The Pantanal’s jaguars, between Rio and the beaches of Morro de São Paulo
Rio de Janeiro, then three nights in the northern Pantanal for boat safaris, Iguazu Falls from both sides, Salvador and a few days at the beach on the island of Tinharé.
This itinerary is based on a trip our team actually organized: every stop, every hotel and the length of each stay can be adapted to your dates and preferences.
Trip at a glance
- Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and a free day.
- The northern Pantanal and its boat safaris, one of the best places in the world to see jaguars.
- Iguazu Falls from both sides of the border.
- Salvador: the Pelourinho, Bonfim and the culture of Bahia.
- Three nights at the beach in Morro de São Paulo.
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
Welcome by our guide and private transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Included: private airport–hotel transfer, accommodation.
Day 2 — Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro
Cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain for a panoramic view over Guanabara Bay, then on to Corcovado for Christ the Redeemer and one of the finest views of the city.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, entrance fees.
Day 3 — Free day in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Beaches, neighborhoods, restaurants: enjoy Rio at your own pace, or add an excursion if you like.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 4 — On to the Pantanal
Rio de Janeiro, Cuiabá, Northern Pantanal
Morning flight to Cuiabá, then drive along the Transpantaneira to your riverside hotel, with your first wildlife sightings along the way.
Included: full board, Rio de Janeiro – Cuiabá flight, private transfer.
Days 5 and 6 — River safari in search of the jaguar
Northern Pantanal
Days on a private boat on the rivers of the northern Pantanal, with your guide, to try to spot jaguars, giant otters, caimans and a multitude of birds.
Included: full board, private boat safaris with guide.
Day 7 — From the Pantanal to Iguazu
Northern Pantanal, Cuiabá, Foz do Iguaçu
Drive back to Cuiabá, then flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Meet and greet and private transfer to the hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, Cuiabá – Foz do Iguaçu flight, transfers.
Day 8 — The Argentine side of the falls
Foz do Iguaçu
Cross the border to Iguazú National Park, whose walkways lead into the heart of the falls, as far as the Garganta del Diablo when the trails are open.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, park admission.
Day 9 — The Brazilian side of the falls, then Salvador
Foz do Iguaçu, Salvador
In the morning, the Trilha das Cataratas offers a panoramic view of the falls as a whole, all the way to the walkway facing the Garganta do Diabo.
Transfer to the airport and flight to Salvador. Meet and greet and private transfer to the hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tour with English-speaking guide, park admission, Foz do Iguaçu – Salvador flight, transfers.
Day 10 — Salvador, upper and lower town
Salvador
On foot through the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho, with the São Francisco Church, then the Bonfim Church, the Mercado Modelo and the Lacerda Elevator.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide.
Day 11 — On to Morro de São Paulo
Salvador, Morro de São Paulo
Transfer to the port and catamaran crossing to the island of Tinharé. Check in and rest of the day at leisure.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, transfers, catamaran crossing.
Days 12 and 13 — Morro de São Paulo at your own pace
Morro de São Paulo
Beaches, natural pools and evenings on the sand: free days on the island of Tinharé.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 14 — Departure via Salvador
Morro de São Paulo, Salvador
Catamaran crossing to Salvador, then transfer to the airport for your return flight. End of our services.
Included: breakfast, catamaran crossing, transfer to the airport.
Map
Included in this price
- 13 nights in hotels, pousadas and a lodge, in a double room, with breakfast; full board in the Pantanal.
- Domestic flights Rio de Janeiro – Cuiabá, Cuiabá – Foz do Iguaçu and Foz do Iguaçu – Salvador, taxes included.
- All transfers as per the itinerary by private vehicle, and the catamaran crossing to Morro de São Paulo.
- Private tours and excursions as per the itinerary, with an English-speaking guide; private boat safaris in the Pantanal.
- Entrance fees for the sites and parks mentioned.
Not included
- International flights (we’re happy to advise you).
- Morro de São Paulo tourist tax, payable locally.
- Meals and drinks not mentioned.
- Optional excursions and activities.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travel, cancellation and repatriation insurance.
Nothing is set in stone: every step can be adjusted with our team.
More nights at one stop, a different hotel level or an extra destination: we’ll tailor this trip 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
- Santa Rosa Pantanal Hotel — Northern Pantanal
Superior / Boutique
- Miramar Hotel by Windsor — Rio de Janeiro
- Wish Foz do Iguaçu — Foz do Iguaçu
- Hotel Villa Bahia — Salvador
- Vila dos Orixás Boutique Hotel — Morro de São Paulo
What to pack
- Light, comfortable clothing, swimsuit and sandals.
- Comfortable shoes for sightseeing and closed-toe shoes for nature outings.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
- Insect repellent, long pants and long sleeves, and binoculars if you have them.
Good to know
The order of visits may be adjusted depending on flight schedules, weather and local conditions.
Visiting the Argentine side of the falls means crossing a border: a valid passport is essential, and entry requirements depend on your nationality.
In the Pantanal, the program depends on the season and water levels. Sightings of jaguars and other wildlife can never be guaranteed.
The catamaran crossing to Morro de São Paulo depends on sea conditions.
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