Joias do Brasil — Rio, Iguaçu, Bonito, Pantanal, Olinda, Fernando de Noronha & Cumbuco — 20 days

The Olinda Rio Hotel has a unique location on the trendy beach of Copacabana, with a beautiful view over the ocean. Free Wi-Fi and a daily breakfast buffet with croissants, fruit and fresh rolls. The suites are modern, in warm grey tones with quality wooden furniture, and all have air conditioning, cable TV, a minibar and a safe. The hotel offers room service and deluxe rooms with sea view; the restaurant Venezia, with its Italian marble floor and crystal chandeliers, serves mixed Brazilian and French cuisine. Breakfast included; 2 nights.

Located in downtown Foz do Iguaçu, the Tarobá Hotel offers modern accommodation with air conditioning, cable TV and room service in all rooms. The bus station is close by, so the city’s attractions and the international airport are a few minutes away. Guests can use the gym, the games room and the small pool on the terrace. A regional breakfast buffet with more than 40 items is served every morning. Breakfast included; 3 nights.

Hotel Bonsai has an excellent location two blocks from the central square and the main street of Bonito with its many shops and restaurants. The three-star hotel has 26 rooms, all with air conditioning, fan, TV, minibar and telephone, and each room has its own hammock. The hotel is attractively furnished with a beautiful garden, a heated pool, a restaurant and a bar, and has private parking. An upgrade to Hotel Cabanas is available on request.

Pantanal Jungle Lodge is a retreat in the heart of the Pantanal on the banks of the Miranda river, combining a rustic-vintage style with modern sustainability. Wooden walkways lead through the vegetation to a veranda with a panoramic view over the river and its wildlife, all built around the water cycle of the Pantanal. The well-equipped apartments lie under the canopy of the trees; the common areas invite guests to relax. There is a sun deck by the outdoor pool, hammocks on the riverbank, excursions by land and by water, the option of a night under the stars in a wild camp, and Pantanal cuisine. Full board with daily excursions; 3 nights.

Pousada do Amparo is our favourite in Olinda, known for its charm and its location on the famous Rua do Amparo. It is a member of the Roteiros de Charme association of charming hotels in Brazil. The 18 comfortable rooms have air conditioning, a fridge, a safe and TV; the pousada is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has a pool. For the upscale version of this itinerary the same pousada is used with a deluxe room. Breakfast included; 2 nights.

Ecocharme Pousada do Marcilio lies near Boldró beach and offers good value for money. The 13 fully equipped rooms each have a veranda with a hammock and a view of the garden, plus Wi-Fi, a minibar, cable TV and a private bathroom. A nearby bus stop gives access to the island’s transport network for exploring the whole island. Breakfast included; 4 nights.

Boutique Hotel 0031 lies a stone’s throw from the beach and the centre of Cumbuco, uniquely set in the dunes next to a nature reserve. It has twelve two-person apartments of 35 m² and two four-person apartments of 55 m², all spacious, light and tastefully furnished in Mediterranean style; some have sea or dune views, and some can be combined into family apartments. The grounds, the restaurant and the large apartment are wheelchair accessible. Apartments have box-spring beds, a sofa, air conditioning, fan, fridge, a modern bathroom and free Wi-Fi. The pool is surrounded by tropical vegetation; breakfast is served on the veranda with a view of the sea. Breakfast included; 2 nights.

Windsor Excelsior sits directly on Copacabana beach and offers a top location, a rich breakfast buffet, a rooftop pool with sea views, a gym and free Wi-Fi. Room types range from standard (no view) to superior with side sea view and deluxe with frontal sea view, king bed, coffee machine, soundproof windows and jacuzzi. Within walking distance of Copacabana fort, Leme, Ipanema and the Rio Sul shopping centre.

The four-star San Martin Resort & Spa lies 400 metres from the entrance of the Iguaçu National Park, with leisure facilities and nature close to the falls. At a supplement guests can use the spa with sauna, hot tub, massages and relaxation room. The resort has a large pool surrounded by gardens, ecological walking trails through the native forest and sports facilities for volleyball, football and tennis. Breakfast is served from 6:30 to 10:30; Restaurant Tarobá serves international dishes until late, and the Lapacho Video Bar has music from 11:00 to midnight. Breakfast included; 3 nights.

Chalets and apartments in a natural setting, all with air conditioning, minibar, TV and free WiFi. Pool, bar, relaxation area, children’s playground and walking trails on the grounds. Activities from the hotel include tubing on the Formoso river, zip-lining and forest walks. Short distance from the Gruta do Lago Azul and the Rio Sucuri.

Mid-sized family-run lodge with 15 spacious air-conditioned rooms with box-spring beds; main building with bilingual reception, lounge and an open-air restaurant overlooking the pool. Beach volleyball court, free parking and free WiFi. Full board with daily excursions on 2,700 ha of private land; giant anteaters are common (the lodge is a research base for the giant anteater project), hyacinth macaws, armadillos and toucans are regular visitors around the lodge. Transfer from Campo Grande or Bonito about 4 hours, the last 45 km unpaved. Excursions are led by local guides who grew up in the area but speak little English; a bilingual guide can be booked in advance at a supplement.

Pousada Solar dos Ventos is a charming inn 300 metres from the Sueste bay of Fernando de Noronha, five minutes on foot from the beach, with chalets with specially designed interiors, modern amenities and sea views, free internet, parking and an airport shuttle. The eight uniquely furnished chalets have a telephone, minibar, TV and a balcony with a hammock. The terrace overlooks the sea and is the place for the varied breakfast buffet with tropical fruit, juices and local pastries; drinks are available at the bar. The Sueste bay with its rich marine life and the sea turtles of the Tamar project (3 km) are nearby; a pool was added in 2019. One of the best-rated locations on the island. Breakfast included; 4 nights.

Hotel Miramar by Windsor faces Copacabana beach and is one of the best hotels in Rio. 200 elegant apartments with air conditioning, safe, minibar, 55-inch TV, Nespresso machine and bathrobes; connecting rooms for families. Categories run from Superior (side sea view) and Superior Executive (frontal view) to Executive and Master Suites with jacuzzi and panoramic views. Pool, gym, restaurant, rooftop bar and beach service with towels, chairs and parasols. Shops, restaurants and nightlife are all around.

Five-star historic hotel inside the national park, a short walk from the falls, which guests can visit outside regular opening hours. Elegant rooms and suites in colonial style with air conditioning, stocked minibar, safe and cable TV. Restaurant with Brazilian and international cuisine, indoor and outdoor dining, two bars with live music, pool, spa, tennis court and a panoramic viewpoint over the falls.

Member of the Brazilian ‘Roteiro de Charme’ association, in a natural setting just outside town with waterfalls and natural pools for swimming; canoe, snorkelling and walking activities on site. Pool, free WiFi and a restaurant (half board at a supplement). Bungalows with air conditioning, cable TV, minibar and private bathroom.

Widely regarded as the best lodge of the Pantanal, founded more than 30 years ago as a pioneer of ecotourism in the region. Casa Caiman, recently renovated, is the main lodge with 18 suites; the private villas Cordilheira (5 rooms) and Baiazinha (6 rooms) can be booked exclusively by small groups with hotel service, private guides and their own vehicle. Each building has a kitchen, living room and pool; total capacity 71 guests. Two excursions a day (photo safaris, walks, canoe trips, horse riding, night safaris) led by university-trained bilingual guides, the ‘Caimaners’; some tours depend on the season. In high season (12 June – 11 September) 3- and 4-night packages start on Thursdays and Sundays.

Pousada Maravilha is an exclusive retreat on the idyllic Baía do Sueste, known for its turquoise water, quiet atmosphere and excellent snorkelling. The pousada has eleven elegant accommodations, including luxury bungalows and suites with spacious terraces and breathtaking sea views. Guests enjoy privacy, personal service and excellent facilities: an infinity pool, a heated pool, a spa and a gourmet restaurant serving modern dishes with regional ingredients. Sustainability is central: solar energy, replanted wood, waste separation and water treatment. Children under eight are not admitted, except in July on request. Breakfast included; 4 nights.

The Vila Galé Cumbuco resort lies in the dunes of the Costa dos Ventos next to the village of Cumbuco, directly on the beach and 33 km from Fortaleza. The stay is all inclusive. The resort has 465 rooms inspired by different water sports (392 standard rooms, 24 suites, 15 master suites and 17 standard suites), all with air conditioning, cable TV, minibar, safe and Wi-Fi. Facilities include a large pool with swim-up bar, a children’s pool, games room, kids’ club, library, spa, shops, tennis courts, football pitch, multi-sport court and TV room. The water sports centre offers private lessons, including kitesurfing. All inclusive; 2 nights.

Shared excursion to the statue of Christ the Redeemer on the 710-metre Corcovado mountain, one of the most famous monuments in the world. Pick-up at the hotel in the morning or afternoon, then the cog train winds up the steep slope through the Tijuca rainforest. At the top, close-up views of the statue and sweeping panoramas over Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, the botanical garden and the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. Drop-off at the hotel afterwards. English-speaking guide; also available on a private basis at a supplement.

Morning pick-up at the hotel for a private excursion to the Brazilian side of the falls. From the visitor centre a drive through the park’s subtropical vegetation leads to the walkways along the canyon with panoramic views of the falls and the Devil’s Throat. A glass lift takes you to the upper viewpoint with cafés. Park entrance not included (approx. USD 30).

Morning pick-up for a private excursion across the Tancredo Neves bridge into Argentina. Several trails offer panoramic views over the falls and the surrounding forest; the highlight is the platform on the edge of the Devil’s Throat. Optional add-on: the Gran Aventura jungle and waterfall boat tour. Park entrance not included (approx. USD 30).

Morning pick-up with shared transfer (private at a supplement) to the Gruta do Lago Azul, a limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites and a large blue lake at the bottom whose colour changes with the light; in December the sun shines directly on the lake for a short period. The descent is suitable for anyone who can climb stairs. Return to the hotel afterwards. Local Portuguese-speaking guide; English-speaking guide at a supplement.

Afternoon excursion to the Estância Mimosa ranch, starting with an introduction to the tour and a real Pantaneiro lunch of local dishes. After a rest in the hammock, a relaxed walk of about three kilometres through wooded terrain passes no fewer than nine small waterfalls with swimming stops; the guide shows the most beautiful spots along the way, and the last waterfall has a five-metre diving board for the daring. Difficulty: easy, also suitable for children. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel in Bonito. Guides in Bonito are local and Portuguese-speaking, focused on the nature experience; an English-speaking guide can be arranged at a supplement.

Private driver picks up at the hotel. First stop Buraco das Araras, a collapsed cave and one of the largest sinkholes in the world (124 m deep, 500 m wide), home to red-and-green macaws, seen from viewpoints along a trail; a small lake at the bottom often has caimans. Then Rio da Prata: a short forest walk, then about 2 km of snorkelling with the current in exceptionally clear water among fish and water plants; suitable for almost everyone. Wetsuit, snorkel and shoes included; lunch at the Rio da Prata lodge. Return to the hotel by private driver. Local Portuguese-speaking guides; English-speaking guide at a supplement.

Pousada Aguapé lies in the heart of the Southern Pantanal. The stay is full board with two excursions a day, planned with the guests on arrival; with a minimum of three nights all activities below are included. Boat trip on the Aquidauana river (2 to 2.5 hours, life jackets provided), the best way to see the riverbanks with birds, mammals and reptiles. Trekking through forest and open fields (1.5 to 4 hours, paths may be flooded in some seasons). Photo safari by open 4x4 through cerrado, grassland, seasonal wetlands and bays (2.5 to 3 hours), which can be combined with the night tour to spot anteaters, foxes, capybaras and caimans. Piranha fishing in a bay near the lodge. Horse riding at walking pace with experienced local guides (1.5 to 3 hours; from 6 years, maximum weight 120 kg), or a horse-drawn cart for those who prefer not to ride. Cattle work with the local cowboys, depending on availability. The lodge’s guides are locals who are excellent at spotting wildlife but speak little English; a bilingual guide can be booked in advance.

The tour starts along the modern coastline of Boa Viagem beach, a luxurious residential district, and continues to the centre of Recife with its bridges, islets and rivers that earned the city the name “Venice of Brazil”. The historic part lies at the old, restored harbour, partly built by the Dutch, as the tall narrow houses resembling their Amsterdam counterparts show; the walk passes the old Jewish street, where the first synagogue of South America was built, today a museum. Next the cultural centre, a former prison whose cells are now craft shops. The highlight is Olinda, seven kilometres away: a historic town on a hill with a panoramic view over Recife and the Atlantic, famous for its preserved sixteenth- and seventeenth-century churches and colonial architecture, briefly under Dutch rule in the seventeenth century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hotel pick-up and drop-off with an experienced English-speaking guide.

Full-day island tour by 4x4 or buggy, in the company of other travellers, visiting the beaches and places of historical interest of Fernando de Noronha, with a swimming and snorkelling stop and a stop for lunch (not included); the tour ends with a sunset view. Snorkelling equipment is recommended (fins, mask and snorkel, plus a flotation vest, which is mandatory at the south-east beaches). Departure 08:00, return 18:00, with hotel pick-up and drop-off. Note: apart from the environmental preservation tax (equivalent of USD 25 per person per day) it is strongly recommended to buy the entrance ticket for the National Marine Park (equivalent of USD 82 for non-Brazilians, valid for 10 days) beforehand, especially in high season and on public holidays, because visitor numbers in the park are limited. Tax and entrance ticket are not included and subject to change.

Jungle truck ride and speedboat trip under the falls on the Argentine side. Bookable at a supplement during the Argentine-side excursion.

A recreational dive for anyone who has never dived before. The half-day trip begins with a transfer from the accommodation to the harbour, where you board the boat to the dive site. You get a comprehensive briefing and instruction, a full demonstration of the equipment and the basic hand signals before the dive to a maximum depth of 10 metres, with one instructor per diver. Afterwards the boat returns to the harbour and you are transferred back to the pousada.

The sunset on Noronha has a beauty of its own; this three-hour boat tour makes it even more special. The boat leaves the harbour for the Morro Dois Irmãos; fresh fish and snacks are served on board and there is a stop at Conceição beach for a swim. A tow dive is also possible, with the chance to interact with marine life; snorkelling equipment is included. Hotel pick-up and drop-off included.

Scuba diving for certified divers (PADI, NAUI, BSAC or equivalent certification required). The half-day trip begins with a transfer from the accommodation to the harbour, where you board the boat to the dive site. After a full briefing follows the first dive; back on the boat there is a surface break while sailing to the second dive site. After the second dive the boat returns to the harbour and you are transferred back to the accommodation. Note: apart from the environmental preservation tax (approx. USD 25 per person per day) it is strongly recommended to buy the National Marine Park ticket (approx. USD 82, valid 10 days) beforehand, especially in high season; both are not included and subject to change.