22-day nature-focused Brazil — jaguars, Nobres and the Atlantic rainforest

Built for a couple of keen naturalists travelling in August–September: jaguar boat safaris from Porto Jofre, birding in Chapada dos Guimarães, snorkelling the crystal rivers of Nobres, then the Atlantic rainforest around Paraty and the REGUA reserve near Rio. Eco-lodges and small boutique properties throughout.

Highlights

• Jaguar boat safaris on the Cuiabá river at Porto Jofre
• Dawn birding in Chapada dos Guimarães
• Snorkelling the transparent rivers of Nobres
• Golden lion tamarin search in the Atlantic rainforest near Paraty
• REGUA reserve at Cachoeiras de Macacu — a birder’s paradise
• Small eco-lodges, expert English-speaking guides throughout

Itinerary

1. Day 1–3

   Cuiabá & Chapada dos Guimarães

   Arrival, acclimatisation and two days of birding and canyon walks in the Cerrado plateau.

2. Day 4–9

   Northern Pantanal & Porto Jofre

   Transpantaneira road south with lodge stops, then three nights at Porto Jofre with daily jaguar boat safaris.

3. Day 10–12

   Nobres

   River snorkelling, caves and waterfalls in the Nobres region.

4. Day 13–17

   Paraty & the Atlantic rainforest

   Flight to Rio and transfer to a rainforest lodge near Paraty; guided forest walks, boat day in the bay.

5. Day 18–20

   REGUA reserve

   Birding and trails in the Guapiaçu valley reserve.

6. Day 21–22

   Rio de Janeiro

   Two nights in Rio before the flight home.

Browse related

Central-West — Pantanal & CerradoSoutheast — Rio & Costa Verde WildlifeBird watchingNature & ecotourismAdventure