12-Nights Adventure in Brazil: The Amazon & Pantanal from $6,552

Day 1: Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Transfer: Rio de Janeiro International Airportto Rio de Janeiro - Copacabana - Leme

Hotel: Arena Leme Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Located in a quiet and exclusive neighborhood, facing the beach, Arena Leme Hotel is just steps away from restaurants and cafes with outdoor areas and kiosks on the edge of Copacabana beach. With 164 rooms, with most boasting the best and most incredible views of the Rio de Janeiro sea, Arena Leme offers contemporary accommodation in one of the most peaceful and idyllic neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. Whether you're coming on business or on a vacation with family and friends, our hotel rooms are the perfect oasis, just minutes away from everything you want to see and experience in Rio de Janeiro.

Explore several of Rio's iconic peaks on this quintessential tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Begin as the group ascends Sugar Loaf Mountain via its charming cable cars, each car a glass bubble offering jaw-dropping panoramas of the sprawling city, glittering beaches, and verdant rainforest. Capture breathtaking selfies at the summit, feeling the city shrink beneath you. Continue your journey through the Tijuca National Park, a lush haven teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. Reach the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, where outstretched arms embrace the city in a timeless blessing. Experience the incredible 360-degree views of Rio, which showcase the city's iconic landmarks and its breathtaking beauty. This tour is more than sightseeing; it's a chance to connect with Rio's soul, its history, and its breathtaking natural wonders.

Transfer: Rio de Janeiro - Copacabana - Leme to Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Apt

Transfer: Manaus Airportto Manaus

Hotel: Juma Opera Hotel (4 Star Rating)

With the exclusivity of a high-end boutique hotel and occupying historic mansions in front of the imposing Teatro Amazonas, Juma Ópera has 41 spacious accommodations, a restaurant dedicated to regional and international cuisine, a gym and a rooftop with swimming pool.

This afternoon, embark on the M/Y Tucano in Manaus, Brazil. Depart on the Rio Negro and as the vessel glides upstream. Over lunch you will enjoy a brief presentation about key Amazon environments.

By late afternoon, 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, set off for a launch excursion in the gnarled and dense flooded forest along the river's edge. You may see some Squirrel Monkeys and 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 you are sure to see some of these brightly colored jewels perched in the treetops.

In the late afternoon, return to the M/Y Tucano for hors d'oeuvres on the observation deck and a toast to the rainforest sunset.

Following dinner, embark in launches in search of nocturnal creatures such as the Caiman, the Amazon's crocodilians. You 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.

Hotel: M/Y Tucano (3 Star Rating)

The M/Y Tucano offers plenty of space to spread out and contemplate the wonders of nature. With over seventy large windows, the vessel is bright and airy. The cabins and the salon are air conditioned and have elegant raised wood panelling in the style of the classic steamships that once cruised these majestic rivers.

Meal(s): Dinner, Lunch

Shortly after sunrise this morning, explore the Anavilhanas Archipelago, a reserve that includes the world's largest system of river islands and also areas of tall dense rainforest. Here you will see the strange environment called the igapó, the black water flooded forest, where trees grow right out of the dark water of the Rio Negro. Travelers can explore in our launches or conditions permitting, in kayaks.

In the mid-morning, return to the vessel for a hearty Brazilian breakfast. After some time to relax, weather permitting, in mid-morning you will go for a walk in the type of rainforest known as the terra firme. In addition to the countless plants and small creatures of the forest floor, here you 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, return to the vessel for lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon, set off on launches along the edges of the dense forest and listen to the sunset chorus of birds, howler monkeys and frogs.

Weather permitting, tonight you will have an excursion to spot caiman (the Amazon's crocodiles) and other nocturnal creatures including arboreal porcupines or sloths.

Hotel: M/Y Tucano (3 Star Rating)

The M/Y Tucano offers plenty of space to spread out and contemplate the wonders of nature. With over seventy large windows, the vessel is bright and airy. The cabins and the salon are air conditioned and have elegant raised wood panelling in the style of the classic steamships that once cruised these majestic rivers.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Today you will voyage to the west side of the Rio Negro and continue to scout in launches and walk in the forest. 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 deep into the rainforest on this small river. After your nocturnal exploration of the rainforest in launches, return to the Motor Yacht Tucano for "Caipirinha Night" and perhaps try a bit of samba on the top deck.

Hotel: M/Y Tucano (3 Star Rating)

The M/Y Tucano offers plenty of space to spread out and contemplate the wonders of nature. With over seventy large windows, the vessel is bright and airy. The cabins and the salon are air conditioned and have elegant raised wood panelling in the style of the classic steamships that once cruised these majestic rivers.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

The day begins with a dawn excursion in search of wakening wildlife followed by a full Brazilian breakfast. You will then go one last time into the forest. Conditions permitting, you may go for a swim in the refreshing water of the Rio Negro.

In the mid-afternoon the journey downstream to arrive late in the day at the "Encontro das Aguas" begins - 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 the overnight anchorage. As you pass in front of Manaus, marvel at the scale of one of the world's largest and most vibrant port cities over a thousand miles from the sea.

Tonight you will have a farewell dinner and prepare for an early departure in the morning.

Hotel: M/Y Tucano (3 Star Rating)

The M/Y Tucano offers plenty of space to spread out and contemplate the wonders of nature. With over seventy large windows, the vessel is bright and airy. The cabins and the salon are air conditioned and have elegant raised wood panelling in the style of the classic steamships that once cruised these majestic rivers.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Transfer: Manaus Port to Manaus

Transfer: Cuiaba Airportto Cuiaba - City Centre

Hotel: Hotel Deville Prime Cuiabá (4 Star Rating)

An authentic high-end journey in the heart of Cuiabá and the geodesic center of South America. Located in the center of Cuiabá, and 25 minutes from Várzea Grande international airport, the Hotel Deville Prime Cuiabá has quick access to shopping areas, cultural and tourist attractions in the capital of Mato Grosso. A reference for quality accommodation in the capital of Pantanal, offering an excellent structure of special services to guarantee the best stay and/or event for those on business or leisure.

Early this morning, after a hearty breakfast, all guests disembark from the M/Y Tucano.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Upon arrival to Cuiaba Airport, you will be met by a local representative of Araras Eco Lodge who will be holding a sign with the name of the lodge on it. Soon after, you'll receive a brief explanation of the region and the journey ahead, then set off to reach the Pantanal. Part of the journey is along a paved road, through rural areas. The "0" kilometer of the Transpantaneira begins in Pocone (108 km from Cuiaba). Traveling along the Transpantaneira Park Road is, in fact, a true photographic safari with frequent stops to observe wildlife and the unusual landscape. Arriving at Araras Eco Lodge, you'll be welcomed with a warm reception and introduced to the accommodation. Once you are settled in, head out on an introductory walk around the pousada, learning about the lodge's various preservation projects. Continue to Mirante da Garca, a 40-foot (12-meter) observation tower, to enjoy the sunset. After dinner, a walk under the stars to observe the nocturnal life and habits of the Pantanal is highly recommended.

Hotel: Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge (4 Star Rating)

Located within the Pantanal area in Pocone, Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge features a pool, gift shop and a terrace with hammocks. All tours are included; hiking, horse-riding, photo safari, canoeing activities, as well as night excursions. Wi-Fi is free in public areas.

Meal(s): Dinner

Though your activities in the Pantanal will depend on local conditions, most guests will have the chance to explore the Clarinho River. Typically experienced aboard rowing boats, the Clarinho Rivers riverbanks and mangroves are an excellent place to spot giant otters and, if you're lucky, you'll be able to see them playing with their families. There's also the chance to fish for piranhas, a fun and challenging activity, as these fish can steal bait from the hook without anglers ever noticing. After a morning of exploration, you'll return to the lodge for lunch, then set out on a walk to the Torre do Bugio, the property's tallest tower, some 82-feet (25m) high, which offers spectacular views over the Pantanal. After dinner, hop into a safari truck and set out in search of nocturnal animals.

Hotel: Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge (4 Star Rating)

Located within the Pantanal area in Pocone, Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge features a pool, gift shop and a terrace with hammocks. All tours are included; hiking, horse-riding, photo safari, canoeing activities, as well as night excursions. Wi-Fi is free in public areas.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

After breakfast today, perhaps you'll participate in a horseback riding expedition (on docile Pantanal horses), wandering along trails that pass through diverse areas, occasionally even through flooded areas. It is an adventure to be sure, and a true lesson about this very special environment. In the afternoon, walk along the Rondon Trail to the Tuiuiu Tower, 45-feet (13.5m) high, from which you can see the place where a pair of these birds (the largest flying bird in Brazil), a symbol of the Pantanal, made their nest.

Hotel: Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge (4 Star Rating)

Located within the Pantanal area in Pocone, Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge features a pool, gift shop and a terrace with hammocks. All tours are included; hiking, horse-riding, photo safari, canoeing activities, as well as night excursions. Wi-Fi is free in public areas.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Awake early to enjoy a sunrise hike as this incredible ecosystem comes to life. Soon after, you'll return to the lodge for breakfast, then begin the return transfer to Cuiaba, hitting the road at 7:30am or 12:30pm, depending on the timing of your onward flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast