Brazil: Pantanal
A Place of Superlatives
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.
Arrive to São Paulo, Brazil, at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Transfer and check in at Hampton Inn Guarulhos. Dinner not included.
Day 2.
Early flight Sao Paulo to Campo Grande. Adventure Begins, transfer to Posada Aguape (http://pousadaaguape.com.br). Lunch and afternoon safari at the Fazenda. Looking for Giant Anteater. (B, L, D)
Day 3.
Full Day at Pousada Aguape. This is a place with an immense biodiversity, we will explore different ecosystems looking for wildlife. Safaris at the Fazenda. Meals at Pousada Aguape. (B, L, D)
Day 4.
Morning Birding & Wildlife Spotting at Aguape. After lunch we will drive back to Campo Grande. Check in and dinner at Hotel Mojave, to get an early flight next day. (https://www.hotelmohave.com.br) Dinner at Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 5.
Breakfast to go and early flight to Cuiaba (change plane at Brasilia). From the Airport we will drive about 1 hour to Pocone and then start driving at the Transpantaneira: 120 bridges and wetlands and lagoons full of wildlife. Check in and lunch at Pousada Rio Claro. Afternoon / night Safari at Rio Claro. (B, L, D)
Day 6.
Early birding at Pousada Rio Claro. Breakfast and departure to Joffre Port on the Cuiaba River. We will arrive bu mid-day to Joffree to get our boat and in about 30 minutes, we will arrive to Barco Pantaneiro (https://www.pousadabercopantaneiro.com.br). Lunch at Hotel and afternoon trip on Cuiaba River looking for Jaguars and Giant Otters. (B, L, D)
Day 7.
Full Day Looking for Jaguar, Tapir, Jabiru & more at Cuiaba Treis Irmaos, and Piquirim River. Return for lunch at hotel, and in the afternoon we will continue our boat safari, looking for wildlife. (B, L, D)
Day 8.
Early birding on Corixo Negro, breakfast, more jaguars, and then departure on the Piquirim River to Manquizal. This location will be the best for the Maned Wolf, as well as Tapirs. About 2 hours on the clear waters of Piquirim, will take us there. Lunch and afternoon wildlife observation. Dinner and overnight at the Manquizal. (B, L, D)
Day 9.
Wildlife observation on grounds. Breakfast and travel back to Joffre, from there we will drive making stops for wildlife observation on the Lower Transpantaneira. Check in and lunch at Mato Grosso Hotel (https://hotelmt.com.br/pantanal-mato-grosso-). Afternoon safari. Night tour. Dinner and overnight at Mato Grosso. (B, L, D)
Day 10.
Full day at Mato Grosso Hotel. Wildlife & Birding. Early safari, and afternoon boat ride on the river Pixaim. Meals and overnight at Mato Grosso. (B, L, D)
Day 11.
Early wildlife observation, breakfast and departure Cuiaba. Lunch at Churrasqueria at Cuiaba. Late afternoon flight to Sao Paulo (Guarhulos). Connection with your flight or overnight at Guarhulos. (B, L)
Day 12.
Breakfast, transfer to Airport. (B)