ITINERARY & DEPARTURE DATES
Weeks 1-4/8 - Project Phase
Weeks 4/8-8/14 - Explorer Expedition
Our next departure dates for this project and explorer are;
2nd May 2008
2nd June 2008
1st May 2009
1st June 2009
Weeks 1 - 4/8 - Project Phase
See 'Expedition Life' for an example of a typical day.
Weeks 4/8-14 - Explorer Expedition
Our Brazil Explorer is a fantastic opportunity to experience the unique hidden highlights this intriguing country has to offer. A land of cultural and geographical diversity, of captivating cities and stunning wildlife, of adrenaline sports and welcoming people, you'll feel it all! You'll take a 4 day surf course, go wildlife spotting, visit the mighty Iguazu Falls, trek the rolling dunes and crystal lakes of the north-east coast, go river tubing, hang glide over Rio de Janeiro and then dance in its hottest nightspots. There really is something for everyone!
Phase One - Manaus to Sao Luis:
You'll leave the peaceful confines of ABRA and head to the city of Manaus - the commercial hub and centre of the Amazon. You'll take a boat to 'The meeting of the waters', where you'll see the 'black' water of the Rio Negro and mix with the 'white' water of the Solimoes and have a chance to shop at local markets selling a mix of weird and wonderful jungle plants and potions. You'll then take a flight to the colonial city of Sao Luis - the reggae capital of Brazil.
Phase Two - North-east adventure - Lencois Maranheses and Jericoacoara:
One of the most stunning places on earth, the National Park of Lencois Maranheses resembles a desert with a difference. Its dunes reach up to 40 metres high and are interspersed with beautiful green and blue lagoons ideal for swimming, herds of goats and donkeys wander its green plains and tiny communities of fisherman live in harmony with their surroundings. We will explore this inspiring landscape, staying with the local people in basic but welcoming surroundings. Staying with local communities helps to provide a valuable income to the people of the National Park. You'll also have a chance to go river tubing - travelling in big inflatable tubes down the river! We will then take a bus journey and a 4x4 ride along the beaches to the remote paradise of Jericoacoara. An Environmental Protection Area, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with sand dunes and beaches, rolling green hills and a laid back atmosphere. The village has become popular with travellers making for a low key but friendly party scene.
Phase Three - The city of Salvador and Itacare, The Surfers' Paradise:
We arrive into exotic and tropical Salvador de Bahia, the Afro-Caribbean centre and former capital of colonial Brazil. You'll enjoy a few days of city life before heading down the coast, but it won't all be soaking up the sun because it's time to tackle those Atlantic waves! The sleepy town of Itacare is becoming a prime surfers destination as it has beaches and surf to appeal to all levels of skill and experience. If you are a complete beginner, this 4 day course will give you the confidence and the knowledge to get on your feet and enjoy the rush. If you already have some experience, make the full use of our instructors to improve your technique or just enjoy the waves at your leisure. Lessons will take up all of the morning, leaving the afternoons free to enjoy the beach, discover the nearby coastal forests or explore the boutiques and cafes that make up this curious little town.
Phase Four - Chapada Diamantina:
Time to head for the hills and to one of Brazil's most treasured national parks - The Chapada Diamantina. A 4 day trek along ridges and into valleys, this route takes us past some of the most impressive waterfalls of the region, including the mighty 'Fumaca' or 'Smoke', the second highest in all of Latin America.
Phase Five - The Pantanal:
The largest inland wetland on earth, the Pantanal, with its wide-open spaces, is the place to see wildlife in Latin America. This vast wetlands is home to around 650 species of bird, 50 reptile and 80 mammal species, including the elusive jaguar, howler and capuchin monkeys, capybara, sloth, giant and collared anteaters, iguanas, tapir and literally millions of caiman. We'll take night safaris, go on early morning nature walks, go horse riding and reach the outer limits of this unique ecosystem in 4x4s and motorised canoe. If you like to see animals in their natural environment, the Pantanal - with the greatest concentration of fauna in the New World - should not be missed.
Phase Six - Iguazzu Falls
We'll take a flight to the unforgettable Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. On the Brazilian side of the falls you'll be struck by the mighty splendour of 'the devil's throat'. Crossing the border to Argentina you'll ride the river under the base of the falls and feel the scale of its awesome power.
Phase Seven - Rio de Janeiro:
You’ll finish the Expedition on a high note in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. The climax of your journey is a tandem hang gliding flight from Pedra Bonita and the views over Rio's coastline will simply take your breath away! This is where your expedition ends with a farewell party leaving you in Rio where you can take your flight home or use it as a gateway to explore the rest of Latin America.