Rio, the Pantanal and Salvador: deep into wild Brazil
Three very different regions: Rio de Janeiro and its iconic sights, then the Pantanal, one of the largest wetlands on the planet and one of the best places in the world to see wildlife.
During four days at a lodge, you explore the Pantanal on foot, by boat, on horseback and on safari outings, with a full day devoted to searching for the jaguar. The trip ends in Salvador, for its historic center and the culture of Bahia.
Trip at a glance
- Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and the Botanical Garden.
- The Transpantaneira and four nights at a lodge, with full board.
- A boat trip on the Clarinho River to look for giant otters.
- A full-day river safari toward Porto Jofre, on the Cuiabá and Piquiri rivers, in search of the jaguar.
- Salvador: the Pelourinho, Bonfim and the São Joaquim market.
With Brazil Vip
An itinerary built with you, at your own pace and within your budget.
Bookings and logistics handled from start to finish.
Assistance 7 days a week during your trip.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
You are met by our English-speaking guide and taken by private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private airport–hotel transfer with English-speaking guide.
Day 2 — Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and the Botanical Garden
Rio de Janeiro
Cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, then on to Corcovado for Christ the Redeemer and one of the finest views of the city.
A walk through the Botanical Garden, home to a wealth of Brazilian and foreign species.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, entrance fees for Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Day 3 — Free day in Rio
Rio de Janeiro
Beaches, neighborhoods, restaurants: enjoy Rio at your own pace, or add an excursion of your choice.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 4 — Along the Transpantaneira to the lodge
Rio de Janeiro, Cuiabá, Pantanal
Flight to Cuiabá, then drive to your lodge. Part of the route follows the Transpantaneira, where wildlife sightings already begin.
A walk around the lodge and an introduction to its conservation projects, sunset from an observation tower, then a night outing after dinner.
Included: full board, Rio de Janeiro – Cuiabá flight, transfer to the lodge, scheduled activities.
Day 5 — The Clarinho River and the giant otters
Pantanal
A boat trip on the Clarinho River, through the riverbank vegetation, home to giant otters and many birds. Piranha fishing is possible during the outing.
In the afternoon, climb an observation tower about 25 meters (80 feet) high for a panoramic view over the Pantanal, then a night safari after dinner.
Included: full board, scheduled activities.
Day 6 — The Pantanal on horseback
Pantanal
A horseback ride across grasslands, trails and, depending on water levels, temporarily flooded areas. The local horses are well adapted to this environment.
In the afternoon, a walk to another observation tower, near a spot frequented by jabirus (tuiuiús), the large birds that are the symbol of the Pantanal.
Included: full board, scheduled activities.
Day 7 — River safari in search of the jaguar
Porto Jofre, Pantanal
Drive to the Porto Jofre area, at the end of the Transpantaneira, then about six hours by boat on the Cuiabá and Piquiri rivers, their channels and bays.
Your guide watches for tracks and animal movements to try to spot the jaguar in its natural habitat. A light lunch is served on board so you can make the most of the day.
Included: full board, transfers, river safari, lunch during the excursion.
Day 8 — From the Pantanal to Salvador
Pantanal, Cuiabá, Salvador
Sunrise over the Pantanal for early risers, then the drive back to Cuiabá with a few last stops along the Transpantaneira. Flight to Salvador and private transfer to your hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, transfer to Cuiabá airport, Cuiabá – Salvador flight, private transfer.
Day 9 — Salvador, Upper Town and Lower Town
Salvador
On foot through the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho, with the Church of São Francisco, then the Bonfim Church, the São Joaquim market and the Lacerda Elevator.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide.
Day 10 — Free day in Salvador
Salvador
Food, neighborhoods, beaches: at your own pace. Optional excursion to Praia do Forte and Projeto TAMAR, dedicated to protecting sea turtles.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 11 — Departure from Salvador
Salvador
Private transfer to Salvador airport for your international flight. End of our services.
Included: breakfast, private hotel–airport transfer.
Map
Included in this price
- 10 nights in hotels and a lodge, in a double room: breakfast in Rio and Salvador, full board in the Pantanal.
- Domestic flights Rio de Janeiro – Cuiabá and Cuiabá – Salvador, taxes included.
- Private transfers in Rio and Salvador; in the Pantanal, transfers arranged by the lodge.
- Private tours of Rio and Salvador with an English-speaking guide.
- All lodge activities listed in the itinerary, including the river safari in search of the jaguar.
- Meals and entrance fees as mentioned.
Not included
- International flights (we can advise you).
- Drinks, meals not mentioned and extras at the lodge.
- Optional activities.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travel, cancellation and medical evacuation insurance.
Nothing is set in stone: every step can be adjusted with our team.
More days in Porto Jofre to improve your chances of a sighting, or a few nights on the beach in Bahia: we tailor the tour with you.
Customize this tourSuggested accommodation
Hotels are indicative. We confirm them when we prepare your quote, based on your dates and availability, and they may be replaced by properties of an equivalent category. We can also tailor the choice of hotels to your preferences and budget.
Standard / Guesthouse
- Royal Rio Palace Hotel — Rio de Janeiro
- Pousada Rio Claro — Pantanal
- Pousada Piuval — Pantanal
- Bahiacafé Hotel — Salvador
Superior / Boutique
- Miramar Hotel by Windsor — Rio de Janeiro
- Arena Leme Hotel — Rio de Janeiro
- Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge — Pantanal
- Hotel Villa Bahia — Salvador
- Hotel Casa do Amarelindo — Salvador
Luxury / Unique
- Belmond Copacabana Palace — Rio de Janeiro
What to pack
- Lightweight clothing, with long pants and long sleeves for the excursions.
- Closed-toe walking shoes, a hat or cap and a light rain jacket.
- Insect repellent, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Binoculars and a camera, if you have them.
Good to know
Jaguars and other animals are observed in their natural habitat, so sightings can never be guaranteed.
The Pantanal itinerary varies with the lodge chosen, the season and local conditions; jaguar searches may be seasonal.
The order of activities may change depending on the weather, water levels and the state of the dirt roads.
Some excursions use unpaved roads and involve walking or boat trips: bring suitable clothing.
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