Brazil is the world's fifth largest nation so planning is key if you want to get the very best from your time here. Distances can be vast and attractions diverse. While no trip to Brazil would be complete with a stop in Rio, or a sojourn in laid-back Paraty or Salvador de Bahia, the big draw card is its wonderful wild spaces.
Here are just three of the wild spaces vying for a place on your wish list:
Iguazu/Iguassu Falls -The Iguassu Falls is a must-visit. Straddling the Argentinian/Brazilian border, the falls consist of around 200 different cascades of water, with the most spectacular section called the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). There are many walks and trails through the tropical forest surrounding the falls with a chance to see toucan, capuchin monkeys and many other species. You can easily spend a couple of days and cover many kilometres of forest trails on foot. We recommend viewing the falls from both sides. The optimum time to visit is September to April.
The Pantanal - Brazil’s wildlife capital offers more than 700 species of birds and 80 mammals. The open wetland landscape, the world's largest, is the perfect panorama for wildlife viewing, especially when compared to the dense rainforest of the Amazon further north. Caiman Ecological Refuge is regarded as the best place in the world to see habituated jaguars with 98% of guests seeing at least one jaguar in 2019. You can also learn about conservation of jaguars from Oncafari, a conservation organisation based at Caiman, and supported by Explorers Against Extinction.
The Amazon - this vast area is split into Northern (gateway Manaus) and Southern Amazon (gateway Cuiaba). Small ship river cruises and stays in eco-lodges are the best way to experience these regions through a range of activities.