Brazil Wildlife Adventure: the Amazon and Pantanal

Perched on the banks of the Rio Negro, the port city of Manaus was once the domain of marauding rubber barons. Today, it is the capital of the sprawling Amazonas and the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest.

Begin your wild adventure in the Anavilhanas Archipelago of the Brazilian Amazon, a refuge of diverse species such as river otter, giant armadillo, piranha, manatee, black caiman, pink river dolphin and spider monkey. Hike out to explore the mainland forest and learn the secrets of jungle survival. Return to the lodge, taking in a revealing new vantage of the river.

This morning, explore the river by wooden canoe, keeping your eyes peeled for pink river dolphin and other exotic denizens. Then visit one of the villages that remains in the reserve to experience daily life here firsthand. After nightfall, venture into the wilderness in search of nocturnal species.

Today, set out on a riverine safari of Rio Negro, an Amazon tributary, encountering new species as they hunt along the riverbanks.

Rise before the sun and head to the islands to watch a rainbow of colorful, exotic birds dart against the lush canopy and dawn-painted Amazon sky. Later, fly to Campo Grande and head to your hotel in the city center.

Resume your wild adventure as you transfer to your lodge secluded in the heart of the Pantanal, a vast wetland harboring giant river otters, caimans, capybaras and the elusive jaguar. Close your day with a cocktail, gazing out across the waters so filled with life.

Set out on a guided exploration of the Pantanal, scanning the canopy for life. Later, delve deeper into the wilderness on a 4x4 game drive. After nightfall, search for nocturnal species such as ocelot, anteater and jaguar.

Join Onçafari's Jaguar Conservation Team for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to monitor this critical species in the field. Learn the team's tricks of the trade as you home in on jaguar, checking camera traps and searching for tracks, getting a firsthand feel for this project supported by A&K Philanthropy. After nightfall, find a prime location to lie in wait as the nocturnal wetlands come alive and these elusive predators begin to stalk the Pantanal.

Comprising 275 cascades and straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls are taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide. Small wonder in 2011 they were declared one of the UNESCO New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. A choice of walking trails and footbridges allows travellers to get right up close to the thundering falls while observing the local flora and fauna, which includes toucans, monkeys, coatimundis and butterflies. After a flight from the Pantanal to Iguazu, head to your hotel located a short walk from the thundering cascades. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore as you like.

Discover the Argentine side of the falls by train, taking in spectacular views of the falls as well as the tropical flora and fauna. In the afternoon, proceed to a catwalk above the lush basin called the Devil's Gorge. Cap off your journey with an authentic regional dinner in a local home.