12-Nights Pantanal Classic: In Search of Jaguars - Safari & Wildlife from $10,771

Day 1: Welcome to Brazil

Transfer: Sao Paulo Guarulhos Intl Aptto Sao Paulo - City Centre

Hotel: Blue Tree Premium Paulista (4 Star Rating)

Located one block from Av. Paulista, the Blue Tree Premium Paulista Hotel is in the heart of São Paulo and has a privileged address: it is surrounded by theaters, museums, shopping malls, bars, restaurants and the elegant Oscar Freire Street. The hotel has a complete infrastructure for your comfort and exclusive facilities, including a fitness center, lobby bar and on-site restaurant.

Uncover the vibrant history of Sao Paulo on this four-hour city tour! Immerse yourself in the city's rich past with your private English-speaking driver-guide leading the way, learning about the coffee barons and immigrant influence that shaped its development. Explore the charming Liberdade neighborhood, a center of Japanese culture. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Se Cathedral and Pateo do Colegio, a landmark marking the city's foundation. Visit iconic structures like the Martinelli Building and the Municipal Theater. Take a moment at Luz Station and admire the Luz Garden and Pinacoteca. Cruise down Paulista Avenue, the heart of Sao Paulo, and soak up the sophisticated Jardins district. Find tranquility at Ibirapuera Park, where you'll discover museums, monuments, and sprawling green spaces. This comprehensive tour provides a captivating glimpse into the multifaceted energy of this dynamic metropolis and concludes with a return transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: From Sao Paulo to Campo Grande

Transfer: Sao Paulo - City Centre to Sao Paulo Guarulhos Intl Apt

Transfer: Campo Grande Airportto Campo Grande

Hotel: Deville Campo Grande (4 Star Rating)

The Hotel Deville Prime Campo Grande is a premium category hotel, surrounded by large green areas, and just a 5-minute walk from Parque das Nacoes Indigenas. Just 15 minutes away from Campo Grande International Airport, and with easy access to other points of interest in the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul, this makes its location strategic. Since its opening, the hotel has collected several national and international awards that make it an icon of hospitality in the region.

Day 3: Campo Grande to Corumba & Start of Pantanal River Cruise

Today you will begin the shared transfer from Campo Grande to Corumba, where the Akaia Pantanal Cruise begins. The transfer, enjoyed alongside fellow cruise participants, is an adventure unto itself. Though following along paved roads, the 425-kilometer (265-mile) transfer takes approximately six hours and includes opportunities for wildlife spotting as well as lunch at a local restaurant. In the late afternoon you'll reach Corumba, found along the Paraguay River, and here you'll board the Akaia Pantanal Cruise and before long, begin the navigation as sunset gives way to night.

Hotel: Akaia Pantanal Cruise (4 Star Rating)

The Navegante AKAIA is a 9-meter motor vessel designed for comfort, safety, and an intimate cruising experience. It features 7 private suites with low beds, a climatized dining room, and both outdoor and covered lounging areas ideal for relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Guests can cool off with a refreshing shower on the 3rd deck and enjoy panoramic views from one of the 12 upholstered swivel chairs. Built with total security in mind, the AKAIA is equipped with watertight hull systems, advanced alarms, and is fully accredited and licensed by the Brazilian Navy, making it a perfect blend of style, safety, and functionality for exploring remote natural wonders.

Meal(s): Dinner, Lunch

Day 4: The Paraguai Mirim Tributary & Amolar

The morning begins with breakfast following sunrise close to the Paraguai Mirim, a tributary of the Paraguay River known for its crystal-clear waters that make it an ideal place to swim and snorkel. As morning shifts the afternoon, return to the vessel for lunch and a brief rest. By mid-afternoon you will have reached the Amolar area, a wild and remote region that demarcates the Pantanal, where you'll set off on a river wildlife safari. Following the river safari tour, you'll return to the Akaia for dinner and then tuck in for a night of rest with the vessel near Acurizal Ranch.

Hotel: Akaia Pantanal Cruise (4 Star Rating)

The Navegante AKAIA is a 9-meter motor vessel designed for comfort, safety, and an intimate cruising experience. It features 7 private suites with low beds, a climatized dining room, and both outdoor and covered lounging areas ideal for relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Guests can cool off with a refreshing shower on the 3rd deck and enjoy panoramic views from one of the 12 upholstered swivel chairs. Built with total security in mind, the AKAIA is equipped with watertight hull systems, advanced alarms, and is fully accredited and licensed by the Brazilian Navy, making it a perfect blend of style, safety, and functionality for exploring remote natural wonders.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 5: Acurizal Ranch, Cuiaba River & Pantanal National Park

After breakfast, disembark at Acurizal Ranch - a private reserve created in 1997 to help preserve this spectacular region of the Pantanal - to do a short walk aiming to find the endemic Titi Monkey and other wildlife, while the vessel begins to move toward the Cuiaba River. Return on board for lunch and by mid-afternoon, you'll depart for another river safari, this one occurring close to the headquarters of the Pantanal National Park. Returning after sunset, you'll settle in for dinner and then rest as the Akaia continues its navigation up the Cuiaba River through the night.

Hotel: Akaia Pantanal Cruise (4 Star Rating)

The Navegante AKAIA is a 9-meter motor vessel designed for comfort, safety, and an intimate cruising experience. It features 7 private suites with low beds, a climatized dining room, and both outdoor and covered lounging areas ideal for relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Guests can cool off with a refreshing shower on the 3rd deck and enjoy panoramic views from one of the 12 upholstered swivel chairs. Built with total security in mind, the AKAIA is equipped with watertight hull systems, advanced alarms, and is fully accredited and licensed by the Brazilian Navy, making it a perfect blend of style, safety, and functionality for exploring remote natural wonders.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 6: Negrinho River, Porto Jofre & the Three Brothers

Breakfast is enjoyed with sunrise on board the Akaia, and the morning begins in earnest with a river safari exploration along the Negrinho River and its surroundings, an area of intense biodiversity. Return to the vessel for lunch, and in the mid-afternoon, set out on your first dedicated exploration of the Porto Jofre region, colloquially known as "Jaguar Land", where the Meeting of the Waters State Park is located. The afternoon today and tomorrow will be dedicated to river safaris exploring the Cuiaba, Piquiri, and the Three Brothers rivers, and the many nearby tributaries. These outings will be conducted during daylight hours, moving along the rivers in search of wildlife such as giant and neotropical otters, capybaras, caimans, a great variety of birds and, of course, the elusive jaguar. Return for dinner after sunset and then settle in for a night of rest.

Hotel: Akaia Pantanal Cruise (4 Star Rating)

The Navegante AKAIA is a 9-meter motor vessel designed for comfort, safety, and an intimate cruising experience. It features 7 private suites with low beds, a climatized dining room, and both outdoor and covered lounging areas ideal for relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Guests can cool off with a refreshing shower on the 3rd deck and enjoy panoramic views from one of the 12 upholstered swivel chairs. Built with total security in mind, the AKAIA is equipped with watertight hull systems, advanced alarms, and is fully accredited and licensed by the Brazilian Navy, making it a perfect blend of style, safety, and functionality for exploring remote natural wonders.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 7: Jaguars, Caimans & Birds

Following breakfast on the Akaia, depart for a river safari. As with the expedition yesterday, today's journey is focused on spotting as much wildlife as possible, with a particular aim at sighting jaguars in the wild. Lunch is served on board the Akaia, and the mid-afternoon excursion once again brings you out on a river safari through nearby tributaries. As you take in a final sunset aboard the Akaia over dinner, the ship will begin to sail toward tomorrow's point of disembarkation, Porto Jofre.

Hotel: Akaia Pantanal Cruise (4 Star Rating)

The Navegante AKAIA is a 9-meter motor vessel designed for comfort, safety, and an intimate cruising experience. It features 7 private suites with low beds, a climatized dining room, and both outdoor and covered lounging areas ideal for relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Guests can cool off with a refreshing shower on the 3rd deck and enjoy panoramic views from one of the 12 upholstered swivel chairs. Built with total security in mind, the AKAIA is equipped with watertight hull systems, advanced alarms, and is fully accredited and licensed by the Brazilian Navy, making it a perfect blend of style, safety, and functionality for exploring remote natural wonders.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 8: Disembarkation & Transfer to Eco-Lodge

After an early breakfast, disembark at Porto Jofre for one last wildlife safari but, this time, return to an air-conditioned vehicle as opposed to the Akaia. With luggage in tow, you'll soon begin the shared transfer along the 147 kilometer (91 mile) unpaved Transpantaneira Park Road up to the gold mining town of Pocone. Here you'll join paved roads for a further 111 kilometers (69 miles) to reach Cuiaba Airport, stopping for lunch enroute. Upon arrival to Cuiaba, you'll either check-in for your late afternoon flight (departing after 4pm), or to your hotel for a night of rest.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

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

Day 9: Exploring the Pantanal

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

Day 10: The Rondon Trail & Tuiuiu Tower

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

Day 11: From Porto Jofre to Rio de Janeiro

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

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

Hotel: Miramar by Windsor (5 Star Rating)

A luxurious hotel situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana, the Miramar by Windsor is located on Atlantica Avenue in front of the famous beach. An idealization of sophistication and refinement, your stay at the Miramar Hotel By Windsor Copacabana will be accented by high standards of service where all 200 rooms are equipped with the latest in comfort and technology.

Day 12: Highlights of Rio de Janeiro

Experience the best of Rio de Janeiro on this full-day tour that takes you to the city's most iconic landmarks with a private, bilingual driver-guide leading the way. Start your day with a visit to Corcovado Mountain, home to the towering Christ the Redeemer statue. Your guide will escort you through the lush Tijuca Rainforest, the world's largest urban park, where you'll enjoy stunning views and the fresh air of Rio's "lung." Afterward, indulge in a traditional Brazilian barbecue lunch at Assador Rio's Restaurant (optional), where an endless variety of meats and side dishes are served directly to your table. In the afternoon, ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, with priority boarding for a seamless experience. As you ascend, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Rio, culminating in a spectacular sunset from the summit of Sugar Loaf. This tour is the perfect blend of nature, culture, and unforgettable vistas. After a day of discovery, you'll be returned to your hotel.

Day 13: Departure from Brazil

Transfer: Rio de Janeiro - Copacabana - Leme to Rio de Janeiro International Airport