amazon & the heart of brazil - southbound

Itinerary

Day 1 Manaus

Enjoy another day of wildlife spotting before finishing the adventure back in Manaus.

Days 2-3 Amazon Jungle

Spot exotic wildlife, meet local tribespeople and traverse jungle rivers. Embark on nocturnal creature-spotting expeditions and retire to a jungle lodge - right in the thick of it.

Day 4 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 5-9 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 10 Puerto Velho

Pick up a handmade hammock for the river journey ahead.

Days 11-12 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.

Days 13-16 Pantanal

The vast alluvial plain of Pantanal is seasonally flooded by the Paraguay River, creating habitats for species including howler monkeys, giant otters, anteaters, macaws and caimans. Explore the bountiful wetlands on game safaris and boat trips.

Days 17-18 Bush Camp

Pitch a tent in the wide expanses of central Brazil.

Days 19-20 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 21-23 Chapada Dos Veadeiros National Park

One of Brazil's hidden treasures, this park showcases the unique landscape, flora and fauna of the high-altitude cerrado. With cascading waterfalls, vast canyons and verdant valleys dotted with palm trees, the park is a spectacular haven. Discover its canyons, pools and rock formations during a guided three-day expedition.

Day 24 Bush Camp

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

Days 25-27 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 28-29 Rio de Janeiro

Built between Guanbara Bay and lush mountains, Rio's allure is intoxicating.