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Which airport should I fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into and out of São Paulo (GRU).
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
The plan is to meet at around 5 pm on Day 1 of the adventure, so please book a flight that arrives before 3 pm if you can.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Are tips included?
Tips are not included in this adventure. Your Pack Leader can advise on suitable amounts to tip local activity guides or services where appropriate, and we will provide a suggested tipping budget closer to your departure date. Please note that all tipping is optional and will depend on what you feel comfortable with.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
Approximately 50 USD per day for extra meals and drinks.
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Am I guaranteed to spot wildlife in the Pantanal?
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed but the rivers, lakes and grasslands of the Pantanal are the best places to spot wild animals in the Americas. Thanks to its seasonally flooded open habitat, capybara, anaconda, peccary, giant otter, meter-long macaws and ocelots are common sights. At times, the number of water birds, raptors and parrots can be mind-boggling. Although jaguars are found in the Pantanal, they don’t live in the area that you’ll be visiting.
In the rainy season (October to March) rivers break their banks and flood the surrounding lowlands, creating a beautiful patchwork of shallow lakes, marshes, grasslands and forests. In the dry season (April to September) wildlife clusters around water holes, making it easier to spot.
While you are sure to have an incredible experience whatever time of year you visit, it’s best to avoid travelling with a checklist.
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Will I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
3. Government travel advice
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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Will I have the same Pack Leader for the whole trip?
During this adventure, you will have three dedicated Pack Leaders, one for each state you visit. This is because laws and regulations in Brazil mean that guides cannot work in different states unless they have a specific license to do so (it’s very rare to find someone with a license to cover all the locations in this itinerary).
The first Pack Leader will guide you in São Paulo (Days 1-2 and Days 10-11), the second will take over in the Pantanal (Days 2-5), and the third will join you in Rio and Paraty (Days 5-10). On day 10, your São Paulo Pack Leader will accompany you from Paraty to São Paulo for the final part of your trip.
Each Pack Leader will be able to offer incredible expert knowledge and guidance specific to their local area, and rest assured that you’ll be well looked after at all times, from the moment you land in one location until you depart to your next location.
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Will the itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.
Your experience in the Pantanal wetlands will be different according to the season. During the rainy season (October to March) much of the area will be flooded and land safaris may be replaced with boat rides.
