Brazil Wetlands, Waterfalls and Wildlife

Depart Sao Paulo and fly to Iguazu Falls, met and transferred to the English colonial style Hotel San Martin, where daily breakfast is provided.

The subtropical rainforest surrounding the falls contains more than 2,000 species of vascular plants and is home to an abundance of wildlife, more than 400 other species of birds; tapirs; jaguars; ocelots; giant anteaters; howler monkeys; coatis; a variety of lizards, and countless butterflies. The park has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On day 2, you will take a half day tour of the Brazilian side of the falls, with time in the afternoon to explore further at leisure. On day 3, you will enjoy a full day tour to the Argentinean side of the Falls for a totally different perspective.

After breakfast you will be picked up and taken to Foz do Iguaçu airport in time for your domestic flight to Campo Grande. On arrival at the International Airport of Campo Grande, you will be met and transfered to Bonito by vehicle (approx 3,5 hrs). You will check in at Hotel Cabanas and have the rest of the day at leisure.

You will spend the next two days exploring Bonito, meaning beautiful in Portuguese, it certainly lives up to its name, including the Bodoquena Mountain Range where you will visit the Boca da Onça Ecotour. Here a four-kilometre walk across the preserved woodland along safe trails will take you to 11 waterfalls, Indulge in the translucent natural pools and refresh yourself in the Salobra River. A traditional Brazilian lunch is provided. You will also visit Gruta Lago Azul and have the option for some great snorkelling in the Rio da Prata.

Day 7: After breakfast, transfer to Pousada Refúgio da Ilha, situated in the Pantanal. Arrival and check-in. During your stay the following tours will be scheduled at the pousada; horse riding, boat rides, canoeing, trekking, piranha fishing, birdwatching, photo safari and nocturnal viewing of caymans. Pousada Refúgio da Ilha is an ecological paradise on the banks of the clean waters of the Salobra River that here, divides itself in two arms forming an island. The ideal place to be in close contact with nature.

Days 8-10: The trips mentioned above are scheduled at the pousada. The trips will be carefully selected, depending the climate and time of the year and will be guided by local guides that know all about the flora and fauna that make this place unique. To avoid the intense heat during the day, the tours are taking place early in the morning and mid-afternoon, at these times of the day, the possibilities of seeing the movement of the animals are a lot bigger. During your stay all excursions and meals are included.

Day 11: After breakfast transfer to the airport of Campo Grande in time for your domestic flight back to Sao Paulo.