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Family Wildlife Adventures Website

Southern Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio 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.

Ipanema Plaza

Ipanema is considered a better beach than the larger Copcabana, and our modern, well-run hotel, one block back from the seaside, is a firm favourite with our clients.

La Maison

Situated on a hillside above Rio in the suburb of Gavea, this was the first boutique hotel in the city and will suit those who wish to stay away from the beach areas while still being only 10 minutes from the centre. Its five bedrooms are beautifully decorated, there is a small pool and garden, and the cooking is fabulous.

IGUACU FALLS

In our opinion the most impressive falls in the world, Iguacu is not one but a full series of cascades. Shared by Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, the falls stretch a good distance along the Rio Iguacu, along which boat rides can be taken (you will get very wet). On the Brazilian side, one walks through woodland to various viewpoints. On the Argentine side, ride a small train before crossing a long walkway across shallows to the amazing Devil’s Throat cataract with its thunderous drop into the river far below.

Hotel Tropical das Cataratas

The only hotel within the National Park boundary, its pleasing colonial design and location right next to the falls make it our firm favourite: there is also a wide selection of other good hotels in the nearby town of Foz.

MINAS GERAIS

This 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 Park

With 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.

Caratinga

Near 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 Park

Within 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 ATLANTICA

Mata 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 Reserve

Situated 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 Parati is nearby and easily visited.

Pousada Picinguaba

A small hillside hotel of ten rooms with swimming pool and terrace, the pousada sits in pleasant gardens above its eponymous fishing village with far-reaching views over the sea and hills. It is the only comfortable hotel for miles around, and offers excellent food, guided rainforest walks, kayaking, schooner cruises and visits to Parati, a beautiful colonial town.

THE FAR SOUTH

The coolest and most European-influenced part of Brazil, the far south is best known in natural history terms for its wonderful whale-watching and wild Atlantic coast. 

Praia do Rosa

Blessed with over a mile of beach and a laid back atmosphere, Praia do Rosa is one of the best places in Brazil for whale watching.  Between the months of  July and November dozens of southern right whales come here to breed and can be seen from the shore or on special boat trips.  Further south, the colonial town of Laguna is home to a remarkable traditional spectacle wherein dolphins help herd fish into local fishermen’s nets.   

Pousada Vida Sol e Mar

With delightful stone-built cottages and villas, the Pousada is only a short walk from the beach and has a placid lagoon offering safe swimming.  It is also the headquarters for the Southern Right Whales Institute and co-ordinates whale watching and a host of other activities.