THE PANTANAL FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM

 

Departures:  Year-round
Places Visited: Pantanal Wetlands

Highlights
Get ready for one of Brazil`s best nature experiences! The Pantanal Wetlands in the west of Brazil teem with wildlife and are a bird-watcher`s paradise. Spend 4 nights at the outstanding family-friendly Araras Eco Lodge to explore this magnificent savanna-like landscape by horse, truck, canoe or on foot.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 4 nights of accommodation in the Pantanal Wetlands
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and local taxes
  • Full Day horseback, truck safari & hiking
  • Full Day canoeing and photo-safari
  • Full Day tour of cattle ranch

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Meals and drinks, except as mentioned above
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional tours and experiences
  • Any items not mentioned

Day 01: Pantanal Wetlands. Upon arrival, transfer from Cuiabá airport to Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge.

After a briefing on the Pantanal ecosystem and region, approx. 1 p.m. departure for the lodge. Transfer in two stages: first travel by paved road through farmland and cattle ranches. After a stop in Poconé, the journey continues along the Transpantaneira Park Road, starting at km “0” (108 km /67 mi. from Cuiabá). This unpaved dirt road takes visitors right through the Pantanal ecosystem – a nature safari with time to stop along the way for photos and information on the wildlife observed. Arrival at the Lodge. Welcome with a delicious fresh fruit juice and room check in. Later in the afternoon, take a short walk to the Heron’s Lookout, a 12 m/39 ft. high observation tower to see the sunset and homing birds. 
After dinner, join a guided walk to gaze at the stars and listen to the calls of the nocturnal animals.                                             

Day 02: Pantanal Wetlands.

Full Day horseback, truck safari & hike
A day dedicated to activities at the Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge. Begin the day with a ride (by horse, truck or on foot) to see the surrounding ecosystem. Learn about the floodplain ecosystem and its flora and fauna. Lunch & dinner at the lodge.

Day 03: Pantanal Wetland. 

Full Day of canoeing and photo-safari
Take a ride through the floodplain road to the Rio Clarinho (river) where canoes await for a leisurely paddle downriver. Explore the forest and mangroves along the riverbank. Look for the colony of “ariranhas” – giant river otters. With luck, spot one of the otter families playing with their young and teaching them how to swim and fish. Ariranhas are very playful amongst themselves and fierce with other animals. Also try to catch some piranha fish. This is not an easy task as piranhas are notorious for biting off the bait without the fisherman feeling it on the line. Any fish caught today will be barbecued for lunch. Return to the Lodge by sunset.
Dinner at the lodge.

Day 04: Pantanal Wetland. 

Full day tour at a neighboring ranch
After breakfast, partake in a fine “pantaneira” tradition of visiting the neighbors. In this case, the neighbor is an expansive ranch with a vast herd of Zebu cattle (the Bos taurus indicus, a species from India that has been cross-bred with a Nepalese species). The ranch also has set aside a preservation area for the sustainable use of the soil. The property has been owned by the same family for 3 generations. Lunch at the farm. After lunch, enjoy a hike and horseback ride through the open fields. Return to Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge for dinner.

Day 05: Pantanal Wetland.
Departure to Cuiabá with stops along the Transpantaneira park road for photos and a last glimpse of this unique ecosystem. Arrival at Cuiabá Airport for flight.


Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only.
Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances.