AITO: The Association of Independent Tour Operators

Brazil by Llama Travel

Rio de Janeiro

The base holiday of the Llama Travel’s brand new holiday combines some of the best-known sights of Brazil. Begin in Rio, where you can unwind in the sun with the locals on Copacabana beach, before visiting the iconic landmarks of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. The Iguaçu Falls are possibly the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, stretching through sub-tropical jungle. Witness their full splendour from both the Brazilian and Argentinian national parks, before heading north to Salvador, where the indigenous people, African slaves and Portuguese settlers have left a unique cultural and religious heritage. In the historic centre, colonial houses and churches are painted with

The base holiday of the Llama Travel’s brand new holiday combines some of the best-known sights of Brazil. Begin in Rio, where you can unwind in the sun with the locals on Copacabana beach, before visiting the iconic landmarks of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. The Iguaçu Falls are possibly the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, stretching through sub-tropical jungle. Witness their full splendour from both the Brazilian and Argentinian national parks, before heading north to Salvador, where the indigenous people, African slaves and Portuguese settlers have left a unique cultural and religious heritage. In the historic centre, colonial houses and churches are painted with a palate of pastel shades, and tantalizing scents of local cuisine flow through the cobbled streets. The stunning Bahian coastline is a short drive from Salvador, and the sandy, sweeping beaches promise a tranquil end to your holiday.

It is also possible extend your holiday to the Amazon Rainforest, one of the world’s great ecosystems, whose majority of lush tropical jungle falls within Brazil’s borders. At its heart is the Amazon river system, an elaborate tangle of waterways which contains a third of the world’s fresh running water. On this holiday, you experience the power of nature and marvel at the magnitude of the forest, which covers around 40% of the whole South American continent. The city of Manaus prospered after the discovery of rubber in the 19th century, and is now a major access point into the rainforest. The renowned opera house and colonial mansions make a fascinating contrast to the jungle. Llama Travel offers three jungle options. The Amazon Ecopark allows you to get a jungle experience staying in a comfortable hotel easily accessible from Manaus. The Juma Lodge and Anavilhanas Lodge are more remote, offering a more authentic jungle experience. In all options, you follow jungle trails, take canoe rides and search for wildlife, although animals can be difficult to see.

If you want to see wildlife, then our Pantanal extension may be for you, as the abundance and diversity of wildlife in the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland, is truly astonishing. Here you will almost certainly see toucans gliding through the air, hear the bellowing groan of howler monkeys at daybreak, and confront the unflinching eyes of sinister caimans. For nature lovers this is one of the best destinations in the world. This delicately balanced ecosystem is best visited from May to October, in the drier season, when it is possible to explore more of the area by road and by boat. Due to flight times, this tour includes a night in Cuiabá before you transfer to your Pantanal lodge. This lets you have 3 full days in the Pantanal, maximising your time there.

You can also upgrade your holiday to include a trip to paradisiacal island retreat of Fernando de Noronha. With its turquoise waters, abundant marine life and stunning tropical landscapes, this island is one of the most beautiful places in the world. If you are attracted by the idea of seclusion and tranquility, pristine beaches and world-class snorkelling and diving, then instead of finishing your holiday with a visit to Praia do Forte, end your stay in Brazil on the remote and truly beautiful island paradise of Fernando de Noronha. Part of an archipelago lying 215 miles off the northeast coast of Brazil, Fernando de Noronha enjoys several outstanding attractions. Its location offers immersion in nature and a sense of detachment from the outside world. The wildlife above and below water is a particular draw. There are endemic bird and reptile species, and the island is an important feeding ground for sea turtles and dolphins.