Brazil  1st - 16th November 2010		For a printable pdf version of itinerary click here
Brazil is an emerging agricultural superpower, as a number of recent TV and radio programmes have highlighted. The country is hugely productive in areas such as beef, soya and maize, dairy and tropical fruits. Here you can find some of the most dynamic and cutting-edge agriculture on the planet. Our tour will take you through several farming areas of major importance, visiting top quality farms along the way. Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, speading across almost half of the continent. Very few tourist destinations are able to offer such varied attractions as Brazil. Its natural beauty, the enormous popular festivities and the countless protected environmental reserves are priceless assets. This unique trip features the Pantanal, the largest wetland ecosystem in the world. Its unique flora and fauna are a highlight of the tour. Also not to be missed are the majestic Iguazu  Falls, and enchanting Rio de Janeiro, with the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.
The Itinerary
Monday 1st November    London - Sao Paulo Flight departure from London Heathrow to Brazil. Tuesday 2nd November    Sao Paulo - Foz do Igaucu On arrival at São Paulo airport, meet with our Brazilian tour coordinator and take a connecting flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Transfer to the hotel for some time at leisure in the afternoon. This evening there will be a general overview of Brazilian agriculture Overnight: Foz de Iguaçu  Wednesday 3rd November    Foz do Iguazu They say that Argentina owns the Igauçu Falls but Brazil owns the view. So today will be spent visiting the falls from the Brazilian side. Enter the National Park and after viewing the displays on the history and profile of the park, drive to Macuco Safari park for an optional drive by jeep through the native forest and then an exciting jet boat ride up the river to view the falls close up. Drive to a drop-off point for a casual walk to the head of the falls where lunch can be taken at leisure. Drive out of the main park to the Bird Park, for a relaxed walk amidst varied Brazilian birdlife and other wildlife. Optional helicopter flights over the falls are available plus a stop at one of the best artisan shops for gifts and souvenirs. Back to the hotel to freshen up before a night’s entertainment and dinner at an excellent local venue. Overnight: Foz de Iguaçu (B,D) Thursday 4th November    Foz do Iguacu - Guiara Depart after breakfast, heading north in the state of Parana to visit an interesting dairy farm that utilizes a variety of forages and generates its own biodiesel from by-products. Parana state is an important state for agriculture in Brazil, with all year round growing conditions, with a great diversity of agriculture including cereals, fruit, coffee, pigs, poultry, dairy and beef. Lunch will be included locally, afterwards visit a typical large-scale cropping farm with corn, soybeans and cattle. At this time of year the crops will have been recently planted. Drive north-west through some very pretty and diverse country, which has been settled mainly by Italians, to the border of the states of Parana and Mato Grosso do Sul together with the country of Paraguay.  Overnight: Guiara (B,L) Friday 5th November    Guiara - Dourados A fairly long travelling day today, as the tour takes us into the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, which is mainly known for its beef cattle and soybeans but is becoming increasingly diversified with sheep and sugar cane and other crops. The primary visit today will be a visit to well-known farm of around 19,000 ha which runs 25,000 head of cattle with both Nelore and Braford breeds. The farm maximizes the use of pasture and strategic fattening with a feedlot in the dry season. Nelore beef cattle originated from the Bos indicus cattle orginally brought to Brazil from India. The Nelore has a distinct large hump over the top of the shoulder and neck. They have long legs which help them to walk in water and when grazing. The Nelore can adapt to all except very cold climates. They are very resistant to high temperatures and have natural resistance to various parasites and diseases. Brazil is the largest breeder of Nelore. Overnight: Dourados (B,L,D) Saturday 6th November    Dourados-Bonito Depart this morning westwards through some diverse country to visit a mixed cattle and cropping farm that integrates cattle with cropping to maximize total farm productivity. Continue west through principally cattle country to the small town of Bonito. Bonito has become an important location for adventure sports and eco-tourism. It was only really discovered just over a decade ago and is a relaxed destination that very few know about.  There will be time in the evening after checking into the pleasant lodge to lounge by the pool, take a drink at the bar and relax after the long journeys of the preceding days. Overnight : Bonito (B,D) Sunday 7th November    Bonito After a leisurely breakfast, head to one of the vivid clear rivers to snorkel down the river amidst the colourful fish that inhabit the rivers in this region. This is quite an experience and can be tailored for the more or less adventurous, or the more or less able swimmers. Lunch will be included after this excursion. In the afternoon, visit some of the incredible limestone caves that have been discovered and include some beautiful blue lakes. There should be some time at the end of the day to peruse the small shops within the town of Bonito that are full of interesting artifacts. Overnight: Bonito (B,L,D)  Monday 8th November    Bonito - Miranda After breakfast and check-out, drive to a farm with sheep that provides a good example of sheep production in this state. Continue north through some interesting but extensive cattle country to the Pantanal. The Pantanal is one of the best-preserved ecosystems on the planet, with its savannah lowlands, and seasonal wetlands with rich forested areas. The annual rains and flooding cause constant variations of habitat for the abundant wildlife, providing a fascinating natural pageant. There are 650 species of birds, 240 species of fish, 50 species of reptiles, 80 species of mammals providing an ever-changing natural backdrop from sunrise to sunset. After lunch, drive to Fazenda São Francisco, a commercial farm which is one of the largest irrigated rice producers with soybeans and cattle. It also provides a fascinating wildlife refuge for a wide range of birds and animals, located on the edge of the Pantanal and Rio Miranda. After a tour of the farm, there will be a small cruise on the river bordering the farm for drinks. This will be followed by dinner back at the lodge and then the highlight of the evening will be a night-drive to view the animals on the farm. This farm offers the best chance of seeing jaguar, anteaters, deer and other animals normally difficult to see in the wild. Late check-in to a simple hotel in the small town of Miranda. Overnight: Miranda (B,L,D) Tuesday 9th November    Miranda-Aquidana After breakfast, drive west for a couple of hours towards Aquidana, and then off on a dirt road to a 9,000 ha farm which raises cross-bred Brangus cattle. The farm focuses on good quality meat and sells a percentage of its production to one of the best restaurants in São Paulo. After the visit, drive back into the Pantanal for an afternoon and overnight stay at a rural lodge in the Pantanal. There will be time in the afternoon for relaxation by the pool or venture on an excursion to spot wildlife and flora in the Pantanal. Overnight: Aquidana (B,L,D) Wednesday 10th November   Aquidana - Sao Jose do Rio Preto - Araraquara After breakfast and check-out, drive east to Campo Grande, the capital city of Mato Grosso do Sul. Take a flight soon after midday to São Jose do Rio Preto in the state of São Paulo. The state of São Paulo is the most important state economically in Brazil and also very important for agriculture, being the largest producer of sugar cane and citrus and a major producer of fruit and vegetables. Make the most of the late afternoon light to drive south through sugar cane, citrus and tropical fruit country to the small  town of Araraquara. Overnight at a pleasant rural lodge on an old converted coffee farm. There will be time for some drinks with some young locals involved in agribusiness in the region, followed by an excellent dinner. Overnight : Araraquara (B,D) Thursday 11th November  Araraquara - Campinas  Depart after breakfast for the first agricultural visit of the day, a top-quality stud cattle property, to see an example of very high value genetics and understand a little of the importance of stud genetics in Brazil. Drive south to visit the state livestock and pasture research institute where it will be possible to see some interesting work in livestock and genetics. Last visit of the day will be to a citrus farm to get an idea of the scale of citrus production in Brazil and to see where much of the juice that is consumed in the UK actually comes from. Later this afternoon arrive in Campinas, which is the second largest city in the state of São Paulo and the centre for many multinational companies. Free night tonight to have a drink or meal independently at one of the many good bars and restaurants in this lively town. Overnight: Campinas (B) Friday 12th November     Campinas For those prepared to get up early, there is the chance to make a visit to Holambra flower market, which is the centre for the flower trade in Brazil and which uses an innovative electronic auction system. This will be followed by a visit to a local flower farm. Holambra was settled by Dutch immigrants and has developed into an efficient and well-diversified cooperative for the production of flowers, vegetables, cereals and pigs. Visit the memorial to the Dutch immigrants before taking lunch at a restaurant in the town of Holambra. This afternoon, visit a sugar cane farm and distillery to see the production of sugar cane and the process of converting cane into ethanol, which has become the main fuel for vehicles in Brazil as a substitute for gasoline. Brazil continues to lead in the development of the biofuel sector. As an alternative to this visit, there will be the opportunity to visit some sites and shops in Campinas including an excellent store selling unique Brazilian Indian crafts. In the evening, the group will enjoy a special Churrasco (BBQ), with a selection of choice meats, at a private local home with guests who can talk to them informally about living and doing business in Brazil. Rica. Overnight: Campinas (B,L,D) Saturday 13th November   Campinas - Rio de Janeiro Depart after breakfast for a visit to the largest coffee farm in the region which provides a good demonstration of the history and importance of coffee production in Brazil. It also provides some insights into the history of the Japanese immigrants in Brazil who have played a significant role in the country’s development. After a fine lunch provided on the farm, the group will transfer to the airport for the flight departure to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival in Rio, transfer to the hotel on Copacabana Beach for check-in. This evening will be free to sample the unique atmosphere in Rio and maybe sample some Caiparinhas, the local cocktail made of sugar cane rum. Copacabana is a fascinating location, not just for tourists but for the locals as well, with the enormous beach providing a centre for many activities including football and volleyball and a venue for some excellent bars and restaurants. Overnight: Rio de Janeiro (B,L) Sunday 14th November   Rio de Janeiro Depart after breakfast for a morning sightseeing tour including the Corcovado Mountain & Statue of Christ, Sugar Loaf Mountain, etc. Rio de Janeiro is a fascinating city full of contrasts and spectacular views, with colourful people and backdrops. The tour will also include other highlights of the city and an overview of the beaches which provide such an important focus to the way of life.  This afternoon is free for individual activities and relaxation. Optional dinner excursion tonight to a noted seafood (or other) restaurant. Overnight: Rio de Janeiro (B) Monday 15th November   Rio de Janeiro - London Breakfast in the hotel. The rest of the day is available for individual relaxation, shopping or optional, such as visiting the old city of Petropolis.  Evening transfer to the airport for the return flight back to the U.K.  (B) Tuesday 16th November    Arrival back at London Heathrow Airport later today End of tour   Main Tour cost Price per person Twin/ Double £3,750.00 Single supplement £525.00 Cost Includes International & internal flights and taxes 13 nights' hotel accommodation (moderate to first class standard) Breakfast daily, 7 lunches & 8 dinners as indicated by B,L,D . (soft drinks/water included with meals) Gratuities for included meals Private modern touring vehicles for transportation throughout All farm and technical visits Guided tours, local sightseeing and admissions as indicated on the itinerary Services of English-speaking tour guide throughout Services of STITA tour manager. Not Included: Airport departure taxes Travel & medical Insurance Items of personal expenditure (eg. bar bills, hotel telephone, personal laundry, room service) Tips to drivers and guides. Porterage service Optional tours and excursions Beverages outside included meals, and alcoholic beverages Meals other than those indicated in the itinerary How to Book To make a booking, please call us on 01242 515 712 or click on our Booking Details.