(Posted 23rd September 2025)
Timbuktu, named the #1 tour operator by Travel + Leisure, is delighted to announce the launch of Brazil on its innovative travel platform. From July 2026, travellers will be able to build and personalise itineraries across Brazil’s vast and varied landscapes, combining a seamless digital experience with support from a dedicated team of expert travel specialists.
A country of striking contrasts and extraordinary richness, Brazil offers a depth of experience that few destinations can match. From the wildlife-filled wetlands of the Pantanal to the historic UNESCO-listed heart of Salvador and the picture-perfect coastline of Costa Verde, Timbuktu’s carefully curated routes and accommodations have been designed to highlight the country’s breadth without sacrificing quality or authenticity.
“We’ve long admired Brazil for its boldness and beauty, but what drew us in were the layers: biodiversity, incredible heritage, and the opportunity for meaningful journeys that go beyond the familiar,” said Johnny Prince, Co-founder & CEO of Timbuktu. “Our goal was to build an offering that strips away the overwhelm, while giving travellers the freedom to go deep, whether that means floating down Amazonian tributaries, exploring the vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture, or escaping to a far-flung protected island with nothing but a bottle of sunscreen.”
Timbuktu’s new Brazil portfolio features a handpicked collection of boutique hotels, expedition lodges, and local experiences that speak to its signature emphasis on design-led stays and rare access. The team has deliberately focussed on quality over scale, prioritising smaller, character-driven properties and remote locales that capture Brazil’s essence beyond the traditional tourist spots.
Featured itineraries include:
- A Brazilian Classic: Journey from the lush, wildlife-rich Amazon to the iconic energy of Rio de Janeiro, before unwinding on the sun-soaked beaches of Trancoso. Explore the rainforest on guided walks and boating safaris, stand beside Christ the Redeemer, and stroll through Rio’s vibrant neighbourhoods. Finish with a relaxing coastal escape in Trancoso, where colonial charm meets endless ocean views.
- The Culture of Brazil’s Coast: Get immersed in the rhythms, flavours, and heritage of Brazil’s coastline. From Rio’s famous beaches and buzzing streets to Salvador de Bahia’s samba-filled historic centre, then onward to the dramatic landscapes of Chapada Diamantina and the laid-back charm of Trancoso, this itinerary is a masterclass in cultural and natural contrasts.
- Brilliant Brazil: Experience Brazil’s iconic trio of wonders: Iguazu Falls, the legendary city of Rio de Janeiro, and the historic coastal town of Paraty. From panoramic waterfalls to colourful city streets and serene beaches, this journey combines awe-inspiring scenery with cultural immersion and adventure.
- A Wild Adventure in Brazil: For nature lovers and thrill-seekers, this trip explores the Pantanal’s vast wetlands, where jaguars, capybaras, and giant anteaters roam, and Bonito’s crystalline rivers and caves, perfect for snorkelling, zip-lining, and hiking. Expect a truly immersive wildlife experience paired with soft adventure.
Some signature properties include:
- Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro): An iconic beachfront hotel in Ipanema blending modernist glamour with old-world elegance, ideal for design-conscious travellers seeking a refined city-and-sea experience.
- Cristalino Lodge (Southern Amazon, Mato Grosso): Set in a private rainforest reserve, this eco-lodge is perfect for nature lovers, bird-watchers, and travellers looking for immersive Amazonian adventure with comfort.
- Pousada Araras Panatal Eco Lodge (Pantanal): A self-sustainable lodge with farm-to-table dining and jaguars on its doorstep set on 3,000 hectares of private land in the heart of the world’s largest wetland.
- M/V Tucano (Amazon): A classic expedition vessel cruising remote tributaries of the Rio Negro, ideal for explorers looking for an off-the-grid, slow-travel immersion into the Amazon’s biodiversity.
- Fasano Salvador (Salvador, Bahia): Set within a restored historic building with sweeping views, this hotel suits culturally curious travellers seeking elevated luxury.
- Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa (Trancoso, Bahia): A high-end bohemian retreat in Trancoso’s UNESCO-protected Quadrado, full of understated elegance.
- Sandi Hotel (Paraty): A charming, intimate hotel in a 200-year-old mansion, ideal for those wanting to explore Paraty’s artistic and coastal charms in boutique comfort.
- Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (Iguaçu Falls): The only hotel inside Iguaçu National Park, this timeless property offers unrivalled access to the falls at dawn and dusk.
- O Sítio Ilha Grande (Ilha Grande, Costa Verde): A secluded eco-retreat tucked into the Atlantic rainforest near the beach, ideal for privacy-seekers, nature lovers and couples.
To learn more about Timbuktu, please visit timbuktutravel.com.
