There is good news for travelers this week: the Brazilian government has announced that from 17 June 2019 residents of the US and Canada will no longer require a visa to enter Brazil. The development makes it a great time to explore this magnificent country, with its irresistible and vibrant blend of Latin American, European and African culture. For Brazil travel specialist Pura Aventura, however, it’s never just about ticking off the major sites. Their in-depth knowledge and network of friends on the ground enable their guests to engage with the places they visit and the people they meet.
Thanks to their tailor-made privately guided approach to vacations, Pura Aventura offer something to suit everyone, from adventurous families to empty nesters -indeed anyone who loves discovering gorgeous landscapes and exuberant culture.
RECOMMENDED FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS
Brazil Uncovered – Pantanal, Amazon, Rio and Paraty
Brazil’s remarkable wildlife meets its fascinating culture on this comprehensive, four part, 13-day private tour. Enjoy game drives and boat trips from two of Brazil’s most well-respected premium wildlife lodges in the Amazon and Pantanal, before taking in the cosmopolitan city of Rio and the beautiful coastline around the colonial town of Paraty, where guests stay close to the seafront.
The wetlands of the Pantanal are one of the world’s foremost bird watching destinations but there are also marsh deer, giant anteaters, monkeys, any number of caiman, peccaries, armadillo, jaguar and even the very occasional puma to be seen. Spend a day on game drives or, in the company of a resident biologist, walking through the forest. Another is spent with the Onçafari research team in the wild, tracking the beautiful jaguar. Or dip into the surprising cowboy culture that exists in the Pantanal, watching them as they herd their cattle or lasso a cow.
While most Amazon lodges are clustered around Manaus, the main gateway, Pura’s lodge is set in the quieter southern gateway of Alta Floresta, the perfect place to open up the senses to the sights and sounds of the forest’s residents. Travelling upriver in the Amazon, guests are treated to a fabulous display of wildlife: monkeys play in the trees, giant river otters nest on the banks and birds are everywhere. Head out on a guided wildlife trail before enjoying a dip in the river, or read in the shade of a floating deck.
Then it’s on to Rio for a private city tour, taking in some lesser-known spots as well as the highlights. These range from the cobbled colonial streets of Santa Teresa to the magnificent Christ the Redeemer statue which sits within the world’s largest urban nature reserve.
The last stop is Paraty, the prettiest of colonial towns, which punches well above its weight in Brazilian history. The town first expanded following the planting of sugar cane which produced cachaça, Brazilian rum. However, the real money came with the coffee boom, when most of the colonial buildings seen today were built. Take a boat out to the beaches for a spot of snorkeling and finish the trip with an afternoon’s stroll along the gold trail.
For further information visit Pura Aventura
