amazon & the heart of brazil - northbound

Itinerary

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro

Built between Guanbara Bay and lush mountains, Rio's landscapes are alluring.

Days 2-4 Ouro Preto

Resting at the feet of the Serra do Espinhaco Range, this perfectly-preserved colonial town is dotted with the spires and domes of 23 churches. Stroll the tangle of narrow streets that climb the hilly panorama beside famed Aleijadinho sculptures.

Day 5 Bush Camp

Stay overnight between soya fields and modern industrial towns, typical of this part of the Paraguayan Plateau.

Days 6-8 Chapada Dos Veadeiros National Park

With cascading waterfalls, vast canyons and verdant valleys dotted with palm trees, the park is a spectacular haven. Discover the unique landscape, flora and fauna of the high-altitude Cerrado on a guided three-day expedition.

Days 9-10 Brasilia

The futuristic, Oscar Niemeyer-designed capital is a feat of modern design and architectural ingenuity. Take an optional trip to the top of the TV Tower for sweeping views over the modern skyline, or step inside the ethereal Santuario Dom Bosco (Dom Bosco's Shrine) which glitters with more than 7,400 pieces of blue glass.

Days 11-12 Bush Camp

Pitch a tent in the wide expanses of central Brazil.

Days 13-16 Pantanal

Explore this seasonally flooded alluvial plain, home to howler monkeys, giant otters, anteaters, macaws and caimans.

Days 17-18 Bush Camp

From the flood plains of the Pantanal to the gateway to the Amazon Jungle - spend two days traversing dramatic landscapes as the open spaces give way to dense rainforest.

Day 19 Porto Velho

Pick up a handmade hammock for the river journey ahead.

Days 20-24 Madeira River Ferry

Wind through the Amazon's network of muddy rivers onboard a riverboat bound for the depths of the jungle. Watch the thick jungle slide by and spot pods of pink river dolphins breaking through the murky surface.

Day 25 Manaus

Get acquainted with a city built at the meeting of the Solimoes and Negro rivers, forming the beginning of the mighty Amazon River.

Days 26-27 Amazon Jungle

Spot exotic wildlife, meet local tribespeople and traverse jungle rivers. Embark on nocturnal creature-spotting expeditions and retire to a jungle lodge.

Days 28-29 Manaus

Enjoy another day of wildlife spotting before returning to the bright lights of Manaus.