Brazil's Gardens and Natural Wonders 8445

Brazil's Gardens and Natural Wonders 8445

11 Views
17 Days From

$12981

Brazil's Gardens and Natural Wonders 8445

17 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom

Visiting: London, Rio de Janeiro, Serra dos Órgãos, Paraty, Foz do Iguaçu, Iguaçu Falls, Iguazu Falls, Pantanal, Campo Grande

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BBRZ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Active

Trip Styles:

Luxury

From: $12981 including Flights from the UK

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

“I had just returned from my Piranha fishing excursion to find two yellow frogs in my bathroom” exclaimed a passenger on our first tour - such is the excitement of Brazil! The tour opens in Rio de Janeiro with a cruise round the calm waters of Guanabara Bay on a Brazilian schooner followed in the next few days by a cable car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain and a train ride to the Christ the Redeemer statue — talk about sensory overload!

 

We will also, however, venture off the well-worn tourist trail of Rio, with a guided visit to the garden and former home of Roberto Burle Marx, one of the most important landscape architects of the 20th century, as well as the botanical garden and an outstanding National Park, with native species of the Atlantic Rainforest in a stunning natural setting. 

 

After five nights in Rio we travel along the coast to Paraty, once the main port for shipping gold to Portugal and now a charming and well-preserved colonial town. Two full days of touring here gives us the opportunity to visit further gardens and sites of botanical interest. From Rio we fly on to Iguacu and our hotel adjacent to the awesome waterfalls, seven times the size of Niagara. An excursion into neighbouring Argentina is included here as we view the falls from every possible angle. For a thrilling conclusion of our tour we travel into the interior to explore the Pantanal, the world’s largest continuous wetland area. From our base at the comfortable Caiman Lodge we will have an in-depth tour of the region and its diverse natural inhabitants, from trees and flora to an astonishing profusion of birds and aquatic wildlife.

Highlights

  • Abundant wildlife in the Pantanal

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: London

Enjoy access to the airport Executive lounge before we depart from London on a flight to Brazil. (Regional flight connections, flight upgrades and overnight accommodation before or after the tour available on request).

Day 2

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation Name: Windsor Leme Hotel

We arrive in Rio de Janeiro early this morning, to be met by our local coach and guide. We transfer to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to relax or explore Rio. Evening at leisure.

Day 3

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation Name: Windsor Leme Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

As an introduction to the flora of Brazil there could be no better place to start than the Botanical Garden in Rio de Janeiro, one of the largest in the world with approximately 8200 species of living plants. We will spend the morning strolling around the garden with our guides close at hand to explain some of the finer points of the Brazilian flora.After an opportunity for lunch (not included) we will drive along Copacabana beach and on to Flamengo Park, a large landfill area in the bay which was designed by Burle Marx. Our guide will point out details of the layout and special characteristics of the park including the Museum of Modern Art. We continue to one of Rio’s most famous attractions, the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Before we take the cable car up, we will take half an hour or so to stroll along the Bem Te Vi path, which takes us to the foot of the Sugar Loaf, through the lush green Atlantic Rainforest vegetation beside the ocean. Sugar Loaf Mountain itself needs little introduction, as it will be familiar from a million postcards and travelogues, but the cable-car ascent is a thrilling experience nonetheless. Rising 1300 feet (396m) above sea level, it certainly fits its indigenous, if somewhat literal, name Pau-nh-acuqua – translated as ‘high hill’. The mountain is just one of half a dozen monolithic morros of granite and quartz that rise straight from the water’s edge around Rio de Janeiro.We return to the hotel where the evening is at leisure.

Day 4

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation Name: Windsor Leme Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We begin this morning with a guided tour of a garden associated with Roberto Burle Marx (1909-1994), known internationally as one of the most important landscape architects of the 20th century.  An artist of multiple facets, besides being a landscape designer he was also a remarkable painter, sculptor, singer, and jewellery designer, with a sensibility that is shown throughout his work. He was given a huge number of both private and public commissions to create gardens which for the first time gave prominence to indigenous Brazilian plants and helped bring the native flora to more widespread attention. The Sítio Burle Marx in Barra de Guaratiba on the outskirts of Rio was his private home for most of his adult life. The “sítio” – a small farm – boasts a marvellous collection of his work, including paintings, sculptures, glass paintings, as well more than 3,500 plants in the gardens. The collection also includes works of other artists. We later have lunch in a local restaurant.

Day 5

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation Name: Windsor Leme Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We have the morning free today. In the afternoon we depart for the railway station at the foot of the Corcovado mountain and take the rack railway to the summit, 2230 feet (710m) above sea-level, where we will have a close-up look at the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. The monument has become a symbol of the city and of the warmth of the Brazilian people, who receive visitors with open arms. The planning for the construction of the statue began in 1921, when a campaign was organized by the “Semana do Monumento“. The designs considered for the Statue of the Christ included a representation of the Christian cross, a statue with a globe in the hands, and a pedestal symbolizing the world, before the now-familiar image of the Redeemer with open arms was chosen.This afternoon we enjoy a cruise around the calm waters of Guanabara Bay aboard a refurbished Brazilian schooner, which will give us marvellous views of Rio.The evening is at leisure or alternatively enjoy an optional barbeque dinner at Barra Brasa.

Day 6

Location: Serra dos Órgãos

Accommodation Name: Windsor Leme Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We have an early start this morning as we travel out of Rio de Janeiro today and up into the mountains, where many of the wealthy citizens of Rio have weekend homes where they can escape the heat and humidity of the coast. We have arranged an exclusive visit to one of the most famous of Roberto Burle Marx’s gardens, Fazenda Marambaia (known formerly as the Monteiro Garden), which includes a guided tour. When in 1948 the art patron Odette Monteiro asked Burle Marx to create a garden around her country house he had one of the most fabulous backdrops, the Serra dos Órgãos range (organ-pipe mountains), and it is a measure of his skill and sensitivity that he created a garden that wasn’t diminished by the magnificence of the surroundings. The focal point is a small lake, with gravel paths that invite the visitor to go out and explore. One side of the lake is planted with dramatic blocks of foliage plants – orange coleus, purple Iresine herbstii and silver helichrysum – with beds of scarlet cannas and salvias nearby.These blocks of planting in strong colours are one of the most distinctive features of Burle Marx’s work, which bear a close relationship to his work as an abstract painter.We return to Rio later in the afternoon, with the evening at leisure.

Day 7

Location: Paraty

Accommodation Name: Pousada Sandi Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we must check out of the hotel. We travel along the coast to Paraty, once the main port for shipping gold to Portugal and now a charming and well-preserved colonial town. The main attraction of Paraty is of course its historic core. In 1966 the centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and to preserve the town they banished cars and today there are many beautiful buildings, restaurants and cultural activities within the setting of the old, narrow cobblestone streets. On arrival we shall check-in to our comfortable hotel where the rest of the day and evening is at leisure to explore this beautiful town.

Day 8

Location: Paraty

Accommodation Name: Pousada Sandi Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning following breakfast we shall enjoy a cruise on a Brazilian ‘Saveiros’ along the calm waters of Paraty Bay. Paraty has 65 islands dotted around the turquoise and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by exuberant rainforest and secluded beaches. During our cruise we shall see various colourful fish, corals and sea-stars and we shall make a number of stops around the bay.

Day 9

Location: Paraty

Accommodation Name: Pousada Sandi Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we shall visit a bromeliad and orchid plantation, before enjoying lunch at Villa Verde, a beautiful, small restaurant owned and run by a Swiss chef, who has found his own piece of tropical paradise. The restaurant overlooks his own private garden (there will be the opportunity to look around) and the Pereque-Açu River that runs through his land.Following lunch we shall return to Paraty where you shall have some free time to explore the town at leisure.

Day 10

Location: Foz do Iguaçu

Accommodation Name: Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning following breakfast we shall return to Rio in time for our flight to Foz do Iguaçu. On arrival we transfer to our luxuirious 5-star hotel, the Hotel das Cataratas, uniquely located in the Brazilian National Park, next to the Falls. All rooms have air-conditioning and en-suite facilities and the hotel has a full range of leisure facilities including outdoor swimming pool. Dinner (not included) is available in the Ipê Bar and Grill.

Day 11

Location: Iguaçu Falls

Accommodation Name: Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning we have a guided tour of the Brazilian side of the Iguaçu Falls, a 2km walking tour along the paths and catwalks with panoramic views of the spectacular falls. Taller than Niagara Falls, twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horsehoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguazu River, the falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left a large crack in the earth. An average of 553 cubic feet per second thunders over a drop of 269 feet, with a perpetual spray rising high above. After an opportunity for lunch (not included) we transfer by coach to the ‘Birds Park’, a large reserve located next to the Falls boasting a variety of species including the familiar toucan.

Day 12

Location: Iguazu Falls

Accommodation Name: Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The morning of our last full day is free to relax, enjoy the swimming pool and the views of the Falls. In the afternoon we transfer by coach via Paraguay into Argentina for further thrilling views of the falls, known on this side of the border as the Cataratas del Iguazù. On arrival at the Argentine National Park, we take the local electric train through the park to the trails and catwalks that lead to the various viewpoints, such as the famous ‘Devil’s Throat’ on the main waterfall.This evening we shall be offering a optional Dinner Show, including an excellent meal and folkloric dances from this region which covers the three countries of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

Day 13

Location: Pantanal

Accommodation Name: Caiman Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning following breakfast we shall return to the airport in time for our flight to Campo Grande situated in the Pantanal, the world’s largest continuous wetland area. On arrival we shall travel to Caiman Eco Lodge where we shall be welcomed with a drinks reception and a tour presentation.Dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 14

Location: Pantanal

Accommodation Name: Caiman Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, we have a full and rewarding day dedicated to observing the Pantanal’s flora and fauna at the Caiman Eco Lodge private reserve. Depending on the make-up and ability of the group, our activities may include guided horseback rides, photo safaris or walks through the pastures, woods and wetlands of the private reserve, but will be tailored to maximise our enjoyment and understanding of this fascinating and complex environment. The bird-life alone features an extraordinary range of species, including bare-faced curassow, buff-necked ibis, ducks, egrets, falcons, great blue heron, rhea, hawks, horned screamer, jabirus, large-billed & lesser seed-finch, macaws, parakeets, parrots, pintails, red-winged tinamou and wood storks. Both lunch and dinner are served at the Lodge today.

Day 15

Location: Pantanal

Accommodation Name: Caiman Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we enjoy another full and rewarding day at the Caiman Eco Lodge private reserve. You may wish to enjoy more activities or learn about the customs and culture of the local cowboys, known as “Pantaneiros” or enjoy learning about the Hyacinth Macaw Project which is based at the lodge.  The project’s main objective is to observe and collect data about the Hyacinth Macaw (Blue Macaw), a bird threatened with extinction, as well as to find new nesting sites and monitor those that already exist. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the Lodge today.

Day 16

Location: Campo Grande

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sadly it is time to say ‘adeus’ to Brazil as we return to the airport at Campo Grande for our return flight via Sao Paolo to London.

Day 17

Location: London

On arrival in London today the group will disperse or make onward connections.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Meals as per the itinerary

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

  • Services of a professional tour manager

  • Pre-flight executive airport lounge access

What's Not Included

  • Lunch on Day 3

    Lunch on Day 3 is not included.

  • Dinner on Day 10

    Dinner on Day 10 is not included.

  • Optional barbeque dinner at Barra Brasa

    The optional barbeque dinner at Barra Brasa is not included.

  • Optional Dinner Show on Day 12

    The optional Dinner Show on Day 12 is not included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can be observed at the Caiman Eco Lodge in the Pantanal?

    At the Caiman Eco Lodge in the Pantanal, you can observe a diverse range of wildlife including various bird species such as the bare-faced curassow, buff-necked ibis, ducks, egrets, falcons, great blue heron, rhea, hawks, horned screamer, jabirus, large-billed and lesser seed-finch, macaws, parakeets, parrots, pintails, red-winged tinamou, and wood storks.

  • What activities are available at the Caiman Eco Lodge?

    Activities at the Caiman Eco Lodge include guided horseback rides, photo safaris, and walks through the pastures, woods, and wetlands of the private reserve. These activities are tailored to maximize enjoyment and understanding of the Pantanal's environment.

  • What is special about the gardens designed by Roberto Burle Marx?

    Roberto Burle Marx's gardens are renowned for their use of indigenous Brazilian plants and dramatic blocks of foliage in strong colors, reflecting his work as an abstract painter. His gardens, such as the one at Fazenda Marambaia, are set against stunning backdrops like the Serra dos Órgãos range and feature elements like small lakes and gravel paths.

  • What can visitors expect during the cruise around Guanabara Bay?

    During the cruise around Guanabara Bay, visitors can enjoy marvelous views of Rio de Janeiro from a refurbished Brazilian schooner, providing a unique perspective of the city's landscape.

  • What is the significance of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro?

    The Christ the Redeemer statue is an iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro and represents the warmth of the Brazilian people, who welcome visitors with open arms. It stands 2230 feet above sea level on the Corcovado mountain and is a major attraction for its historical and cultural significance.

  • What can be experienced during the visit to the Iguazu Falls?

    Visitors to the Iguazu Falls can experience a guided tour of the Brazilian side, which includes a 2km walking tour along paths and catwalks with panoramic views of the falls. The tour offers a chance to witness the falls' impressive size and power, as well as the surrounding natural beauty.

  • What is the Hyacinth Macaw Project at the Caiman Eco Lodge?

    The Hyacinth Macaw Project at the Caiman Eco Lodge aims to observe and collect data about the Hyacinth Macaw, a bird threatened with extinction. The project focuses on finding new nesting sites and monitoring existing ones to help conserve this species.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
David MacLennan (Google Reviewer)  

Noted a comment on taking...

23-Aug-2023

Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.

Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Monday

Oct 18, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025
$12981

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Tuesday

Oct 19, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025
$13155
Prices last published on 07-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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