Brazil is among countries that start with B listed on Countryaah.com. The oldest human traces on the national territory of Brazil are 30,000 years old. Today the population in the former Portuguese colony is made up of descendants of Europeans, Africans, Japanese and indigenous people. The capital Brasilia was built in the 1950s in the Amazon lowlands according to plans by the architect Oscar Niemeyer and was inaugurated in 1960. The coastal cities of São Paolo and Rio de Janeiro are culturally more important, with 21 million and 14 million residents respectively, which are also the most populous urban centers in the country. There are a total of 14 megacities in Brazil.
- Day 1: Arrival in Manaus
- Day 2: Encontro das Aguas: Meeting of the Rio Negro and Solimões
- Day 3: Immersion in the Amazon
- Day 4: Amazon and indigenous Caboclos culture
- Day 5: Fauna and flora in the rainforest
- Day 6: Back to Manaus
- Day 7: Onward flight to Cuiabá
- Day 8: Natural spectacle Lagoa das Araras
- Day 9: On the way on the “Transpantaneira”
- Day 10: Pantanal
- Day 11: Pantanal
- Day 12: Foz do Iguacu
- Day 13: Visit the waterfalls on the Brazilian side and visit the bird park
- Day 14: Visit the waterfalls on the Argentine side
- Day 15: Departure – flight back home or extension program
- Day 16: Arrival in Europe
At the Araça river we get back into the boat, we pass villages, bays and water lilies with their enormous floating leaves. If we are lucky, the first birds, sloths, fish, snakes or monkeys can be seen here. From our lodge we will set off for the Amazon jungle several times over the next few days: before sunrise as well as in the evening when we go stalking with flashlights to spot the caimans in the water. We also visit a Caboclo house. The culture of the Caboclo developed from that of the indigenous people and that of the immigrant Europeans.
On the way to the Pantanal, nature reserve and one of the largest inland wetlands on earth, we stop in Bom Jardim. We are given life jackets, diving goggles and snorkels, walk for ten minutes and come to a crystal clear river. Big fish swim by, we come to them and just drift through the water. Above and around us, dense, green jungle, now and then an overturned tree trunk lies in the river. In the direction of dusk it goes to the Lagoa das Araras. A whole forest of palm trees stands there in a water lagoon. Dozens of yellow-breasted macaws and blue macaws flutter in cawing to spend the night in the trees.
In the last few days we have come very close to the Iguacu waterfalls. They are wider than Victoria Falls and taller than Niagara Falls: thundering water, rainbows and steam, while in the distance parrots and hawks circling over the jungle.
Meals: B = breakfast / L = lunch / packed lunch / D = dinner
1st day:
Arrival in Manaus
We will be picked up at the airport and taken to the Hotel St. Paul. The property is in a very central location. All the highlights of the city can be reached on foot: The famous Teatro Amazonas is only a five-minute walk away, perfectly located to explore the metropolis in the heart of the Amazon region on your own.
No flights are included!
Travel time: approx. 35 min.
Overnight stay in a hotel (Hotel St. Paul or similar)
(- / – / -)
2nd day:
Encontro das Aguas: meeting of the Rio Negro and Solimões
We are picked up at the hotel in the morning. The drive to the Ceasa river port takes around twenty minutes. From there a speedboat takes us to the village of Careiro da Varzea. This is where the river junction is where the Negro and the Solimões meet and form the Amazon, making its way into the Atlantic Ocean. When you arrive in Careiro, you walk past various small market stalls and then take a minibus over the Manaus-Porto Velho Highway to the Araça River. There we get back in the boat. Local villages are on our route, we pass bays and can see water lilies with their enormous floating leaves. With a bit of luck, the first birds, caimans, fish, snakes or monkeys will show up here. Around noon we reach the Turtle Lodge, where lunch is already waiting for us: Freshwater fish, various types of meat, chicken, salads and exotic fruits from the Amazon region. After refreshment, there is a boat tour that will give us an overview of the region. During this excursion we may, with a little luck, spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, spiders and a variety of bird species. Basically, it should be noted here that due to the dense forest in the Amazon region, it is much more difficult to see animals than in the Pantanal. We are back in time for dinner at the Turtle Lodge restaurant.
Travel time: Car / Van Hotel – Ceasa (approx. 20 min.); Speedboat Ceasa – Careiro (approx. 30 min.); Van Careiro – port “Ramal 14” (approx. 50 min.); Motor canoe “Ramal 14” – Turtle Lodge (approx. 50 min.).
Overnight in the lodge (Amazonas Turtle Lodge or similar)
(B / L / D)
3rd day:
Immerse yourself in the Amazon
Before daylight – and if the weather conditions allow it – we set off and experience a sunrise that only the Amazon can offer. At this early hour, morning-active animals can be observed. Then we go on a jungle tour. Our experienced guide shows us techniques that ensure survival in the jungle and are used in the everyday life of the indigenous population: climbing trees or finding drinking water and food. There is also a lot to learn about the fauna, flora and biodiversity of the region. At noon we return to the lodge. After lunch, a boat trip is on the program, during which we will explore the area further. Finally in the evening we set out to spot caimans. We go on the prowl with flashlights,
Overnight in the lodge (Amazonas Turtle Lodge or similar)
(B / L / D)
4th day:
Amazon and indigenous culture of the Caboclos
In the morning we visit a caboclo house to learn about local customs and culture. The culture of the indigenous “Caboclos” is a mixture of the native culture of the indigenous people and the culture of the immigrant Europeans. We visit rubber and manioc plantations. A good opportunity to get an idea of local customs and to see how fruits, Brazil nuts, herbs, vegetables and spices are collected in the jungle. With a bit of luck we have the opportunity to watch how the Caboclos prepare their food and then maybe even try these exotic products. We are back at the Turtle Lodge for lunch. In the evening, under the starry sky in the heart of the jungle, we feel we have arrived and can relax.
Travel time: Depending on the boat used (depending on the group size) between 20-45 minutes each way
Overnight in the lodge (Amazonas Turtle Lodge or similar)
(B / L / D)
5th day:
Fauna and flora in the rainforest
Today we get to know the medicinal plants of the region. After breakfast we go on a jungle tour. Our guide will tell you interesting facts about these plants: where to find them and which diseases they can be used against. All of this is information passed down to us by local indigenous peoples. We will also see how rubber is made. In this process, latex is drawn from the tree trunk without the tree having to be felled. Lunch is back at the Turtle Lodge. During the afternoon and evening we have the opportunity to watch the animals on the river.
Walking time: approx. 2 hours
overnight in the lodge (Amazonas Turtle Lodge or similar)
(B / L / D)
6th day:
Back to Manaus
After breakfast in the morning we will slowly leave this natural paradise of Brazil. We cross Igapós and Igarapés – these are flooded areas and small canals. With a bit of luck we will observe freshwater dolphins where the water level allows it. We will also visit a school in an indigenous village and the associated community. After lunch we will be transferred back to Manaus in the early afternoon, where we will arrive back at the Hotel St. Paul in the middle of the afternoon.
Driving time: approx. 4 hours.
Overnight: in the hotel (Hotel St. Paul or similar)
(B / L / -)
7th day:
Onward flight to Cuiabá
The morning is for free usage. Optionally and at an additional cost, it is also possible to organize a half-day excursion to the river dolphins. A speedboat takes you to the place where river dolphins can be observed from a wooden platform. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon.
Our English-speaking driver is already waiting for us in Cuiabá and will carry out the transfer to the Hotel Gran Odara.
Travel time: approx. 35 min. In Manaus and approx. 30 min. In Cuiabá
Overnight in a hotel (Hotel Gran Odara or similar)
(B / – / -)
8th day:
Natural spectacle Lagoa das Araras
After breakfast our German-speaking tour guide picks us up at the hotel and we drive together to Bom Jardim, about 170 km away. The last part of the route is covered on an unpaved dirt road. When we arrive at our pousada, we are equipped with life jackets, diving goggles, snorkels and diving shoes and it is only a few meters on foot to one of the region’s crystal clear rivers. We dive into the slowly flowing river and let us drift slowly and be enchanted by the flora and fauna of this fantastic landscape. Numerous fish swim past us. With a little luck, a dourado and freshwater rays can also be seen. After about 1 hour we go back to the pousada, where lunch is already waiting for us. After lunch we take a short hike around the pousada to discover more crystal clear rivers and this special ecosystem. Then a special highlight awaits us: The Lagoa das Araras. In the late afternoon, dozens of yellow-breasted macaws, parakeets and other species of parrots arrive here and spend the night in the trees. It is a fascinating natural spectacle!
Driving time: approx. 2 hours
walking time: approx. 1 hour
overnight stay in a pousada (Pousada Reino Encantado or similar)
(B / L / D)
Day 9:
On the way on the “Transpantaneira”
If you want, you can get up at dawn today and drive back to the Lagoa das Araras to watch the parrots wake up and fly with impressive background noise. After breakfast in the pousada we drive from Bom Jardim to the town of Poconé. It is the last town before the Pantanal. Here we take a break and have lunch in a typical restaurant. Then we go on the “Transpantaneira”, on which we make short stops to observe animals, depending on the number of animals. After dinner we go on a safari to track down nocturnal animals. The night safari today and on the following days takes place in the pousada’s car, which can also accommodate other guests.
Travel time: approx. 4 hours
overnight stay in a pousada (Pousada Piuval or similar)
(B / L / D)
10th day:
Pantanal
At around 5 a.m., before breakfast, we experience the awakening of the Pantanal on a sunrise hike. After breakfast we explore the flora and fauna near the pousada by boat. With a little luck you can see various herons, hyacinth macaws and the Jabiru stork – the heraldic animal of the Pantanal.
After lunch we explore the area around the pousada on horseback and look out for other animals. After dinner we go on another night safari.
When the water level of the river on the premises of the Pousada Piuval is low, the boat excursion is carried out on the premises of the Pousada Canto do Arancua.
Driving time: Night safari approx. 90 min. Overnight stay in a pousada (Pousada Piuval or similar)
(B / L / D)
11th day:
Pantanal
After breakfast we explore the surroundings of the lodge on foot in order to track down other animals. After lunch we take a boat trip. With a bit of luck we can see different species of herons, hyacinth macaws, caimans and giant otters. After dinner there is the possibility to go on another night safari.
Travel time: boat trip approx. 90 minutes; Night safari approx. 90 min.
Overnight stay in a pousada (Pousada Piuval or similar)
(B / L / D)
12th day:
Foz do Iguacu
After breakfast in the Pousada Piuval there is the possibility of a hike near the pousada. After lunch you will drive to the airport in Cuiaba. A domestic flight takes you to the next natural paradise in Brazil: Foz do Iguacu. Transfer from the airport to the Hotel del Rey. The rest of the day is at your own disposal. The Iguacu Falls – “Big Water” in the Guarani language – are one of the natural wonders of Brazil. The 275 waterfalls extend over a width of three kilometers and fall 80 meters in depth. This makes them wider than the Victoria Falls and higher than the Niagara Falls. Neither words nor photos do them justice, you have to see and hear them. The falls were a sacred burial place for the Tupi-Guarani and Paraguas tribes for many thousands of years. The area includes one of the best preserved virgin forests in the country, rich in bromeliads, orchids, cedars and araucarias. In Iguacu National Park there are also interesting birds such as sparrowhawks, woodpeckers, owls, macucos and herons, as well as coatis, monkeys, tapirs and otters.
Travel time: Piuval – Airport CGB (approx. 2 hours); IGU – Hotel del Rey (approx. 30 min.)
Overnight stay in a hotel (Hotel del Rey or similar)
(B / – / -)
13th day:
Visit the waterfalls on the Brazilian side and visit the bird park
Today’s destination is the national park and the waterfalls of Foz do Iguacu. The amount of water is enormous and the steam that the falls generate covers the whole area. This results in the surrounding forest being moist and lush. From the falls, a catwalk over a thousand meters long brings us to the Ganta do Diablo, the devil’s throat. Afterwards we visit the bird park of Foz do Iguacu with more than 150 different species. In huge aviaries you have the opportunity to experience and observe macaws, parrots, toucans etc. up close.
Driving time: approx. 45 min. Each way
Overnight in hotel (Hotel del Rey or similar)
(B / – / -)
14th day:
Visit the waterfalls on the Argentine side
Today we make a detour to Argentina. On the Argentine side you can see the waterfalls and the jungle up close. The view from the abyss is mesmerizing. Thundering waterfalls, huge rainbows and dripping haze, while in the distance parrots and falcons circling over the deep green jungle. An unforgettable boat tour right up to the falls can also be booked as an option. Then return to the hotel.
Travel time: approx. 60 min. Each way
Overnight in hotel (Hotel del Rey or similar)
(B / – / -)
15th day:
Departure – flight back home or extension program
Depending on the time of departure, transfer to the airport and return flight home or optional extension in Rio de Janeiro – we will be happy to make you an offer on request!
(F / – / -)
16th day:
Arrival in Europe
