South Brazil Journey

Natural Highlights of South Brazil

A fully-escorted 12 nights/13 days journey that will take you to famous highlights as well as to off-the-beaten-track areas of South Brazil

First visit the Iguazu Falls, one of the unmissable natural sights in Brazil. Then continue on to Curitiba for the most impressive train journey in Brazil and a expedition to the unspoiled and remote Lagamar estuary, part of the World Biosphere Reserve of Atlantic Rainforest. From here continue by road to the interior of Santa Catarina for a taste of rural Brazil. Finish this off-the-beaten track tour in Florianopolis, an island with gorgeous beaches and many opportunities for outdoor activities.

A trip that is a must for the adventurous explorer and nature lover.

55 48 33895619

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1
Arrival in Foz do Iguazu and private transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free.

The world famous Iguazu Falls is a 3km-long wall of water inside tropical rainforest on the borders of Brazil and Argentina. Surrounded by two National Parks, the most magnificent waterfalls in the world are simply stunning.

Day 2
Full-day trip to the Argentinian side of the falls for a close view of the different falls and a visit to National Park. Many birds' species and small mammals can be easily spotted on the trails. [B]

Day 3
Morning visit the Brazilian side of the Falls. Private transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Curitiba. Arrival at Curitiba airport. Transfer to a tourist class hotel. Rest of the day free to explore this pleasant city. [B]

Day 4-7
Rainforest Expedition to Lagamar Estuary
From mountains covered by dense forests, down to wetlands, coastal islands with isolated villages, mountains and dunes. This journey will take you to the Lagamar estuary, a rich natural environment of great scenic beauty, part of the World Biosphere Reserve of the Atlantic Rainforest.
.

Day 5
Choice of activities in and around the lodge. [B][L][D]

Activities included:

Trekking through nature trails inside the reserve accompanied by a naturalist guide, to observe fauna and flora typical of the Atlantic rainforest. Stop at various points for refreshing dips in natural pools and waterfalls.
Guided kayak trips through the mangroves and estuaries that border the reserve. You will spot aquatic birds and might see even small caimans, dolphins and river otters.

Late afternoon visit by motor boat to the Pinheiro Island, to see the amazing spectacle of the flight home of hundreds of red-tailed parrot, an endangered endemic species.
Fishing in the traditional “caiçara” way in the nearby estuary
Night trip to a platform built in the forest for wildlife observation (pumas have been heard many times in these nocturnal trips - spotting them is, however, very difficult).

Day 6
morning: activities of choice. [B][L]
In the afternoon we return to Guaraqueçaba, where will overnight. Guaraqueçaba, located on a gorgeous bay with the peaks of Serra do Mar dominating the background, is the oldest town in Parana. It has a few quaint colonial buildings remaining on the seafront but most interesting is the feel of a town where time stopped. Its absolute tranquillity (for most of the year- Carnival and New Year´s can be a bit busier) is due to its inaccessibility: you either arrive by boat or through 100 km of impassible dirt road.

Please note: itinerary and activities might change as they are dependent on the weather and tide conditions.

Day 7
early morning return by boat to Paranaguá, and then continue by road to Encostas da Serra in Santa Catarina, to experience rural Brazil. The road trip takes up to 7 hours but we will make various stops on the way for resting. [B][D]

Acolhida na Colonia is a successful local community initiative that brings sustainable tourism to small organic farms of rural Santa Catarina. You can go for walks in the deep valley, enjoy a swim in pristine rivers and waterfalls or learn a few tips on organic farming.

Arrival in Anitápolis late afternoon, dinner with host family.

Day 8
After breakfast we trek to the highest part of the property, through wooded areas rich in Atlantic Rainforest for magnificent views of the walls of the Serra Geral. On the way back opportunity for a dip in waterfalls. Lunch with the hosts. Afternoon free for relaxing, swimming in the river or helping with the farm work. Dinner with the host family. [B][L][D]


Day 9
Departure after breakfast for a walk of approximately 7 km to the property of Jorge da Silva. His property is a model of the permaculture system. We spend the rest of morning learning from his experiences. Lunch with da Silva´s Family. After lunch we look at how Jorge manages the sustainability of the native forest, in the property's Atlantic rainforest reserve. Transfer to Florianopolis, arriving at the end of the afternoon. [B][L]

Day 10
Day free to relax on the Island or for optional activities. [B]

Days 11
Day trek to Naufragados beach on the South of the Island with oyster tasting at a local farm at the end. [B]

Day 12:
Morning free. Afternoon cultural tour of the island, visiting downtown and the old original Azorean settlements of Lagoa da Conceiçao and Santo Antônio de Lisboa. Farewell dinner at a local barbecue house. [B][D].

Day 13:
morning free. Afternoon transfer to the airport. [B]


Groups of minimum of 6, maximum of 10.
Fully escorted from Florianopolis by guides that speak English, Dutch, German, Portuguese and Spanish.

Departure date 5th-17th April

Optional activities in Florianopolis:
-treks, canoeing, surfing lessons, whale watching trips, paragliding and many other activities“ please request separate information.

******Please consult about a pre-tour stay in Rio de Janeiro*****

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation in guest houses, simple lodges and tourist class hotels. All accommodation in double or twin basis. Single supplement for clients wanting to have their own room will apply.

Please note: accommodation with the farmers and in the jungle lodge is very basic.
In the jungle lodge accommodation is dormitory-style and there is no electricity, but there are toilet facilities and hot shower