Culture + Conservation
Explore the spectacular ecosystems in Brazil while learning about the initiatives in place to preserve them. From tracking jaguars in the Pantanal to monitoring the maned wolf population in the savannah, these twelve days provide a unique look into the country's conservation efforts, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for and connection to the Brazilian environment.
At Travel Beyond, we believe your trip should be designed just for you, not for the masses. Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client, offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. The itinerary below was planned for a past client, but we’re sharing it for travel inspiration and as an example of what a trip to Brazil might look like. Let us know when we can design a trip just for you!
Welcome to Brazil! Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you will be met by your guide for your private road transfer to Comuna do Ibitipoca. Along the way, after about an hour and a half, you will stop in Petropolis for lunch and a tour of the city. Often referred to as the Imperial City, Petropolis was the residence of Brazil’s only two emperors– Pedro I and Pedro II. Tucked away in Serra dos Orgaos National Park, here you will visit the Imperial Museum and the Sao Pedro de Alcantara Cathedral.
You will then continue on to Comuna do Ibitipoca. Accommodations will be reserved for three nights, including all meals and guided walking tours within the property.
Opened in 1984, the property sits on over 12,000 acres of land that is in the process of being rewilded. This includes the regeneration of native Atlantic forest, flora, and fauna in an area that was previously degraded. Bordering Ibitipoca State Park, the commune’s ethos centers on providing visitors with the opportunity to convene with nature and immerse into their natural surroundings, so as to gain a deeper respect for the environment.
Comuna also has a strict no plastics policy and supports multiple conservation projects in the area, such as Projecto Asas to help rehabilitate and reintroduce birds that are illegally trafficked and the conservation project striving to protect the endemic Muriquis Monkeys.
Upon arrival, relax and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure!
Comuna do Ibitipoca Meals: Dinner
Enjoy two days exploring the property and surrounding areas. Take a guided tour of the complex, looking for birds while learning about the history of Comuna and its numerous conservation initiatives. Hop on a paddle board, set off to find a nearby waterfall, or spend an hour each morning in a yoga class. You can also, for an extra fee, organize a horseback or quad bike outing, which take you further afield. Comuna do Ibitipoca’s incredibly beautiful and diverse landscape is prime for exploration.
Comuna do Ibitipoca Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
This morning, you will board a chartered plane to the Rio De Janeiro Airport, where you will check in for your commercial flight to Brasilia. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to BHotel where you will stay for one night.
BHotel Meals: Breakfast
This morning, you will be met by a lodge representative for your private road transfer to Pousada Trijuncao, which takes approximately 5 hours. You will arrive in time for lunch and have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.
Your home for the next three nights, Pousada Trijuncao strives to promote the rediscovery and protection of Brazil’s savannahs. Often considered the most biodiverse in the world, the savannah is home to more than 13,000 plant and 251 mammal species. During your stay, you have the opportunity to explore this ecosystem, by both land and water, and hear about the ways in which the lodge and surrounding communities are working to conserve it.
Built with the environment in mind, all flooring is made from demolition wood and decoration done by local artisans. The planting of native flora allows for a more natural heating and cooling system, while also attracting local birds to the property. The property’s use of solar panels and LED lights also reduces energy consumption.
Pousada Trijuncao Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
These two days are yours to explore the savannah and the possibilities are endless.
Alongside an expert guide, set off in search of some of the more than 850 bird species, taking time to appreciate both their stunning beauty and peculiar behaviors. Climb into a kayak to paddle the tranquil lagoon or bike across the relatively flat landscape.
Pay a visit to the tortoise nursery or the conservationist breeding ground to see first-hand how the lodge works to sustain animal populations. National Park Grande Sertao Veredas is also nearby and the perfect place for a walk. Come evening, consider stargazing or hop in a boat in search of the dwarf caiman.
You can also spend a morning or afternoon accompanying the Associacao Oncafari as they monitor the region’s maned wolf population. Alongside researchers, you will track this critically endangered species and have the rare (if you’re lucky) opportunity to watch them in their natural habitat, all while learning about the measures taken to ensure their protection.
Whether you choose to watch a spectacular savannah sunset or follow the elusive maned wolf, Pousada Trijunção provides daily and shared guided experiences that immerse you in the beauty and vastness of the Cerrado.
Pousada Trijuncao Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
This morning, you will be transferred to a local airstrip for your chartered flight to the Brasilia Airport. From here, you will check in to your commercial flight to Campo Grande. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide for your road transfer to Caiman Ecological Refuge (approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes).
Situated in the heart of the Brazilian Pantanal, accommodations will be reserved for three nights. Arriving in time for dinner, you will then, if interested, head out on an evening drive. You will be looking for any of the region’s nocturnal animals and listening to the unique sounds of the rainforest at night.
Caiman Ecological Refuge Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Enjoy two days at leisure or partaking in some of the property’s activities, all of which are led by guides who are experts on the biome’s flora, fauna, and culture.
Alongside your “Caimaner,” you can go off-roading to find otherwise unseen plant and animal species or observe the daily life of the local inhabitants. Head out on a walk or in a canoe to gain a new perspective of, and feel fully immersed, in the Pantanal landscape. You might also take a bike or horseback ride or learn about the ways in which biologists are working to monitor the blue hyacinth macaw population. Regardless of excursion, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of and appreciation for this unique ecosystem.
On one of the days during your stay, you will participate in a full day Oncafari Experience. Established to promote environmental conservation and contribute to socio-economic development through ecotourism and scientific research, Associação Onçafari offers visitors an incredible jaguar encounter. You will spend the day with the Jaguar Habituation Team, following along with their routine activities, such as searching for tracks and other clues that may lead to the spotting of these magnificent big cats. You will also check previously set camera traps and download satellite date to monitor the jaguars’ previous locations. Using a special receiver, known as a VHF, you will search for particular jaguars and observe their behavior in the wild.
Caiman Ecological Refuge Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
This morning you will be board a chartered airplane to the Campo Grande Airport. Upon arrival you will check in for your commercial flight to Rio de Janeiro. From here you will connect to your international flights home.
N/A Meals: Breakfast
