The Andes & The Amazon
Discover South America’s Wonders
Home to the world’s largest fresh-water wetlands, the Pantanal is ten times the size of the Everglades, draining into a single channel: the Paraguay River. We venture deep into this world-class wildlife hotspot on a long road that bisects the Transpantaneira wilderness, in search of an adventure that can’t be missed.
In this famed region, we discover wildlife thriving in a mix of savanna, forest, and wetland habitats. Even a relaxed day can yield more than 100 species of birds and dozens of mammals — Capybara are everywhere! Brazilian Tapir, Maned Wolf, Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, and yes, Jaguar (we saw many on our past trips!), are five of many incredible mammals we seek, while Greater Rhea, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan , Red Legged Seriema, and Helmeted Manakin top the list of impressive bird sightings. Rare Green Anaconda, the world’s largest snake, may be a lucky find, while the small crocodilian Yacaré can be seen by the thousands. For many, it is the sheer number and variety of species that leaves the most lasting impression. Charming (and working) cattle ranches serve as our accommodations, each with its own impressive and distinctive wildlife community.
Tour Highlights
• Try for South America’s “Big Five” Brazilian Tapir, Maned Wolf, Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, and Jaguar
• Witness the “Big Five” of birds: Red Legged Seriema, Greater Rhea, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, and Helmeted Manakin. Add Southern Screamer, Sunbittern, Scarlet- headed Blackbird, and so many more!
• Explore both sides of the Transpantaneira wilderness by boat and road on safari-like excursions
• Find five species of kingfisher
• Enjoy local cuisine and hospitality at fazendas (working cattle ranches) at several stages along the road
• Boat the Cuiabá River for an excellent chance at a Jaguar sighting
• See water birds in mass congregation — like those of the Everglades, but magnified!
• Find at least four species of monkeys and several hundred species of birds
• Scan for night birds under intense southern sky constellations; spotlight for mammals, too!
• Enjoy optional fishing at two locations (additional cost for local boat and guide)
Tour Summary
Tour Specifications
11-Night / 12-Day Wildlife & Birding Safari with Carlos Chavarría or Rainforest Experience guide from São Paulo.
Arrival Airport is Guarulhos International (GRU)
Group Size: 6-8 Travelers
Rates: $4290 per person (based on double occupancy), $4590 single request.
Include: 3 Domestic flights (Sao Paulo-Campo Grande, Campo Grande – Brasilia - Cuiabá, and Cuiabá-Sao Paulo) Local transportation (private bus and boats), lodging, all meals, tours, entrance fees, bilingual naturalist during the trip, local guides.
Does not include tips and drinks.
Itinerary
Day 1.
Flight to Quito. Transfer to hotel. Check in Hacienda La Jimenita Quito. Dinner not included.
Day 2.
Breakfast and travel to Antisana National Reserve. Over 14.000 feet. Visit the Páramo, the highest tropical ecosystem, looking for the extraordinary wildlife adapted to this beautiful area. We will make a stop looking for Andean Condors, and hopefully Spectacled Bears. Traditional lunch at Tambo Condor and return to Quito. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda La Jimenita. (B, L, D)
Day 3.
Breakfast. Transfer to Airport. Local flight to Puerto Orellana (known as Coca) at the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Quichuas from Sani Island Community will be waiting for us and taking in a wonderful trip to the east, on the Napo River, one of the big affluent of the Amazonas. We will have a light lunch on the boat, and after 3 hours, we will arrive to Sani Lodge. Check in and time to explore the grounds. Night hike to explore the forest. Dinner and overnight at Sani Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 4.
We will start with birding on grounds (optional). Breakfast, and take a small canoe through the lagoon at the front of the hotel, to explore the forest looking for wildlife, and walk up to the tower at magnificent ceiba tree. Wonderful sights of the forest and some wildlife. Return for lunch to Sani. Afternoon to relax, or optional hike looking for wildlife. Dinner and overnight at Sani Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 5.
Optional birding. Breakfast at Sani. After breakfast we will take a boat to visit Sani Isla Community. On the way chance to spot monkeys and other wildlife. At town, we will have the chance to learn about the Quichua people, and the challenges the face to protect nature and cultural heritage. Traditional lunch at the community. Return to Sani Lodge. Dinner and overnight at Sani Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 6.
Early breakfast and depart to Yasuni National Park. Visit the Clay-licks at the National Park, where Parrots and Parakeets congregate to get minerals from the clay and water. Then we will visit some of the islets at Napo River looking for wildlife. Lunch to go. Return to Sani Lodge. Afternoon to enjoy the lagoon, with a boat ride. Dinner and overnight at Sani Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 7.
Breakfast and return by boat to Coca. A bus will wait for us and drive us (2 hours) to Wild Sumaco, on the side of Sumaco Galeras National Park for a wonderful lunch surrounded by hummingbird feeders. Continue the road, to check in at Rio Quijos Hotel. Hummingbird feeders and other great species. Dinner and overnight at Rio Quijos. (B, L, D)
Day 8.
Optional birding on grounds. Breakfast. Visit Hummingbirds feeders at San Felipe town, then a Coffee Tour at San Felipe Community to learn about this crop. Traditional lunch at Baeza town. Return to Rio Quijos, visit the Cock of the Rock lek. The subspecie from the east side of the Andes, has a wonderful orange-red color. Return to Rio Quijos. Dinner and overnight at Rio Quijos.
Day 9.
Optional birding on grounds. Breakfast. For the most adventurers, optional White-water Rafting at Rio Quijos. Check out and drive to Guango Lodge for lunch. Guango have easy trails and hummingbird feeders (chances to see the sword-billed Hummingbird). Continue to Quito, driving over Papallacta Pass. Check in at Puembo Birding Garden. Dinner and overnight at Puembo. (B, L, D)
Day 10.
Breakfast at Puembo. Departure to Mindo Valley. This area on the west of the Andes is considered as cloud forest, a place with an intense biodiversity. Stop at Alambi Hummingbird Garden, with over 20 different species of hummingbirds, Lunch in the area. Check in at Sachatamia Lodge. Afternoon hike at Sachatamia Reserve. Dinner and overnight at Sachatamia Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 11.
Early birding on grounds. Breakfast and hike at Sachatamia Reserve. Return for lunch to Sachatamia, and departure back to Quito. Stop at La Mitad del Mundo, the famous monument that set the Equatorial line. Return to Quito. Check in at La Jimenita. Dinner and overnight at La Jimenita. (B, L, D)
Day 12.
Breakfast. Transfer to Airport. (B)