Mato Grosso is the only Brazilian state with three different ecosystems within its borders, all close to Cuiabá and its airport.
The programme reaches the southern edge of the Amazon rainforest around 290 km northwest of Cuiabá; the savanna waterfalls and rock formations of Chapada dos Guimarães about 67 km northeast, in the geodesic centre of South America; and the wilderness of the Northern Pantanal. The heartland of Brazil covers some 2,000,000 sq km; its original vegetation, the Cerrado, is considered the richest savanna in the world for its plant diversity, and most of Brazil's great rivers rise here. The Pantanal, the largest continuous wetland on the planet, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve and South America's primary wildlife sanctuary. The journey ends in Rio de Janeiro, with its green hills, bays, islands and beaches.
Highlights
Boat safaris in the Northern Pantanal, spotting herons, caimans and capybaras
Full-day safari in the heart of the Pantanal, with the chance to see a jaguar
River swimming and floating at the Aquário Encantado in Nobres
Waterfalls and viewpoints of Chapada dos Guimarães
Pão de Açúcar by cable car over Guanabara Bay
Corcovado and the Cristo Redentor statue by train through the Tijuca forest
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Arrival in Cuiabá
Arrival at Cuiabá Airport, where you are welcomed and transferred to your hotel, Deville Cuiabá. Check into your room and relax after the journey. The afternoon is free to explore the city or unwind. Overnight at the hotel with breakfast.
Day2
Day 2: Cuiabá to Porto Jofre: Entering the Pantanal
After breakfast, depart early from Cuiabá for Porto Jofre, the gateway to the Northern Pantanal, on a scenic drive from savanna to wetlands. In the afternoon, the first boat safari from the lodge glides along the rivers and channels, spotting herons, caimans and a variety of birdlife. Overnight at Santa Rosa Lodge, with lunch and dinner included.
Day3
Day 3: Porto Jofre: Full-Day Safari
A full day dedicated to a safari in the heart of the Pantanal. Accompanied by experienced guides, you explore vast plains, wetlands and riverbanks and learn about the local flora and fauna, with good chances to spot capybaras, caimans and perhaps a jaguar. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight (breakfast and dinner included).
Day4
Day 4: Porto Jofre to Nobres: River Swimming & Floating
After breakfast, depart Porto Jofre towards Nobres through changing landscapes. On arrival, enjoy a swim in the river followed by the Aquário Encantado floating activity, drifting along crystal-clear waters. Continue to Chapada dos Guimarães, stopping at a viewpoint for the sunset over the cliffs and valleys. Overnight in Chapada dos Guimarães (breakfast).
Day5
Day 5: Chapada dos Guimarães & Flight to Rio de Janeiro
Begin the day with a swim at a local waterfall. Afterwards, transfer to Cuiabá Airport for the flight to Rio de Janeiro, with an arrival transfer to the hotel.
Day6
Day 6: Rio de Janeiro — Pão de Açúcar
Half-day excursion to Pão de Açúcar. The first stop is Urca Mountain, with a wide viewing area and a restaurant at the top. From Pão de Açúcar there are views over Rio, Copacabana beach, the bay, the surrounding mountains, the ocean islands, the Niterói bridge and the Cristo Redentor on Corcovado. After descending by cable car, the tour continues through the city. Overnight at Arena Leme in Copacabana, with dinner.
Day7
Day 7: Rio de Janeiro — Corcovado & City Tour
After breakfast, half-day excursion to Corcovado. A train climbs through the forest to the summit, with views over the Tijuca forest on both sides. At 700 m stands the 38 m statue of Cristo Redentor, built in 1931, above a panoramic view of the city — the Niterói bridge, Guanabara Bay, the Botanical Garden, the Maracanã stadium and Pão de Açúcar. The afternoon is free for the sunset, or for an optional trail and community tour.
Day8
Day 8: Departure
Transfer for your departure flight. End of services.
What's included
Included: Accommodation at the indicated hotels or similar (7 nights): 1 night in Cuiabá, 2 nights in Porto Jofre, 1 night in Chapada dos Guimarães and 3 nights in Rio de Janeiro
Included: All transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Boat safaris and activities as per the programme with an English-speaking guide/naturalist
Included: Full board in the Pantanal; breakfast in Chapada dos Guimarães, Nobres and Rio de Janeiro
What's not included
Not included: International and domestic airfare
Not included: Airport and tourism taxes and visa fees
Not included: Meals and beverages not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Services and tours not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Drinks unless explicitly stated
Not included: Tips and personal expenses
Not included: Optional services
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included
Optional services
Optional, at extra cost:
Trail and community tour in Rio de Janeiro — Optional trail and favela tour to meet local children, offered on the free afternoon of Day 7.