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15 Day Brazil Expedition
Highlights: Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu, Pantanal, Brasília, Manaus, Porto de Galinhas
Trip start: Rio de Janeiro
Trip end: Porto de Galinhas
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

For anyone who has dreamed of seeing the real Brazil- look no further! Our Expedition tour allows you to get off the beaten path an experience the true beauty Brazil has to offer. Explore the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro and admire the modern and historical areas of the city. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the famous Christ the Redeemer statue at Corvocado mountain after experiencing the lush jungle landscapes of Sugar Loaf Mountain area. Relax on your domestic flight to Iguazu Falls before being met at the airport and transferred to your comfortable accommodation in this stunningly beautiful part of the world. Enjoy a guided tour of the Brazilian and Argentinean Waterfalls and take part in any number of optional activities before you fly north to the Pantanal (Brazil wetlands). Here, you will have the opportunity to see amazing flora and fauna with experienced guides, who have expert eyes to point out those camouflaged in the wetland forest. Travel to the nation’s capital Brasilia, for a brief stay. The next day fly further north to Manaus- the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. Transfer to your lodge for a three-night excursion, to view and learn about various wildlife and plant life. Fly to Recife to soak up the sun and be enchanted by the sandy beaches with warm green waters! Note: A valid passport is required for all American or Canadians citizens, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where citizens were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Americans & Canadians are required to have a valid Brazilian Visa prior to their arrival in Brazil, and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country. For other nationalities it is the traveler's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil and its consulates for up-to-date information.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Rio de Janeiro
  • Meet and Greet
  • Rio de Janeiro: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • NOTE: Brazilian Visa is mandatory (not included)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Mar Ipanema Hotel
(Alt: Porto Bay Rio Internacional)
(Alt: Astoria Palace) (B)
Day 2
Rio de Janeiro
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - Corcovado & Sugarloaf (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
Mar Ipanema Hotel
(Alt: Porto Bay Rio Internacional)
(Alt: Astoria Palace) (B)
Day 3
Foz do Iguaçu
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Air - Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguaçu [Direct (2 hr) ] - Economy
  • Foz do Iguaçu: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d Brazilian Side (Cataratas hotel) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Bourbon Cataratas Resort (B)
Day 4
Foz do Iguaçu
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - Argentine Side (6 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
Bourbon Cataratas Resort (B)
Day 5
Pantanal
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Foz do Iguaçu - Cuiaba [Connect Sao Paulo - JJ3556 /JJ3804 (7.5 hr)] - Economy
  • Cuiaba: Pousada Rio Mutum (Shared Transfer)
  • Pantanal: Cuiaba Airport to Riu Mutum
  • Dinner (included)
Pousada Rio Mutum (B,L,D)
Day 6
Pantanal
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Pantanal Local Villages
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Pousada Rio Mutum (B,L,D)
Day 7
Pantanal
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Chacororé Bay Cruise - Boat
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Pousada Rio Mutum (B,L,D)
Day 8
Brasília
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer to Cuiaba
  • Cuiaba Airport
  • Air - Cuiaba - Brasília [Direct JJ3597 (2.5 hr)] - Economy
  • Brasília: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Naoum Plaza Hotel (B)
Day 9
Manaus
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Brasília - Manaus [Direct - JJ3540 (1 hr)] - Economy
  • Manaus: Shared Transfer to Amazon EcoPark Lodge
  • Amazon Ecopark Day 1 (4 Day/3 Night)
  • Dinner (included)
Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 10
Manaus
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Amazon Ecopark Day 2 (4 Day/3 Night)
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 11
Manaus
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Amazon Ecopark Day 3 (4 Day/3 Night)
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (included)
Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 12
Porto de Galinhas
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Amazon Ecopark Day 4 (4 Day/3 Night)
  • Shared Transfer to Manaus
  • Air - Manaus - Recife [Connect Brasilia- JJ3541/3868 (7.5 hr)] - Economy Pass
  • Transfer - Private - Recife - Porto de Galinhas - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Village Porto de Galinhas (B)
Day 13
Porto de Galinhas
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Porto de Galinhas: Optional Activities
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Village Porto de Galinhas (B)
Day 14
Porto de Galinhas
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Optional Activities
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Village Porto de Galinhas (B)
Day 15
Recife
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Porto de Galinhas - Recife - Vehicle/Driver
  • Kensington Cares - 2
Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the second major city of Brazil, behind São Paulo. The city delights people with its scenery, hospitality and infectious cheerfulness. The "Wonderful City" famous all over the world for its beautiful beaches, curvaceous geography and the way of life of its people - welcomes visitors with open arms and offers an infinite number of attractions throughout the year. Known for its natural settings, carnival celebrations, samba, beaches, Rio de Janeiro is a perfect destination for relaxation and entertainment.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer.

A valid passport is required for all American or Canadian citizens, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where citizens were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Americans & Canadians are required to have a valid Brazilian Visa prior to their arrival in Brazil, and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country.

This Rio De Janeiro hotel is 700 meters from Ipanema Beach, 800 meters from Leblon Beach, and 1.2 kilometers from the Platforma Theatre. Avenida Atlantica is 4.8 kilometers away. Mar Ipanema Hotel offers a bar and a restaurant as well as room service. Breakfast is complimentary each morning. Guestrooms at Mar Ipanema Hotel include minibars, refrigerators, hair dryers, in-room safes, and TVs with premium cable channels. Wireless Internet access is complimentary.

Overnight at Mar Ipanema Hotel.


Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Photo alt Text
Photo alt Text
Mar Ipanema Hotel
Mar Ipanema Hotel
Day 2 Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a full day private excursion with your own vehicle, professional driver and English speaking guide visiting Corcovado and Sugarloaf. After being picked up from your hotel, you can enjoy a Panoramic city tour by car, passing by the main monuments such as Sambódromo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Cinelandia Square with its Municipal Theatre, National Library and the Fine Art Museum, to name but a few. Arriving at the Sugar Loaf, you can take a cable car to get to the summit where you will have one of the most fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. From here, the stop on the tour is Cosme Velho district, a traditional neighborhood in the Southern part of Rio de Janeiro which houses the picturesque Largo do Boticário - a small square enclosed by several neo-colonial style houses, built in the 1920s. (The houses were constructed using materials from much older buildings in the city's Centro district which had been demolished). Here, you can take a train up to the Corcovado Mountain, through the Atlantic rainforests of Tijuca to see the famous Christ The Redeemer statue and admire the fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro below. Before returning to the hotel, you will be taken for a visit to São Conrado beach to observe the famous hang gliders flying over the beach. You will no doubt enjoy the hosted lunch during the day and at day's end, having seen all of the sights; you will be brought back to your hotel.

Overnight at Mar Ipanema Hotel.


Famous Christ Statue
Famous Christ Statue
Day 3 Foz do Iguaçu

Iguazu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu) is one of the top attractions in Brazil. The city of the same name is beside the river, with over 100 hotels. The falls have a water flow equal to three Niagara Falls. Part of the falls are in the Brazilian side, others (including the "Garganta do Diabo" (Devil's Throat in Portuguese), the tallest of the falls, 97 m, 318 ft high) are in the Argentinean side, which can be done in a day tour across the border.

Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer.

Relax on your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu. Flight time is typically 2 hours and prices are subject to changes based on availability.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and professional driver.

Enjoy a private half day guided tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. After being picked up from your hotel, a scenic drive takes you through Iguassu National Park along the Cataratas Highway that leads to the border between Brazil and Argentina. Here, the river drops into a breathtaking canyon. You can descend a walkway and gaze at both sides of the falls and stop at the elevator to ride to the Brazilian side lookout point. Fantastic scenic and photographic opportunities abound, and your expert English speaking Guide will provide an educational and fun tour. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel in Iguazu.

Ideally located on the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, this resort hotel offers modern accommodation just 22 km from the Iguassú Falls. The tastefully decorated rooms enjoy private balconies. They provide cable TV and private bathrooms with a bath and shower. Bourbon Cataratas is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. It offers a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by all, including 2 swimming pools, a tennis court, and Kids Club. For relaxation there is a day-spa with massage services and sauna. The Bourbon Cataratas offers a variety of restaurants and bars serving local and international cuisines. Alternatively, downtown Foz do Iguassú is 3 km from the hotel, where numerous restaurants and shops can be found.

Overnight at Bourbon Cataratas Resort.


Bourbon Cataratas Resort, Iguassu Falls
Bourbon Cataratas Resort, Iguassu Falls
Day 4 Foz do Iguaçu

Enjoy a fun packed, full day shared tour exploring the Argentine side of Iguazu falls. After being picked up at your hotel, you will be transferred into the subtropical jungle in the company of your Guide and Driver to view one of the seven Wonders of the World: the Iguassu Falls, formed by the spectacular fall of more than two hundred cascades. The falls are protected within the Iguassu National Park, an expanse of 67,500 hectares and which was created with the objective of conserving the splendid frame of the surrounding subtropical jungle. There is plenty of walking throughout the day as you explore the area as well as a chance to see the handmade products of the Maca Paraguayan ethnic tribe. Take the Jungle Ecological Train to Devil’s throat station and enjoy the 15 minute train ride going by the shore of the fabulous Iguazú River and discover the silent inhabitants such as the majestic yacarés. Disembarking the train, your Guide will accompany you on the footbridge of 1,100 mts over the Iguazú River while they explain the bird diversity found in these parts such as condors and other wildlife as well as the Garganta del Diablo waterfall. Enjoy the wonderful views as you continue on your hike through the jungle passing other waterfalls. This is where the Mission movie was filmed. Enjoy a wonderful Argentine barbeque lunch, before continuing walking to see an incredibly panoramic view of the lower area of this wonderful stage. At the end of the day you will be returned to your hotel.

Overnight at Bourbon Cataratas Resort.


 Iguazu falls
Iguazu falls
Day 5 Pantanal

The Pantanal is the world’s largest area of wetlands, a flat landscape, with gently sloping and meandering rivers. The region is situated in South America, mostly within the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. The Pantanal floods during the wet season, submerging over 80% of the area, and nurturing the world's richest collection of aquatic plants. It is thought to be the world’s most dense flora and fauna ecosystem.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and professional driver.

Fly from Foz do Iguacu to Cuiaba connecting in Sao Paulo. Flights are subject to availability. Total travel time is approximately 7.5 hours.

Reception and assistance upon your arrival at Cuiaba Airport. A shared transfer will take you to the Pousada Rio Mutum, passing through the small village of Mimoso, where Candido Rondon was born.

Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Pousada Rio Mutum, passing through the small village of Mimoso, where Candido Rondon was born. Once you arrive at the Pousada enjoy a welcome drink and get ready for a delicious dinner at the lodge. After dinner the facilities of the Pousada as well as the programs for the next days will be presented.

The Pousada do Rio Mutum - Pantanal Lodge is located in the municipal district of Barão de Melgaço, one of the most beautiful regions of Mato Grosso´s Pantanal. In this ecological paradise the sound of the birds at dawn, the enchantment of the waters, the blue sky, the breathtaking sunset, horseback riding through the forests and wetlands, trails totally immersed in nature, flights of birds, Brazilian otters playing by the river, alligators enjoying the sun... will give you unique and unforgettable moments.

Overnight at Pousada Rio Mutum.


Pantanal
Pantanal
Cuiaba
Cuiaba
Pousada Rio Mutum
Pousada Rio Mutum
Day 6 Pantanal

After breakfast enjoy an ecological hiking tour through the wilderness of the Pantanal, visiting some settlements of the native “caboclos” with their palm thatched huts. The native's hospitality will provide you with an great impression of their lives together with a very stimulating drink of genuine “guarana”. Lunch at the lodge. After lunch, enjoy a horseback ride through typical Pantanal landscapes. Reception at a Fazenda which is situated at lake Sia Mariana, awaiting the sunset here. From here, you will return back to the lodge by boat. On the way back there is an opportunity to do some Piranha fishing.

Overnight at Pousada Rio Mutum.


Pantanal
Pantanal
Day 7 Pantanal

After breakfast, enjoy a boat ride until you reach a “corixo”, where a walking trail will begin. This trail will go to the Chacororé Bay that expands for more than 15 km. Lunch is served at the lodge, and in the afternoon a ride by vehicle or boat will take you to the Mutum River for a photographic safari of a practically unexplored area of the river, with a boat ride to observe as much of the Pantanal life as possible.

Overnight at Pousada Rio Mutum.


Chacororé
Chacororé
Day 8 Brasília

Brasília the capital of Brazil. The city and its District are located in the Central-West region of the country, along a plateau known as Planalto Central. It has a population of about 2,557,000 as of the 2008 IBGE estimate, making it the fourth largest city in Brazil and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. As the national capital, Brasília is the seat of the Brazilian government. The city is a world reference for urban planning. Planned and developed in 1956 with Lúcio Costa as the principal urban planner and Oscar Niemeyer as the principal architect. In 1960, it formally became Brazil's national capital. When seen from above, the main planned part of the city's shape resembles an airplane or a butterfly. The city is commonly referred to as Capital Federal. People from the city of Brasília are known as brasilienses or candangos.

After breakfast return to the Cuiaba Airport.

Enjoy a shared transfer to the Cuiaba airport.

Fly direct from Cuiaba to Brasilia. Flights are subject to availability. Total travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with professional driver.

The Naoum Plaza Brasilia offers sophisticated and luxurious premises. It has customized and personal service. The hotel has space available for events, including a convention center with room for up to 700 people. Also offered is a great fitness center, sauna, swimming pool, salon, and business center. The Falls and Mitsuba restaurants, offer outstanding gastronomy. The staff at the Naoum Plaza Brasilia will make sure your stay in the city is perfect.

Overnight at Naoum Plaza Hotel.


Brasília
Brasília
Naoum Plaza Hotel
Naoum Plaza Hotel
Day 9 Manaus

Manaus is a city in the northern part of Brazil and capital of Amazonas State. Located on the Rio Negro near its confluence with the Rio Solimões (also known as the Amazon River), it is the chief port and a hub for the region's extensive river system. Situated on the banks of the Rio Negro (meaning Black River, because of the dark color of the water), Manaus is an important centre for ecological tourism.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with professional driver.

Fly from Brasilia direct to Manaus. Flights are subject to availability. Total travel time is approximately 1 hour.

Arrival in Manaus. Pick-up at 1:30 pm and transfer to the Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge.

Check-in and welcome drink after which guests will be shown to their rooms. Dinner and an evening tour by canoe for some Alligator spotting.

The Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge, situated in the Amazon Rainforest itself, is not just a place to stay; it is a place to experience the most enthralling side of Brazil. Just an hour from the airport and sitting on the banks of the Rio Trauma, your individual bungalow apartment is outfitted in the traditional Brazilian style. One of 60 such quarters, it will have its own porch. Feast on Brazilian cuisine at the on-site restaurant and unwind in the heart of the Amazon. Watch primates play and feed up close at the Monkey Jungle Reserve, or take part in the jungle treks, canoe rides, and piranha fishing offered by the hotel.

Overnight at Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge.


Manaus
Manaus
Alligator
Alligator
The Amazon Eco Park, Brazil
The Amazon Eco Park, Brazil
Day 10 Manaus

Breakfast followed by a nature hike. Lunch will be served afterwards. After a short rest, visit the home of local Amazonian residents or "natives", followed by a canoe tour with opportunity to do some fishing. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Overnight at Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge.


Natives
Natives
Day 11 Manaus

Start your morning with breakfest. Afterwards will be a visit to the Monkey Forrest. Lunch will be served afterwards. You will proceed on a cruise trip to discover local flora and fauna in the beautiful rainforest. Dinner. Overnight spent at the Lodge.

Overnight at Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge.


Day 12 Porto de Galinhas

Porto de Galinhas is a beach in the municipality of Ipojuca, Pernambuco, Brazil. Porto de Galinhas is a major tourist destination. The beach is famous for its bright-water beaches and the natural pools. It is part of the municipality of Ipojuca, and located 60 kilometers south of the state capital, Recife. It has been voted "Best Brazilian Beach" for the eighth time in a row by the readers of Voyage & Tourism Brazilian magazine. According to this magazine, the main reasons given are the beauty of the natural pools, the ecological trails, the hotel infrastructure and the proximity to a large city and airport in Recife.

Breakfast, followed by check-out at 8:00 am.

Enjoy a shared transfer from the Amazon EcoPark Lodge to Manaus.

Fly from Manaus to Recife, connecting in Brasilia. Flights are subject to availability. Total travel time is approximately6.5 hours.

Enjoy a private transfer from Recife to Porto de Galinhas with professional driver.

The Village hotel is located along the beautiful beach of Porto de Galinhas- 60km away from Recife's airport. They are a hotel with contemporary architecture in complete harmony with nature and with the generous coconut grove that embraces them. Their charming tropical gardens are rich in various beautiful flowers as well allow the titi monkeys to climb down the coconut trees to eat fruit out of your hands!

Overnight at Village Porto de Galinhas.


Porto de Galinhas
Porto de Galinhas
Village Porto de Galinhas
Village Porto de Galinhas
Day 13 Porto de Galinhas

Enjoy your time at leisure with the opportunity to do some optional activities. Swimming in the ocean, heading to the town for a bit of shopping or to check out some local restaurants are all a great way to see the area. If lounging by the pool with a cocktail is more your style, feel free to take advantage and enjoy the sun!

Overnight at Village Porto de Galinhas.


Porto de Galinhas
Porto de Galinhas
Day 14 Porto de Galinhas

Enjoy your time at leisure with the opportunity to do some optional activities. Swimming in the ocean, heading to the town for a bit of shopping or to check out some local restaurants are all a great way to see the area. If lounging by the pool with a cocktail is more your style, feel free to take advantage and enjoy the sun!

Overnight at Village Porto de Galinhas.


Day 15 Recife

Enjoy a private transfer from Porto de Galinhas to Recife with professional driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).


Kensington Cares
Kensington Cares

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.