12 days
Private Tours • Bird Watching Holidays • Wildlife Holidays
60% deposit to book
Remaining 40% due three months before departure. Full payment within 90 days.
12 Days
Duration
1 Country
Brazil
Flights Included
Flights from New York
Private
Maximum 20 travellers
Guided Holiday
Expert local guides
ABTOT Bonded
ABTOT 5338 · Eligible packages
OVERVIEW
Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Brazil’s untamed wilderness with our immersive Southern Pantanal Wildlife Adventure. From the bustling energy of São Paulo to the serene, sprawling wetlands of the Pantanal, this unforgettable experience offers a rare opportunity to connect deeply with one of the world’s richest ecosystems. Track elusive giant anteaters across open savannahs, encounter playful giant river otters along hidden waterways, and witness the vibrant spectacle of hyacinth macaws and toco toucans soaring above ancient gallery forests. Every moment is a celebration of nature’s diversity, beauty, and resilience.
Staying at two exclusive working ranches — Fazenda Baia Das Pedras and Fazenda Barranco Alto — you’ll enjoy unrivalled access to private reserves teeming with wildlife. Whether on foot, by safari vehicle, canoe, or boat, each day brings new adventures and intimate encounters with Brazil’s most iconic creatures. Expert local guides will bring the Pantanal to life, sharing knowledge of its landscapes, conservation efforts, and hidden wonders. Designed for wildlife enthusiasts and intrepid travellers alike, this journey promises breathtaking moments, authentic experiences, and memories to last a lifetime.
Short Itinerary (With Flights)
Trip Highlights
Key moments at a glance
-
Wildlife journey through Brazil’s Southern Pantanal
-
Stay at two authentic fazendas
-
See anteaters, tapirs, otters, and macaws
-
Safaris on foot, by 4x4, canoe, and boat
-
Night safaris and conservation experiences
-
Expert guides and all meals included
WHAT'S INCLUDED
-
Roundtrip international flights from NEW YORK to Sao Paulo and return to NEW YORK
-
Domestic flights within Brazil (Sao Paulo – Campo Grande – Sao Paulo)
-
All airport transfers, transportation, and guided excursions as per the itinerary
-
4 nights accommodation at Fazenda Baia Das Pedras (full board)
-
4 nights accommodation at Fazenda Barranco Alto (full board)
-
2 night accommodation in Campo Grande (bed and breakfast)
-
All meals as specified: breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (except where indicated)
-
Expert English-speaking naturalist guides throughout your stay
-
All wildlife viewing activities including game drives, nature walks, canoe trips, and boat safaris
-
Night safaris at Fazenda Barranco Alto (subject to conditions)
-
All park entrance fees and conservation levies
Note: Any optional excursions mentioned in the itinerary are not included and are payable separately unless expressly stated as included.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
-
Travel insurance (mandatory and must cover wildlife activities)
-
Visa fees for Brazil (if applicable)
-
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs
-
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
-
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
-
Meals not specified in the itinerary (e.g., meals during international flights)
-
Costs arising from delays or itinerary changes beyond our control (e.g., flight cancellations, weather disruptions)
-
Additional accommodation before or after the tour (if required)
ACCOMMODATION
We carefully select a diverse range of accommodations to enhance your travel experience, ensuring comfort, convenience, and a deep connection to the environment. From rustic lodges in remote wetlands to stylish hotels in the heart of the city, each property has been handpicked to offer authenticity and hospitality. Below are examples of where you may stay. If unavailable, a similar standard property will be provided.
| City/Location | Hotel/Lodge Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Campo Grande | Hotel Deville Prime Campo Grande | A modern and comfortable hotel offering easy access to the airport, with excellent facilities for a relaxing stay before or after your Pantanal adventure. |
| Southern Pantanal | Fazenda Baia Das Pedras | A charming, family-owned working farm set within 17,000 hectares, offering a true Pantanal wilderness experience with authentic hospitality and wildlife encounters. |
| Southern Pantanal | Fazenda Barranco Alto | A remote, conservation-focused ranch covering 13,000 hectares, known for its incredible biodiversity and personalised wildlife experiences in a peaceful, natural setting. |
Please note: Final hotel confirmations will be provided approximately 21 days before departure.
Your Journey at a Glance
This extraordinary exploration into the Southern Pantanal offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness Brazil’s rich and diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. Staying at authentic fazendas and exploring by foot, boat, and safari vehicle, each day brings breathtaking encounters and a deeper connection to this remarkable ecosystem.
Mammals of the Pantanal
Few regions on Earth offer such intimate wildlife experiences as the Southern Pantanal. During our stay, we’ll have the opportunity to encounter a dazzling array of mammals. With a blend of open grasslands, riverbanks, and forests to explore, we may spot neotropical otters slipping through calm waters, Brazilian tapirs grazing along forest edges, and stealthy southern tamanduas among the trees. Our search also brings chances to find giant anteaters traversing the open plains, and with great luck, sightings of jaguar, puma, or the elusive ocelot. Fascinating species such as yellow armadillos, six-banded armadillos, and white-lipped peccaries add even more excitement to our exploration.
- Neotropical Otter
- Brazilian Tapir
- Southern Tamandua
- Giant Anteater
- Yellow Armadillo
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The Pantanal is world-renowned for its dazzling birdlife. As we traverse forests, rivers, and grasslands, we expect to encounter colourful flocks of hyacinth macaws, blue-and-yellow macaws, and the graceful golden-collared macaws. Ground dwellers such as the mighty greater rhea roam the grasslands, while hidden among the branches, the spectacular blue-crowned trogon and the ghostly great potoo await discovery. The haunting calls of burrowing owls complete the rich soundscape of our journey.
- Blue-crowned Trogon
- Greater Rhea
- Great Potoo
- Blue-and-yellow Macaw
- Hyacinth Macaw
Exploring by Water: Canoes and Boats
One of the most serene ways to explore the Pantanal is by water. While staying at Fazenda Barranco Alto, we venture out by canoe or boat along the Rio Negro, gliding silently past riverbanks rich with wildlife. These peaceful excursions bring wonderful opportunities to spot kingfishers, capybaras, otters, and many waterbirds in their natural element.
On Foot: Intimate Wildlife Encounters
Exploring the Pantanal on foot offers a unique perspective. Walking safaris allow us to connect closely with the environment, appreciating small details often missed from a vehicle. Tracks, plants, insects, and hidden creatures come to life on these immersive walks, making each step a new discovery. Walks are tailored to suit a variety of fitness levels.
Comfortable Stays in the Wild
Our accommodation is carefully selected to balance comfort and authenticity. We stay at two traditional fazendas, where a warm welcome and genuine Pantaneiro hospitality await. Both properties are surrounded by nature, offering unrivalled wildlife access. For our final night, we unwind in a stylish hotel in Campo Grande, a perfect place to reflect on the journey before heading home.
If the listed hotels are unavailable, we will provide alternative accommodation of a similar standard and style.
DATES & PRICES
Choose your preferred departure date and airport to see live prices and availability.
Secure your preferred departure
Popular dates fill quickly, and prices may vary with availability.
Book now, pay in stages
Secure your holiday with a 60% deposit and pay the remaining 40% three months before departure. Full payment is required for departures within 90 days.
Prices are per person, based on at least two people sharing a twin or double room.
Travelling alone? Visit our Solo Traveller page.
All Upcoming Departures (27 available)
Important Information
- Prices are per person, based on at least two people sharing a twin or double room, and include all the services listed in What's Included.
- If you are travelling alone, a single supplement applies. For our dedicated solo departures and special offers, please visit our Solo Traveller options.
- Secure your holiday with a 60% deposit and pay the remaining 40% three months before departure. Full payment is required for departures within 90 days.
- You can amend your booking up to 180 days before departure for a fee, subject to our Terms & Conditions.
- Financial Protection: Eligible non-flight packages and packages with flights departing from and returning to airports outside the UK are protected through ABTOT membership 5338. Packages with flights departing from or returning to a UK airport are protected under ATOL 7375. View protection details.
- All holidays are subject to operational changes and our full Terms & Conditions.
- Private departures on any day all around the year can be arranged for this tour. For custom dates and arrangements, email sales@lumle.com or call 1-888-214-4856.
Travel Information
Essential information for your Brazil holiday. Content is tailored to your selected market.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Brazil is from September to November and March to May for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. December to February is the warmest season and ideal for beaches and festivals. The Amazon Rainforest has two seasons: wet (January to June) and dry (July to December).
Flight time
Flights from the US to Rio de Janeiro take around 16 hours including layovers, with one-stop connections via Panama City, Bogotá, São Paulo, or Miami. Direct flights may be available from select US cities.
Recommended airlines
Copa Airlines, Avianca, LATAM, United Airlines, and American Airlines offer one-stop and direct flights. Our packages include one-stop flights, with preferred airline options available at an extra cost.
Visa & entry requirements
US citizens do not require a tourist visa to enter Brazil. Entry requirements may change, so travellers should check with the Brazilian Embassy or official sources before departure. It is your responsibility to check and meet entry requirements before travel.
Time difference
UTC –3 hours (Brazil is 1–3 hours ahead of US time zones depending on region and daylight saving time)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got questions? We've got answers.
Browse by topic
Find FAQs by category to quickly get the information you need.
Popular questions
Quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often.
How much deposit do I need to pay?
Secure your holiday with a 60% deposit and pay the remaining 40% three months before departure. Full payment is required for departures within 90 days.
When is my final balance due?
Secure your holiday with a 60% deposit and pay the remaining 40% three months before departure. Full payment is required for departures within 90 days.
When will I receive my travel documents?
Your comprehensive travel pack, including e-tickets, final day-by-day itinerary, hotel contact details, and practical destination advice, will be emailed to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks before you travel.
Are international flights included?
Select a package with flights to include the flights shown in your chosen departure. Routes, baggage allowances and inclusions depend on the itinerary and departure airport; check your booking details before confirming.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all our holidays. You must ensure your policy covers all activities you plan to undertake, as well as medical emergencies, repatriation, luggage, and trip cancellation.
What happens if I need to change my booking?
We understand plans change. You can amend your booking up to a certain period before departure. Amendment fees may apply depending on the changes and airline ticket conditions. Please contact our team as soon as possible.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation charges apply and increase the closer it gets to the departure date. Please refer to our full Terms & Conditions for the specific cancellation fee scale.
Can I arrange my own flights (Land Only)?
Yes. If you prefer to arrange your own international flights, please contact our travel specialists and we will be delighted to provide a tailor-made land-only quote for your travel dates.
All FAQs
Browse all questions and answers by category.
Booking your holiday 1
How much deposit do I need to pay?
Secure your holiday with a 60% deposit and pay the remaining 40% three months before departure. Full payment is required for departures within 90 days.
Payments 1
When is my final balance due?
Secure your holiday with a 60% deposit and pay the remaining 40% three months before departure. Full payment is required for departures within 90 days.
Flights & travel 2
Are international flights included?
Select a package with flights to include the flights shown in your chosen departure. Routes, baggage allowances and inclusions depend on the itinerary and departure airport; check your booking details before confirming.
Can I arrange my own flights (Land Only)?
Yes. If you prefer to arrange your own international flights, please contact our travel specialists and we will be delighted to provide a tailor-made land-only quote for your travel dates.
Passports & visas 1
Do I need a visa to travel to Brazil?
You can visit Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism. If you want to extend your tourist visa, contact the Federal Police (in Portuguese) before your visa expires. For more information about visas, contact the Brazilian Consulate in London. If you overstay your visa, you’ll face a daily fine. However, we recommend validating the information from https://visacentral.co.uk/?login=lumleholidays and https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil/entry-requirements
Before you travel 2
When will I receive my travel documents?
Your comprehensive travel pack, including e-tickets, final day-by-day itinerary, hotel contact details, and practical destination advice, will be emailed to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks before you travel.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all our holidays. You must ensure your policy covers all activities you plan to undertake, as well as medical emergencies, repatriation, luggage, and trip cancellation.
On your holiday 19
Advice on electricity sockets in Brazil?
Electrical current is not standardized all over Brazil, so it’s a good idea to carry an adaptor. Most of the country uses 127 volts current, 60 cycles AC. Recife, Brasilia, and various other cities have 220-volt service. Many of the larger hotels also offer 220 volts. If there is any doubt, check with the front desk of the hotel or the owner of the house or apartment. Transformers to boost the current from 110 volts to 220 volts are available in most good electrical supply stores. Speaking of plugs, the most common power points have two round sockets.
How are transport facilities within Brazil?
Local transportation includes buses, taxis, and the metro which can be found in Rio and Sao Paulo. Flights can be easily taken between major cities as there are a variety of airports throughout the country.
How can I access the internet while I am in Brazil?
The internet is well developed in Brazil, so most hotels will have access to the web and there are cyber cafes in many of the main shopping centres.
How does currency work in Brazil?
The Brazilian currency is the REAL; 100 centavos = 1 real. Bank bills are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2; coins are 1.00 real; 50 centavos, 25 centavos, 10 centavos, 5 centavos and 1 centavo. All banks and exchange offices accept traveler’s checks and foreign currency. It is advisable to take US Dollar traveler’s checks or currency as this is more readily exchanged than other currencies. There is a currency exchange black market, but you are strongly advised to ignore anyone who approaches you asking if you want to change money. Credit Cards – Access, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, and Visa are accepted in the majority of hotels, shops, and restaurants. Banking Hours – 10:00-16:00 Monday to Friday (may vary in some banks) ATMs are also available in the main cities. There is a limited amount to be withdrawn daily. After 10:00 PM it is only possible to withdraw up to 100,00 reais. Depending on the bank no withdrawals are allowed after 10:00 PM.
How is the climate in Brazil?
The climate varies from arid scrubland interior to impassable tropical rainforest in the northern Amazon jungle and tropical beaches along the eastern coast. In the south, the seasons are more temperate. The most important thing to know about Brazilian seasons is that they are the inverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere (e.g. summer in the Northern Hemisphere is winter in Brazil). Summer and winter averages vary depending on city and region. Rainy periods occur from January to April in the north (22 is the average number of days with rain); April to July in the northeast (14 is the average number of days with rain); December to March in the Rio/Sao Paulo area (the average number of rainy days is 10).
How much money should I tip during the Brazil visit?
Most restaurants and bars include a 10% service charge on the bill. It is customary to leave a bit extra for extra good service. When not included on the bill, 10% is the general rule. There are many places where tipping is not customary but a welcome gesture. The local juice stands, bars, coffee corners, and street and beach vendors are all tipped on occasion. Because of the massive amount of unemployment in Brazil, some services that may seem superfluous are customarily tipped anyway. Parking assistants are the most notable, as they are dependent on tips, usually the equivalent of 25c to 50c. Petrol station attendants, shoe shiners, and barbers are frequently tipped as well. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped. Most people round the price up, but tipping is not expected. In deluxe hotels, tip porters are R$1.00 per bag, chambermaids R$1.00 per day, and R$1.00 for room and valet service. For moderate and inexpensive hotels, tips tend to be minimal. At this level, salaries are so low that virtually anything is well received.
How much should I tip in Brazil?
In most restaurants and bars a 10% service fee is added to the bill. More sophisticated places may add up to 15%. If service is not included it will be stated at the bottom of the bill: “Serviço não incluído”. Cab drivers do not expect a tip, but it is normal to round up the final price. You should be aware that the amount shown on the taximeter may not always correspond to the amount you are due to pay – look out for a separate sheet taped to the window which will tell you how much the amount on the meter equates to.
How should I dress in Brazil?
Brazil’s climate ranges from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. Throughout the country, however, dress is informal. Generally, light cotton shirts, shorts, dresses, and trousers are ideal for day wear, whilst in the evenings long-sleeved shirts and leather shoes are normal. You will not normally need a jacket and tie in Brazil. In the winter (June/September) it is worth bringing something warm, as the temperature can be quite cool in the south of the country.
How welcoming is Brazil to LGBTQ travelers and families?
Brazil is considered the most LGBTQ-friendly destination in South America. Rio de Janeiro is one of the best destinations in the world for LGBTQ travelers and families to visit with lots of activities in the day and plenty of LGBTQ pubs, clubs, and nightlife to enjoy. They also have the Sao Paulo LGBT pride parade, one of the largest LGBT events in the world. Although Brazil is generally a very laid-back country when it comes to sexuality, in some regions and smaller towns discrimination towards the LGBTQ community is still present.
Is a post facility available in Brazil?
Postal services are quite good in Brazil, but it happens that some consignments take a very long time to arrive or just disappear, and it also occurs that some packages/letters have been torn open before arrival. Post offices are named “Correios” and are normally open weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00 and Saturdays until noon. Mailboxes are small yellow boxes, that sit atop metal pedestals on street corners.
Is Brazil a family-friendly destination?
Brazil is a family-friendly country that offers excursions and sightseeing popular amongst all age groups. The destination is full of family-friendly hotels and lots of activities geared toward children. Brazil also offers an abundance of beaches and wildlife viewing opportunities for families to enjoy together.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Brazil?
No. The tap water is not considered as safe drinking water. It’s strongly recommended that you stick to bottled mineral water.
Shopping in Brazil?
As with the food, in a country the size of Brazil there are many local specialties for the shopper. In most major cities shopping centers stay open until late (up to 10.00 pm), while street shops close at 6 pm. Good-quality arts and crafts are available at regular outdoor markets, which are colorful and entertaining places for tourists to visit.
What are the health requirements for visiting Brazil?
There are no compulsory health requirements for entry into Brazil. Precautions are advised for Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Polio, and Malaria. We suggest you contact your local G.P. for current advice and recommendations. You are advised to have full medical insurance coverage. Please note that if you are entering Brazil via Peru, Ecuador, or Colombia, you will be required to provide an up-to-date yellow fever vaccination certificate for immigration purposes. Avoid eating and drinking local products from street vendors and restaurants with suspect hygiene or refrigeration practices. It is advisable to drink only bottled water at all times.
What is a telephone facility like in Brazil?
You can dial direct (DDI), which is cheaper, to most countries in the world, by first dialing 00, the long-distance operator code (21 for Embratel or 23 for Intelig), and then the country’s code followed by the area code and the number you want to contact. Should the area code start with a zero, the zero must be dropped. The local telephone directories have a full list of country codes as well as the major area codes, but this information is also available free of charge from the international operator on 000333. The operators speak English and also offer a translation service in French, Japanese, German, Italian, and Spanish at 0800 – 7032111. If you already know the number you wish to call but want to make the call collect, person-to-person, or use your telephone credit card, contact the international operator at 0800 – 7032111.
What is Food & Drink like in Brazil?
The most common dishes feature various meats, rice, and the ubiquitous Brazilian black beans (feijão), whilst restaurants often offer all-you-can-eat barbecues and buffets. Brazil also has many regional varieties of cookery. An example is the Bahian cookery, which includes dishes such as Vatapa (shrimp, fish oil, coconut milk, bread, and rice), and Sarapatel (liver, heart, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and gravy). From Rio Grande do Sul a typical dish is Churrasco (a kind of barbecue). From the Amazon comes Tacaca (thick soup with shrimp and garlic).
All alcoholic drinks are available, including excellent large-style beers: Skol, Brahma, Antarctica and Cerpa. The most popular local alcoholic beverage is Cachaca, most commonly served as “Caipirinha” with slices of lime. Soft drinks include Guarana (a carbonated cola-like drink) and many varieties of excellent fruit juices (sucos) including several vitamin-rich fruits you will never have heard of. Coffee tends to be served as a very strong. If you want to avoid sugar in coffee and juices, you should specifically ask for this. In Rio, you may see it’s common to ask for coconut water in restaurants or kiosks by the beach, and “mate”, a beverage that reminds an iced tea.
What is the time zone in Brazil?
Brazil spans several time zones, however, the Brazilian Standard Time is 3 hours earlier than G.M.T. and 2 hours earlier in the summer (Oct to Feb).
What language is spoken in Brazil?
The official language is Portuguese. Some English is spoken, particularly in the main cities, but the nearest thing to a second language is Spanish with which you will generally be able to make yourself understood.
What to wear during the Brazil visit?
For sightseeing and leisure, casual clothing and good walking shoes are both desirable and appropriate. For beach vacations, you will need lightweight sportswear, a bathing suit, a sun hat, and sunscreen. It should be avoided to offend the local sensibilities and mainly the women should not expose too much bare skin if they don’t want to be molested. Women should also never go topless at a beach or a swimming pool! Of course, the best is to travel light with a few items of clothing that are easily washable in a hotel or an inland stream. Synthetic fibers are easier to wash and to dry. Shorts and bathing wear are not allowed for visiting many museums (mainly the ones exposing sacred arts), churches, and theaters. However, you may wear shorts during the day and most restaurants, cinemas, malls, or shops will permit entrance during the day, mainly in the beach towns. During the winter period, temperatures in the south and southeastern regions may vary from -4° C to 18° C, depending on the places to be visited. Therefore, a coat or a jacket should be added to the luggage. Common sense should prevail, because inappropriate dress can cause unwanted attention.
Changes & cancellations 2
What happens if I need to change my booking?
We understand plans change. You can amend your booking up to a certain period before departure. Amendment fees may apply depending on the changes and airline ticket conditions. Please contact our team as soon as possible.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation charges apply and increase the closer it gets to the departure date. Please refer to our full Terms & Conditions for the specific cancellation fee scale.
After your holiday 1
How can I contact Lumle after my holiday?
For questions or feedback after your holiday, contact our team, email sales@lumle.com or call 1-888-214-4856.
No matching questions found. Try another keyword or call 1-888-214-4856.
Book with Confidence
Eligible non-flight packages and packages with flights departing from and returning to airports outside the UK are protected through ABTOT membership 5338. Packages with flights departing from or returning to a UK airport are protected under ATOL 7375.
ATOL Protected
ATOL 7375 · Eligible UK-flight packages
ABTOT Bonded
ABTOT 5338 · Eligible packages
Allied Member of USTOA
United States Tour Operators Association
What our travellers say
Based on verified independent customer reviews on Trustpilot.
Explore our brochure
Discover our latest holidays, bespoke journeys, and travel inspiration.
Planning your holiday?
Speak to our team or send us your tailor-made requirements.
Ready to experience Brazil?
Explore all our handpicked Brazil holidays or speak to our team to create a completely bespoke journey around you.
Need some help? Call 1-888-214-4856
Your Recently Viewed
Your recently viewed holidays will appear here as you browse.