2020 GeoEx Catalog

Best of Brazil TOURING · DAY HIKING · WATER AND BEACH | 12 DAYS · CUSTOM

B razil is one of the largest countries in the world. For GeoEx, this means that no two trips look alike. Nature and wildlife lovers gravitate toward the labyrinthine waterways of the Pantanal, the world’s biggest tropical wetland and home to jaguars as well as a multitude of other creatures, including hyacinth macaws, capybaras, giant river otters and anteaters, capuchin monkeys, caimans, and green anacondas. And Iguassu—where 275 waterfalls were shaped by 120 million years of geological history—makes a splash among UNESCO World Heritage wonders. But the scenic Costa Verde, a riot of greenery with a panoply of bird species in one of the world’s only tropical fjords, is far less visited. For a taste of town nearby, we kick back in the motorcarless, cobblestone-streeted city of Paraty (“straight out of a movie set,” says Jennine Cohen, our chief Brazil enthusiast). For the more cosmopolitan side of Brazil, it’s hard to beat Rio de Janeiro, one of the earth’s most energized hotspots, mellifluously situated and sexy beyond measure. We’re fond of wandering the hip cafés, bistros, and galleries in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, cruising the city’s offshore islands, and biking the beach to Sugarloaf Moun- tain for unparalleled views. The cultural flair can be turned up by adding Salvador de Bahia, the most African city in the Western Hemisphere, flooded with profound history and folklore, including capoeira and candomblé (we find music on just about every corner). The whole country offers stellar hiking, snorkeling, sailing, and swimming, which, if we’re feeling peppy, we can weave into our natural and cultural explorations, experiencing the best of this beautiful, bounteous, buxom country.

Brazil Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

offered year-round from $9565

Day 1  arrive in São Paulo, fly to Iguassu and view falls from Brazil, cooking class ✦  2  Iguassu Falls from Argentina ✦  3  fly to the Pantanal ✦  4 & 5  jaguar and wildlife tracking ✦  6  fly to Rio de Janeiro ✦  7 & 8  Rio exploring, biking, and hiking for city views ✦  9  drive to Paraty ✦  10  islands and beaches by snorkel schooner ✦  11  Paraty historic center, waterfall hike, cachaça tasting ✦  12  drive to São Paulo, depart.

jennifer lee

BELOW  Rio de Janeiro. Darwin said it “so completely surpasses in magnificence all that the European has ever beheld in his country, that he knows not how to express his feelings.”

BRAZILPHOTOS / ALAMY