Overview

Overview Brazil is not a place in which to rush. Most events happen at the speed of nature; which is why time has been allowed, in between activities, to simply appreciate the environment The tour starts in Rio because of the city’s popularity, and its convenience as a stopover point; before moving on to the more ecological interior, and the wetlands of the Pantanal As well as the experience of being in one of the most untouched and unpolluted natural environments on the planet, the tour includes the following highlights . Exploring the beaches and tropical islands of Rio . Viewing the statue of Christ at the peak of Corcovado Mountain . Riding a cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain . Visiting Rio's extensive botanical gardens . Spending an afternoon rafting on the Formosa river . Trekking through tropical jungles . Climbing a mountain peak, and overviewing a river valley . Swimming in natural pools formed by waterfalls . Journeying down into the earth, among stalactites and stalagmites . Experiencing a fish-eye's view, while floating a mile down-river . Riding through unspoilt wetlands on horseback . Slow boating through the Pantanal . Canoeing across a Pantanal lake . Exploring the Iguaçu Falls from Argentina and Brazil . Visiting an endangered species bird sanctuary . Powerboating the Falls up close . Enjoying evenings of unforgettable high quality local entertainment The size of a small continent, Brazil occupies over 5¼ million square miles (8½ million square km); has over 4,500 miles of coastline; nearly 10,000 miles of border; covers almost half of South America, with 10 neighbouring countries; is 34 times larger than the UK, and only slightly smaller than the whole of the USA; has a population of 190 million; and (technically) spans four time zones; so it is not surprising to find that the climate changes from one area to another... The relatively dry season, from June to October, is the best time to experience animals, looking for water; and when the magnificent Iguaçu Falls is at its most impressive During the wet season, from November to April, rivers swell; and it is a lush time for tree and plant growth. It is wettest from December to March The tour operates right throughout the year, over two-week periods, taking in all the seasons. In the area it covers, the hottest time (30-40º C) is December to February The coolest time (13-18º C) is June to August. Despite the clear and distinct weather seasons, however, you may still experience the occasional shower in the dry season! For more details, see the Brazilian weather and wildlife cycle Although we will do our very best to keep to the planned itinerary, changes in seasonal conditions or local events may necessitate last minute alterations; in keeping with the spirit of the tour