Classic Brazil

Today you catch a flight to Foz do Iguacu. In the afternoon you will visit the Brazilian side and the next day you will visit the Argentinian side of the falls.

The Brazilian side offers grand panoramas while the Argentinean side is equipped with boardwalks that get up close to the thundering waters - so close you can almost touch them. For a more adrenaline pumping falls experience see them from below on a zodiac boat or take a helicopter ride, right over the top.

Legend has it that a serpent god aspired to marry a beautiful girl called Naipi. She escaped in a canoe with her mortal lover Caroba and in a jealous rage the god chased them, collapsing the river before them so that Naipi plunged over the falls to become a rock, while Caroba became a tree, forever unable to touch his love. A more scientific explanation is that the Rio Iguacu flows over a riverbed of basalt that ends where the lava cooled, leaving the water to fall. The falls were 'discovered' in the modern day by the Spaniard Juan Alvar Nunez, who named them Saltos de Santa Maria. The name we know them by today means 'Great Waters' in the Tupi-Guarani tongue.

At over 2 km long the falls are a series of cataracts. There are 275 falls in all and with some reaching up to 80 m in height, they are wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara. For two different perspectives of the falls, we see them from the Argentinean and Brazilian sides. 

Accommodation in Iguacu is in a 2-star hotel in downtown Foz do Iguacu. Rooms have air-conditioning. Hotel - 1 night 

The Pantanal is the world's largest wetland area and one of the best wildlife spotting places on the continent. Sixty-five million years ago, the Pantanal was an inland sea that gradually dried out. These days the vast alluvial plain is seasonally flooded by the Paraguay River, giving a home to a wonderfully diverse wildlife. Jabirus and macaws are frequently spotted and with any luck we will see howler monkeys, giant otters, anteaters, macaws and caiman (although hopefully not too close). 

Unfortunately, the area's fantastic wildlife has brought some unwanted attention. Although a portion of the wetlands have been designated as a national park, poachers still kill up to two million animals here annually. 

We have two whole days here to explore. Wake to see the sunrise- they are amazing in the Pantanal - and enjoy a full day of activities. Itineraries vary depending weather conditiosn, but you will have the opportunity to go on nature walks to spot some of the amazing wildlife go fishing, swimming, canoeing or just relaxing.

The itinerary of activities at the Pantanal can vary depending on the weather, guides, other groups, etc but generally includes long walks, horseback riding and canoeing.

Note about the Pantanal: It can be very hot here, and it can also get quite cool. From November to March there are lots of mosquitoes! There is no malaria in the Pantanal, and only minimal risk of Dengue fever and Yellow fever. The food is basic, but quite tasty and we can accommodate for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. Make sure you tell your leader at the start of the trip.

Accommodation is basic. You will be sleeping in hammocks with mosquito netting within a mosquito net enclosed structure with a rain-proof palm frond roof and brick walls waist high. It will keep the rain and the bugs out. Blankets are provide as necessary, but from June to September it can get quite cold so a sleeping bag is recommended. Electricity is limited, and there is no hot water. Don't forget to bring a towel, a torch, sun cream and mosquito repellent! There is also an enclosed common area with protection from the elements and the mosquitoes where the food is prepared and there is room to dine and relax.