Day 1
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in, walk by the beach and ease into the rhythm of the city.
Wildlife
Rio + Northern Pantanal – 11 days / 10 nights
Four nights in Rio followed by the Transpantaneira and two full days of jaguar-focused boat safaris
11 days / 10 nights Easy to moderate Tailor-made independent journey
Rio and the Northern Pantanal create a clear contrast between city life and one of South America’s richest wildlife regions. The Pantanal section is given enough time: first the Transpantaneira landscape, then two full boat days with a particular focus on jaguars.
Four nights in Rio, one in Cuiabá and five in the Northern Pantanal, combining land-based wildlife viewing with three nights near Porto Jofre.
Rio de Janeiro
Highlights
- Four nights in Rio de Janeiro
- Wildlife stops along the Transpantaneira
- Lodge stay in the Northern Pantanal
- Three nights near Porto Jofre
- Two full days of boat safaris with a particular focus on jaguars
11 days / 10 nights
Day by day
Day 2
Corcovado and Rio’s classic views
A guided city day includes Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado and selected parts of Rio. The exact route is adapted to traffic, weather and hotel location.
Day 3
Sugarloaf and Urca
Ride the cable car to Sugarloaf via Morro da Urca. When weather allows, the visit is timed for the best visibility. The rest of the day is free.
Day 4
Rio at your own pace
A free day for the beach, the Botanical Garden, Santa Teresa, museums, football, shopping or simply time in Ipanema and Copacabana.
Day 5
Fly from Rio to Cuiabá
Transfer to the airport and a domestic flight to Cuiabá. A night in the city provides a sensible buffer before the long wildlife transfer along the Transpantaneira the next day.
Day 6
Along the Transpantaneira into the Northern Pantanal
Travel via Poconé and continue along the Transpantaneira. Bridges, lagoons and open wetlands turn the transfer into the first safari. Check in at a lodge along the road, with a nature activity if time permits.
Day 7
Wildlife on land and around the wetlands
A full day with the lodge guide. Depending on location and season, the programme may include a safari drive, walk, birdwatching and a night drive. Capybaras, caimans, deer and hyacinth macaws are typical species.
Day 8
Continue to Porto Jofre
Travel farther south along the Transpantaneira to Porto Jofre and the Cuiabá River, stopping when wildlife merits it. After arrival, settle into the lodge and prepare for the boat-safari days.
Day 9
Boat safari with a focus on jaguars
A full day on the rivers around Porto Jofre with a local nature guide and boat driver. The search focuses on jaguars along riverbanks and channels, while giant otters, capybaras, caimans and birds are an equally important part of the day.
Day 10
A second full day on the jaguar rivers
Another full day by boat gives more time in the right habitat and allows different stretches of river to be explored. Jaguar sightings can never be guaranteed and the route follows current conditions.
Day 11
Return to Cuiabá and onward travel
After breakfast leave Porto Jofre and follow the Transpantaneira back towards Cuiabá. A late flight may allow onward travel the same evening; otherwise an additional night in Cuiabá is added.
Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation and facilities
Selected hotel in Rio de Janeiro
A well-located hotel in Ipanema, Copacabana or Leblon is selected according to budget, party profile and preferred atmosphere.
Hotel in Cuiabá
A practical overnight before the overland transfer into the Pantanal.
Wildlife lodge on the Transpantaneira
A lodge chosen for strong guiding and good access to land-based wildlife habitats.
Lodge near Porto Jofre
The location is selected to minimise transfer time to the river system used for the full-day boat safaris.
Easy to moderate
Physical level
City days involve walking, steps and warm weather. Nature sections may include longer transfers, boat trips and uneven ground.
The pace can be adapted. Tell us if anyone has limited mobility and we will select accommodation and activities accordingly.
Included
- Accommodation with breakfast in Rio
- Airport transfers in Rio
- Guided Rio sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- Local assistance before and during the journey
- One hotel night with breakfast in Cuiabá
- Five nights in the Northern Pantanal with meals according to the lodge programmes
- Road transfers Cuiabá–Transpantaneira–Porto Jofre–Cuiabá
- Guided land-based wildlife activities
- Two full days of guided boat safaris from Porto Jofre
Not included
- International and domestic flights unless explicitly included in the quotation
- Meals other than those stated in the itinerary
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions and upgrades
Good to know
The programme is a suggested framework and is adapted to flight times, weather, opening hours and your preferences.
Hotels and lodges are selected for location, quality, logistics and budget and specified in the personal quotation.
Excursions may move between days without changing the main content of the journey.
Jaguar sightings can never be guaranteed. The itinerary is scheduled for dates with suitable conditions for river-based wildlife viewing, and the exact programme follows local conditions.
The road journey between Cuiabá and Porto Jofre is long but forms an important part of the Pantanal experience.
Rio de Janeiro
What to bring
These journeys travel through warm climates. Pack light but bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a lightweight rain layer.
- Light summer clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection and sunglasses
- Lightweight rain layer
- Small daypack
- Swimwear
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
Rio de Janeiro
Images from the destination and tour
Would you like to extend your time in Rio?
We tailor hotels, excursions, transfers, nature programmes and the length of the journey to your dates and preferred standard.