Brazil Highlights

Cross the Brazilian Border and start the tour in Foz de Iguazú National Park, one of the largest nature reserves in Brazil. Take a leisurely stroll along the path on the Brazilian side of the falls for panoramic frontal views of San Martin Island and the imposing Bozzeti, Two Sisters, San Martin and the Three Musketeers waterfalls, located on the other side of the border. The path leads to the viewing platform with an astonishing view of Devil’s Throat, the most impressive fall. Permanent rainbows above the falls add an aura of magic and beauty to this wonderful landscape.

Entrance fee to National Park included. Lunch not included. Return to hotel.

Parque das Aves comprises 16.5 hectares of lush Atlantic Rainforest, home to thousands of birds from hundreds of species from all four corners of Brazil and other parts of the world, many of them endangered. Immerse into aviaries to feel the beat of wings from vibrant macaws or look up-close into the eyes of a toucan. There is plenty to feel and enjoy from the work of this institution to preserve the region’s fauna and flora, caring for birds no longer in condition to live in their natural habitat, and providing an environment where they can survive.

Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay offers an excellent beach to relax, swim, and even kayak, plus the opportunity to observe sea lions (Zalophus wollebaki), here we can also observe sharks in the crystal-clear ocean waters. At this place, you can see three species of Darwin finches: A subspecies of the large-billed cactus finch (Geospiza fuliginosa), which is similar to the large-billed terrestrial finch; The small-beaked ground finch (Geospiza fuliginosa and; The singing finch (Certhidea olivacea) which is another endemic subspecies. Both resident and migratory birds are observed.

A walk around downtown Rio offers a great opportunity to get a taste of Brazil’s history, culture and traditions. The oldest part of Rio de Janeiro boasts many beautiful buildings from Brazil’s colonial and gold rush era, including the São Bento Monastery and the Imperial Palace. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Viennese-style 19th century Café Colombo. After lunch explore the charming hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Once home to upper-class residents, Santa Teresa is now an artistic hotspot. Admire the beautiful architecture and take in the fabulous views of the city and bay below. Also visit the Carmelite convent and the famous Selarón Staircase, a colorful tile mosaic created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón.

Lunch included without beverages.

Jeep Tour through the Tijuca Forest, the large swath of tropical rainforest in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Stop at the “Vista Chinesa”, a pagoda lookout, to take pictures and listen to the history of the reforestation of the Tijuca Forest and the importance of the Atlantic rainforest. Visit the Cascatinha waterfall for refreshments and to see the Mayrink Chapel.  Enjoy an easy one-hour hike to learn more about the ecosystem. Return via Açude da Solidão (Loneliness Dam) to São Conrado along the scenic Estrada das Canoas. Watch the hang-gliders soar over the forest and land on São Conrado beach.

The tour also includes a visit to Rio de Janeiro’s landmark statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the modern wonders of the world. The statue stands on top of Corcovado Mountain (2,300 feet above sea level). To access the statue, board the cogwheel train at the Corcovado train station in Cosme Velho for a 15-minute ride through the lush Tijuca forest. The Tijuca National Park is the largest urban forest in the world, with 8,000 acres of Atlantic rainforest in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. From the viewpoint at the feet of the 120-foot-high concrete and soapstone statue, enjoy spectacular 360º degree views over the city.

The Carioca skyline soars 1,300 feet above the city. Here is the Sugar Loaf Mountain, where you will be taken on this tour. Starting at the hotel, you will drive along famous beaches, such as Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, and Leme, reaching Praia Vermelha or Red Beach, in the Urca district. There, a cable car ascent is made in two stages toward the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. It will take you three minutes to reach the first stage, the Urca mountain, where the gardens and sightseeing view will invite you to enjoy this midway stop before proceeding to the peak. Arriving at it, the crescent of the Atlantic Ocean beaches comes fully into view and you will be amazed and certain of the city’s beauty. The return trip will be through Flamengo Park and there will also be a stop at the famous New Cathedral downtown. Return to the hotel.

Tour duration: 4 hours.

At the appropriate time, private transfer to your lodge Caiman Ecological Refuge (3 ½ hours’ drive) secluded in the heart of the Pantanal, a vast wetland harboring giant river otters, caimans, capybaras, and the elusive jaguar. Enjoy lunch at the lodge and an activity during the afternoon. Your rooms will be ready at 3:00 pm. Close your day with a Scenic Sundowner before dinner.

Caiman rates include: Full-Board, Soft Drinks, Flora & Fauna contemplation activities such as safaris, canoeing and hiking in the forest, Night Spotlight, Canadian Canoe Rides and Hiking Trails, Local bilingual guides & Onça Safari. Tours are shared with other guests.

After breakfast, set out on a guided exploration of the Pantanal on foot, scanning the canopy for howler and capuchin monkeys. Later this afternoon, delve deeper into the wilderness with a 4×4 game drive, followed by a riverine sunset safari by canoe. After nightfall, head into the wild once more in search of nocturnal ocelots, anteaters, and jaguars. The following day, join Onçafari’s Jaguar Conservation Team for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to monitor this critical species in the field. Learn the team’s tricks of the trade as you hone in on the jaguars during the day, checking camera traps and searching for tracks. After nightfall, find a prime location to lie in wait as the nocturnal wetlands come alive and these elusive predators begin to stalk the Pantanal.

This is a sample activities schedule. Activities schedule will be confirmed upon arrival at the Lodge. Activities are subject to change without prior notice, especially due to changes in the weather and operational logistics of the lodge.