Brazilian Nature Family Tour

Upon arrival at Rio de Janeiro airport, you will be met for private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and unwind after your journey. Take the time to settle in to your hotel, wander around the local area, and try some of the local cuisine.

Brazilian flag

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil Cuisine

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Villa Paranagua Hotel & Spa

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Today you will visit one of Rio’s well-known attractions: Sugarloaf Mountain. After breakfast, your guide will collect you from the hotel and take you to Praia Vermelha, a quiet urban beach and the starting point for the trail up Urca Hill. The walk to the top of Morro da Urca takes about 40 minutes at an easy pace. Along the way, you may spot local monkeys, which often make for fun photo opportunities. Once at the top of Urca Hill, a cable car takes you to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, around 400 metres above sea level. From here, you can take in sweeping views over Copacabana Beach, Guanabara Bay, and Christ the Redeemer. The views from the summit are the highlight of the day. After spending time at the top, you’ll return by cable car. On the way back to your hotel, we recommend stopping at Mureta da Urca. It’s a great spot to relax with a fresh fruit juice while looking out toward Corcovado Mountain. This is another major landmark in the city, and you can plan a visit either later today or tomorrow afternoon.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Carrot Juice

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

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Villa Paranagua Hotel & Spa

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Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban rainforest, is an ideal setting for a family picnic. Spread across the hills surrounding Rio de Janeiro, the park provides a peaceful contrast to the busy streets below. With its tall trees, shaded paths, and fresh air, the forest is a welcome break from the city. The tour includes a picnic in a quiet clearing within the forest, where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by nature. Before and after lunch, there’s time to take short walks along easy trails. These paths pass by waterfalls, tropical fruit trees, and small orchid gardens. The area is well protected, allowing local plants and wildlife to thrive. You may hear the calls of birds or spot butterflies and small animals along the way. Children will enjoy looking for Brazilian fruits, some of which they might have tried earlier at breakfast. The setting encourages curiosity and calm, making it a relaxing experience for all ages. Whether you prefer walking or simply sitting and taking in the surroundings, this day in Tijuca is a chance to slow down and enjoy nature together without leaving the city far behind.

Tijuca Forest

Family Fun

Family Picnic

Tijuca Forest

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Villa Paranagua Hotel & Spa

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Upon arrival at Campo Grande city airport, a driver will be waiting to meet you. From here, you’ll continue by road to Bonito, a town well known for its clear rivers, natural pools, waterfalls, and local wildlife. The drive takes around five hours and passes through open countryside, farmland, and small towns, offering a relaxed introduction to the region. Bonito is a good base for a variety of family-friendly outdoor activities. Whether you’re interested in swimming, walking, or simply enjoying nature, the area offers a wide range of options suitable for all ages. The clear waters are home to colourful fish and other freshwater life, while the surrounding forest supports many bird and animal species. Once you arrive at your hotel, take some time to settle in and get used to the slower pace and natural setting. The rest of the day is free to rest or enjoy the surroundings at your own speed. After the journey, this is a good opportunity to relax before your planned activities begin. You’ll have the next three days to enjoy everything Bonito has to offer, with enough time to experience the area without needing to rush.

Parrot

Snorkelling

Bonito Sealife

Bonito

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Pousada Villas Bonito

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One of the best ways to experience the natural surroundings of Bonito is by snorkelling in the clear waters of Olho d’Água, a quiet tributary of the Rio da Prata. The river is known for its clarity, which allows you to see a wide range of fish and aquatic plants as you float gently along. With its steady current and calm setting, it offers a relaxing and memorable experience for all ages. After snorkelling, enjoy a buffet lunch at a nearby farmhouse, serving simple, local dishes in a peaceful rural setting. It’s a chance to recharge before the second part of the day. In the afternoon, the tour continues to a large sinkhole, formed naturally over thousands of years. The cliffs surrounding it provide shelter to macaws and several other bird species. The best time to visit is late in the day, when the birds return to their nests. You may see dozens of them flying overhead or perched along the rocks, creating a colourful and noisy scene. Younger visitors might enjoy spotting birds that resemble characters from the film Rio, adding a fun touch to a day filled with nature and wildlife.

Snorkelling

Macaw

Lunch Buffet

Rio da Prata

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Pousada Villas Bonito

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Today is all about enjoying the water with a mix of activities around the Porto da Ilha leisure complex. The day begins with a boat tour along the Rio Formoso, passing three scenic waterfalls along the route. The calm pace allows you to take in the surrounding landscape, which includes overhanging trees, tropical plants, and the sounds of birds and other wildlife. After the boat ride, you’ll switch to individual tubes for a relaxing float downstream. Tubing is a fun way to enjoy the river’s calm stretches, with the occasional rapid adding a burst of excitement. The banks are home to birds, monkeys, and sloths, which can often be seen moving through the trees or resting nearby. With little disruption from the boats or tubes, the animals continue their day as you quietly drift past. To round off the afternoon, you’ll try stand-up paddleboarding. The clear waters make it an ideal spot to learn, with a trained instructor available to help guide you. Whether you're trying it for the first time or already confident, paddling over the smooth surface of the river is a satisfying way to end the day before heading back to the hotel to relax.

Paddleboard

Waterfall

Tubing

Boat Ride

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Pousada Villas Bonito

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This morning, a private vehicle will be ready and waiting to take you to the airport in time for the short flight to Campo Grande. From here, it is onward to Miranda and the highly respected eco-Lodge; Refúgio Ecológico Caiman, in the heart of the Pantanal. Miranda itself is a charming town on the banks of the Miranda River, known as a gateway into the Pantanal, as well as for its crystal clear turquoise waters, ideal for snorkelling and bathing. Refúgio Ecológico Caiman consists of two exclusive pousadas, both ideally located to feel immersed in this biologically important and incredibly scenic wetland region, while in the comfort and style of a luxury Casita. The Lodge is staffed with world-class guides and in-house ecologists. Each day, there is a wide variety of guided excursions available, including photographic safari's, nature trails, canoe and kayak tours, horseback riding and nocturnal spotlight outings.

Pantanal Wetlands

Pantanal Wetlands

Toucan Pantanal

Crocodile Pantanal

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Refugio Ecologico Caiman

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This free day offers guests the flexibility to relax or engage in a variety of optional activities provided by the lodge. Horseback riding offers a unique perspective of the wetlands, allowing you to traverse areas inaccessible by vehicle. The lodge's Pantaneiro horses are well-adapted to the terrain, enabling riders to approach wildlife more closely without disturbance. Canoe excursions provide a tranquil way to navigate the waterways, offering opportunities to observe aquatic life and bird species along the riverbanks. Guided hikes through the diverse terrain reveal the region's rich biodiversity, with chances to spot various mammals, reptiles, and insects. A visit to the Hyacinth Macaw Institute provides insight into conservation efforts for this colorful parrot species. Learn about the challenges facing the hyacinth macaw and the initiatives in place to protect its habitat and increase its population. Birdwatchers can delight in the opportunity to spot over 350 avian species in the region, guided by experts who can help identify and provide information about the diverse birdlife. ~~.~~ For a more active experience, take a scenic canoe tour or traverse the diverse terrain via designated hiking trails.

Horseback in Brazil

Hyacinth Macaw

Bare Faced Curassow

Rainforest Parrots

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Refugio Ecologico Caiman

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Another free day allowing guests to delve deeper into the Pantanal's wonders or prioritize relaxation. You could join a guided nature walk with a knowledgeable naturalist to discover the intricate ecosystems on foot. Alternatively, explore the waterways by kayak or canoe, paddling past hidden coves and diverse wildlife. For those seeking tranquility, a traditional Pantanal massage provides a chance to unwind and rejuvenate. Photography enthusiasts can participate in a specialized wildlife photography workshop, honing their skills under expert guidance. As day turns to dusk, enjoy a scenic sunset cruise, absorbing the colors as the sun dips below the horizon and the Pantanal awakens under the night sky.

Conservation

Jabiru

Toucans

Great White Heron

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Refugio Ecologico Caiman

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The drive to Campo Grande airport takes approximately four hours. The route passes through a mix of small towns and open countryside, offering a final look at the landscapes of the Pantanal region. After arriving at the airport, you’ll take a domestic flight to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, a driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after the journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to take a short walk nearby, have a quiet dinner, or simply settle into your room and rest. This evening is kept low-key to give you time to recharge. Whether you’re winding down from earlier travel or preparing for the days ahead, this short stop allows you to ease back into the pace of the city. Your hotel is well located, making it easy to access local shops or restaurants should you feel like stepping out. Otherwise, enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Flight

Rio de Janeiro

Pantanal Wetlands

Brazil

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Villa Paranagua Hotel & Spa

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This morning, a vehicle will be arranged for your transfer to Angra dos Reis. Located around 300 kilometres west of Rio de Janeiro, the BR101 highway follows the Costa Verde, a region known for its lush coastal scenery. Here, the forest covered mountains of the Serra do Mar slope down to meet the sea, creating a series of bays, inlets, and islands. The largest of these is Ilha Grande, known for its clear waters, quiet beaches, and diverse wildlife. The island also has the remains of an old prison, adding an interesting layer to its natural appeal. From the coastal town of Angra dos Reis, both Ilha Grande and parts of the Serra do Mar are accessible. Angra itself is a useful base for those looking to explore the surrounding area or take a boat out to nearby islands. The road continues along the coast to Paraty, a small and well kept town around three hours from Rio, known for its colonial era buildings and relaxed pace. The drive to Angra is scenic, with plenty of views along the way, making it more than just a transfer. It is also a chance to enjoy one of Brazil’s most picturesque regions.

Angra dos Reis

Angra dos Reis

Sloth

Angra dos Reis Sunset

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Pousada Mestre Augusto

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Today is a free day to enjoy Angra dos Reis at your own pace. With more than 300 islands in the surrounding bay, there are many options for those who want to spend time on or near the water. Local boat tours can take you to nearby beaches, where you can swim, relax, or enjoy a fresh juice from a small beachside kiosk. The waters are usually calm, making them ideal for swimming and snorkelling. If you prefer to stay on land, you can visit the town centre of Angra, which has a relaxed feel and a small selection of shops and cafés. The marina area is a nice place for a gentle walk, especially in the late afternoon. You could also choose to spend the day at your accommodation, enjoying the quiet surroundings and resting by the pool. Another option is to arrange a short trip to nearby Ilha Grande. Regular boats make the crossing, and it is possible to spend a few hours walking along forest paths or resting on one of the island’s quiet beaches. However you choose to spend the day, Angra provides a peaceful setting to rest and enjoy the natural surroundings at a slower pace.

Horseback Beach Ride

Leisure

Cocktails

Angra dos Reis Streets

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Pousada Mestre Augusto

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As your journey comes to an end, today is a good opportunity to take things slow and prepare for the flight home tomorrow. After several days of travel and activity, this final full day in Angra dos Reis can be kept simple and restful. You may wish to enjoy a quiet breakfast with a view of the sea, followed by some time to read, reflect, or organise your belongings. If there is anything you wanted to pick up for family or friends, the small shops in town offer local crafts and handmade items. A short walk along the marina or a final swim can round off the afternoon gently. If you prefer to stay within the hotel grounds, many offer shaded gardens or terraces where you can relax. Some visitors enjoy spending time sorting through photos or journalling while the details of the trip are still fresh. Dinner can be kept casual, either at your hotel or at a nearby restaurant with local dishes and simple surroundings. Try to get a good night’s sleep ahead of tomorrow’s transfer. After a memorable time in Brazil, this quiet day helps bring the trip to a close in a calm and steady way.

Final Dinner

Local Wildlife

Scarlet Macaws

Relaxation

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Pousada Mestre Augusto

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You will be collected from your hotel for your private transfer to the airport for your return flight. Happy travels!

Flight Home

Airport

Happy Travels!

Brazil

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Pousada Mestre Augusto

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