Brazil with alumni UBC

We’ve designed this tour to provide the essential experience of the most interesting central and southern Brazilian ecosystems. We begin in Rio de Janeiro beside Copacabana Beach and venture outside the city to the Silva Jardim region to observe endemic Golden Lion Tamarins in their home Atlantic Forest. A highlight here is the opportunity to learn from conservationists who have been instrumental in the recovery of these delightful primates.

Moving inland to the west, we use Camp Grande as a jumping off point to areas of interest at the intersection of the savannahs of the cerrado and the wetlands of the South Pantanal. Macaw’s Sinkhole is simply breathtaking, as colourful macaws noisily congregate within and around this geological marvel. Similarly impressive is Blue Lake Cave, where Pleistocene-Period rocks surround a subterranean lake. For a change of pace, you have the option of snorkelling within or taking a boat ride on the crystalline Rio Sucuri.

At the heart of our tour is the Pantanal, the world’s largest freshwater wetland complex and home to what may be the greatest concentration of conspicuous wildlife on the continent. We visit both the northern and southern Pantanal, each day taking drives, walks, or boat rides with the hopes of seeing iconic mammals, including Giant Otters, Giant Anteaters, and perhaps Jaguars.

To augment the experiences on this tour, we are offering a post-trip extension to the fabulous Iguazú Falls, where more great discoveries await. Mark your calendars to join us in 2025 for what promises to be an experience of a lifetime!