Border information: if you are joining in Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely enter Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (IATA code: RIO/GIG) Welcome to the iconic Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro! There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting. Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Rio de Janeiro before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Rio de Janeiro. In Rio de Janeiro we will stay in a great hotel in the Flamengo district, close to the beach and the metro station. Hotel for the night: Hotel Argentina Hotel Argentina Rua Cruz Lima No. 30 Flamengo Rio de Janeiro Brazil Tel - +55 21 2558 7233 OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Make a pilgrimage to the iconic Maracanã stadium, the heart of Brazilian football, and take a guided tour from one of the enthusiastic staff : BRL 20  Get some of the most phenomenal views of Rio de Janeiro by taking a cable car up the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) : BRL 62 Visit the amazing statue of Christ the Redeemer on the top of the Corcovado mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a world-famous icon of Brazil - taking in the breathaking views of Rio de Janeiro and the bay below : BRL 62 Find out all about Brazil's fascinating history by visiting the National Historical Museum in the centre of Rio de Janeiro : BRL 6 Visit the Museu da República, and learn all about the turbulent recent history of Brazil and the story of the creation of the republic in 1889 : BRL 6 Visit Rio de Janeiro's Modern Art Museum, showcasing some incredible local and international art exhibitions, and an incredible building in its own right : BRL 12 Explore the magnificent Botanical Gardens of Rio de Janeiro, with over 54 hectares and 6500 species of plants and flowers : BRL 8 Relax and explore the world famous beaches of Rio de Janeiro, including Ipanema, Arpoador, and of course Copacabana : Free Visit the iconic Escadaria Selaron, a colourful tiled staircase lovingly created by local resident Jorge Selaron : Free Explore the stunning natural Atlanic rainforest of Tijuca, the largest urban forest in the world : Free Take a brilliant free walking tour with an expert local guide around Lapa and Central Rio de Janeiro (or Copacabana and Ipanema on certain days) : Free About Rio De Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro has to be one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. The stunning Pão de Açucar (Sugarloaf) Mountain rises up out of Guanabara Bay and the sandy beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana cut beautiful curves in the shoreline, all under the watchful gaze of the iconic Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This is a city with something for everyone - beaches, history, shopping, culture, fantastic food and amazing nightlife. For amazing views of this spectacular city, take the cable car up to the top of Pão de Açucar, ride the train to Corcovado or jump on the tram to the historic hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. If you're interested in learning more about Rio and Brazil, there are several fascinating museums in the city and you'll see some fantastic architecture by wandering around the older parts of the city. Kick back and relax on the famous urban beaches, enjoy a beer or caipirinha at one of the many street-side cafes and then when evening comes you can party the night away - Rio has some unbelievable bars and clubs in the buzzing areas of Lapa and Ipanema. If you need a bit of quiet time to recover, take a walk in the city's wonderful botanical gardens, or escape the city for the day on an excursion to the lush forests of nearby Tijuca National Park. Rio is particularly famous for its huge annual party - the incredible Rio Carnival. The celebration of Mardi Gras (6 weeks before Easter) is a great Brazilian tradition - the whole city goes wild for a full 7 days in a whirlwind of music and colour. Samba schools compete with ever more awe-inspiring dance displays, floats and costumes, putting on marathon perfomances in the Sambadrome, and street parties are held all over the city.  

Today will be a free day to explore the marvellous city of Rio de Janeiro and take part in some optional activities. 

Today our journey begins with a short drive to the colonial town of Paraty on the Emerald Coast of the Atlantic! Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!). On our first full day in Paraty, we will have an included boat trip around the incredible islands and beaches off the coast. On our second day, we will have free time to explore the town, take a historical tour, walk along the stunning scenery of the coastline, head out snorkeling or diving, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches. In Paraty we Will camp at a well equipped campsite.  INCLUDED ACTIVITIES  Take a boat trip out of Paraty, exploring the stunning islands and beaches and swimming in the idyllic warm water of the sparkling blue ocean : Included in Kitty  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Go for a scuba diving trip in the incredible oceans around Paraty : BRL 250  Relax and unwind with a massage and unbeatable ocean views at the fantastic Shambala spa : BRL 165 Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding by hiring a board from one of the many vendors at the Jabaquara beach in Paraty : BRL 30 Enjoy some of the best and most scenic treks in the country, on the coastal trails, hils, and 'tropical fjords' near Paraty : USD 50 Explore the ocean, islands, beaches, and mangroves of Atlantic coast in a more serene and tranquil fashion, on a sea kayaking expedition around the bay of Paraty : USD 40 Learn all about the fascinating history of Brazil and the Gold Trail, on an excellent walking tour of the old colonial town of Paraty : USD 35 About Paraty: Stretching west from the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro is the spectacular Brazilian Emerald Coast, a dazzlingly-beautiful strip of land sandwiched between the verdant green hills and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic. Tropical islands, deserted beaches and picturesque coves with excellent swimming and diving make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy some optional boat trips and other activities. The old Portuguese colonial town of Paraty, founded in 1597 CE and once a very important port during the Portuguese gold rush of the 17th and 18th Centuries, is perhaps the most attractive spot on the coast. Low white-washed buildings with colourful doors and shutters crowd around the cobbled streets and plaza, full of interesting shops, bars and restaurants. Paraty really comes alive at night, when locals and tourists alike sit outside the many street cafes and congregate in the main square. The town also has a couple of beaches and there are plenty of others in the surrounding area - and this is also a good place for boat and snorkeling trips, which can be arranged locally. 

Today our journey begins with a short drive to the colonial town of Paraty on the Emerald Coast of the Atlantic!   Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).    On our first full day in Paraty, we will have an included boat trip around the incredible islands and beaches off the coast.    On our second day, we will have free time to explore the town, take a historical tour, walk along the stunning scenery of the coastline, head out snorkeling or diving, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches.   In Paraty we Will camp at a well equipped campsite.    INCLUDED ACTIVITIES    Take a boat trip out of Paraty, exploring the stunning islands and beaches and swimming in the idyllic warm water of the sparkling blue ocean : Included in Kitty    OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES    Go for a scuba diving trip in the incredible oceans around Paraty : BRL 250    Relax and unwind with a massage and unbeatable ocean views at the fantastic Shambala spa : BRL 165   Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding by hiring a board from one of the many vendors at the Jabaquara beach in Paraty : BRL 30    Enjoy some of the best and most scenic treks in the country, on the coastal trails, hils, and 'tropical fjords' near Paraty : USD 50    Explore the ocean, islands, beaches, and mangroves of Atlantic coast in a more serene and tranquil fashion, on a sea kayaking expedition around the bay of Paraty : USD 40   Learn all about the fascinating history of Brazil and the Gold Trail, on an excellent walking tour of the old colonial town of Paraty : USD 35   About Paraty:  Stretching west from the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro is the spectacular Brazilian Emerald Coast, a dazzlingly-beautiful strip of land sandwiched between the verdant green hills and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic. Tropical islands, deserted beaches and picturesque coves with excellent swimming and diving make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy some optional boat trips and other activities. The old Portuguese colonial town of Paraty, founded in 1597 CE and once a very important port during the Portuguese gold rush of the 17th and 18th Centuries, is perhaps the most attractive spot on the coast. Low white-washed buildings with colourful doors and shutters crowd around the cobbled streets and plaza, full of interesting shops, bars and restaurants. Paraty really comes alive at night, when locals and tourists alike sit outside the many street cafes and congregate in the main square. The town also has a couple of beaches and there are plenty of others in the surrounding area - and this is also a good place for boat and snorkeling trips, which can be arranged locally. 

Today our journey begins with a short drive to the colonial town of Paraty on the Emerald Coast of the Atlantic!   Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).    On our first full day in Paraty, we will have an included boat trip around the incredible islands and beaches off the coast.    On our second day, we will have free time to explore the town, take a historical tour, walk along the stunning scenery of the coastline, head out snorkeling or diving, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches.   In Paraty we Will camp at a well equipped campsite.    INCLUDED ACTIVITIES    Take a boat trip out of Paraty, exploring the stunning islands and beaches and swimming in the idyllic warm water of the sparkling blue ocean : Included in Kitty    OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES    Go for a scuba diving trip in the incredible oceans around Paraty : BRL 250    Relax and unwind with a massage and unbeatable ocean views at the fantastic Shambala spa : BRL 165   Try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding by hiring a board from one of the many vendors at the Jabaquara beach in Paraty : BRL 30    Enjoy some of the best and most scenic treks in the country, on the coastal trails, hils, and 'tropical fjords' near Paraty : USD 50    Explore the ocean, islands, beaches, and mangroves of Atlantic coast in a more serene and tranquil fashion, on a sea kayaking expedition around the bay of Paraty : USD 40   Learn all about the fascinating history of Brazil and the Gold Trail, on an excellent walking tour of the old colonial town of Paraty : USD 35   About Paraty:  Stretching west from the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro is the spectacular Brazilian Emerald Coast, a dazzlingly-beautiful strip of land sandwiched between the verdant green hills and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic. Tropical islands, deserted beaches and picturesque coves with excellent swimming and diving make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy some optional boat trips and other activities. The old Portuguese colonial town of Paraty, founded in 1597 CE and once a very important port during the Portuguese gold rush of the 17th and 18th Centuries, is perhaps the most attractive spot on the coast. Low white-washed buildings with colourful doors and shutters crowd around the cobbled streets and plaza, full of interesting shops, bars and restaurants. Paraty really comes alive at night, when locals and tourists alike sit outside the many street cafes and congregate in the main square. The town also has a couple of beaches and there are plenty of others in the surrounding area - and this is also a good place for boat and snorkeling trips, which can be arranged locally. 

Today we will drive to the remote town of Brotas in southeastern Brazil. In Brotas we will stay at a campsite with good facilities. Estimated Drive Time - 9-10 hours. 

Today we will start driving west towards the Southern Pantanal, and wild camp towards the end of the day somewhere close to the city of Campo Grande. Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.

Today we have an early start to meet our guide in Campo Grande, and then drive on to Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal region, where we have a visit a local eco-tourism ranch (or 'fazenda'). Estimated Drive Time - 5 hours. We will spend 2 nights here and have a comprehensive package of included activities such as exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside on horseback, trips down the wildlife-abundant rivers in boats and canoes, and safaris on the ranch's trucks and on foot where we hope to spot capybaras, caimans, and (if we are very lucky) jaguars and ocelots. Our stay here is an incredible highlight! In the Southern Pantanal we will stay in dorm accommodation in a well equipped lodge with all the meals and activities included.  INCLUDED ACTIVITIES  Take an unforgettable 2-night fully inclusive package from our eco-lodge in the Southern Pantanal, where we will go out on jeep safaris, canoe expeditions, boat rides, horse back trails, and enjoy a BBQ night with local music and dancing : Included in Kitty About Southern Pantanal: The Pantanal is a vast wetland that covers much of inland central and southern Brazil - it is formed of a huge gently-sloping depression surrounded by rolling highlands, so the water from thousands of small rivers runs off from the highlands to collect in the basin before draining out into the Paraguay River. The Pantanal was a predominantly agricultural area, dotted with cattle ranches known locally as "Fazenda" - having realised the importance of their home as a unique habitat for wildlife, many of the Fazendas have opened up for eco-tourism in recent years and offer safaris and tours of the area. The wildlife here is staggering, and there is probably nowhere else in South America where you'll be able to see as many indigenous species. There are over 250 different species of birds that have been recorded here, including parakeets, macaws, owls, kingfishers, ibis, storks, kites and hawks, hummingbirds and more, and there are prolific numbers of caiman, anacondas, iguanas, two species of anteaters, ocelots, jaguars, tapirs, giant river otters and thousands of marsh deer. One of the easier animals to spot is the capybara, a giant guinea-pig-type rodent that grows up to 60 kgs and lives in large herds in the swamps

Today we have an early start to meet our guide in Campo Grande, and then drive on to Brazil's amazing Southern Pantanal region, where we have a visit a local eco-tourism ranch (or 'fazenda').    Estimated Drive Time - 5 hours.   We will spend 2 nights here and have a comprehensive package of included activities such as exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside on horseback, trips down the wildlife-abundant rivers in boats and canoes, and safaris on the ranch's trucks and on foot where we hope to spot capybaras, caimans, and (if we are very lucky) jaguars and ocelots. Our stay here is an incredible highlight!    In the Southern Pantanal we will stay in dorm accommodation in a well equipped lodge with all the meals and activities included.    INCLUDED ACTIVITIES    Take an unforgettable 2-night fully inclusive package from our eco-lodge in the Southern Pantanal, where we will go out on jeep safaris, canoe expeditions, boat rides, horse back trails, and enjoy a BBQ night with local music and dancing : Included in Kitty   About Southern Pantanal:  The Pantanal is a vast wetland that covers much of inland central and southern Brazil - it is formed of a huge gently-sloping depression surrounded by rolling highlands, so the water from thousands of small rivers runs off from the highlands to collect in the basin before draining out into the Paraguay River. The Pantanal was a predominantly agricultural area, dotted with cattle ranches known locally as "Fazenda" - having realised the importance of their home as a unique habitat for wildlife, many of the Fazendas have opened up for eco-tourism in recent years and offer safaris and tours of the area. The wildlife here is staggering, and there is probably nowhere else in South America where you'll be able to see as many indigenous species. There are over 250 different species of birds that have been recorded here, including parakeets, macaws, owls, kingfishers, ibis, storks, kites and hawks, hummingbirds and more, and there are prolific numbers of caiman, anacondas, iguanas, two species of anteaters, ocelots, jaguars, tapirs, giant river otters and thousands of marsh deer. One of the easier animals to spot is the capybara, a giant guinea-pig-type rodent that grows up to 60 kgs and lives in large herds in the swamps

After our morning activities and one final lunch in our beautiful ranch, it is time to leave the Pantanal and drive to the Brazilian eco-tourism capital of Bonito.  Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours. We have two full days in Bonito to take part in the plethora of incredible optional activities here. You could go out on a world-class snorkeling trip, explore the nearby caves, or go abseiling down some of the largest waterfalls in the area, amongst many other possibilities! In Bonito we will camp in the grounds of an excellent hostel with a pool and good facilities. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Relax and meet the locals in the beautiful outdoor municipal swimming areas of Bonito : BRL 30 Head out on an exhilarating rafting, tubing, or kayaking expedition down the Rio Formoso : BRL 135 Take an incredible snorkeling trip through the crystal clear waters of the Rio da Prata, getting a phenomenal view of the fish and aquatic plants underwater : BRL 278 Visit the ethereal and other-worldly Blue Lake Cave near Bonito, an underground lake with an incredibly vivid shade of blue : BRL 95 Head on an unforgettable trip to Abismo Anhumas, an incredible day out where you abseil through a fissure into a collosal underground cavern, and snorkel in the lake at the bottom : BRL 760 Take a trek through the stunning areas surrounding Bonito, visiting some of the beautiful nearby waterfalls : BRL 50 Go on a stunning sunset horse ride around the beautiful countryside around Bonito : BRL 80 Hire a mountain bike in Bonito to freely explore the incredible countryside of Mato Grosso do Sul : USD 20 Visit the stunning São Miguel Caves near Bonito : BRL 36 Visit the phenomenal Buraco das Araras, one of the world's largest sink-holes and a natural aviary of macaws and toucans : BRL 46 Abseil down the Boca da Onça waterfall (meaning 'Jaguar's Mouth'), the largest waterfall in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul :  BRL 460 About Bonito: The small town of Bonito in the southern Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul is perfectly located in a beautiful and unique area. The area's main attractions are the crystal clear rivers, springs and the stunning caves, not to mention the abundant wildlife, which includes monkeys, alligators, anacondas, over 30 varieties of fish and tremendous bird life. Unsurprisingly, the town is often described as the "eco-tourism capital of Brazil". There are endless activities on offer, from spectacular walks through the surrounding hills and forests, to caving, horse-riding, abseiling, and snorkeling. Many of the best attractions are on private land and the area is being very carefully managed in order to protect the wildlife and habitats found here

Today we have a full drive day south to the city of Foz do Iguaçu. In Foz do Iguaçu we will camp in the grounds of an excellent hostel out of town, with good facilities and a pool. Estimated Drive Time - 10-12 hours.  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Visit the colossal Itaipu Dam, the second largest hydroelectric dam in the world : BRL 68 Take a short trip into Paraguay to experience the chaos of Ciudad del Este and pick up a bargain or two (price listed is for a return trip in a taxi) : BRL 60 Visit the Parque das Aves bird park near Foz do Iguaçu, a wonderful conservation project which provides an excellent home to over 1000 iconic birds from the region such as toucans, macaws and eagles : BRL 36  Take an exhilarating speed boat ride around the base of the falls from the Brazilian side : BRL 66 Take an unforgettable 10-minute helicopter flight over the Iguazu Falls, enjoying a bird's eye view of one of the world's most incredible set of waterfalls : USD 125 Head on an adrenaline-fuelled speedboat trip to the base of the falls on the Argentine side - be prepared to get very wet! : ARS 350 INCLUDED ACTIVITIES  Visit the phenomenal Iguazu Falls from the Argentine side, where you can get the closest views of Garganta del Diablo and explore the web of nature trails around the area's forests and waterfalls : Included in Kitty See the mighty Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side, enjoying the incredible panorama of waterfalls and exploring the beauty of the area : Included in Kitty About Foz do Iguaçu: Foz do Iguaçu (meaning "Mouth of the Iguazu River") is the Brazilian town nestled against the double-border with Argentina and Paraguay. The town is of course most famous as the base for exploring the incredible Iguazu Falls, and the Brazilian side of the waterfalls offers visitors a very different perspective - there are a number of cleverly constructed walkways that allow you to get right out over the water up close to some of the falls themselves, and you will often be able to see fantastic rainbows forming as the sun catches the spray. For the ultimate waterfall viewing experience, you can also organise helicopter flights from the Brazilian side, where you'll be taken out right over the falls to give you a breathtaking view of this natural wonder from a totally different perspective. There is also a fan static bird park in Foz, where you can see many of Brazil's native species including toucans and macaws. You can also visit the incredible Itaipu Dam, the world's second-largest dam (after the Three Gorges Dam in China) that stretches across the River Parana between Brazil and Paraguay, and a marvel of modern engineering. 

Today we will visit the Brazilian side of the phenomenal Iguazu Falls, to get some incredible panoramic vistas of the mighty waterfalls. There is also plenty of time to visit the bird park, take a helicopter ride over the falls, see the incredible Itaipu Dam, or quickly stop into Paraguay to pick up some bargains in the nearby Ciudad del Este. About Iguazu Falls: The Iguazu Falls, located on the Iguazu River between Argentina and Brazil, is the world's largest waterfall system and one of the most spectacular natural sights in the world! The name "Iguazu" originates from the native Guarani words "y" (meaning "big") and "uasu" (meaning "water") - the Guarani legend says that the falls were created when a deity wanted to a beautiful mortal woman, but when she tried to escape away from him in a canoe with another man the deity sliced the river in two, condemning the water and the lovers to fall for eternity. Visitors can see the Iguazu Falls from both sides of the border - on the Argentinian side there are miles of trails and walkways through the forests and the many waterfalls along the southern banks, culminating in a kilometre-long walkway to the phenomenal "Garganta del Diablo (meaning "Devil's Throat"), the largest and most powerful section of the waterfall system. Millions of gallons of water thunder down violently to the bottom of the huge ravine, forming the most incredible display of power, rainbows, and spray! In the surrounding dense tropical jungle there are many varieties of brightly coloured butterflies and birds, and you can take an exhilarating motorboat ride up close to some of the waterfalls (if you don't mind getting soaked!).

On the following day we will take a day trip into Argentina to see the incredible Iguazu Falls from the other side. This is well worth doing as the views are even more spectacular, and you'll be able to look right down into the mighty Garganta del Diablo (the largest waterfall here) from a gantry walkway viewing point). We will have a full day at the Argentine side of the falls, allowing us lots of time to freely explore the site, hike some nature trails, or perhaps take an exhilarating (and very wet) boat ride! We will return to our base in Foz do Iguaçu tonight. 

Border information: if you are finishing in Foz do Iguaçu, you will most likely exit Brazil at Foz do Iguaçu Cataratas International Airport (IATA code: IGU). Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Foz do Iguaçu. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Dragoman Sales team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.