Central Holidays
Brazil / Independent

RIO DE JANEIRO & THE PANTANAL WETLANDS

7 Days - 6 Nights

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in the world. With its ideal location between the mountains and the sea, Rio enjoys splendid white-sand beaches, numerous historical and cultural sites, verdant rainforests and wild samba clubs.

The Pantanal Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing the world’s largest tropical wetland area. Located mostly in Brazil, this ecosystem supports 3,500 known plant species and is also home to 1,000 bird, 400 fish, 300 mammal and 480 reptile species!

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to the hotel.

Depart on your tour to visit one of the most famous landmarks in the world. After a scenic drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, you arrive at the bottom of the Corcovado Hill. Embark on a cogwheel train that ascends through the Tijuca Forest to the mountain’s summit. Here you’ll find the Art Deco statue of Jesus, Christ the Redeemer, located 2,300 ft. above sea level. Enjoy the magnificent views!!(B)

Day at leisure. Choose one of the many optional tours available.(B)

Morning at leisure, then transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport for your flight toCuiabá. Cuiabá, capital of the Brazilian state of MatoGrosso, is located in the exact center of South America. The city was founded in the beginning of the 18th century by the Portuguese settlers during thegold rush. Some of the original buildings can still be seen in the old downtown area. Cuiabá is one of the Brazilian cities that has grown exponentially due to the increase of agribusiness, and is noted for its cuisine, dance, music and craftwork. It is also one of the gateways to a very precious resource of Brazil--the Pantanal--at nearly 75,000 square miles it is the largest wetland in the world, as well as the most pristine and biologically rich environment.Upon arrival, you will meet with our representative anddrive towards thePousada do Rio Mutum, an ecotourist lodge in the northern Pantanal, located 81 miles away.Halfway there, having reached a gravel road, be on the lookout for many kinds of birds,unusual mammals and diverse vegetation. After check-in, you will have time to relax.In the evening, dinner and briefing about the next day’s activities.(B,D)

After breakfast, go horseback riding inthe trails of your hotelwhere a large variety of birds, mammals and reptiles can be seen all year round. This afternoon, enjoy a photographic safari ona leisurely boat ride along theMutum River where you could spot giant otters, stingrays, as well as many species of birds. Tonight, leave on a jeep tourof the surrounding areas and learn, hear and appreciate the nocturnal life in this natural sanctuary.(B,L,D)

After breakfast, walk through the jungles and vast fields of your lodgeand watch the animals and birdsin their habitat.Later, go byboat to the banks of the Mutum River where you can enjoy the sunset at the Siá Mariana Bay while you catch piranhas. In the evening, feed the caimans with the piranhas fished earlier, andobserve the nocturnal wildlife.(B,L,D)

Wake up early and enjoy the majestic sunrise! Witness thewildlife at the break of dawn. Return to the lodge, have breakfast and then checkout. Transfer to the Cuiaba airport. (B)

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