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Overview

Adventure trip in Brazil

Travelling in Brazil is nothing but a culture shock: colours, traditions, wild nature and authentic lifestyle are the right ingredients to provide an amazing experience you will love with this unique adventure trip. Arriving in Rio we gradually 'acclimatise' with a range of excursions, from the cultural delights of the historic centre to the famous Sugar Loaf mountain, reached by cable car - or even with the chance to test your samba skills! We then spend time at one of the world's greatest and most impressive cataracts - Iguaçu Falls.
The real adventure starts as we fly into the heart of the Mato Grosso region to explore the Pantanal Wildlife Reserve, habitat for an amazing variety of species - including jabiru, scarlet macaws, piranhas and jacares! We then fly on to Manaus, the isolated capital of the vast Amazonas region, clustered around the lavish opera house where Sarah Bernhardt once played. The surrounding region of Manaus, a city of colonial heritage, is full of contrasting highlights to discover with short trips worth of interest.
Taking a launch, we spend two nights in the Amazon rainforest at our lodge. We have time to explore the area by canoe and on foot. The -lung- of the planet is a natural treasure Finally we end our journey in Salvador, one of the continent's most atmospheric cities, rich in colonial architecture and African rhythms, definitely an authentic gem of Brazil.

Feel free to contact our South America expert advisor at Uniktour to get more information about this unforgettable adventure trip to Brazil!

Itinerary

Day 1| Join tour Rio de Janeiro
Arrive Rio and check-in at hotel. The spectacular setting of Rio de Janeiro is hard to beat. With 120 miles of arvellous beaches and a mountain backdrop it really is a tropical paradise. The afternoon is free to relax – alternatively your leader can organise a visit to the towering summit of Corcovado topped by the immense statue of Christ the Redeemer
(optional). 2 nights hotel H+.

Day 2| In Rio de Janeiro
Today we take to the city and visit the Sambadrome, the old town and take a cable car up to the huge Sugarloaf mountain from where the views of Rio are breathtaking. You also have the opportunity to visit the beaches or Botanical Gardens or take a favela tour (optional). (Included meals: B).

Day 3| Fly to Iguaçu
Leaving Rio this morning, we fly to Iguaçu from where we can visit the spectacular Iguaçu Falls. With its jungle setting, the Iguaçu Falls are perhaps the world's most beautiful waterfalls and are a major highlight of our trip.
2 nights hotel H+ (included meals: B).

Day 4| Visit Iguaçu Falls
We will spend this morning (when the light is best ) visiting the Falls on the Brazilian side.
Set in a National Park, the Iguaçu river hurtles over high cliffs into a marvellous curved amphitheatre several miles wide – a breathtaking sight. The noise is tremendous and huge clouds of mist are churned up by the cascade. The surrounding spray-soaked forest is alive with brightly plumaged toucans, parrots, humming birds and colourful butterflies. From here it may be possible to take a spectacular helicopter flight over the falls (optional), or arrange a visit to the Argentinian side of the falls to get a close up of the fitfully churning ‘Devil's Throat' by navigating a series of catwalks. Another exciting alternative is to take a trip by powerboat virtually into the falls themselves (optional). (Included meals: B).

Day 5| Fly to Cuiaba
Today we fly to Cuiaba, gateway to the Mato Grosso. We will experience the vastness of the Amazonian plains below as the flight takes up the majority of the day. Depending on our arrival time we may visit Chapada dos Gumares (optional). Overnight hotel H+ (included meals: B).

Day 6| Drive to Pantanal Wildlife Reserve
Driving from Cuiaba to the Pantanal Wildlife Reserve along the Transpantaneira road we have our first encounters with wildlife at the waterholes. We have two full days to explore this paradise for birds and wildlife. There are over 600 bird species including waders, toucan, heron, stork, duck and coot and 350 varieties of fish, including the remorseless piranha.
Animals include deer, armadillo, tapir, boar, the unusual capivara and thousands of jacaré caiman (alligator). Few visitors discover the remote Pantanal, so there is little infrastructure for tourists: our accommodation is simple, yet gives us the chance to soak up the rural atmosphere of the place.
3 nights lodge H+ (included meals: B, L, D).

Days 7 & 8| Exploring the Pantanal Wildlife Reserve
We plan to explore the area around our fazenda on foot and in small boats. Early morning and dusk is the best time for wildlife spotting, and we split large groups into 2 for better viewing opportunities. Our lodge is located by a river and has a pool to relax beside – a wonderful combination of relaxation and a chance to see the most readily accessible and prolific wildlife in Latin America. Lie in your hammock and appreciate the evening birdsong. (Included meals: Bx2, Lx2, Dx2).

Day 9| In the Pantanal; drive to Cuiaba & fly to Manaus
We have the best part of the morning for further wildlife excursions before driving back to Cuiaba in the afternoon to catch our flight to Manaus, the famous city, set in the heart of the Amazon basin on the banks of the Negro river. The bustle of an urban community seems almost other-worldly in the midst of vast tracts of jungle stretching in all directions. Once rich and fashionable, the capital Amazonas is now quickly expanding as a free trade zone.
Overnight hotel H+ (included meals: B, L).

Days 10 & 11| Launch into the Amazon rainforest
The morning is free to explore Manaus where you may wish to vist the Opera House and to prepare ourselves for our visit to the rainforest. In the early afternoon we drive to the port where we board our boat and cross the Amazon, seeing the ‘Meeting of the Waters' phenomenon en route. We continue by bus and travel by speedboat through the channels and creeks through the rainforest to our lodge. There are a range of activities to make the most of our time in the heart of
the rainforest. Fish for Piranha, visit the local indigenous community or take one of the treks into the jungle, accompanied by a local guide. At night it is possible to go caiman spotting by torchlight, their beady eyes eflecting the light, red pinpricks floating in the darkness. Whatever your preconceptions, you will be amazed by the area.
2 nights lodge H+ (included meals: Bx2, Lx1. Dx2).

Day 12| Launch to Manaus; fly to Salvador
We return to Manaus by launch, bus and ferry, appreciating the beauty of this fragile environment as we travel. We disembark in Manaus and begin our lengthy journey by plane to Salvador the capital of the state of Bahia – one of Brazil's most historic cities, its roots stemming back to 1501 when the navigator Amerigo Vespucci first sailed into its bay. Initially considered to be the nation's capital due to the natural protection of the cliffs rearing from the sea, its bay was one of the finest anchorages on the eastern shores of the New World. Once an opulent city from trade and later from the discovery of diamonds inland, this period of prosperity has left a legacy of colonial architecture, largely centred in the Upper City atop the cliffs – now designated a historic monument by Unesco.
3 nights hotel H+ (included meals: B).

Days 13 & 14| In Salvador
After our orientation tour of the city, our last two days are free to explore, The Pelourinho area is considered to be the most important collection of 17th-18th century architecture in the whole of the Americas. The area is a jumble of centuries old churches, narrow cobbled streets and spacious plazas bordered by once elegant but now gently decaying mansions. The natural setting is magnificent overlooking the Todos os Santos Bay. What immediately strikes the traveller is that despite its Portuguese architecture, the spirit, cuisine, culture and people are predominantly African. The area's riches were originally based on sugar cane and tobacco, with the majority of the workforce coming from the west coast of Africa – for over 300 years Salvador was the centre of a thriving slave trade. The modern day population is mostly of African descent – this can be heard in the rhythms of the music and in the dance, the cuisine and Candomble, a mixture of African and Christian deities and rites. (Included meals: Bx2).

Day 15| Tour ends Salvador
Transfer to the airport toi catch your international flight back to Canada(Included meals: B).

Budget

**Rates published on this website are for information purposes only and are not legally binding (since departure dates are not given). Prices on this website are known to fluctuate frequently in relation to changes in currencies and hotel pricing. In order to obtain a definite quote, please click here.

Other fees

Accommodation and Meals: 9nts hotels - good standard throughout, 5nts lodge - fantastic Pantanal lodge, more rustic in the Amazon; 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners included.
Transport: Minibus/Launches/Bus/Flights as itinerary.
Group Size: Approx. 14 to 18.Tour Staff: Tour Leader plus driver(s), boatmen and some local guides.
While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested.
Accommodation and Included Meals: please find the key to our accommodation ratings overleaf, and note that included meals are indicated in the itinerary below and are shown on the day they are provided (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner).

Hotels / lodges / guesthouses - or similar
H++ : Comfortable hotels, lodges or guesthouses with twin or single rooms and en suite facilities. With air-conditioning/heating where appropriate and with reliable hot and cold water. Generally good levels of service and often with added amenities such as restaurant, bar, gardens or swimming pool.
H+ : Standard hotels, lodges or guesthouses, usually with twin or single rooms and en suite facilities. These are generally standard, no-frills hotels with adequate amenities and service standards. Whilst comfort levels are perfectly acceptable to most, please don't expect too much! These are often small, family run establishments.
H : Basic hotels, lodges or guesthouses (also village houses, mountain huts, hotels etc often come into this category). Accommodation may be communal or dorm-style, and WC / washing facilities are usually shared. Running hot and cold water may be unreliable or even unavailable. These can be the most rewarding and memorable places to stay, but comfort levels are low.

Overview

Brazil, a lifestyle
For a long time now, Brazil's natural beauty and Carnival rendered it international fame, attracting thousands of tourists all year long. The number of foreigners visiting the country went from an average of 1.5 million per year in the 1990s to more than 4 million visitors per year from the year 2000 on, according to Embratur's (Brazilian Tourism Institute) Statistical Yearbook for 2003. But there is a very special attraction that you only discover when you come here: the Brazilian people. Much beyond the breathtaking scenery, the way these people live surprises everyone with its simplicity, willingness, hope, hospitality and happiness.

Studies carried out by Enbratur indicate that 75% of the tourists who seek Brazil as their vacation destination do so first of all because of the natural beauty. But once they arrive here, they find such hospitality that they soon become enchanted with the mixture of colors, races and cultures of the people as well.

According to surveys, when foreign tourists are questioned about Brazil, they indicate happiness as the main characteristic of our people. Happiness that can be perceived in every moment they stay in the country – whether in our music, the warmth of our northeastern beaches, the lively Rio de Janeiro nightlife or the exuberant Amazon.

From this warm and festive spirit, popular displays such as Carnival, New Year's Eve celebrations and June Parties arise, all famous for their liveliness and joy. It seems that the people's desire to show what is good about Brazil transforms this vigor into creativity, flashed about in contagious colors and sounds.

Research carried out with international tourists who have already had the opportunity to know Brazil reveal that the visitor truly finds the country to be beautiful. The results also show that 52% of this public goes back home valorizing yet another aspect of this land: its people. After all, besides appreciating some of the most beautiful spots on the planet – including countless beaches, ecological paradises and historical cities – the visitor is always accompanied by people who are willing to show the best points of every excursion, making the trip unforgettable.

Tourism

Electricity Voltage
Electricity voltages vary from one state to another. Check the voltage before connecting any electrical appliance to an outlet.

Car Hire
All the well know car hire firms have counters at the country's main airports and in the main urban centers. Tourists may also book cars through their travel agencies.

Taxis
The tourist may opt to take an ordinary taxi easily found in the streets or through radio taxi services. It is recommended that accredited taxi services at the airports and at points nearby the main hotels be given priority. It is not usual in Brazil to tip a taxi driver although it is common to round off the amount and let the driver keep the change as a gratuity.

Tips
Most bars and restaurants include a service charge of 10% in the Bill. It is usual to leave a little extra if the service has been satisfactory. When no service charge has been included then a tip of 10% to 15% is the general rule.

Currency
The Brazilian currency unit is the Real ($R). Dollars and Travelers Checks can easily be changed in hotels, banks or travel agencies. Most establishments accept credit cards.

Communications
To make an international call, dial: 00 + operator code* + country code + area code (if there is one) + telephone number For reverse charge international calls dial 0800 7032111.

Operators:
Brasil Telecom 14
Embratel 21
CTBC 34
GVT 25
Intelig 23
Telefónica 15
Telemar 31

Language
The national language is Portuguese but it is a little different from the Portuguese spoken in Portugal

Climate
The climate is predominantly tropical with some variation according to the region. The average annual temperature in the north is 28º C and 22º C in the south.

Time Zones
Because of its continental dimensions Brazil has 4 time zones. The official time is Brasília time and it corresponds to 3 hours less than GMT. From September to February the clocks are put forward one hour in most Brazilian States.

Geography

Brazil is the largest country in Latin America.
It spreads across almost half (47.3%) of South America, and occupies a total area of 8,547,403.5 km2. It is the fifth largest country in the world after Canada, the Russian Federation, China and the United States. Except for a small number of islands, Brazil is a single and continuous land mass. The Equator passes through the northern region, near Macapá, and the Tropic of Capricorn cuts through the south of the country, near São Paulo. Brazil's east to west extension (4,319.4 km) is almost equivalent to its north to south distance (4,394.7 km). The country borders French Guiana, Suriname, Guiana, Venezuela and Colombia, to the north; Uruguay and Argentina, to the south; and Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru, to the west. Ecuador and Chile are the only two countries on the South American continent that do not border Brazil. The Atlantic Ocean extends along the country's entire eastern coast, providing 7,367 km of coastline.

Climate

Brazil's climatic typology is very diverse.
The huge territorial expanse, allied with factors such as temperature, altitude, barometric pressure and proximity to the ocean, provide the country with climatic conditions that can please everyone. It is one of the richest and most complex ecosystems in the world, with extremely diversified vegetation and sceneries. The Brazilian territory is divided into climatic strips: 92% of the territory is located between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. We can therefore say that the Brazilian climate is predominantly tropical, with equatorial and subtropical (temperate zones) strips distributed over the remaining 8% of the nation's territory. The predominance of lower altitudes throughout the country provides more elevated temperatures, with averages exceeding 20°C. The seasons are the exact opposite of those in Europe and the United States, except in the northern region of the country. The average annual temperature is approximately 28ºC in the northern region and 20ºC, in the south. Extreme temperatures are rare, but they may occur: in the winter, some cities in the south of the country experience negative temperatures, with frost and snow. And in Rio de Janeiro, in the peak of summer, the temperature may hit 40ºC. Now that you know about our climate, choose the temperature you find most pleasant and come fall in love with the beauty Brazil has to offer.