Days 7-9 Pantanal
Time to leave the coast and head inland. Transfer to Sao Paolo and fly to Campo Grande, the base for the famous southern Pantanal. The Pantanal is a huge wetland reserve, home to some 650 species of birds, 230 varieties of fish and many other exotic wildlife. From your traditional riverside lodge (replete with hammocks, anteaters roaming the grounds and a live macaw wake up call) you can head out on horseback, take to the river on a wildlife cruise, try your hand at piranha fishing (don’t worry, they’re vegetarian – allegedly) or enjoy a wagon ride to a local cattle ranch. A forest walk may bring encounters with capybara, jabiru stork, giant otter, toucan, blue macaw and marsh deer. And you will never forget the glint of a caiman’s eye reflecting back at you on a torchlight night safari… sweet dreams.

Day 10 Bonito
Just when you thought you had experienced everything Brazilian nature had to offer, you transfer to Bonito. Bonito, meaning ‘beautiful’, is known as the eco-capital of Brazil and is famous for its animal diversity and ecotourism activities. Surrounded by lush forests with hundreds of waterfalls, over eighty caves and the clearest blue rivers you will find anywhere, this is a nature lover’s paradise.

On your journey here you will visit the stunning Boca da Onca waterfalls where a 4km trail through preserved forest, takes you past 12 beautiful crystal clear waterfalls to the region’s highest waterfall, Boca da Onca at 156m high. All around you are surrounded by lush greenery, colourful (and noisy) birds and a variety of other wildlife. Afterwards, you will enjoy a traditional lunch cooked on a wood stove. Freshen up with a dip in one of the natural pools (in the company of the local fish) before heading on to Bonito.

Days 11-12 Bonito
At Gruta do Lago Azul (the Cave of the Blue Lake) you will take a trail down staircases made with limestone rocks past mind-boggling stalactites, stalagmites, travertines and several other weird and wonderful rock formations that any geography student will love. The enchanting underground blue lake shelters the rare albino shrimp and also bones of the extinct giant sloth. Head to Estancia Mimosa, recipient for countless environmental awards. Follow an interpretive trail through the forest, including sections in a rowing boat and many stops where you can bathe in waterfalls, natural pools and swim into small caves. From suspended walkways, you can see the dramatic gorges and hills of the Serra da Bodoquena National Park.

The following day provides some of the most memorable moments of your time in Brazil. Get your Go Pros and underwater cameras ready as you take off on an incredible water floatation ride down the Rio Prata. Starting with a guided walk past giant mahogany trees where capuchin monkeys hang out, you will emerge at the riverside before suiting up and submerging yourself in the unbelievably transparent waters. Gently bobbing down a river in Brazil surrounded by pristine nature has to be good for the soul.  Suitable for anyone over 3 years, you will spend several hours immersed in the crystal clear waters, surrounded by colourful fish.  A stop will be made so that you can do some easy diving and get even closer to your marine companions.

After this, you dry off and head to the Buraco das Araras, the largest sinkhole in Latin America. 500m wide and 100, deep, it is home to hundreds of bright red macaws.  The racket at feeding time will make any parent feel right at home.

Day 13 Iguazu Falls
Fly to Foz do Iguacu, the gateway to the world’s most impressive waterfalls. Think Niagara?  Think again…The Iguazu Falls are nothing less than a ‘New Wonder of Nature,’ and all ages will be wowed by their strength and dramatic setting. The series of 275 waterfalls, reaching up to 90m high, are shared by Brazil and Argentina.

Day 14 Iguazu Falls
From the Brazilian side, you will enjoy incredible scenic walkways, more fantastic wildlife and more getting wet! There are multiple viewpoints and everywhere you are surrounded by the natural world that you have now come to expect from Brazil. This is why Iguazu is so much more than just about waterfalls – coatis racoon and capybaras are everywhere (watch out for your snacks), colourful butterflies flit overhead and toucans, macaws and parrots screech greetings. Fig trees, giant bromeliads and vibrant orchids add to the scene.

You will finish your first full day here at the ‘Backstage Experience’ which sounds like something out of Las Vegas, but starring local fauna instead. The Bird Park here is an internationally recognised rescue and conservation centre for birds, located in the middle of rich Atlantic Rainforest. It is your opportunity for privileged contact with the birds, featuring the feeding of toucans and other species whilst learning about the park’s much-needed conservation and rescue programmes.  Educational and a huge amount of fun – all ages will love it. A truly remarkable way to bring your time in Brazil to an end.

Day 15 Iguazu Falls
Today, head across the border to the Argentine side of the falls, which most people consider to be more rustic as well as the most exciting. Take a train that leads to the lower circuit, 1700m of walkways running along the falls through humid subtropical forest filled with wildlife. Or follow the Superior circuit with 650m of walkways and hanging bridges that offer spectacular views of the massive deluge of water. Both routes end at the edge of the most dramatic part of the falls, the Garganta del Diablo – the Devil’s Throat. From here you will hop into a ‘safari boat’ and get up close to the base of the falls themselves, heart-stopping stuff as the captain plays with your nerves running the rapids, whirlpools and currents. Hint – you WILL get wet.

Day 16 Iguazu Falls – Buenos Aires
This morning you will transfer to the airport in Iguazu. It’s time to bid farewell to caiman, capybaras and caipirinhas and head to one of the world’s most vibrant capital cities, Buenos Aires. Synonymous with tango, Eva Peron and a glamorous Latin American vibe, the city is full of history and a fantastic mix of modern and old. The afternoon is free for you to start exploring.

Day 17 Buenos Aires
A wonderful day today as you explore the city by bike with a guide. From the Plaza San Martin, ride to the wealthy district of Puerto Madero, along the southern coast and onward to the colourful La Boca and Caminito regions. Bike past the famous Boca Junior’s Stadium, Lezama Park and Plaza Dorrego in historic San Telmo to the Plaza de Mayo. Step away from the bikes and enter the famous Recoleta Cemetery to view Evita’s tomb. A well deserved traditional Argentine lunch and some yerba mate tea are also included.

Day 18 Buenos Aires
Today you have a free day to explore on your own. This evening you can bring those Strictly Come Dancing skills out in an evening tango lesson to round off your time in South America. 

Day 19 Buenos Aires
Transfer to the airport for your flight home