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Adventure Tours   >   South America Adventure Tours   >  Explore Brazil

Explore Brazil Adventure Tour

South America

  • Brazil

Connect with the lively rhythms of urban culture and venture deep into extraordinary ecosystems on a nine-day adventure in Brazil. On the colorful streets and sun-drenched beaches of Rio de Janeiro, learn to dance the samba and meet the costumers of Brazil's famed Carnival. Venture into the tropical wetland wilderness of the Pantanal in search of caimans, capybaras, and other incredible creatures; and stand in the mists of spectacular Iguaçu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site.


Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.


Joining Instructions  

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to the city on day 1, please make your way to the joining hotel via your included transfer. Details on where to meet your transfer can be found in your voucher notes or on the G Adventures app.

If you have booked pre-tour accommodations through G Adventures, please note that you must contact us to confirm the included arrival transfer. Check-in time at your start hotel will be in the afternoon.

Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1.


What to Take  

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.


Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. They often charge by item and it is quite expensive. There are many Laundromat services available along the way which charge by the kilo. Your CEO will inform when it is best to do laundry. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.


Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.


Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.


Max Pax  

16


Trip Specific Safety  

You should be especially careful when wandering around Buenos Aires on your own, particularly at night. Tourists are easy prey for individual pickpockets or groups of two or more people, working as a team, on the streets. Pay particular attention to anyone who “accidentally” spills anything on your clothes or belongings (mustard, etc.), then apologizes and offers to help clean up. They will clean you out instead! Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveller's cheques and cash you won't be using immediately within the hotel's safety deposit box. Most Porteños are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!

You should be especially careful walking around Rio de Janeiro on your own, particularly at night. It is very important to exercise common sense when in Rio as tourists can be easy targets. Do not walk down dark streets or go on the beach in the early hours of the morning. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveller's cheques and cash you won't be using immediately within the hotel's safety deposit box. Keep your camera safe and valuable objects attached to you as there are many 'grab and run' thieves lurking about.


Departure Tax  

Most airlines include departure tax in the cost of the ticket. Please check with the airline with which you are travelling.


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Meals Included  

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners


Money Exchange  

The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL).

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.

You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Please bear in mind that cost of living in the southern cone countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile) is much higher than the rest of South America, and in the case of Argentina, more comparable with Europe. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com


Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Optional Activities  

Iguaçu Falls
- Iguassu Helicopter Ride (130USD per person)

Puerto Iguazú
- Iguassu Falls Visit (70USD per person)


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.


Important Notes  

1. TRAVEL DAYS
This trip covers a lot of ground and there are a couple of long travel days. These travel days are always balanced out by relaxing, well-paced days to ensure full enjoyment and the visited destinations more than make up for any long travel experienced.

2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.


Group Leader Description  

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO), a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.


Group Size Notes  

Max 16, Avg 10.


Accommodation  

Hotels (8 nts).


My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops


Local Flights  

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.


What's Included  

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Rio Tour: Cable Car Ride and Samba School Visit, Rio de Janeiro
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Iguaçu Falls, Flora and Fauna Lecture, Iguaçu Falls. Arrival transfer. Rio city tour. Pantanal guided wildlife excursions. Tour the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguaçu Falls. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.


Highlights  

Seek out extraordinary wildlife in the Pantanal, Stroll and samba your way around Rio de Janeiro, Soar in a cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain, Accompany a local biologist to famed Iguaçu Falls


Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


Packing List  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear


Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.


Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

Note: Food is generally considered to be more expensive in Argentina and Brazil than in most other South American Countries. Moreover, as this is a comfort tour many passengers may want to visit more exclusive restaurants.


Transport  

Private van, 4x4, plane, walking.


Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

If you cannot locate the G Adventures Representative for your pre-booked airport transfer within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel. A taxi to the centre costs approximately $45 USD (180 ARS) and can be arranged from the official counter inside the Arrivals area. Please keep your receipt and your Chief Experience Officer or G Adventures Representative will refund the cost of the taxi. If your taxi driver does not speak English and you do not speak Spanish, simply show driver the hotel address to simplify communications.


Tipping  

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro

Arrive at any time. Your arrival transfer is included.

Today is the arrival day, no activities are planned. The day is free to spend at your leisure exploring the city until our welcome meeting this evening. There's so much to see and do in vibrant Rio de Janeiro pulsing with passion, music and ocean waves.

Day 2 Rio de Janeiro

Venture into the vibrant streets of Rio, founded by Portuguese settlers in the 16th century and now a thriving metropolis on Brazil's southeast coast. Ride a cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain to take in panoramic views of the city. Get a taste of the magic of Carnival at a samba school, where you'll learn the history of the annual celebration, meet expert costumers, and pick up a few steps from performers.

This massive city gets as many as five million international tourists every year to sip caipirinhas on the beach, dance the samba in the city's streets, and ascend Corcovado Mountain to see Christ the Redeemer for yourself. Later, learn about the iconic dance of samba, an icon of African heritage and afro-Brazilian resistance in the country. Get a taste of Carnaval magic, learn some steps and meet some of the people who create the colourful costumes.

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro/Pantanal

This morning, fly to Campo Grande, our gateway to Brazil's Pantanal. This spectacular region of winding rivers and grasslands is the world's largest area of tropical wetland, and hosts the highest concentration of wildlife in South America. Transfer to your lodge at the edge of the wetland, the ideal base for exploring the extraordinary ecosystems of the Pantanal.

The Pantanal, a largely flat, wetland area roughly half the size of France, covering over 70,000 sq mi (180,000 sq km) making it the world's largest tropical wetland. The area has the largest concentration of wildlife in South America; rich in bird life, including colourful macaws and jabiru storks. With a bit of luck and the appropriate weather, you may spot unique species such as capybara, howler monkeys, caiman, giant river otters, anacondas, and anteaters.

Day 4 Pantanal

Spend a full day deep inside the Pantanal alongside an expert naturalist guide. Hike across low-lying grasslands and into dense forests teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for an abundance of unique creatures, including the endangered hyacinth macaw, howler monkeys, giant anteaters, capybaras, and the southern crested caracara. In the evening, search for caiman along the riverbanks and encounter nocturnal creatures that emerge under the cover of darkness.

Wildlife viewing in South America automatically makes you think of the Amazon rainforest, while biodiverse the dense jungle of the Amazon makes wildlife viewing a challenge. The wide open spaces of the Pantanal, on the other hand, offer easy viewing opportunities to spot a diverse set of species both in the wetlands and on land with the naked eye. At night, go caiman spotting and watch as a whole other set of species come to life under the cover of darkness.

Day 5 Pantanal

Continue exploring this extraordinary ecosystem as you learn about efforts underway to protect big cats such as the rare Pantanal jaguar. Head out on hikes along the slow-moving tributaries of the Paraguay River. With luck, spot slithering anaconda, rare marsh deer, and the Brazilian tapir, and learn how the unremarkable apple snail acts as a keystone species in this complex and diverse environment.

The Pantanal is home to the third-largest cat in the world, the majestic jaguar. Although notoriously tough to spot in the wild, the ongoing efforts of the Jaguar Conservation Fund, Onçafari, and other conservation projects in the region are decreasing habitat loss for the big cats and increasing chances of spotting them in the Pantanal.

Day 6 Pantanal/Iguaçu Falls

This morning, return to Campo Grande and fly to Iguaçu; then check into our hotel located close to Iguaçu Falls, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. Here, water crashes over a nearly two-mile span of cliffs, formed by a basaltic rift on the border between Argentina and Brazil. Clouds of mist from the falls soak the surrounding landscape, creating a lush tropical environment harboring several rare species, including tapirs and jaguars.

Fly north to the Iguazú Falls area, near the borders of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Cross the border from Argentina to Brazil to experience the panoramic view of the falls.

As if imposing Iguazú Falls - with its 275 waterfalls - couldn't get more impressive, the area surrounding this natural wonder is home to jaguars, ocelots, anteaters, and large toucans, among others. The falls and the national park by the same name were named UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1984.

Day 7 Iguaçu Falls

Visit the Argentina side of Iguazú Falls, standing amid the spray from the falls' spectacular cascades, and set out on a hike along forest trails that wind directly over the cataracts known as the Devil's Throat. Choose to explore by boat, gaining a unique perspective on the falls from below. In the evening, gather for a talk with a local naturalist to learn about the flora and fauna living around the falls, and the uses of local plants in traditional healing remedies.

Explore trails directly over the falls of the Devil's Throat - the highest and deepest of the falls. Other trails allow access to the stretch of falls across the forest on the Argentine side. Later, learn about the flora and fauna surrounding the falls from Wilson Fernandes, a local biologist specializing in the Atlantic Rainforest.

Day 8 Iguaçu Falls/Rio de Janeiro

Today, see the falls from a different angle during a trip to the Brazilian side. Take in panoramic views of the roaring cascades and stroll along scenic walkways winding in and out of lush tropical forest. Later, transfer to the airport and fly to Rio de Janeiro.

Get a different perspective of the falls from the Brazilian side. Take in the panoramic view of the falls before walking along the scenic walkways out into the falls. After, leave the falls behind and head back to Rio.

Day 9 Rio de Janeiro

Depart at any time.

Details

Duration: 9 Days

Trip Type: Small Group

Physical Grading: 2 - Light

Service Level: Upgraded

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys



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