12-Nights On the Trail of Brazil’s Wildlife - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

1 Arrive Manaus, Brazil

Surrounded on all sides by thick tropical rainforest, the capital of the Amazon is about as remote as it gets. Yet despite its isolation, Brazil’s seventh city is a surprisingly cosmopolitan affair. Its colorful colonial architecture and impressive cultural institutions are both the legacy of a 19th-century rubber boom, which makes it more than worthy of extended exploration.

Board your private riverboat to begin your Amazon journey. Running from its source in central Peru through central and northern Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic river and its surrounding rainforest is a magnet for wildlife lovers. Cruise toward the iconic Meeting of Waters, spotting river dolphins along the way. The Meeting of Waters occurs at the confluence of the Rio Negro and the Solimões River, which together form the Amazon River. Here, the sandy-colored water of the Amazon and the darker water of the Rio Negro come together, and a distinct line between dark and light water can be seen — creating a unique spectacle. Further upriver, come ashore for a cultural exchange with a local indigenous community. Then, continue upstream to your Amazon Glamping site.

Set out on a guided walk to discover the medicinal plants and hidden wildlife of the rainforest. After lunch, continue exploring by canoe or speedboat, with opportunities to spot pink river dolphins, colorful macaws and other elusive creatures.

Begin with a canoe expedition in search of riverine wildlife. In the afternoon, learn traditional fishing techniques from a local expert. Later, under the glittering light of the stars, the Amazon jungle becomes even more atmospheric — and filled with potential wildlife encounters. At night, countless animals emerge from their hiding places, making it an ideal time to explore this remarkable environment on foot in search of birds, snakes, sloths and caimans.

A utopian vision that sprung up on Brazil’s central highlands in the 1950s to claim its place as the nation’s capital, Brasília is a city like no other. Designed as an antidote to the chaos of city life, its modernist architecture makes a bold statement, while otherworldly cultural landmarks such as Oscar Niemeyer’s Cathedral of Brasília make it a fascinating destination to experience.

One of the world’s most significant ecosystems, the Cerrado is known as the upside-down forest due to its complex underground root networks. It supports an astonishing biodiversity among its patchwork of woodlands, grasslands and streams, making it a must-visit destination for adventurous wildlife enthusiasts. Your eco-lodge affords the perfect hideaway from which to explore this wild wonderland.

The Cerrado biome is home to the continent’s largest canid, the maned wolf. Learn about the habits and habitats of these fascinating, foxlike creatures, and head out from your lodge in the company of an expert guide, in the hope of seeing them in the wild. Later, encounter one of the world’s smallest caimans on a night safari. Dwarf caimans are most visible after dark, when their eyes flash above the water as a sky full of stars arcs overhead.

Ride a fat bike along the roads of Fazenda Trijunção as you listen to the birdsong and see varied species of animals and plants along the way. Later, hop in a kayak to paddle gently through the still waters of the glassy palm-fringed Araras Lagoon, named after the native macaws that flit nearby.

Shaped by indigenous heritage and cowboy culture — owing to its role at the center of a vast cattle-ranching region — this thriving city in the central and western region of Brazil is the main hopping-off point for the southern Pantanal. Yet for those with time on their hands, its urban parks, lively markets and laidback atmosphere add up to an enjoyable diversion. Unwind and recharge at your hotel before continuing to the Pantanal the following day.

Few regions of the world offer the biodiversity of the Pantanal. This sprawling swathe of tropical wetlands spans some 42 million acres of Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay, harboring an overwhelming number of captivating species. In the lower-lying southern Pantanal, keep your eyes peeled for caimans, howler monkeys, armadillos, anteaters and the elusive jaguar, as well as breathtaking birdlife among the crystal-clear rivers, flood plains and forests. Your eco-lodge makes the perfect home base for this incredible wild adventure.

Spend a full day and evening with the Jaguar Habituation Team, joining their efforts to locate and monitor these elusive cats. In the morning, accompany the Onçafari team as they check camera traps, track footprints, search for kills, and analyze satellite and VHF collar data. You may also have the chance to experience tracking on foot with expert guides and view images captured by their camera traps. Once signs are found, the team works to locate the jaguars to support the habituation process. At sunset, after dinner, set out again for another chance of seeing these wonderful animals.

Hop aboard an open-sided Jeep for an immersive safari experience. This biodiverse area hums with over 500 animal species such as capybaras, ocelots, blue hyacinth macaws and tapir. At sunset, experience this extraordinary wetland up close as you glide through the water in a canoe, pausing to spot birdlife and animals on the banks.