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Rio de Janeiro and the SoutheastRIO DE JANEIRORio needs no introduction, having been a popular destination since the 1950s. Most will have heard of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ’s statue on Corcovado and the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain. Less well-known would be the Botanical Gardens and Tijuca National Park, on the re-forested slopes above Rio.
MINAS GERAISThis southern state contains some extra-special natural history treats, including the best chance of seeing the maned wolf in South America, and the continent’s largest primate. It also boasts Ouro Preto, a beautifully preserved colonial town. Serra da Canastra National ParkWith a cool climate due to its altitude (900-1500 mts), many waterfalls and rivers, and two important massifs, the park is scenic and pleasant to visit and contains a large number of species in its grasslands and woods. These include giant anteater, maned wolf, armadillo and deer. CaratingaNear the town of that name is the Caratinga Biological Station. This private reserve is a research centre for primates and home to a species of woolly spider monkey called the muriqui; the largest primate in South America. Three other rare primates can also be found here: the brown capuchin, the brown howler monkey and the buffy-headed marmoset. In addition, the area boasts a wide variety of endemic birds and easily spotted mammals such as the brown throated three toed sloth. An important location for primate enthusiasts. Caraca National ParkWithin the park, an old seminary has become a popular hotel for wildlife lovers. The park has attracted the interest of ornithologists over the past decade with its many avian highlights. Night time holds the hope of witnessing a mammalian spectacle that has made Caraca famous: each evening for many years the monks have placed food on the monastery steps, and on most nights a single maned wolf or a pair quietly appears to accept the offering. A rare sight indeed. MATA ATLANTICAMata Atlantica is the name given to the extensive rainforest which once stretched along most of Brazil’s coast: sadly there is little left now. However, significant pockets do remain, and are well worth visiting for their unusual fauna and wild beaches. Serro do Mar Natural ReserveSituated almost halfway between Rio and Sao Paulo, this is one of the main Mata Atlantica tracts remaining, covering a large area of rainforested hills and palm-fringed beaches. The pretty colonial seaside town of Paraty is nearby and easily visited.
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Experience the world’s most impressive waterfalls, the iconic city of Rio, the Bahia coast and the vast Pantanal wetlands. Find out more... This private jaguar tour affords the best chance in all South America of spotting the elusive, powerful and majestic jaguar. Find out more... This extra-special programme includes a unique floating lodge where the endemic scarlet-faced white uakari monkey is found, a monastery with its maned wolves, then a biological station with South America’s largest primate, the muriqui. Find out more... This itinerary combines Chapada dos Guimaraes, the Amazon, Pantanal and whale-watching to produce a first class foray into all that is best in Brazil’s natural history. Find out more... For serious naturalists who desire a profound Pantanal experience stay at two small, remote ranches then explore the underwater world of the Sucuri and Prata rivers. Find out more... For those wishing to spend lots of time by the sea, experience wild coasts and visit Brazil’s most famous city and best colonial site, this itinerary will suit wonderfully. Find out more... Reef and Rainforest have designed the following new private tour of the Pantanal to encounter the jaguar, and at an affordable price. Find out more... This exciting new jaguar-watching tour visits a remote part of the Paraguay River in the northern Pantanal which is little visited by international visitors. Find out more... Experience the vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture of Salvador, the world's most impressive waterfalls, the vast Pantanal wetlands, and iconic Rio de Janeiro. Find out more... Explore the wildlife highlights of Brazil including the jaguars of the Pantanal, and the marine wildlife of the Valdes Peninsula in Argentina. Find out more... Enjoy many of the highlights of Brazil in this fast-paced, multi-location itinerary combining colonial heritage, amazing waterfalls, vibrant culture, stunning fauna and beautiful beaches. Find out more... |
Our stay in Rio was very short, so we didn't manage to see much more than the really big sights, but what we did see really whetted the appetite to go back for a longer stay another time. It proved a really luxurious, romantic setting for the final 2 days of our honeymoon, in a vibrant and exciting city. |
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