international flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Hotel Cabanas
Overview
Just over 4 miles from the town of Bonito, south of the Pantanal near the city of Campo Grande, Hotel Cabanas is situated on the banks of the crystal-clear Formoso River and its tributary, the Formosinho River. There are 10 en suite rooms equipped with air-conditioning, mini bar and TV and a further 3 en suite treehouse cabanas. Facilities include a restaurant/bar, and swimming pool.
There are interesting trails to explore from the hotel along which black striped capuchin monkeys, 2 species of macaw and capybaras are seen on a daily basis, and an exciting river trip on rubber tubes.
The infrastructure of the property is aimed at being as natural as possible with thatched roofs and wooden play areas for children.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant/bar and swimming pool.
Local Wildlife
Macaws, black-striped capuchin and black howler monkeys, coatis, grey brocket deer, crab-eating foxes and opossums can all be seen around the lodge. The nearby Rio do Prata river offers some of the finest freshwater snorkelling trips and viewing of river fish in the world. Large pacu and dourado can be seen and there is a chance of finding a tapir or anaconda on the journey downstream. Nearby, the Buraco das Araras (Hole of the Macaws) offers great viewing of nesting red and green macaws.
Optional Activities
Inflated inner tube rafting on the Formoso River, archery, canopy assault course. Day trips to do snorkelling along the Rio Prata River, visits to the Blue Lake grotto and Hole of the Macaws.
Hotel das Cataratas
Overview
Part of the luxury re-branded Belmond (formerly Orient Express) hotel chain, the Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel located within the Brazilian section of the Iguacu National Park, and only a few hundred metres from the first set of cascades. The hotel has 176 rooms divided in to Superior forest view, Deluxe forest or garden view, and Deluxe falls view, in addition to 17 suites – Junior forest or garden view, Noble swimming pool or garden view, Tower falls view, Master Cataratas falls view, and Master forest view. The hotel also provides two restaurants, wildlife-filled gardens and a large swimming pool – the perfect place to relax.
In front of the hotel there is a footbridge with a panoramic view heading toward the lookout area, quite close to the Devil’s Throat, where the water flow is greatest. The Iguacu National Park preserves the last continuous area of tropical forest in Southern Brazil and is home to 348 bird and 45 mammal species, including the jaguar, the ocelot and the capybara.
The facilities and services at the Hotel das Cataratas are exemplary (though the food can be pricey) and the location unbeatable, offering guests the opportunity to explore the Brazilian side of the falls after the National Park has closed. Watch out for the inquisitive family troops of coatis marauding along the trail.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Swimming pool, children’s pool, 2 restaurants, bar, 24-hour room service, spa, gym, tennis court, sun terrace, deck overlooking the falls, shopping boutique and laundry service.
Local Wildlife
Complementing the spectacular falls, Iguacu National Park is home to 348 bird and 45 mammal species. South American coatis, brown capuchin monkeys, Brazilian cavies and Azara’s agoutis are frequently seen on the trails through the forest or feeding on the lawns of the hotel. Broad-snouted caiman and Argentine side-necked turtles can be seen basking on rocks and logs in the water and birds such as plush crested jays, toco toucans and various herons can be found around the trails.
Optional Activities
There is a choice of boat trips along the Iguacu River including an exhilarating (and wet) inflatable raft ride to the base of the powerful Devil’s throat drop. Helicopter rides over the falls, visits to the Argentine side and guided tours can also be arranged.
Pousada Abracadabra
Overview
Stylish Pousada Abracadabra is surrounded by lush gardens overlooking a beautiful bay and next to the famous Rua das Pedras street in central Buzios, a fashionable resort town near Rio.
There are three categories of apartments all with en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, minibar, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, telephones and a room safe.
There are four spacious deluxe rooms that offer excellent seafront views and some have small private verandahs.
Four superior rooms give excellent views out to sea and 8 standard rooms have lush garden views.
There is a small but inviting infinity swimming pool with sun terrace, deck chairs and hammocks facing the bay. A bar is available for drinks and snacks.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
16 en suite, air-conditioned rooms with mini bar, free Wi-Fi, telephone and safe, infinity swimming pool, sun terrace, laundry, room service, dining rom and bar.
Optional Activities
Snorkelling and diving at nearby sites: the near coast is rich in underwater fauna. Exploring the local town at leisure and experiencing the live music and relaxed atmosphere along the many beautiful beachfronts.
Caiman
Overview
Caiman is located within a 53,000 hectare ranch on the banks of the Aquidauana River in Brazil’s southern Pantanal and combines cattle ranching, ecotourism and conservation. The accommodation options have recently been upgraded with the opening of Casa Caiman featuring 18 suites in three categories surrounded by extensive gardens and complete with a swimming pool and gym. As well as Casa Caiman the six room Villa Baiazinha, located nine kilometres away, is available for private group rental. Guests explore the private reserve during day time and nocturnal jeep safaris, nature walks and canoeing trips. Horse riding excursions are led by the local community of cowboys.
There is a daily program of activities in small groups accompanied by an experienced bilingual naturalist guide and a local farmworker. A private guide can be arranged at additional cost.
Caiman maintains a 5,600 hectare private reserve which supports a variety of research and management projects. Principal conservation projects focus on the hyacinth macaw and the jaguar.
The jaguar habituation project, Oncasafari, offers visitors the opportunity to track jaguars in an Africa-style jeep safari. During the June to September high season presentations are given by the Oncasafari scientists, and dedicated tracking programs can be arranged on either a private or shared basis.
Guests can also visit the cattle ranch which was founded in 1910 and currently has around 35,000 head of cattle.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Casa Caiman's 18 suites (1 x master, 3 x superior and 14 x standard) have air-conditioning, ceiling fan, outside terrace and WiFi. Facilities at Casa Caiman include an outdoor terrace, swimming pool, deck overlooking the bay, living room, courtyard, hammock area, and restaurant. A laundry service is available at additional cost. Villa Baiazinha has six superior rooms with king or twin bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and balcony.
Local Wildlife
The Pantanal has more than 650 species of birds, 80 mammals and 260 species of fish. This includes a healthy population of jaguars which are being frequently observed on dedicated excursions with Oncasafari. Other spectacular Pantanal species such as tapirs, giant anteaters, hyancith macaws, jabiru storks and rheas are also commonly seen along side hundreds of caiman and capybara. Night drives offer the possibilty of more nocturnal species such as ocelot, tamandua and crab-eating racoon.
Optional Activities
Hikes, bike rides, Canadian canoe, photographic safaris and nocturnal spotlighting.
Hotel Porto Bay Rio de Janeiro
Overview
The Porto Bay Rio De Janeiro certainly has some of the best stunning views of the coastline including the Sugarloaf, Corcovado and the Copacabana beachfront.
Copacabana is a great choice for visitors to Brazil who are interested in some down time in the city relaxing by the beach, walking and sightseeing.
The hotel features a restaurant and two bars with their own vibrant atmosphere and exotic drinks on offer. The rooftop bar is an incredible spot to watch the sunrise over the ocean. With international and Brazilian cuisine, La Finestra restaurant offers a rich buffet breakfast comprising fresh fruits, natural juices, hot and cold items. Lunch and dinner are à la carte.
Some rooms boast panoramic views, sea views and others feature a private balcony. There are plenty of options for room types to choose from.
The hotel has their own private beach area on Copacabana beach that is exclusively for hotel guests. They provide beach towels, parasols and chairs.
The hotel is within walking distance from popular bars, shops and restaurants. The nearest metro station is 600 yards from the hotel and Santos Dumont Airport is just 4.8 miles away.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Two Bars and a Restaurant, Free Wifi, a Fitness room with a view, Massage room with a view, Sauna and Steam room, Meeting rooms, an ATM, Lift, Laundry Service, Garden area, Balconies, minibar in the rooms, 24 hour front desk, Babysitting and Room service.
Optional Activities
Hiking and biking trails nearby, rent a bike, Surfing and surfing lessons, relax on Copacabana beach and explore the vibrant area. Tours and excursions are available from here.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
British Airways has direct flights to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and Latam to Sao Paulo. Or fly on Iberia via Madrid, KLM via Amsterdam, or Paris via Air France.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
The dry season in the Pantanal is from June to November. Add some time in Praia do Rosa in southern Brazil to enjoy whale watching (between July and November).
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
We really enjoyed every aspect [of the Jaguar Research Centre]… highlights included jaguar attacking giant otters near the camp (we have a couple of photos of this amazing behaviour!). Harpy eagle chick at Hotel Amazonica and adult at Cristalino. Total of 6 jaguar sightings. Total of nearly 300 spp. Birds including 5 spp. Macaws. Seeing an as yet undescribed species of poison dart frog.
