Rio, Pantanal & Lençóis Maranhenses

Three landscapes. One unforgettable Brazil.

From the rhythm of a Pantanal fazenda to the quiet of the dunes, and from Maranhão's rivers to the shores of Ipanema. A carefully connected journey with domestic flights, selected stays and experiences curated by Create Travel. Depart from Rio for the Pantanal, then finish with three nights to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Combine the Pantanal biome with the coastal landscapes of Lençóis and Rio: different ecosystems, cultures and ways of life within one Brazilian journey.

In the Pantanal, this itinerary offers nature activities and photographic safari in Aquidauana, based at Pousada Aguapé and following its programme. It does not include Porto Jofre’s specialist jaguar-search itinerary. The photograph shows a jaguar by the Piquiri River, another area of the Pantanal; no wildlife sightings are guaranteed.

Pantanal

03 NIGHTS · WILDLIFE

Pousada Aguapé, beside the Aquidauana River. Full board and activities through the fields, trails and waterways of the Pantanal, following the lodge's programme.

Lençóis Maranhenses

03 NIGHTS · DUNES & LAGOONS

Lagoa Bonita, Atins, Santo Amaro and the Preguiças River. Four perspectives on a landscape shaped by light, wind and the waters of each season.

Rio de Janeiro

03 NIGHTS · SEA & MOUNTAINS

Sol Ipanema Hotel and two free days. Walk beside the ocean, discover the city or simply unwind: the final chapter follows your own rhythm.

August: two rhythms of nature

The Pantanal's dry season often favours wildlife observation. In Lençóis, some lagoons may retain rainwater; levels vary by year and circuit. Visits follow local conditions, with no guarantee of wildlife sightings or full lagoons.

Your journey, day by day

1 · Rio → Campo Grande → Pantanal

Domestic flight with checked baggage. Airport welcome and an approximately 3½-hour transfer to Pousada Aguapé. Settle in and enjoy your included dinner.

2 · Life on a Pantanal fazenda

Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Two lodge-scheduled activities, with options including horse riding, boating on the Aquidauana River, walks and a photographic safari in a 4×4.

3 · Another day in the Pantanal

Full board and two activities following the lodge programme. Explore more trails and landscapes; activities may include a carriage ride or nocturnal wildlife observation.

4 · Pantanal → São Luís

After breakfast, transfer to Campo Grande and fly to São Luís with checked baggage. Transfer to Brisamar Hotel & SPA.

5 · Barreirinhas & Lagoa Bonita

Shared transfer to Barreirinhas at 06:30. At 14:00, a shared 4×4 excursion to the Lagoa Bonita circuit, among dunes and seasonal lagoons.

6 · Atins, between river and sea

A shared 4×4 excursion to Atins departs at 08:30. Sandy lanes and life beside the water, between Lençóis, the Preguiças River and the sea.

7 · The landscapes of Santo Amaro

At 08:30, a shared 4×4 excursion to Santo Amaro. Dunes and lagoons according to seasonal conditions.

8 · Preguiças River → São Luís

Shared motorboat outing on the Preguiças River at 08:30. Shared return transfer to São Luís at 16:30, with another night at Brisamar.

9 · São Luís to Ipanema

Airport transfer and flight to Rio with checked baggage. Welcome and transfer to Sol Ipanema Hotel, your base for the next three nights.

10 · Rio at your own pace

Free day with breakfast. Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Botanical Garden or Santa Teresa are optional suggestions, not included. Or simply enjoy Ipanema.

11 · One more day by the sea

Free day with breakfast. Beach time, rest or optional visits to the Museum of Tomorrow and the historic centre, not included in the package.

12 · Until next time, Brazil

Check-out and included transfer from your hotel to Rio airport. End of package services.

What is included

• Flights Rio–Campo Grande, Campo Grande–São Luís and São Luís–Rio, with checked baggage.
• 11 nights in the planned accommodation; full board in the Pantanal and breakfast in São Luís, Barreirinhas and Rio.
• Campo Grande–Pousada Aguapé–Campo Grande transfers (approximately 3½ hours each way).
• Two daily Pantanal activities following the lodge programme; a bilingual English- or Spanish-speaking guide for four days.
• Airport–hotel–airport transfers in São Luís and Rio; shared São Luís–Barreirinhas–São Luís transfers.
• Shared 4×4 excursions to Lagoa Bonita, Atins and Santo Amaro; a shared boat outing on the Preguiças River.
• A Portuguese-speaking local guide and a bilingual accompanying guide on Lençóis excursions. Transfers do not include a bilingual guide.

Not included in the base price

International flights to and from Brazil.

Optional visits in Rio and services not listed as included.

Meals outside the stated board basis and personal expenses. Request full conditions in your proposal.

Planned accommodation

Pousada Aguapé do Pantanal · Pantanal · 3 nights · Full board

Brisamar Hotel & SPA · São Luís · 2 nights · Breakfast included

Pousada Encantes do Nordeste · Barreirinhas · 3 nights · Or similar · tourist category · breakfast

Sol Ipanema Hotel · Rio de Janeiro · 3 nights · Standard room · breakfast

Practical information to prepare your trip

• Luggage: domestic flights include a checked bag. For excursions, a small daypack is all you need.
• In the Pantanal: lightweight trousers, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and binoculars. For night outings, bring a fleece: temperatures can drop after sunset.
• In Lençóis you walk barefoot on the sand: rubber flip-flops are the ideal footwear, with swimwear always at hand.
• Money: the small towns along the route have no exchange offices. We recommend changing currency in the larger cities; cards are widely accepted, even for small amounts.
• Documents: a valid passport and, depending on your nationality, an electronic visa. We confirm the current requirements when preparing your proposal.

Before you travel

What does the trip cost, and when does it run?

The base price is €3,985 per person, calculated for two travellers. The journey runs from 7 to 18 August 2027, with 12 days and 11 nights. The dollar amount is an exchange-rate reference; your final proposal confirms availability and conditions.

Will I have an English-speaking guide?

The Pantanal includes a bilingual English- or Spanish-speaking guide for four days. Lençóis excursions include a Portuguese-speaking local guide and a bilingual accompanying guide. State your preferred language when requesting your proposal. Transfers do not include a bilingual guide.

Is this a dedicated jaguar safari?

No. This itinerary visits the Aquidauana area of the Pantanal, based at Pousada Aguapé, with nature activities. It does not include Porto Jofre's specialist jaguar-search itinerary. No wildlife sightings are guaranteed.

Is the entire journey private?

No. São Luís–Barreirinhas transfers and Lençóis excursions are shared services. Pantanal activities follow the lodge programme. Ask about adapting services if you prefer a private arrangement.

Is August a good time for Lençóis and the Pantanal?

The Pantanal's dry season often favours wildlife observation. Lagoon levels in Lençóis depend on that year's rains and the circuit visited. Activities follow local conditions.

Can I combine other Brazilian destinations or biomes?

Yes. We can explore extensions to the Amazon, Bonito, Iguazu Falls or other Brazilian landscapes. Extensions are quoted separately and are not included in this base price.

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.

Read the full story (page in Portuguese)

Get to know each destination

Explore the travel guide: Pantanal

Explore the travel guide: Lençóis Maranhenses

Explore the travel guide: Rio de Janeiro

Secure your Pantanal, Lençóis and Rio journey for August 2027.

Combine your journey with Brazil's other remarkable landscapes: the Amazon, Iguazu Falls, Bonito 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 in your journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will send a personalised proposal in English; extensions and accommodation changes are quoted according to your choices, subject to availability.