Voya

The Adventure Begins

Effective April 10th, 2024, American & Canadian citizens are required to have a visa prior to their arrival in Brazil.  Please ensure that you apply for your Brazilian visa at least 20 business days in advance of your trip. Processing times vary based on the number of visa applications that are in process at that specific embassy or consulate at any given time.

For your added comfort, you will have an English-speaking guide waiting for you outside of customs with a sign with your name on it. Your representative will help you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.

Enjoy the convenience of an early check-in at your hotel.

To properly understand how Brazil rose to become a pivotal country on the international stage, an in-depth look into its past is required. Today, discover much of the country’s early history as you leisurely explore Ibirapuera Park, voted as one the top ten urban parks in the world by the Guardian, Fodors and Travel+Leisure Magazine, and are guided through Museu Afro Brasil alongside an expert local tour director. Ibriapuera, often described as “South America’s Central Park,” is adorned with impressive monuments, bridges, statues, an obelisk, and buildings designed by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer throughout the expansive and otherwise green-space. Strolling through tended gardens and past aged trees, learn of Brazil’s early roots as you make your way toward the Museu Afro Brasil. Spread across a series of incredible galleries that feature over 6,000 unique works, Museu Afro Brasil aims to showcase the pivotal role Africans had in the foundation of Brazil. Memorializing the difficulties of times-past as well as the impressive feats accomplished, the museum is both eye-opening and inspiring, if at times troubling. After an incisive exploration of the beautiful park and informative museum, you will be returned to your hotel.

Get a Lay of the Land

After being picked up at your hotel by your private English speaking Guide, private vehicle and driver you will proceed to discover the historical area of Sao Paolo including Sé Square, Pátio do Colégio, Solar da Marquesa de Santos and São Bento Monastery. Enjoy a visit to the Museum of Sacred Art, the Pinacoteca, the Garden of Light, the Palace of Industries and the bustling Municipal Market. Finally, Trianon Park and Casa das Rosas (House of Roses) round out the half day excursion.

A Change of Scenery

Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and English speaking driver-guide.

Board a flight in Sao Paulo with direct service to Campo Grande. Approximate flight time is one hour and 45 minutes. Please note: this is a separate purchase.

Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer between Campo Grande Airport and Casa Caiman. Approximate travel time is three hours and 40 minutes.

Upon arrival to Caiman Ecological Refuge, you will be warmly greeted and helped to check-in with the assistance of bilingual staff. After settling into your accommodation, take some time to familiarize yourself with the grounds before enjoying the first of many delicious, Pantanal-inspired meals.

Your stay at Caiman Ecological Refuge includes private accommodations, meals, shared excursions as per the offered program (two daylight activities, one evening), the use of on-site facilities including swimming pool, shared common areas, and soft drinks.

Please note: 1) All excursions are subject to weather conditions. 2) While your Destination Expert has prepared a hypothetical course of outings for your itinerary, daily activities will not be finalized until your arrival. In conjunction with expert local guides, you will design your daily activities based on your interests and energy level. A complete list of Caiman Ecological Refuge tours can be found below. Please let your Destination Expert know if you would like further information on any excursion.

Regular excursions: Photographic Safari, Walking Tours, Canadian Canoe Tour, Night Safari, Jeep Safari, Caiman Tour.

Additional excursions: Birding, Biking Tours, Hyacinth Macaw Project tour, Oncafari Jaguar Project Tour. Please note, these excursions are not included and have additional costs. Please speak to your Destination Expert to pre-arrange these activities.

Venture into the Outdoors

Alongside an expert Caimaner guide, set out with other guests of the lodge on an early morning photographic safari. Although the region is beautiful throughout the day, it is during the early hours of the day that the Pantanal wilds are most active. Before the sun reaches its peak in the sky, many animals are on the move, preparing for the day ahead or concluding a night on the hunt. On this photo safari you will be on the lookout for lowland tapirs, giant anteaters, marsh deer, black howler monkeys and the rarely spotted, supremely beautiful and powerful Pantanal jaguar. After a few hours in the frontiers of Pantanal, you will be returned to the lodge.

Prepare for what will likely be the highlight of your stay in Pantanal; an evening safari adventure. While the early mornings are the most active for the majority of wildlife, it is during the night that the many predators within the Pantanal jungle spring into action. Maned wolves, ocelots, cougars and the Pantanal jaguar are all on the prowl during these hours. It is also worth noting that a range of animals typically spotted in the daylight hours are also active at night, however, are often times behaving quite differently. With other guests of the lodge and your expert guide, discover this for yourself first-hand. While spotting specific animals cannot be guaranteed, it is certain that this evenings night safari will afford the best chance to observe the impressive predators that stalk the land.

Nurtured by Nature

On this, the classic Caiman tour, walk through the estate, visiting the ranch, corral, research centers and Environmental Interpretation Center, discovering the history and core principles of the lodge. You will also visit Paizinho’s Bridge, a revered and scenic spot within the refuge that is a favorite among past guests. Here, you will spot the animals for which the lodge is named: spectacled caimans. In the company of guides, get up close with the caimans and learn about these crocodilian reptiles in depth.

Discover Pantanal in a whole new way on a relaxing and picturesque canoe adventure. In classic Canadian-style canoes that seat up to three, paddle your way through the bays near the ranch. Along the way, spot a variety of rare water birds and endemic plant life, and listen to the sounds of the wildlife. Although this activity can be enjoyed at any time of the day, it is most recommended to set out in the later afternoon as the heat breaks and the sun prepares to set. With the Pantanal bush cast under the light of the fading sun, the scenery is simply beautiful.

Stretch your Legs

To truly connect with the Pantanal jungle, it is important to hike the trails by foot, escaping the comfort and security of safari vehicles. This morning, set out with your expert Caimaner guide and explore some of the many trails in the areas surrounding the lodge. Observe rare plants and smaller animals that are often overlooked while on a game drive. Reinforcing the ecological focus of its activity, the Caiman Ecological Refuge alternates between the many available trails to minimize the impact to the environment. The benefit of this system is that the many routes are frequented by an incredible array of wildlife. The only question is, what will you discover today?

Looking to add even more adventure to your stay at Caiman Ecological Refuge? If so, please consider arranging additional activities that are not included in your package. Such excursions include biking tours of the estate, highly-focused birding tours, a tour of the nearby Hyacinth Macaw Project, or a tour of the Oncafari Jaguar Project. These activities must be pre-arranged, so please let your Destination Expert know if you wish to participate on any of these outings.

Onward and Upward

Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer between Casa Caiman and Campo Grande Airport. Approximate travel time is three hours and 40 minutes.

Board a flight in Campo Grande with service to Rio de Janeiro, via Congohnas. Approximate flight time is four hours. Please note: this is a separate purchase.

For your added comfort, you will have an English-speaking guide waiting for you outside of customs with a sign with your name on it. Your representative will help you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.

Gardens and Galleries

Spend some time to soak up the sights, sounds and sun in spectacular Rio de Janeiro! In this vibrant city of culture and entertainment, there is no shortage of fun-filled activities to pack into your day. Have a drink in one of the many fantastic bars and cafes in Santa Teresa, Lapa or Centro barrio; a few of the city’s trendiest and most lively districts. Of course, no trip to Rio is complete without a leisurely afternoon on the shimmering beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Cozy up under an umbrella with a delicious drink in hand and relax under the warm sun with the sounds of breaking waves and happy locals come and go. In Rio, the only thing you’ll want for is more hours in day!

Your driver will take you and your private guide to the Botanical Garden, an exotic 137-hectare garden, with more than 8000 plant species, designed by order of the Prince Regent Dom João (later to become Dom João VI) in 1808. Walk through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve while learning about its antiquity, the garden is tranquil and serene on weekdays and blossoms with families on weekends. Highlights of a visit here include the row of palms (planted when the garden first opened), the Amazonas section, the lake containing the massive Vitória Régia water lilies and the enclosed orchid nursery, home to 600 species of orchids.

Hidden Gems

Spend a half day today on a private historical tour of Rio de Janeiro in the company of a guide and private vehicle and driver. On your tour, you will be lead through the colonial avenues, squares and back streets of the city, and your guide will explain the important historical, political and social events that shaped Rio into South America’s most exciting city. Focusing on the period or architectural style, fine examples of Baroque constructions would be the “São Bento” and “Santo Antonio” Monasteries, which recall the times when Brazil was a colony of Portugal. The French influence can be seen from buildings that were built as early as the 19th century and examples include the Municipal Theater and the Fine Art museum. The city’s cultural and artistic diversity is showcased on various cultural institutions such as the Cultural Centre Bank of Brasil and the Brazil-France House. Some other features of this tour are “Candelária” Church, “Praça XV” and “Arco dos Telles”.

Breathe the Mountain Air

On this dynamic tour explore one of Rio de Janeiro’s top attractions, Sugarloaf Mountain, and discover one of its lesser-known gems, the beaches of Barra de Guaratiba. Tailored to suit your personal interests, begin the day as you prefer, by either boarding a cable-car to ascend the indomitable Sugarloaf Mountain where marvelous views of the city and ocean below are afforded, or by touring the calm, serene white sand beaches of Barra de Guaratiba; the choice is yours! Lunch at Bira de Guaratiba, an award-winning casual restaurant specializing in seafood, is also included (drinks are not included, purchased on-site). Between destinations, travel along Rio’s coastal roadways as your private guide provides insights into the history and culture of Brazil’s “marvelous city.” While in Barra de Guaratiba, take a dip in the warm azure waters that has made the area popular throughout the world, or simply curl up with a book and while away the hours. Upon completion of this full-day tour, you will be returned to your hotel, likely holding a camera filled with postcard-worthy photos. Please note: The beaches visited on this tour are seldom visited during weekdays but are often busy during weekends.

A Bird’s Eye View

Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro.

Board a flight in Rio de Janeiro with direct service to Foz do Iguacu. Approximate flight time is two hours. Please note: this is a separate purchase.

For your added comfort, you will have an English-speaking local representative waiting for you outside of customs with a sign with your name on it. Your representative will help you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.

To truly get a sense of the majesty of the Falls, take to the skies and fly over Iguassu National Park and take in a spectacular aerial view from a comfortable Helicopter. Duration is 10 mins.

Due to the heavy rains in Iguassu, the authorities responsible for the Iguazu National Park in Argentina have informed us that the walkway is “Devils Throat” (Garganta del Diablo) is temporarily closed for for repairs for approximate 30 days. The rest of the attractions of the National Park and magnificent are all open, offering a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.

Chasing Waterfalls

Enjoy a fun packed full day private tour exploring the Argentine side of Iguazu falls. After being picked up at your hotel, you will be transferred into the subtropical jungle in the company of your Guide and Driver to view one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Iguassu Falls, formed by the spectacular fall of more than two hundred cascades. The falls are protected within the Iguassu National Park, an expanse of 67,500 hectares and which was created with the objective of conserving the splendid frame of the surrounding subtropical jungle. There is plenty of walking throughout the day as you explore the area as well as a chance to see the handmade products of the Maca Paraguayan ethnic tribe. Take the Jungle Ecological Train to Devil’s throat station and enjoy the 15-minute train ride going by the shore of the fabulous Iguazú River and discover the silent inhabitants such as the majestic yacarés. Disembarking the train, your Guide will accompany you on the footbridge of 3600 feet over the Iguazú River while they explain the bird diversity found in these parts such as condors and other wildlife as well as the Garganta del Diablo waterfall. Enjoy the wonderful views as you continue on your hike through the jungle passing other waterfalls. This is where the Mission movie was filmed. At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel.