Brazil: Rio Samba & Jaguar Safari / 9 Days

Fly into Rio and be whisked in private transfer to your elegant hotel overlooking the city or coast. Marvel at Rio’s dramatic skyline—towering granite peaks, lush forested hills, and golden beaches fused with colonial elegance and modern vibrancy. Tonight, delight in a gourmet dinner and vibrant performance at the Roxy Dinner Show, featuring regional cuisine by Chef Danilo Parah and a dynamic celebration of Brazilian culture through music and dance.

Today’s full-day highlights include a private guided visit to Corcovado Hill, where the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue presides over tropical forests and sweeping urban vistas. Visit Santa Teresa: Rio's Montmartre! You can't miss a visit to this unique part of Rio. Sometimes described as the Brooklyn of Rio, Santa Teresa is one of those once grand, later marginalized, recently bohemianized neighborhoods. It is sprinkled with run-down colonial houses that you stumble upon and discover new worlds. Santa Teresa is a place where you can feel the atmosphere of art, music and history. Charming little restaurants, bistros and bars add a touch of both sophisticated and simple culinary art options. At Santa Teresa you will find a touch of small-town life, with small groceries and family businesses. Discover the colorful Escadaria Selarón mosaic stairway in Santa Teresa, then journey behind the scenes at Acadêmicos da Grande Rio Samba School, with costume try-ons and a percussion workshop to bring Carnival to life.

On Day 3, ascend Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for sweeping views of Rio’s coastline, then explore the lush Rio Botanical Gardens, home to rare native flora like pau-brasil trees. In the evening, savor a traditional Brazilian barbecue before heading to the vibrant Lapa neighborhood. Your night continues at Rio Scenarium, a renowned three-story venue blending antique charm with live samba and Brazilian music. With fast-track entry, enjoy a lively, unforgettable evening at one of the world’s top-rated bars.

Start your day with a private transfer to one of Rio’s most exclusive beach enclaves on the western coast, far from the city’s crowds. Nestled between rainforest-covered hills and pristine shoreline, enjoy a serene morning at a stylish beach club where attentive service, natural beauty, and comfort set the tone. After unwinding, dive into a private beginner-friendly surf lesson led by an expert instructor—learn to paddle, balance, and catch your first wave in a safe, secluded setting. The rest of the day is yours to relax seaside, enjoy cocktails, or explore the coastline before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before checking out from the iconic Copacabana Palace. A private transfer takes you to the airport for a domestic flight to Campo Grande. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and driven to Caiman Ecological Refuge—a luxurious eco-lodge situated deep within the Pantanal. Unwind at the lodge and dine amid nature as you learn about the Onçafari Jaguar Conservation Project.

Rise early for your first foray into the Pantanal—an expertly guided jaguar safari that takes advantage of the prime hours for wildlife sightings. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest before embarking on an afternoon excursion by boat or on foot to witness other iconic Pantanal creatures in their natural habitat.

Explore further with a boat or canoe journey along the Aquidauana River, navigating serene creeks and wildlife-rich bays. Visit the Onçafari Research Center and the Blue Macaw Institute, gaining insight into local conservation efforts before returning to the lodge.

Choose from a suite of adventures: photographic safari by custom vehicle, horseback riding, biking, or spotlighting at night to spot caimans and nocturnal wildlife. Enjoy lunch in the style of a local ranch and absorb the rhythm of the wetlands in unmatched natural luxury.

After breakfast, a private transfer will return you to Campo Grande Airport in time for your onward flight. Depart Brazil enriched by a seamless blend of Rio’s glamour and the wild heart of the Pantanal.