Educational Tour in Brazil 9 days

The endangered Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) © Charlie Boyd

Rio de Janeiro is distinguished by the Atlantic Ocean beaches surrounded by the largest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca Forest inside the Tijuca National Park and also by the mountains at Serra dos Orgãos National Park and Itatiaia National Park. Containing an abundance of wildlife, endemic species, innumerous trails and waterfalls, Rio is a great place for birdwatchers, adventure-sport lovers or for travelers who enjoys what the nature has to offer.

Framed between the emerald green Bocaina Mountain range on the background and the magnificence of the calm, crystal clear water of Ilha Grande Bay lies a rare beauty. Founded in 1667, Paraty is still the same with stone-paved streets, baroque churches, natural rainforest all over and colonial houses designed to receive sunrays from sunrise to sunset.

Pantanal is a great opportunity to see closely the globally threatened species of flora and fauna during the photographic safari tour, nocturnal animal spotting in a 4x4 vehicle or a boat, and on many trail strolls in different landscape of this ecological tension between dry-savanna (Cerrado) and semi-deciduous forest.

Program Summary

Day 1 - 20 May -  SYDNEY - SANTIAGO - RIO DE JANEIRO
Arrival at Rio International Airport. Meet guide assistance and transfer to the Hotel. Check into Ipanema Plaza.

Overnight: Ipanema Plaza Hotel

Day 2 - 21 May – GOLDEN LION TAMARIN CONSERVATION PROJECT
Transfer Rio-Silva Jardim, where Poço das Antas Biological Reserve is located. Arrival to reintroduction area, where Golden Lion Tamarins are being reintroduced to their natural habitat, with the supervision and guidance of Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation Project technical staff. Tracking through trails in the forest to observe the tamarin in reintegration in their natural habitat.Visit to the Environment Educational Center.
Transfer to Fazenda RPPN (Natural Heritage Private Reserve) Bom Retiro Farm for lunch. The place has an informal but warm atmosphere where travelers will have a Brazilian regional meal. Buffet service. Return to Rio.

Overnight: Ipanema Plaza Hotel

Day 3 - 22 May – RIO DE JANEIRO
After breakfast, our guide will take the group to a full day tour. Group will leave the hotel and visit the Corcovado mountain. Tour will leave the hotel riding along the beaches of Rio and taking the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (lagoon) until the Cosme Velho district, where they will board the cogwheel to the Christ “The Redeemer” statue, from this point they will enjoy the amazing view with the surrounding Tijuca National Forest spreading below and a circle of mountains closing the horizon at the very back of the Guanabara bay.
Lunch and inspection at Pestana Hotel.
After lunch, group will follow to Urca district to board cable car that will lead them to Sugar Loaf. The mountain is reached on a two-stage cable car ride. The first stage has a privileged view of Botafogo Bay.The second stage takes one up to the Sugar Loaf - thus named because of the loaves of sugar that were commonly used by the Portuguese at the time of the discovery of the city. The all-encompassing view of this privileged 270-meter high lookout is unrivaled. This is the only site where one will have a full view of Copacabana beach.

Overnight: Ipanema Plaza Hotel

Day 4 - 23 May – RIO DE JANEIRO - PARATY
After breakfast at Ipanema Plaza, proceed with checking out, and transfer (265km - 4 hours drive) to Paraty. Upon arrival around 1pm, check into Pousada Porto Imperial.After refreshing a little, departure on a tour to get to know the town of Paraty. Inspection at Pousada da Marqesa, Sandi and Porto Imperial.
Dinner at Margarida Café.

Overnight: Porto Imperial Pousada

Day 5 - 24 May – PARATY
After breakfast, at 9:30am, go on a SIB schooner cruise with lunch included. It is a traditional tour with 4 stops of about 40 minutes on a different beach. At every stop there is a possibilities for snorkeling in the deep green water.

Overnight: Porto Imperial Pousada.

Day 6 - 25 May – PARATY - PANTANAL
After breakfast, check out and departure to the Rio de Janeiro International Airport. Arrival and transfer from Campo Grande airport to Caiman Lodge; afternoon tour; Dinner at the pousada; Audiovisual presentation about Pantanal; (first day activities may vary depending on the check-in time).

Overnight: Caiman Ecological Refuge

Day 7 - 26 May – PANTANAL
Breakfast. Morning tour; Lunch at the Pousada; Afternoon tour;
Dinner at the pousada; Nocturnal expedition for spotting animals;

Overnight: Caiman Ecological Refuge

Day 8 - 27 May – PANTANAL
Breakfast. Morning tour; Lunch; Afternoon tour; Dinner; Night vídeo about Pantanal.

Overnight: Caiman Ecological Refuge

Day 9 - 28 May – PANTANAL - SÃO PAULO
Breakfast . Morning tour of photograph safari in order to appreciate the local fauna and flora. Lunch at the pousada. Afternoon departure to Campo Grande airport. (Last day activities may vary depending on the check-out time).Arrival at São Paulo International Airport. Transfer to the Hotel.

Overnight: Blue Tree Touwers Paulista Hotel

Day 10 - 29 May – SÃO PAULO - SCL - SYDNEY
Breakfast at the hotel.Transfer to Rio International Airport.

General Information

Capacity:	12 pax
Guide Language:	English. Other languages upon request
Level:	Easy to Moderate Program
Included:	Bilingual guide, transfers on air-conditioned vehicles, daily tours as mentioned above, overnights with breakfast in Rio, Paraty and Pantanal
Not Included:	Airfares in/outbound Brazil & domestic flights, beverages, meals not mentioned above, any medical expenses and insurance.
Personal Gear:	Raincoat, light clothing, sweater, hiking boots, swimming suits, sunblock, sunglasses and mosquito repellent
Optional Gear:	Cameras, film and binoculars.