Paraty, Iguazu, the Pantanal & Rio de Janeiro
Cobbled streets and colonial mansions. The voice of water at the Falls. The vast Pantanal wetlands. Mountains meeting the sea in Rio. Four Brazils in fourteen days.
5 – 18 April 2027 · 14 days · 13 nights
From €2,966 per person · ≈ $3,313 · Base price for two travellers
São Paulo → Paraty → Foz do Iguaçu → Pantanal → Rio de Janeiro
From a colonial town to the boundless Pantanal.
In Paraty, time slows among colonial mansions, churches and cobbled lanes facing the bay. In Foz do Iguaçu, water finds its voice: the Falls overwhelm with their power, while the Atlantic Forest reveals itself along trails and walk-through aviaries. Then the landscape opens up in the Pantanal: rivers, grasslands and gallery forest at Pousada Aguapé, with full board and two daily activities led by the local team. The journey ends with four nights in Copacabana, where sea, mountains and city meet. Domestic flights, transfers and stays seamlessly connected by Create Travel.
Brazil has seven major biomes and strikingly different cultures. This itinerary brings together the coastal Atlantic Forest, the rainforest of Iguazu, the Pantanal wetlands and urban, seaside Rio in one journey.
In the Pantanal, this is a nature and ranch-life experience in Aquidauana: horseback rides, boat trips, walks and a photographic safari. It is not a specialist jaguar itinerary and no wildlife sightings are guaranteed; the lodge plans activities around the weather, river levels and conditions on the ranch.
Paraty
03 NIGHTS · HISTORY & SEA
Pousada Porto Imperial in the historic centre. Colonial mansions, churches, artists' studios and caiçara coastal culture, with free days to wander slowly or sail the bay.
Iguazu Falls
03 NIGHTS · WATER & FOREST
Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort. Walkways and viewpoints facing the falls plus Parque das Aves, with transport and tickets included; a free day for Itaipu or the Triple Frontier.
Pantanal · Aquidauana
03 NIGHTS · NATURE & RANCH LIFE
Pousada Aguapé, full board with two daily activities: horseback riding, boating on the Aquidauana River, walks, 4×4 photographic safari, carriage rides, cattle handling or a night outing.
Rio de Janeiro
04 NIGHTS · SEA & MOUNTAINS
Windsor Excelsior, on Copacabana beachfront. City tour with lunch, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf included, plus two days to enjoy the city at your own pace.
April: late summer and generous waters
April brings the end of the summer rains across much of southeastern and central Brazil. The Falls usually still carry abundant water, much of the Pantanal remains wet and green, and Paraty and Rio enjoy warm, bright days with fewer crowds than in high summer. Conditions vary each year, so outdoor activities adapt to the weather and river levels.
Your journey, day by day
1 · São Paulo → Paraty
Shared road transfer to the coast of Rio de Janeiro state through lush Atlantic Forest. Check in at Pousada Porto Imperial and, if you wish, a first stroll through the historic centre.
2 · Paraty, between history and sea
A free day for mansions, churches, shops and cafés in the historic centre, and the town's bond with the sea and caiçara culture. Optional: schooner or speedboat trip around the bay with island and beach stops.
3 · Paraty at your pace
Another full day to choose how to experience Paraty. Optional: a boat trip, Trindade with its beaches and natural pools, or a guided walk through the historic centre, subject to availability and conditions.
4 · Paraty → Rio → Iguazu Falls
Shared transfer to Rio de Janeiro and flight to Foz do Iguaçu (departing 15:30, arriving 17:40). Transfer to Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort and an evening at leisure.
5 · Iguazu Falls & Parque das Aves
Walkways and viewpoints on the Brazilian side bring you close to the mist, the river's movement and the monumental scale of the falls. At Parque das Aves, immersive aviaries devoted to conservation. Transport and tickets included.
6 · Iguazu your way · our tip: Macuco Safari
A free day to enjoy Iguazu at your own pace. Our suggestion: the Macuco Safari. It begins with an open-vehicle ride through the Atlantic Forest; then a boat heads up the Iguazu River through rocky canyons towards the falls. The mist, the roar of the water and the final drenching beneath the cascades make it a joyful, physical and unforgettable experience: you come back soaked, laughing and with a whole new perspective on the Falls. Bring a change of clothes and a dry bag. Other options: Itaipu dam, the Triple Frontier landmark or shopping in Paraguay. Optional activities with transport and tickets quoted on request.
7 · Foz → São Paulo → Campo Grande → Pantanal
Pre-dawn departure (04:25) connecting in São Paulo, arriving in Campo Grande at 09:25. Road transfer of about three and a half hours to Pousada Aguapé. Dinner at the lodge.
8 · The Pantanal up close
Two lodge-led activities chosen around the weather: horseback riding across grasslands, marshes and bays with local guides; a boat trip on the Aquidauana River among ancient trees and birdlife; a walk, 4×4 photographic safari or piranha fishing. Full board.
9 · Pantanal landscapes & traditions
Two more activities: a walk among regional flora, a photographic safari through grassland, cerrado and wetlands, a carriage ride, cattle handling with Pantanal cowboys or a night outing by vehicle or boat. Full board.
10 · Pantanal → Campo Grande → São Paulo → Rio
Breakfast and road transfer back to Campo Grande. Flights via São Paulo (17:00 and 23:55), arriving in Rio after midnight with transfer to Windsor Excelsior Copacabana.
11 · Rio, rest & sea
A free day to recharge. A stroll along Copacabana's promenade is the perfect first taste of Rio: the wave-patterned pavement, the open ocean and life between beach and city.
12 · Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf
City tour with lunch and tickets included. From Corcovado, Rio unfolds between mountains, bays and neighbourhoods; the Sugarloaf cable car opens new views over Guanabara Bay.
13 · A last full day in Rio
Free for beach, culture or neighbourhoods. Optional: Botanical Garden, Santa Teresa, Museum of Tomorrow or the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
14 · Until next time, Brazil
Check-out and transfer to Galeão airport. In your luggage: Paraty's lanes, the power of the Falls, the Pantanal's horizons and Rio's sea.
What is included
- 13 nights in the planned accommodation: breakfast in Paraty, Foz do Iguaçu and Rio; full board in the Pantanal.
- Domestic flights Rio–Foz do Iguaçu, Foz do Iguaçu–Campo Grande and Campo Grande–Rio, connecting in São Paulo.
- Shared transfers São Paulo–Paraty and Paraty–Rio; airport–hotel transfers and Campo Grande–Pousada Aguapé transfers.
- Transport and tickets for Iguazu Falls and Parque das Aves.
- Pousada Aguapé programme: two activities per day on full days.
- Rio city tour with lunch and tickets for Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf.
- Spanish- or English-speaking guides on the included excursions (no tour escort for the whole journey).
Not included in the base price
International flights to São Paulo and home from Rio.
Optional excursions suggested on free days.
Meals not stated, drinks, tips and personal expenses. Ground services are shared unless stated otherwise.
Planned accommodation
Pousada Porto Imperial · Paraty · 3 nights · Breakfast
Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort · Foz do Iguaçu · 3 nights · Breakfast
Pousada Aguapé · Pantanal · Aquidauana · 3 nights · Full board & activities
Windsor Excelsior Copacabana · Rio de Janeiro · 4 nights · Breakfast
Practical information to prepare your trip
- In Paraty, the historic centre has uneven stone streets: bring comfortable shoes. For the boat trip, swimwear and sun protection.
- At the Falls, clothing can get wet on the walkways: a light raincoat and protection for your phone and camera are a good idea.
- In the Pantanal: lightweight trousers, a hat, insect repellent, binoculars and a fleece for night outings.
- April brings warm days and cooler nights, especially in the south: a light jacket is welcome.
- Money: cards are accepted almost everywhere along the route; for small towns, carry some cash in reais, as exchange offices are not always available.
Base price per person, calculated for two travellers sharing a double room. Rates vary with availability and booking date; flights, schedules and transfers are reconfirmed before booking. Your written proposal confirms rooms, services and conditions.
Original price: R$18,000 per person. Reference exchange rates checked on 30 October 2026: R$1 = €0.16477 and €1 = US$1.117. Euro and dollar amounts are indicative and confirmed at the exchange rate on the booking date.
Before you travel
What does the trip cost, and when does it run?
From €2,966 per person (≈ US$3,313), based on two travellers. The journey runs 14 days and 13 nights, from 5 to 18 April 2027. The price is confirmed in your proposal according to availability and exchange rate.
Which flights are included?
The domestic flights in the itinerary: Rio–Foz do Iguaçu, Foz do Iguaçu–Campo Grande and Campo Grande–Rio, connecting in São Paulo. International flights to São Paulo and home from Rio are not included; we are happy to advise on the best connections.
Will I be looked after in English?
Yes. All planning and your written proposal are in English, and we support you on WhatsApp before and during the trip. Included excursions have Spanish- or English-speaking guides; there is no escort for the whole journey, but one can be quoted subject to availability.
What is the Pantanal experience like?
Three nights at Pousada Aguapé in Aquidauana, full board, with two activities a day: horseback riding, river boating, walks, a 4×4 photographic safari, carriage rides, cattle handling or a night outing. It is nature and ranch life, not a specialist jaguar safari; no sightings are guaranteed.
Is April a good time to travel?
April marks the end of the summer rains: the Falls usually carry plenty of water, much of the Pantanal is still wet and green, and Paraty and Rio have warm days with fewer crowds than in high summer. Weather varies year to year and activities adapt to it.
Can I upgrade hotels or add destinations?
Yes. We can choose stays with more charm or luxury, add nights or combine other landscapes such as the Amazon, Bonito or Lençóis Maranhenses. Every change is quoted according to your choices and availability.
Do I need a visa to travel to Brazil?
It depends on your passport. Citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia currently need an electronic visa (e-Visa) before boarding; many European and Latin American passports are visa-exempt for tourism. We confirm the current requirements for your nationality when preparing your proposal and guide you step by step.
Is travel insurance included?
It is not included. We recommend purchasing travel insurance with medical and cancellation coverage from a provider in your country of residence, to protect your investment. We can suggest options, but the policy is contracted directly by the traveller.
We are more than two travellers. Does the price change?
The published base price is calculated for two travellers. Families and groups of friends are welcome: tell us how many people are travelling and your room preferences, and we will send an updated proposal for your group.
Is this a fixed-date group tour?
This journey has published dates and shared services where indicated, but it is not a classic coach group. If you prefer other dates or a fully private arrangement, we design the same route tailor-made with its own quote.
Travellers who already came with us
Real stories, with names and faces, from travellers who trusted Create Travel.
From Mexico to the Pantanal: days to remember
Patrícia Camarena and Alejandro Barrera travelled from Mexico to the Pantanal with Create Travel. After the trip, Patrícia called Marcelo delighted with the choice of Barra Mansa, the hospitality, the guide’s care and the food. They enjoyed wonderful days surrounded by Pantanal landscapes and wildlife.
Seeing a jaguar in its natural habitat was one of the most moving moments of their experience. A genuine encounter on this trip, alongside boat outings, wildlife and golden light on the river. They returned with more than photographs: memories of a warm welcome in a remarkable place.
Patrícia Camarena e Alejandro Barrera · Mexico → Pantanal Sul · August 2026
Editorial account authorised by the travellers. Every journey is unique: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
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Secure your Paraty, Iguazu, Pantanal and Rio journey for April 2027.
Combine your journey with Brazil's other remarkable landscapes: the Amazon, Bonito, Lençóis Maranhenses and beyond. Choose stays with more charm or luxury and shape the itinerary around your way of travelling. Flexibility is complete: we tailor every detail to your preferences and the level of investment you wish to make. Tell us what you have in mind and we will send a personalised proposal in English.
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