Day 1 - Reception at Varzéa
Grande/ Cuiabá airport. Depart for the Pantanal.
Stop along the way for flora and fauna observation, with
arrival at the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, take an
introductory hike to know something about the local environment;
dinner; night safari (on foot) to spotlight caimans and
nocturnal animals.
Day 2 - Full day dedicated
to observing the Pantanal’s flora and fauna found
on the Pouso Alegre private reserve. After an early breakfast,
drive via private dirt road to Bento Gomes River; canoe
trip to spot aquatic wildlife, birds, and flora, nature
walk through the woods to learn more about the local environment;
return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, the guide
will lead you on a horseback ride to continue exploring
the forest and grassland. Return to the lodge for dinner;
nocturnal safari in search for more wildlife.
Day 3 - Following an early
breakfast soon after day break, we depart and travel another
40 km into the richest and lowest regions of the Transpantaneira.
Keep your eyes peeled for endangered marsh deer, South American
coati, yellow anaconda, giant anteater, toco toucan, hyacinth
macaw, and a host of other animals. Arrive at the Pousada
Santa Tereza for lunch. Mid-afternoon, we set out into the
field again, but this time by boat for wildlife spotting
and piranha fishing, arriving back at the lodge after dark,
having searched for numerous twilight and nocturnal animals
by spotlight; dinner and overnight.
Day 4 - Early morning
hike for sunrise and bird watching. Breakfast; we will take
a hike through the wilderness of the Pantanal. After lunch,
travel by Ecoexplorer vehicle to Chapada dos Guimarães
National Park (230 km from the lodge). Arrive late in the
afternoon at Chapada dos Guimarães; check-in at the
hotel; dinner and overnight.
Day 5 – Chapada dos Guimarães
full day. Visit the lookout point Morro dos Ventos,
then travel 40 km to visit the Lagoa Azul and the
Aroe Jari caverns.
Day 6 – Early breakfast, hotel check-out,
depart for Chapada dos Guimarães National Park.
Visits include Véu-de-Noiva waterfall, hike along
the trail sete quedas, Cachoeirinha, House of the Rock,
and bathe in crystal clear waterfalls, Portão
do Inferno. Picnic lunch and travel 160km in to the
Vila-de-Bom-Jardim, a small village located north-west
of the Park. Check in, dinner and overnight at a local guest-house.
Day 7 – After breakfast explore the
area for the full day. Activities includes snorkeling amongst
fish in the crystal waters of the Rio Salobra, visit water
falls, subterranean caves and a blue lake that is every
bit as spectacular as the one near Bonito. Return to the
guest-house late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 – Nobres/Alta Floresta Travel by car
(800 km). Stop for dinner and overnight at local hotel.
Day 9 – After breakfast, check in
at the lodge, lunch, jungle walk in an area that includes
Brazil-nut-trees, orchids, philodendrons, bromeliads among
other plants. Our naturalists will give an orientation about
medicinal plants in the region. You can also observe different
species of birds and monkeys. Return to the lodge
for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Day 10 – Exploration
the river all day, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing and
bird watching. Picnic style lunch and return to the lodge
late in the afternoon for dinner and overnight repose.
Day 11 – Early morning
revile to observe the sunrise at a 50-meter-tower in the
jungle. After breakfast depart for wildlife tracking, bird
watching and photography. Lunch and hike to Casa do Saleiro,
a watering hole full of wild life, spotlighting late afternoon
wildlife and evening spotlighting, return to the lodge for
dinner and overnight.
Day 12 – River travel,
overnight stay with local families, fishing, birding, jungle
treks and medicinal plants.
Day 13 - Jungle treks
and boat tours for birding and wildlife viewing. Bush camp
on the river banks.
Day 14 – Return
to Alta Floresta stopping along the way to see and photograph
wildlife. Stay at a local hotel overnight.
Day 15 – Full day
travel back by car to Cuiabá, 900 km. Drop off at
the airport or (optional) hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: 2 Pousadas
in the Pantanal, 1 hotel in Chapada, I hotel in Nobres and
1 Amazon lodge in Alta Floresta, local family stay and bush
camp.
POUSADA POUSO ALEGRE
Located 8 km off the Transpantaneira highway and 143 km
from Cuiabá.
The lodge has the comforts of a hotel, including a bar/restaurant
and telephone, and the appearance of a ranch. The rooms
have A/C and fan, private bath, and mosquito netting. The
lodge is known for its breathtaking scenery and abundant
wildlife, and is near several forested islands and fishing
holes.
HOTEL FAZENDA SANTA TEREZA
Located at km 65 of the Transpantaneira road. This farm
resort is situated on the banks of the Rio Pixaim and is
surrounded by shallow swamplands. The encompassing farmland
is picturesque, with several streams and forested islands.
The 10 spacious apartments have A/C and private hot-water
bath. After exploring the encircling wetlands, guests can
take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.
TRANSPORTATION: Ecoexplorer minivan or bus.
PRICES: Tour price varies with the size of the tour group, please consult.
WHAT IS INCLUDED: Transportation
in/out from Cuiabá, 3 overnights Pantanal lodge,
2 overnight at hotel and 4 nights Amazon lodge, all meals
during the tour, guided excursions with bilingual guides
with knowledge of local flora and fauna.
NOT INCLUDED: Laundry, phone calls, person
expenses, soft drinks/beverages, meals during transfers,
airport taxes, drinks with the meals, tours not described
in the itinerary, medical expenses and hospitalization,
and optional night in Cuiabá.
WHAT TO BRING: T-shirts,
long-sleeved shirts, sneakers or hiking boots, jeans or
track suit, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, binoculars,
flashlight, camera and film. Sweatshirt or sweater recommended
from June to September.
