- Brazil explored, Laterally - Because I ve always wanted to...
In a Nutshell... Day 1: Fly London - Fortaleza. Drive 1hr to Cumbuco. Vila Gale. Day 2: Transfer to Jericoacoara. Chili Beach Hotel/Vila Kalango. Day 3: Jericoacoara. Chili Beach Hotel/Vila Kalango. Day 24: Fly Iguacu - Rio. Marina All Suites. Day 25-28: At leisure in Rio. Marina All Suites. Day 29: Fly Rio - London. Day 4: Jericoacoara. Chili Beach Hotel/Vila Kalango. Day 5: Jericoacoara. Chili Beach Hotel/Vila Kalango. Day 6: Drive to Barra Grande. Barra Grande Kite Surfing. Day 7: At leisure in Barra Grande. Barra Grande Kite Surfing. Day 8: Drive to Atins. Pousada Rancho do Buna. Day 9: Preguiça River Boat tour to Barreirinhas. PM tour of lagoons. Encantes do Nordeste. Day 10: Drive to São Luis. Portas da Amazonia. Day 11: Day tour to Alcantra & São Luis. Portas da Amazonia. Day 12: Fly Sao Luis - Brasilia - Cuiaba. Drive to Porte Jofre. Porto Jofre Hotel. Day 13-14: Porte Jofre - Jaguars. Porto Jofre Hotel. Day 15: Drive to Araras Lodge. Araras Lodge. Day 16-17: Pantanal. Araras Lodge. Day 18: Fly Cuiabá - Alta Flo resta. Transfer Cristalino Jungle Lodge. Cristalino Jungle Lodge. Day 19-20: Amazon. Cristalino Jungle Lodge. Day 21: Fly Cuiaba - Iguacu. Das Cataratas. Day 22: Iguacu. Das Cataratas. Day 23: Iguacu. Das Cataratas.
Your Suggested Itinerary... Day 1: Fly London - Fortaleza. Drive 1hr to Cumbuco. On arrival in Fortaleza you will be met and transferred to Cumbuco for the night. The drive should take approx. 1hour. On arrival check-in at your hotel; Villa Galle. Accommodation: Vila Gale. Day 2: Transfer to Jericoacoara. Today you will be collected from your hotel and driven to Jeri (approx. 4hrs). After check-in the rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy the beach/bar! Jericoacoara Jericoacoara is an unforgettable destination. With an exotic beauty and hard to describe landscape, the region is surrounded by dunes, virgin beaches, and real natural sculptures. Located 300km away from Fortaleza, Jeri as it is known, is considered an ecological sanctuary. In 1984, it became an area of environmental protection and practically untouchable. In 2002, it became a National Park. Today, it is one of the most important postcards of Ceará. Accommodation: Chili Beach Hotel/Vila Kalango. Day 3: Jericoacoara. At leisure/on the beach. If you fancy something a bit more active you could hire a dune buggy and roar through the dunes and along the beach via a village called Praia to an area with several beautiful lagoons (Lagoa Azul and Paradaiso). From here take a sail boat across to an island (5 min) with a restaurant/bar situated on the shores of Lagoa Azul. Here you will find classic Brazilian scenes of hammocks and tables in the shallows. Jeri also offers fantastic kite surfing (there is a kite surfing school for those in need of instruction!). Accommodation: Chili Beach Hotel/Vila Kalango. Day 4: Jericoacoara. At leisure/on the beach. Accommodation: Chili Beach Hotel/Vila Kalango. Day 5: Jericoacoara. At leisure/on the beach. Accommodation: Chili Beach Hotel/Vila Kalango.
Day 6: Drive to Barra Grande. Today you head off with over the dunes that skirt Jeri, westwards on your trip to Sao Luis via Barra Grande and Barreirinhas (Lencois Marahenses). This drive promises to be spectacular with beautiful dunes to the left and blue crashing waves to the right!! Is also promises to be quite lateral - with an estuary crossing in which your vehicle sits atop a floating platform and gets poled across the water by 2 men!! Continue onwards through a mangrove swamp to Funil (a 50m sand dune). From the top enjoy fabulous views over the whole landscape (and perhaps surf down its side) before continuing on via Tatajuba village with its various lake side restaurants. Continue on along beaches and over sand dunes until you reach your next water crossing - a motorised ferry (capacity 4 vehicles!). Locally hand-built fishing boats adorn the jetty where you meet your car and finish the day with a short drive up the coast to Barra Grande. Accommodation: Barra Grande Kite Surfing. Day 7: At leisure in Barra Grande. At leisure to enjoy the beach and the fabulous views from your bungalow. BGK'S bar is an excellent spot to sit and watch wondrous sunsets. Accommodation: Barra Grande Kite Surfing. Day 8: Drive to Atins. Up and on the road this morning as you head to Atins. En route you ll pass a superb beach called Carnaubinhas before continuing to Tatus Harbour, which lies on the shores of the famous and huge Parnaiba Delta. Board a speed boat and head off down this stunning delta surrounded by beautiful virgin forest (approx. 2 hours). Pause at Croata Island for lunch. At Tutoia Harbour you will be picked up by your next vehicle and driven to Caburé which sits at the entrance of the Preguiça River. From Caburé continue to Atins. Accommodation: Pousada Rancho do Buna. Day 9: Preguiça River Boat tour to Barreirinhas. PM tour of lagoons. This morning another boat awaits you for a scenic trip up the Preguiça River to Barreirinhas (approx. 2 hours). Boat Tour at Preguiça River: Leave early in the morning to navigate the Preguiça River on a small speed boat. Stop en route at Vassouras, a small fishing village along the river (we recommend the river side bar here - the local monkeys put on a fine show!) and the Mandacaru Village to admire the view from the top of the local lighthouse. This afternoon you have a tour of the lagoons.
Afternoon Tour of the Lagoons: After lunch we will drive by 4x4 to the National Park of the Lençois Maranhenses to reach the most popular dunes and lagoons, where you will have free time to swim and where we can also organise a picnic with juices, water, seasoned fruits and snacks. You can also do some hiking along the dunes to reach some more isolated pristine lagoons that are not visited by most of the tourists where you will have little more privacy to enjoy swimming, the sun and the picnic. At the end of the day watch an unforgettable sunset over the dunes of the Lençois Maranhenses National Park, where the mix of colours is truly spectacular. Accommodation: Encantes do Nordeste. Day 10: Drive to São Luis. After lunch today set off on the last leg of you trip to Sao Luis (approx. 4 hours). Accommodation: Portas da Amazonia. Day 11: Day tour to Alcantra & São Luis. Today you have a day tour of Alcantra and São Luiz. Alcantra and São Luiz: A trip back to the times of colonial Brazil is what you'll experience on this tour of the streets of Alcantra and the historical centre of São Luis. Early this morning take the ferry to visit the calm and charming Alcântara. The city used to be the home of the rural elite, nowadays it holds a country way of life and it s people exude the natural kindness of the ordinary man. In Alcântara you can also find the ruins of one of the most important cities of Maranhão. After lunch (not included) get the ferry back to São Luiz and explore the historical centre of the city which contains the most homogeneous collection of secular Portuguese architecture in Latin America. Walking along the Cobblestone alleyways and seeing the colonial buildings, stone stairways and dozens of important historical monuments you will understand why the city is considered "The City of Tiles and Mansions Accommodation: Portas da Amazonia. Day 12: Fly Sao Luis - Brasilia - Cuiaba. Drive to Porte Jofre Today you fly Cuiaba via Brasilia. On arrival at Cuiabá airport you will be met and transferred to Porto Jofre. The transfer is a fabulous safari along the entire Transpantaneira Park Road, with several opportunities to photograph nature and wildlife. Arrive later in the afternoon, and check in to the hotel where guests will have dinner. Accommodation: Porto Jofre Hotel.
Day 13-14: Porte Jofre - Jaguars Over the next few days you do four half-day boat trips to maximize your chances of spotting jaguars. The region between the Cuiabá and Piquiri rivers holds the Meeting of the Waters State Park, in which lives a high concentration of jaguars (over 60 individuals). Most of these felines are quite habituated to boat traffic and people. The meeting of the rivers also offers exceptional fishing possibilities, receiving hundreds of fisherman for over twenty years. The best way to meet the enigmatic and mythic kings of the jungle is by boat, cruising the border of the river at low speed and searching in the shadows of the trees and along empty beaches. Other rare wildlife can be spotted such as ocelots and giant river otters. Depart early in the morning for your morning boat trips, with the option of returning to the Lodge for lunch and rest and restarting later in the afternoon for jaguar searching until sunset. Accommodation: Porto Jofre Hotel. Day 15: Drive to Araras Lodge This morning you are free to relax and explore the area around the ho tel. After lunch, drive along the Tranpantaneira to Araras Ecolodge. After check in have an introduction tour around the lodge followed by dinner. Accommodation: Araras Lodge. Day 16-17: Pantanal. Full day of safaris to discover endemic bird species. This part of the Pantanal is a little bit higher up and there fore houses other wildlife, visible along the great rivers and the road. We will explore the Araras Private Reserve on wonderful hikes along its many wonderful trails, visiting three different panoramic outlooks and hideouts. Canoeing, horseback riding and photo safaris included. Two night drives increase the chances of spotting tapirs and ant eaters. Staying at the lodge also helps with a range of environmental and cultural preservation efforts from reforesting large areas with the Acuri palm (for Hyacinth Macaws) to waste treatment and recycling practices. Accommodation: Araras Lodge.
Day 18: Fly Cuiabá - Alta Floresta. Transfer Cristalino Jungle Lodge. This morning go on a sunrise tour, before departing for Cuiabá Airport (approx. 2.5 hours). From Cuiabá fly to Alta Flo resta. On arrival, transfer from Alta Floresta to Cristalino Jungle Lodge. The Cristalino Jungle Lodge is nestled in the middle of a Private Rainforest Reserve in the Southern Amazon, allow ing visitors to immerse in the ecosystem. The pristine Cristalino River, with clean and beautiful water, lies just in front of the lodge. This region is recognized as an important area of the Amazon in terms of biodiversity. The exceptional number of species, even for the Amazonian standards, makes this one of the richest places in the Amazon for observing birds, mammals, butterflies and orchids in a primary forest environment. There is a great variety of endemic species (i.e. that only inhabit this particular region). The lodge forest reserve is located just beyond the bor ders of the Cristalino State Park, an extremely important conservation area with 456,800 acres. The park is con nected to other protected areas forming a huge conservation corridor in the Southern Amazon. Accommodation: Cristalino Jungle Lodge. Day 19-20: Amazon. Daily activities include: Hiking: The extensive trail system allows for wildlife observation according to needs and desires. The hikes take place on a variety of different habitats and trails. Canoeing: The pristine Cristalino River is fabulous for canoe excur sions. Swimming: The floating dock and the river rapids are safe, refreshing, and outstanding places for bathing. Butterflies: Watching butterflies during sunny hours is a highlight. Boat Trips: Trips are accompanied by guides for observation of wild life on the riverbanks. Tree House: This is a spot where mammals such as tapirs and pec caries feed on the natural salty earth. Canopy Tower: Hiking to and climbing the canopy tower at dawn or sunset for observing the forest landscape and canopy wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, macaws, and other birds from above is a must at Cristalino Lodge. Accommodation: Cristalino Jungle Lodge. Day 21: Fly Cuiaba - Iguacu. This afternoon you are scheduled to leave the Amazon and fly to Iguacu. On arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the next three nights; Das Cataratas. Accommodation: Das Cataratas.
Day 22: Iguacu. Today you will be visiting the Brazilian side of the falls and then have the experience of a lifetime with a helicopter ride over the falls. You can decide what time you want to start. After the morning s excursions chill out by the pool. Accommodation: Das Cataratas. Day 23: Iguacu. Today, you have a full day on the Argentinean side of the falls. You will be collected from your hotel in the morning and taken to the Argentine side of the Iguaçu National park. Just over a kilometre of paths run along the basin of the Devil s Gorge that take you by turns under small splashing waterfalls or hopping over rivulets into the heart of the cascades with walkways that are only a few metres from the edge of the main falls, to be enveloped in the clouds of fine spray rising up from the raging torrent. Continue on the small ecological train which chugs cheerfully through the rainforest, under the thick foliage inhabited by languid butterflies and lizards, while the sounds of birds and monkeys fill the air. At Estación Garganta there is another pathway rising above the other end of the Devil s Gorge which leads to a panoramic point with stunning views of the broad upper lip of the falls. The 90m Garganta del Diablo (Devil s Gorge) is possibly the most spectacular of the 275 waterfalls that make up this astounding complex of cascades. This sudden deep drop was caused by a geological fault, possibly the result of a volcanic eruption some 200 000 years earlier. All terrain trucks will take you through the jungle, following the Yacaratia path to Puerto Macuco, where there will be inflatable boats to navigate 3 miles of the lower Iguacu River crossing one mile of rapids. We recommend you take a spare set of clothes/a towel as you are likely to get quite wet! Accommodation: Das Cataratas. Day 24: Fly Iguacu - Rio. Today you leave Iguacu for your final destination in Brazil, the stunning and vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. On arrival in Rio you will be met and welcomed by a laterallife representative before being transferred to your accommodation for the next 5 nights. Accommodation: Marina All Suites. Day 25-28: At leisure in Rio. Over the next four days you are at leisure to explore and experience the delights of Rio. Various tours and trips can be organised for you if you like (from city tours to bike tours to Favela tours). Accommodation: Marina All Suites. Day 29: Fly Rio - London. Today you depart Rio for London Heathrow. ------
Laterally sleeping... Vila Gale, Cumbuco. A large hotel, Vila Gale has 465 rooms featuring decor inspired by nautical sports. Boasting 5 restaurants, a spa and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools it is a great place to recover from your international flight. Chili Beach, Jericoacoara. Boasting a prime spot directly on the secluded Malhada Beach, and promising a haven of relaxation and sunshine, Chili Beach offers a stunning location combined with luxurious boutique accommodation. The village centre is just a short stroll from the property, which is an ideal base for numerous adventures. Try dune buggy riding or river rafting to arrive at the buried village of old Tatajuba or sail to the Blue Lagoon for kite surfing, windsurfing and sunbathing. You ll be welcomed to an ambience that harmonises the tropical with the contemporary, and where state-of-the-art amenities ensure comfort and convenience at all times. Enjoy mouth-watering Italian cuisine in the acclaimed restaurant, before sundowners on the dining deck. Vila Kalango, Jericoacoara. The intimate Pousada Vila Kalango on the beach of Jericoacoara emits charm and beauty in every way. Located in a 5.000 square meters garden, between coconut trees and cashew trees, and in front of the sea, it offers comfortable yet stylish accommodation. Divided into apartments, palafittes and bungalows, all 24 rooms are decorated with local materials and handicrafts. The bar and restaurant offer homemade cake, fruit, breakfast and excellent Brazilian dishes whilst the 19 metre long pool, and lounge with hammocks, provide the perfect settings to relax and enjoy the extraordinary peace and calmness. While staying at Vila Kalango make sure not to miss an unforgettable sunset from the top of the dune (you can even arrange to take a picnic up with you). The Vila also offers buggy rides across the Vila so that you may enjoy native fishing if you fancy. Barra Grande Kite Surfing, Barra Grande. Barra Grande Kite Camp is a rustic "pousada" made with natural materials typical of the region and situated in front of the beach, under the shadow of a big coconut tree forest.
...sleeping Laterally Pousada Rancho do Buna. A relaxing and informal Pousada sandwiched between the ocean and the Preguiças River. Ideal stop before exploring the famous Lencois Marahenses. Encantes do Nordeste. Built on the Preguiças riverfront, Encantes do Nordeste is made up of 20 individual chalets each with its own porch that overlooks the garden. There is also a swimming pool, private bar and leisure area surrounded by Buriti and Jussara palm trees. Situated on the banks of the Preguiças River is the hotels bar and restaurant, ideal for sundowners overlooking the river. Portas da Amazonia. Located in the middle of the historical centre of São Luís in a restored colonial house from 1839, Portas da Amazônia reflects the city of São Luís beautifully. With 29 rooms, the style of a bygone time mixes with the comfort of a modern hotel. Porto Jofre Hotel. The Hotel Porto Jofre is of a first-world standard, offering its guests comfort and satisfaction whilst they fish and relax. Accessed via the Trans-Pantanal Highway, the journey from Cuiabá, crosses 120 wooden bridges and during the dry season offers spectacular views of all sorts of wildlife, including caiman, capybara, jaguars, rheas, deer and many species of bird such as jabiru stork, macaws, egrets, spoonbills and cardinals.
Laterally sleeping... Araras Lodge, Northern Pantanal. Araras Eco Lodge offers a homely atmosphere. Built in regional rustic style, the lodge offers 19 comfortable rooms with air conditioning with screened windows, ceiling fans, private bathrooms (cold and hot shower); a swimming pool with an adjoining covered area for meals, large verandas with hammocks, a reading room and conference hall, gift shop, bar, and restaurant. The excellent regional food consists of dishes made from the tasty meat and fishes of the Pantanal, as well as featuring organic salads, vegetables and seasonal fruits. Cristalino Jungle Lodge, Mato Grosso, Southern Amazon. The Cristalino Jungle Lodge is nested in the middle of a Private Rainforest Reserve in the Southern Amazon, with the pristine Cristalino River running past. The lodge was built in harmony with the surrounding forest and with respect for the region, with a limited number of guestrooms that both minimise impact and ensure each guest has a high level of personalised attention and a unique experience. The lodge has a friendly restaurant with bar serving delicious regional dishes and appetizers including the famous Caipirinha. For special nights there is a thatch roof patio where candlelight dinners are served. A common living room is used for presentations and meetings, and holds a small but carefully selected library. A floating deck above the river is great for swimming and resting on in your free time. Canoes & inflatable boats are available at any moment. Das Cataratas, Iguacu. The only hotel located within the Iguassu National Park, Hotel das Cataratas enjoys an unrivalled location just a short stroll from the sensational waterfalls. Guests enjoy exclusive access to this magnificent sight in the evening and at dawn, when the park is closed to other visitors. A Portuguese-colonial residence, this classic Orient-Express hotel is redolent with the atmosphere of lazy days lounging on a veranda or beneath sub-tropical palms. This natural paradise also offers thrills and excitement in abundance: white water rafting, helicopter trips over the gorge and jungle treks to view amazing wildlife including colourful toucans and giant butterflies. Marina All Suites, Rio de Janeiro. The Marina Allsuites Hotel is a boutique-styled hotel with just 38 suites all with wonderful ocean views. The 8 most exclusive suites have been individually created by renowned Brazilian architects adding an extra flare to this unique hotel. Facilities include a small rooftop swimming pool, sauna, therapeutic massage room and fitness centre. Enjoy a classic caipirinha at Bar D Hotel, where people-watching is THE pastime of the fashionistas. On Sunday s, the streets in front of the hotel are closed to traffic so join the locals as they skate, stroll and bike in the morning sunshine.