Nature of Brazil

Itinerary Highlights

For naturalists and eco lovers, a trip to Brazil wouldn't be complete without a journey through the country's "Eco Corridor", which runs from the northwest region of the Amazon all the way down to Foz do Iguaçu. In between these two drastic destinations lies the Pantanal, the world's largest wetland that is approximately half the size of France. In this unique expedition, you will explore well beyond the ordinary, far off the grid and into the heart of wild nature.

You will begin your journey on an Amazon River Cruise, Motor Yacht (M/Y) Tucano, sailing deep into the Amazon rainforest, mostly voyaging on the Rio Negro, and venturing along hidden uninhabited rivers where the magnificent plants and animals of the rainforest reign supreme. Prepare for an array of daily excursions led by skilled naturalist guides, or simply choose to relax. Far off the beaten path, you will also visit small villages where the rhythms of life are tuned to the cycles of the wilderness. You will then continue to the awe-inspiring safari region of the Pantanal, exploring the world’s largest wetlands by canoe and having a chance to see jaguars in their natural habitat (season runs from July through mid-October). Located in Northern Pantanal, Araras Lodge is the perfect place to feel in harmony with the surrounding environment while being comfortable and providing a Pantaneiro experience. Your lodge will offer myriad of activities to immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the region. Opt to get off-road and explore deeper into the marshes and forests by canoe or horseback riding, in search of wildlife in the area. End your journey in Iguazu Falls, witnessing the falls from two sides. Have your breath taken away as you experience the full force of Iguazu Falls on a boat tour and explore the surrounding jungle in a 4x4 vehicle.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight at Villa Amazonia (no meals included)

You will be picked up from your hotel to begin your transfer towards the Motor Yacht Tucano. We will depart on the Rio Negro and as the vessel glides upstream we will have our first talk about Amazon environments. By late afternoon we will enter one of the world’s largest river island systems, the Anavilhanas Archipelago. The boat will weave along a winding channel with rainforest on both sides in a riot of brilliant vegetation. Weather permitting, we will go for a launch excursion in the gnarled and dense flooded forest along the river’s edge. We may see some Squirrel Monkeys and we may hear the other-worldly growls of Howler Monkeys echoing through the primitive rainforest. The Amazon has one of the greatest collection of birds in the world and we are sure to see some of these brightly colored jewels perched in the treetops. We will return to the M/Y Tucano for hors d’oeuvres on the observation deck and a toast to the rainforest sunset. Following dinner we will embark in our launches in search of nocturnal creatures such as the Caiman, the Amazon’s crocodilians. We may also see one of the large night birds such as a Great Potoo, with its bulging eyes and large mouth, adapted to swallow the huge Mariposa Moths.

Overnight M/Y Tucano (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Shortly after sunrise this morning we will explore the Anavilhanas Archipelago, a reserve that includes the world’s largest system of river islands and also areas of tall dense rainforest. Here we will see the strange environment called the igapó, the black water flooded forest, where dense forests grow right out of the dark water of the Rio Negro. Mid-morning we will return to the vessel for a hearty Brazilian breakfast. After some time to relax, weather permitting, we will disembark at mid-morning and dividing into very small groups, we will go for a walk in the type of rainforest known as the terra firme. Here we have a good chance to see the markings, if not the animals themselves, of some of the Amazon’s great mammals like peccaries (wild pigs) or even a jaguar. Around mid-day we will return to the vessel for lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon we will excursion in our launches along the edges of the dense forest and listen to the sunset chorus of birds, howler monkeys, and frogs. Weather permitting, tonight we will have an excursion to spot caiman (the Amazon’s crocodiles) and other nocturnal creatures. We very often see arboreal porcupines or sloths scrambling high in the limbs.

Overnight M/Y Tucano (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today we will voyage to the west side of the Rio Negro and continue to scout in our launches and walk in the forest. We will explore, according to the weather and water depth, areas rarely visited by anyone else. Tonight the M/Y Tucano goes downstream, and river depth permitting, will enter an east bank affluent of the Rio Negro and explore on deep into the rainforest on this small river. After our nocturnal exploration of the rainforest in our launches we will return to the Motor Yacht Tucano for “Caipirinha Night” and perhaps try a bit of samba on the top deck.

Overnight M/Y Tucano (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

We will begin the day with a dawn excursion hunting for wakening wildlife followed by a full Brazilian breakfast. We will then go one last time into the forest. In the mid-afternoon we will begin to journey downstream to arrive late in the day at the “Encontro das Aguas” - a stark several mile long line where two of the world’s largest rivers, the Amazon and the Rio Negro, join in a turbulent maelstrom. Here the dark water of the Negro runs beside the opaque brown water of the Amazon. At sunset the M/Y Tucano will once again turn her bows upstream on the Rio Negro and journey to our overnight anchorage north of the City of Manaus. As we pass in front of Manaus, we will marvel at the scale of one of the world’s largest and most vibrant port cities over a thousand miles from the sea. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner and prepare for an early departure in the morning.

Overnight M/Y Tucano (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Early this morning at around 7:30AM, after a hearty breakfast, all guests disembark from the M/Y Tucano to the city centre or to the hotel for luggage pickup. You will then be privately transferred to the airport for your departing flight to Cuiaba.

Upon arrival in Cuiaba, you will be privately transferred to your hotel for the night. Rest up!

Overnight at Hotel Deville (Breakfast)

Along with the Amazon Basis, the Pantanal is one of the last virgin areas on the face of the earth. A huge lowland plain, it is entirely overgrown by luxuriant vegetation dotted by thousands of rainbow colored flowers which bloom during the rainy season (December to March). It shelters innumerable rivers and crystal clear lakes. Along their shores are rare species of animals such as jaguars, peccaries, bob-cats, wild boards not to mention flocks of ducks, Gray Teals, pigeons, partridges and herons who live in total and undisturbed freedom protected by the laws that created the National Parks.

After breakfast at the hotel you'll be transfered to Araras Eco Lodge. While crossing the area, it is possible to spot and appreciate the local flora & fauna. Late afternoon hike through a surrounding area to a 12 m observation tower and a spectacular view of sunset. After dinner, enjoy a night walk to observe the South American sky and immerse yourself in this nocturnal environment and watch the wildlife.

Overnight at Araras Eco Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, take a photo safari through private dirt roads towards the Clarinho River. Reaching its banks, board a canoe and paddle down the river, exploring the forest that grows by the riverbanks and mangroves. Here lives a colony of “ariranhas” – giant river otters. With some luck, you may spot a family playing with their babies and teaching them how to swim and fish. Chance of fishing the elusive piranha, not an easy task, but fun. Enjoy a barbecue lunch under the shadow of the trees (*). Hammocks are available to enjoy a “siesta”. You will return to the lodge in time for afternoon tea. Later on, trek the Howler Monkey trail to the Howler Monkey Tower, our highest observation point – 25 m high -, for a magnificent view of the sunset. After dinner, join a night drive in search of nocturnal animals.

Overnight at Araras Eco Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, enjoy a horseback ride, which will allow you to explore the diversity of the Pantanal landscape including some flooded areas of the Pantanal plain. The Pantaneiro horses are docile and have adapted, through the centuries, to eat with its nose underwater. In this region, the horse is the Pantaneiros’ best friend, a daily companion during work and leisure. You will then return to the lodge for lunch, followed by an afternoon trek to the Rondon Trail towards the 13 m high Jabiru Stork Tower, where you can watch a Jabiru Stork nest. You will then return to the lodge to rest and have dinner.

Optional Excursion for 4 night Pantanal Itinerary: Jaguar Express Excursion!

• Recommended season runs from July through mid-October (only feasible during a 4 night itinerary): After morning coffee, depart towards the Cuiabá river. Embark on one of our own motorboats for river safari. We go for an exciting 6h search of the elusive, dreaded and admired jaguar! We will be navigating the rivers of Cuiabá, Piquiri, Três Irmãos and other canals, searching for the 3rd largest feline on the planet and the only one that kills its prey with a powerful bite on its skull, instantly paralyzing them. Our lunch will be a delicious snack prepared by Araras Lodge, so that we do not miss any opportunity to meet this magnificent super predator. We return to port Jofre around 5pm. Embark on the vehicle in which we came, arriving at Pousada Araras for dinner. After breakfast, get to know a different area of Araras Private Natural Reserve, by trekking the Ronco trail. After lunch, you will join a 2 to 3 hour photo safari towards the South of the lodge, on a safari open truck, in search of fauna along the Transpantaneira Park Road.

Overnight at Araras Eco Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Early this morning embark on a hike to watch the sun rise - Daybreak in the Pantanal occurs amid a symphony of night and daytime birds celebrating the arrival of a new day. Enjoy breakfast by the pool before your photo safari transfer to Cuiabá. Load a specially adapted open vehicle which is perfect for taking pictures of the ever-changing landscape and variety of wild animals. You will be dropped off at the airport for your flight to Iguazu. Upon arrival in Iguazu you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. 

Overnight at Belmond Das Cataratas (Breakfast)

Your driver will meet you at your hotel and begin your adventure for the day! You will cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge with its lovely view of the Iguassu Canyon heading towards the Iguaçu National Park in Argentina. Upon arrival at the park, we will take the ecological train to reach the Devil's Throat Station. We will walk to the highest point of the falls and, among the abundant nature filled with orchids, bromeliads, colorful birds, and other wildlife, enjoy the spectacularly unique views of the ‘Cataratas’. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the suspended platform at the very brink of the Devil’s Throat – largest of the waterfalls with a height of 80m. 

Continuing the visit, we will join the Great Adventure on a boat, a unique tour and testifies the essence of the 240 waterfalls and the surrounding Jungle of the Iguassu National Park.  The tour, led by experienced and knowledgeable guides, starts by entering the jungle from the “Sendero Yacaratía” trail. An especially build truck allows for a panoramic view of the surrounding nature. At the end of 5 km ride, we will arrive at the floating platform at the Puerto Macuco Base, where the second part of the tour begins. In motorboats, we will head out on a 6 km ride through the Canyon of the Iguassu River, through the rapids and up to the falls. After enjoying the view from the calm side of the San Martin Island, we will move on to the Three Musketeers Waterfall, where the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the Devil’s Throat waterfall can be clearly appreciated. Afterward, we will sail along the shore of the island until we get to the wonderful and unforgettable San Martin waterfall, the most exciting part of the tour! It’s the largest waterfall any motor-boat can approach safely where we are going to experience the force of nature as we stop underneath for a quick and refreshing "shower". We will return to the base to disembark and follow the trail back to the park. Your driver will meet you to take you back to your hotel. 

Overnight at Belmond Das Cataratas (Breakfast)

En route to the falls, we will drive through the lush, subtropical vegetation of the park. After arrival, we will take a descending trail of the canyon, from where we can enjoy panoramic views of more than 240 falls. We will board a glass elevator, which takes us to a platform where more exquisite views will be revealed.

Along with its “sister” park in Argentina, The Iguassu National Park forms the most significant remaining rainforest in the southern cone of South America, which along with the waterfalls have been declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

You will then be transferred to either IGU or IGR airport for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

• 11 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks at M/Y Tucano

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks at Araras Eco Lodge

• All lodge-based activities in small groups at M/Y Tucano and Araras Eco Lodge

• Scheduled guided excursions as specified in the itinerary

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international and internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• For a more immersed Amazon Rainforest experience, a 6 night itinerary for M/Y Tucano is available as well.

• We strongly recommend that passengers spend at least one night in Manaus prior to our cruises. Travelers should be rested and eager
  to embark on a wonderful adventure in the greatest wilderness on earth.

• The program is a quite active trip, but is also as relaxing as our guests prefer. We navigate the M/Y Tucano mostly in the middle of the day and at night, which leaves us lots of time to explore off the vessel in the forest. For guests who want an active program there are several hours spent exploring every day. We have optional kayak excursions where travelers can thread deep into the flooded forest. For those travelers that prefer a leisurely trip they simply choose from among the many daily excursions. It is an interesting experience just being on the vessel because we are surrounded by wild rainforest.

• Enjoy a 4 night itinerary in the Pantanal at Araras Lodge and experience the Jaguar Express Excursion for spotting jaguars on a full day river safari. Season runs from July through mid-October.

• After enjoying the majestic flora and fauna of the Pantanal, if time permits, we recommend visiting for 2 nights Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park. This park is known for great birdwatching, hiking and its impressive cliffs. Chapada dos Guimaraes adds an interesting contrast to the vast marshes of the Pantanal with its stone formations and numerous waterfalls that can be reached either by hiking or horseback riding. Please ask your Travel Designer for more details.

• Departure dates for 4 night itinerary on the M/Y Tucano is as follows:

  2021 Cruise Dates: Apr 26-30, May 10-14, May 24-28, Jun 07-11, Jun 21-25, Jul 05-09, Jul 19-23, Aug 02-06, Aug 16-20, Sep 13-17, Sep 27-Oct 01, Oct 11-15, Oct 25-29, Nov 08-12, Nov 22-26, Dec 13-17

  2022 Cruise Dates: Jan 10-14, Jan 24-28, Feb 07-11, Feb 21-25, Mar 21-25, Apr 11-15, Apr 25-29, May 16-20, May 30-Jun 03, Jun 13-17, Jun 27-Jul 01, Jul 11-15, Jul 25-29, Aug 08-12, Aug 22-26, Sep 12-16, Sep 26-30, Oct 10-14, Oct 24-28, Nov 07-11, Nov 21-25, Dec 19-23

  2023 Cruise Dates: Jan 16-20, Jan 30-Feb 03, Feb 13-17, Feb 27-Mar 03, Mar 13-17, Apr 10-14, Apr 24-28, May 08-12, May 22-26, Jun 05-09, Jun 19-23, Jul 03-07, Jul 17-21, Jul 31-Aug 04, Aug 14-18, Sep 18-22, Oct 02-06, Oct 16-20, Oct 30-Nov 03, Nov 13-17, Nov 27-Dec 01, Dec 18-22