19-day family holiday in Brazil
19 days – From €4,900 per person
family holiday – Pantanal – driving – history
- Go snorkelling in Rio de Prata, a river clear as an aquarium
- Spot the giant anteater during an exciting hike through the Pantanal
- Sail by speedboat to just below the Iguaçu waterfall (and bring your rainwear)
- Cycle from the Copacabana through the lively streets of Rio de Janeiro
Itinerary
Day 1 | Amsterdam – São Paulo
Today you’ll fly from Amsterdam to São Paulo. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by one of our local English-speaking staff and taken to your hotel. You’ll spend the night in accommodation near the international airport, as you’ll be flying on to Campo Grande the following day.
Accommodation: Panamby Guarulhos | bed and breakfast
Day 2 | São Paulo – Campo Grande – Bonito
(approx. 300 km | 4-hour drive)
You’ll be taken from your hotel to São Paulo airport, where you’ll catch a domestic flight to Campo Grande. A rental car will be waiting for you on arrival. You will drive to your accommodation in Bonito. The area where Bonito now stands was once a sea, 550 million years ago. Today, it is one of the most fascinating water recreation areas in the world. The area around Bonito is renowned for its crystal-clear rivers, which are teeming with fish. When you let yourself drift along the current of one of these rivers with your snorkelling gear, it feels as though you are in a life-size aquarium. You will be staying at Pousada Olho d’Água, which is situated three kilometres from the centre of Bonito.
Accommodation: Pousada Olho d’Água | bed and breakfast
Day 3 | Bonito
Today you’ll be snorkelling in the Rio da Prata and visiting the Buraco das Araras. You’ll drive from your hotel in your rental car to the Rio da Prata (River of Silver). Whilst snorkelling, you’ll be surrounded by schools of various species of fish, such as Piraputangas, Pacu, Cachara, Pintados, Curimbatás and Dourados. The rays of light, branches, broken or fallen tree trunks, rock faces and rock formations create an astonishing underwater landscape. This means you’ll be constantly surprised by schools of different fish. After snorkelling in the Rio de Prata, you’ll drive on to the Buraco das Araras. ‘Buraco’ means ‘hole’ in Portuguese; this is a crater 124 metres deep and 500 metres wide where you can admire, amongst other things, red-and-blue macaws. The so-called hyacinth macaws have made this crater their home and nest here on the rim. At the bottom of the crater lies a lake inhabited by caimans.
Overnight stay: Pousada Olho d’Água | bed and breakfast
Day 4 | Bonito
Today you’ll head to Estancia Mimosa, where you’ll go on a lovely walk. The trip begins with a trek of around 3,500 metres through the floodplain forest along the Mimoso River. Along the way, you’ll stop several times at beautiful waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip, and at viewpoints to enjoy the scenery. Part of the route is covered by rowing boat. You’ll stop at various viewpoints, offering stunning views of the Serra da Bodoquena mountain range. The main building of the fazenda, where you’ll have lunch, retains its original features, and here you can relax in the hammocks.
Overnight stay: Pousada Olho d’Água | bed and breakfast
Day 5 | Bonito – Pantanal
(approx. 260 km | 4-hour drive)
You’ll leave Bonito and drive on in your rental car to the remarkable nature reserve in the Pantanal. The Pantanal is Brazil’s second most important nature reserve after the Amazon Rainforest. It is a kind of seasonal wetland that is flooded for half the year and dries out for the other half. During the rainy season, water flows from the surrounding regions into the Pantanal, which forms a sort of basin that fills up. As the water ‘gradually’ flows out again, the nutrients remain, making the Pantanal a biologically very rich area. The rivers are teeming with fish, and the banks are consequently teeming with waterbirds and caimans. Other characteristic animals of the Pantanal include the giant anteater, the giant otter, the anaconda, the capybara and the magnificent hyacinth macaw.
Accommodation: Pousada Aguapé | full board
Days 6 and 7 | Pantanal
Make the most of your surroundings during your stay. Join in the various activities included in your package. You can go horse riding, go for walks, take part in a photography safari trip and spot wildlife on a boat trip – here you’ll experience the authentic Pantanal culture. The guides at this lodge do not always speak English, but they do their best to show you as much of the area as possible.
Accommodation: Pousada Aguapé | full board
Day 8 | Pantanal – Campo Grande
(approx. 190 km | 3.5-hour drive)
In the afternoon, you’ll drive back from the Pantanal to Campo Grande, where you’ll spend the night before travelling on to Foz do Iguaçu.
Accommodation: Hotel Vale Verde | bed and breakfast
Day 9 | Campo Grande – Foz do Iguaçu
Today, you’ll drive your rental car to Campo Grande Airport (approx. 5 km / 10-minute drive), where you’ll return your rental car and board your domestic flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Once you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by one of our local staff and taken to your hotel.
Overnight stay: Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort | bed and breakfast
Day 10 | Foz do Iguaçu
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and, together with your guide, you will visit the Brazilian side of the falls. The word ‘Iguaçu’ means ‘big water’ in the indigenous Tupi-Guarani language. Foz do Iguaçu comprises around 275 waterfalls, and these are best visited in the morning when the light reflecting off the water is at its most beautiful. As the sun rises, rainbows appear on all sides. There is a path leading right down to the base of the thundering cascade, with several beautiful viewing points along the way. Afterwards, you will be taken back to your hotel.
Overnight stay: Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort | bed and breakfast
Day 11 | Foz do Iguaçu
Today you’ll visit the Argentine side of the falls. When you look straight down into the ‘Garganta del Diablo’ (Devil’s Throat) from above, you’ll immediately understand how this section got its name. Here, nature reveals its true nature. It really is a unique experience to stand so close to this waterfall. You’ll end up getting soaked, mind you, but nature will see to it that the sun dries you off again! After visiting the Argentine falls, you’ll view them in spectacular fashion from the water. You’ll be taken through the Mata Atlântica rainforest in an off-road vehicle. At Puerto Macuco, you’ll board a powerboat. This speedboat will take you through the canyons of the Iguaçu River right up to the falls. After admiring the tranquil side of San Martín Island, you’ll head to the Tres Mosqueteros waterfall, where you’ll have a clear view of the highly impressive Brazilian and Argentine falls, as well as the Devil’s Throat. You’ll then cruise along the riverbank to the enormous San Martín waterfall. Afterwards, you’ll be taken back to your hotel on the Brazilian side.
Overnight stay: Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort | bed and breakfast
Day 12 | Foz do Iguaçu – Rio de Janeiro
In the morning, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to Foz do Iguaçu Airport, from where you will take a domestic flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by one of our local staff and taken to your hotel.
Accommodation: Arena Copacabana | bed and breakfast
Day 13 | Rio de Janeiro
Today you’ll visit the famous Corcovado, home to the enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer, the very symbol of this vibrant city. From the statue, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view over the city. Afterwards, you’ll drive through the city to Sugarloaf Mountain, where you’ll take a cable car up. This mountain was discovered by the indigenous people, who called it ‘pau-nd-acuqua’, meaning ‘high pointed peak’. To the Portuguese, this sounded like ‘pão de açúcar’, as its shape reminded them of the pointed earthenware pots used in sugar refining. Sugar Loaf Mountain is an imposing natural landmark that has become an integral part of Rio de Janeiro’s skyline. From here, you’ll enjoy a completely different view of the city and see the Christ the Redeemer statue where you were standing just a moment ago. A truly impressive experience in this beautiful city! Afterwards, you’ll be taken back to your hotel.
Overnight stay: Arena Copacabana | bed and breakfast
Day 14 | Rio de Janeiro
Today’s programme includes a cycle trip through Rio de Janeiro. You’ll explore the southern part of the city, taking in famous landmarks as well as traditional neighbourhoods. You’ll start at Copacabana Beach, a popular meeting place for the Cariocas (residents of Rio de Janeiro). From here, you’ll cycle to Sugarloaf Mountain. You’ll also stop at Praia Vermelha (literally ‘red beach’), a small oasis in the metropolis. From Praia Vermelha, you’ll cycle on to the lively Botafogo neighbourhood, where you’ll get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Cariocas when they’re not on the beach. Here you’ll find the colourful Dona Marta favela, the city’s first pacified favela. The final leg of the cycle trip takes you to the Lagoa, the city’s large lake, which is surrounded by green hills and upmarket neighbourhoods.
Overnight stay: Arena Copacabana | bed and breakfast
Day 15 | Rio de Janeiro – Paraty
(approx. 250 km | 4.5-hour drive)
After breakfast, you will be taken to Rio de Janeiro airport, where you will collect your rental car and drive to Paraty. The town is situated on the waterfront and has a very distinctive, colonial atmosphere. The village was founded in 1667 and played an important role in history as a transit port for sugar cane, gold and diamonds bound for Portugal. The centre is entirely car-free, making it a delight to relax whilst strolling through the narrow streets. Paraty enjoyed its heyday in the 17th century, when gold and diamonds mined in the state of Minas Gerais were shipped from Paraty to Europe. However, this came to an end following Brazil’s independence in 1822, though the beautiful colonial buildings remained intact and, since 1966, the car-free town centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the picturesque views of Paraty and the green hills surrounding it. A visit to the fish market and the fruit and vegetable market is highly recommended. You can also visit the Igreja Santa Rita, a church that houses a small museum.
Overnight stay: Pousada Porto Imperial | bed and breakfast
Day 16 | Paraty
In the morning, you’ll leave the harbour of Paraty and sail to the densely forested islands with crystal-clear waters and secluded white sandy beaches. In this paradise, you’ll make three one-hour stops in Emerald Bay, where you can sunbathe, swim and snorkel. The trip includes the islands of Comprida, Algodão, Cotia and Praia Vermelha. Depending on the wind direction, the destination may vary, making every trip unique. Lunch will also be served during the trip.
Accommodation: Pousada Porto Imperial | bed and breakfast
Day 17 | Paraty
A free day is planned. Enjoy the lovely surroundings. You can also set off in your rental car to explore the various beaches around Paraty. For example, you could drive to Ubatuba, which is popular with Brazilians, or the small fishing village of Picinguaba.
Accommodation: Pousada Porto Imperial | bed and breakfast
Day 18 | Paraty – Rio de Janeiro – Amsterdam
Your unique journey through Brazil is coming to an end. You will drive your rental car to Rio de Janeiro Airport (approx. 250 km | 4.5-hour drive), where you will return it. From Rio de Janeiro, you will board your international flight to Amsterdam. You will arrive there the following day.
Day 19 | Amsterdam
You arrive in Amsterdam today.
Travel price
From € 4,900 per person
- Based on 4 people travelling together, staying in twin rooms
- Depending on time of booking, availability of local flights, accommodation availability and period of travel
Included:
- domestic flights, economy class
- 13 nights’ accommodation, meals as stated
- 3 nights’ accommodation at Pousada Aguapé on a full-board basis, with all excursions led by professional guides
- 8 days’ hire of a GX-category Renault Duster Dynamique 2.0 or similar alternative, including basic insurance, from Campo Grande
- 4 days’ hire of a GX-category Renault Duster Dynamique 2.0 or a comparable alternative, including basic insurance, from Rio de Janeiro
- All transfers and excursions (with English-speaking guides) as stated
- local taxes, where applicable
- entrance fees, where applicable
- Public levy Calamity Fund travel; €2.50 per booking
- SGR contribution of €5 per person per booking
- 24/7 our backup; locally and in the Netherlands
- comprehensive travel pack with small gift
Not included:
- International flights, if required we will be happy to book them for you
- Early check-in/late check-out, based on availability sometimes given by hotel. If you want to make sure you have this, please enquire with us about the extra cost.
- Public levy Calamity Fund travel; €2.50 per booking
- SGR contribution of €5 per person per booking
- travel and cancellation insurance
Request a travel proposal
Would you also like to take this roundtrip? We can of course arrange the above trip for you, but we would also be happy to put together a programme based on your wishes and ideas. Please feel free to contact us, call +31 73 610 62 04, send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or request a tailor-made quote below. We will be happy to help you.
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