How to do it

When to go

Salvador is subtropical, Brasilia always sultry and Rio warm enough year-round to swim and surf; winter is drier than summer, and the mean temperature is only five degrees cooler. In the Pantanal, the dry season (May to November) is best for birding but from June to August you can access the flooded channels by canoe. Rio, Salvador and Olinda are known for their carnival celebrations, so if you visit around that time you will have to book well in advance.

For Fernando de Noronha, August through to January is hot and dry. February to July is the rainy season.

What to book Humboldt Travel (01603 340680, humboldt travel.co.uk) offers a two-week holiday to Brazil from a “blow the budget” £6,120pp, excluding international flights; expect to pay £2,000 each for flights. The trip begins with three nights in Rio at the Copacabana Palace, with tours of the city, before flying to the Pantanal for three nights of jaguar spotting at the Caiman Lodge. Spend a night in Brasilia before heading to Salvador da Bahia, for two nights at the Fasano. Head further north to Porto de Galinhas for a few days on the beach at Nannai Resort & Spa before finishing your trip on the island of Fernando de Noronha at the Pousada Maravilha and explore the best beach in the world at Baia do Sancho.

For a cost-effective option, Journey Latin America (020 8747 8315; journeylatinamerica. com) offers a 15-day holiday to Brazil – on a similar route to ours – from £4,923pp, including flights from the UK, transfers and excursions. It takes in Rio, the Pantanal, Salvador, Recife, Olinda and Fernando de Noronha, staying in quality mid-range B&B accommodation, except when in the Pantanal.