Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden - Brazil Conservation and Wildlife Expedition

PRELIMINARY ITINERARY

Depart the US on Overnight Flights

SUGGESTED FLIGHTS ON AMERICAN AIRLINES

Overnight: In flight

Sept 5 OPTIONAL EARLY ARRIVAL NIGHT FOR REST & RECOVERY with transfer from the airport, guaranteed early check-in upon arrival, and breakfast included.

$398 per person in a double room

$686 single rate

Arrival in São Paulo

SUGGESTED FLIGHTS ON AMERICAN AIRLINES ARRIVE BETWEEN 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Our program begins. We are met at the airport and transferred into the heart of the city, where we pick up any guests who arrived yesterday.

Begin exploring São Paolo, one of South America’s most dynamic urban centers—an energetic mix of modern architecture, green spaces, and vibrant cultural districts.

After lunch, we settle into our hotel, with check-in available at 3 p.m.

Tonight, we gather for a welcome dinner at a neighborhood restaurant, a relaxed first evening together and an introduction to Brazil’s diverse culinary traditions.

São Paulo - Fly to Campo Grande

The morning is free to relax or enjoy the hotel’s amenities.

12:00 p.m.: Check out of the hotel and depart to São Paulo domestic airport for our scheduled flight to Campo Grande.

Upon arrival, we settle into our hotel.

Enjoy dinner at Vermelho Grill, known for regional flavors and excellent Brazilian barbecue.

ICAS Giant Anteater Project

Today is devoted to our first conservation field experience. We meet with ICAS (Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres), learning about their pioneering Giant Anteater conservation initiatives. Our visit provides rare insights into the ecology, threats, and protection strategies of this charismatic species.

Lunch is at a local restaurant.

This evening, we enjoy a traditional Brazilian ranch-style dinner at Fazenda Churrascada.

Campo Grande to Baía das Pedras (Pantanal)

This morning, we board our privately chartered aircraft for our flight deep into the Pantanal wetlands. As we fly over sprawling floodplains, marshes, and gallery forests, the scale of this UNESCO World Heritage Site comes into view.

We arrive at Baía das Pedras, a family-run lodge renowned for its wildlife, hospitality, and commitment to conservation.

After settling in, we begin exploring the surrounding wetlands — home to giant anteaters, armadillos, tapirs, capybaras, caimans, and an astonishing abundance of birdlife.

ICAS Armadillo Initiatives

We spend the day on interpretive excursions in the Pantanal, focusing on ICAS’s Armadillo conservation projects. The region hosts several armadillo species, including the elusive giant armadillo. Learn about camera-trap networks, ecological monitoring, and the conservation strategies underway.

Between activities, we enjoy the tranquility of the lodge and its wildlife-viewing opportunities right from the verandas.

ICAS Tapir Initiatives

Today’s field experiences highlight tapir conservation. Often called “gardeners of the forest,” tapirs play an essential role in seed dispersal and habitat health. Through guided excursions, we gain firsthand understanding of their behavior, habitat needs, and the research supporting their long-term survival.

Evening wildlife drives may introduce us to nocturnal species beneath the sweeping Pantanal sky.

Baía das Pedras to Porto Jofre

After breakfast, we say farewell to our hosts at Baía das Pedras and board our privately chartered aircraft for our flight to Porto Jofre — one of the premier places in the world for spotting wild jaguars.

Upon arrival, we check in to our lodge and settle in for the next stage of our wildlife exploration.

Jaguar Safari by Boat

We spend the full day navigating the Cuiabá River and its tributaries, scanning the banks for Brazil’s most powerful feline: the jaguar. Local naturalists help interpret behavior, territory, and research insights, while the waterways offer frequent sightings of giant river otters, capybaras, caimans, and spectacular birdlife.

Jaguar Safari by Boat

Another full day on the river enhances our chances of remarkable jaguar encounters. Each outing reveals new perspectives on the Pantanal’s riverine ecosystem, where predator and prey coexist in dynamic balance.

Porto Jofre to Rio de Janeiro

After breakfast and checkout, we begin our overland journey north to Cuiabá, traveling along the scenic Transpantaneira road. This route offers some final opportunities to spot marsh deer, caimans, capybaras, and vibrant birdlife as we transition from the heart of the Pantanal back toward the cerrado landscape.

We enjoy a relaxed lunch at a pousada, overlooking wetlands. This is a chance to reflect on the past days of wildlife encounters, and enjoy one last taste of Pantanal hospitality.

After lunch, we continue our drive to Cuiabá Airport, for our early-evening flight to Rio de Janeiro. Depart Cuiabá to São Paolo and connect to Rio de Janeiro, arriving late at night.

Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel near Copacabana and Leme Beaches.

Rio de Janeiro - Tijuca Forest & Corcovado

After a leisurely breakfast, we head out to explore Rio, starting with a guided exploration of Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban forest, learning about its flora, wildlife, and significance in Rio’s ecological restoration.

Lunch features regional cuisine paired with panoramic views.

In the afternoon, we ascend Corcovado by cog railway to the base of Christ the Redeemer, taking in some of the most breathtaking views in the Western Hemisphere.

Dinner tonight is on our own.

Golden Lion Tamarin Project & Farewell Dinner

We spend today with the Golden Lion Tamarin Association, learning how decades of conservation work have restored this species from near extinction. Walking through forest corridors and restored habitat, we see the remarkable impact of these efforts.

Tonight, gather for a festive farewell dinner at the famous Vinicius Bar in Ipanema.

RIO DE JANEIRO / LATE EVENING DEPARTURES

Rooms are kept for late check out

After breakfast, we set out for a full-day exploration of Rio de Janeiro, discovering the city’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks.

Our morning begins with a visit to Rio’s Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis created more than 200 years ago. Here we walk shaded paths lined with imperial palms, orchids, bromeliads, and towering stands of Atlantic Forest vegetation. The garden is home to toucans, marmosets, and an extraordinary collection of plant species representing Brazil’s diverse ecosystems.

From here, we continue to Sugarloaf Mountain, ascending by cable car to enjoy one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the world. From the summit, Rio unfolds in a spectacular 360° view, with Guanabara Bay in the foreground, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema curving along the coastline, and the granite peaks of Tijuca Forest rising inland.

Lunch is included in a local restaurant.

Enjoy some time at leisure this afternoon to stroll the beach or relax before the journey home.

7:00 p.m.: Transfer to Galeão International Airport (GIG) for flights back to the United States.