In May, Travel Designer Yvette took ten travel professionals to Brazil for a 12-day study tour. During this inspiring exploration, they were introduced to some of the country’s most special places. “Brazil is a destination where at each new location you feel like another completely different vacation is beginning,” said Denise Fhijnbeen of TUI at Home. Astrid Goedhart of Travel Counsellors is also impressed: “In a short time we see a hugely diverse Brazil: from the lively and swinging Rio de Janeiro to the pristine Amazon. In one word: fantastic!”
“It’s a study trip with unique experiences. From snorkeling among hundreds of fish to horseback riding among caimans in the Pantanal,” says Addy van Tatenhove of TUI at Home. Renate of TravelXL VIOS describes the 12 days of adventure and discovery as, “What a ride!” Ellen van de Ven of The Travel Club adds, “Brazil was in one word: BRASILEIRÍSSIMA!” In this blog, Yvette looks back on the trip and takes you through the highlights of Brazil. Where the world can’t find you….
Rio de Janeiro
On an ITA Airways flight, we fly from Schiphol Airport via a short stopover in Rome to Rio de Janeiro. After our early arrival at the airport, we quickly get acquainted with the city’s most iconic sights. For example, we head to the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, where we travel by cable car to the top and enjoy impressive panoramic views of Copacabana, Guanabara Bay and the Statue of Christ, among others. We also discover the world-famous Corcovado, the Santa Teresa neighborhood with its charming streets and artistic atmosphere, and the lively Escadaria Selarón steps, where we get an authentic impression of local life.
In addition to the highlights of the city, we also get extensively acquainted with Brazilian culture. One of the most memorable experiences is the spectacular Roxy Dinner Show in Copacabana. During this atmospheric evening, we enjoy a sumptuous dinner and an impressive performance full of music, dance, colorful costumes and rhythms that uniquely bring Brazil’s diversity and energy to life. We will also dine in a traditional churrascaria, where we will be introduced to authentic Brazilian meat dishes.
Manaus + Amazon
In Manaus, we are introduced to a completely different side of Brazil. From this city, the gateway to the Amazon, we head deeper into the rainforest to the Juma Amazon Lodge. On the way we pass the famous Encontro das Águas, where the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimões converge to form the mighty Amazon. The lodge is the ideal base to explore the unique rainforest ecosystem. We also get an insight into the local culture and traditions of the region. The further we move into the Amazon, the quieter everything becomes. All around us: only water, jungle and unspoiled nature.
What makes this trip truly “Untamed” is the visit to the beautiful lodge in the Amazon. We travel there by flight, bus, boat, bus and boat again, and the entire journey there is an experience in itself. The Amazon is the “lungs of the earth” and is immense and pristine. What could be more “Untamed” than that? Says Astrid Goedhart of Travel Counsellors.
Campo Grande + Bonito
With a short stop in Campo Grande, we travel on to Bonito, where a totally different nature experience awaits us. This destination, one of Brazil’s most famous ecotourism regions, is known for its spectacular nature, crystal clear waters and extraordinary underwater world. Thanks to the limestone bedrock, the water is naturally filtered, creating exceptional transparency and the characteristic teal color of the rivers, lakes, waterfalls and caves. Several rivers converge in the region, including the Rio Formoso, Rio de Sucuri, Rio de Peixe and Rio da Prata. While snorkeling, we see numerous colorful tropical fish up close, swimming unhindered between us. Of course, a visit to Buraco das Araras, where we spot beautiful red and blue macaws, is not to be missed.
South Pantanal
Whereas Bonito is known for its crystal clear waters, the Southern Pantanal is mostly about wildlife and vast nature. This immense tropical wetland is among the largest nature reserves in South America and is known for its exceptional biodiversity. It offers us plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. During our explorations we spot capybaras, caimans, giant anteaters and a wide variety of bird species, among others, while enjoying the tranquility and beauty of this unique landscape.
“What makes this trip truly Untamed for me is our stay in a place in the Pantanal that is about a six-hour drive from the nearest town,” said Astrid Wemmenhove of TUI at Home. “Where the world can’t find you is quite literally the case here,” she said. adds Meghan Remmen-Muller of OMNI Travel.
São Paulo
We conclude the trip with a final night in São Paulo, where we review the highlights of the trip together over caipirinhas. From the iconic highlights of Rio de Janeiro to the pristine nature of Bonito and the impressive wildlife of the Pantanal, each destination introduces us to a different side of Brazil. From São Paulo, we will fly back to Amsterdam on ITA Airways, via a stopover in Rome.
“What surprises me perhaps the most is how pristine many areas still are. Days spent surrounded by nature, wildlife and vast landscapes, without crowds or mass tourism. Spotting wildlife, sleeping in the middle of the Pantanal and boating through the Amazon gave me the feeling of discovering a piece of the real Brazil. Some moments are hard to capture in photographs. The sound of the jungle, seeing wildlife in their natural habitat or the experience of snorkeling among hundreds of fish: these are moments that you have to experience above all. Exactly that pure nature experience makes this trip for me truly Untamed,” said Ludy de Vries of Personal Touch Travel.
Travel Proposal
We are happy to help you put together your dream trip to Brazil. Based on your requirements, our travel designer will create a customized trip for you, fully tailored to your preferences for accommodations, trip duration and unique experiences. Please contact us without any obligation. We are happy to advise you!
Curious about the atmospheric images from the trip? Check out the aftermovie on our socials here!
