Photo credit: Felipe Castellari
An untamed paradise situated in Brazil, Pantanal is an awe-inspiring wetland – one of the most beautiful and biodiverse corners of the planet. The rivers and estuaries are home to an incredible array of bird and animal life, including monkeys, tapirs, capybaras, macaws, giant otters, armadillos, anteaters and even the elusive jaguar. This one of the few places in the world where you may still be able to catch a glimpse of these majestic cats in the wild. Spend 10 days in this region, exploring on foot, boat, horse, and more, taking in the natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Details for Today
Arrive: São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo:
- Half-day city tour
Accommodation: L’ Hotel Porto Bay
Photo credit: Felipe Menendes
Welcome to São Paulo, Brazil! Upon arrival at the airport, meet your guide at the airport and be transferred to your hotel in private vehicle.
Sao Paulo is Brazil’s largest and most populous urban centre, home to roughly 20 million people in the metropolitan area alone. The capital of Sao Paulo State and the country’s unofficial business capital, the city is also known for its effervescent culture, with myriad entertainment options and a colourful nightlife. Highlight attractions of the city include: the Avenida Paulista, with its commercial epicentre presenting a wide array of shops, restaurants, bookstores and art exhibitions; Bixiga, a ‘little Italy’ known for its theatre scene and vibrant nightlife; the Chinatown district of Liberdade; and Ibirapuera Park, popular for its walking and jogging trails, three museums, free concerts and gorgeous Japanese garden.
This afternoon, enjoy a city tour. A tour along São Paulo’s most representative sights. It begins with the presentation of the Ibirapuera Park, the main green area of the city, where it is showcased the historical importance of the Obelisk of São Paulo, Monumento às Bandeiras (Monument to the Flags) and several art-woks made by Oscar Niemeyer, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) and the Oca. The route follows through the fancy streets of the Jardins neighborhood, highlighting the architectural design of the Unique Hotel and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Brasil, until reaching the Vila Madalena neighborhood. This is where the unusual and colorful Batman Alley is located, with its graffiti-covered murals. Continue to the famous Paulista Avenue and see the imposing Copan and Italia buildings, the Anhangabaú Valley, the Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theatre), the Pateo do Collegio (place where the city was founded), the São Bento Monastery and the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral located at Praça da Sé (Sé Square).
The rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 2
Details for Today
Fly to Northern Pantanal
Northern Pantanal:
- Enjoy a brief introduction to the region
Accommodation: Aymara Lodge
Meals: B, D
Photo credit: Pablo Edini
Today you will fly to Northern Pantanal. This morning, check-out and meet your guide at your hotel to be transferred to the airport in private vehicle. Fly to Cuiaba. Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver and transfer to your lodge (approximately 2h30) in Northern Pantanal. Check-in at the lodge and enjoy a brief introduction to present the surroundings. Enjoy dinner at the lodge.
Northern Pantanal: An untamed paradise situated in central-western Brazil, Northern Pantanal is an awe-inspiring wetland that encompasses about a third of the total Pantanal area, and the world’s largest tropical wetland area. This incredible seasonal floodplain is a natural mosaic of various wetland that forms an extraordinary arrangement number of rivers, lagoons, marshes, lakes and ponds accentuated by forested hills. An unmissable attraction is the city of Pocone, the site of the famous Transpantaneira dirt road which leads travellers to Northern Pantanal’s abundant wildlife. Visitors should look out for anteaters, rhea, hyacinth macaws, capybara, caiman, and further along the road is Pantanal Mato-Grossense National Park, a pristine wildlife hotspot teeming with over 600 species of birds, giant anteaters, giant otters, tapir, howler monkeys and jaguars.
Day 3
Details for Today
Northern Pantanal:
-
Choose your own activities today. Some possible activities are: canoe paddling, motorboat safari, horseback riding, photo safari, night drive in search of nocturnal animals and walk around the property in search of wildlife.
Accommodation: Aymara Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Photo credit: Pablo Edini
The activities during your stay in Northern Pantanal are private and will depend on the time available, your interests and the weather conditions. Some of the possible activities are: canoe paddling, motorboat safari, horseback riding, photo safari, night drive in search of nocturnal animals and walk around the property in search of wildlife. The activities during your stay will be scheduled with the guide on arrival at the lodge, depending on climate conditions and availability. Below are descriptions of the available activities.
Early wake up to experience the daybreak in the Pantanal on a walk amid the symphony of night and daytime birds celebrating the arrival of a new day. Breakfast is served right after.
Enjoy a 1-2 hour hike. There are currently 2 trails within the property to immerse into and search for wildlife. Taking a walk at night it may lead you to see tapirs and anteaters.
Embark on a 4 hour motor boat ride. Transfer (about 1 hour each way) to a nearby property to the motorboat boarding point and embark to explore the fauna and wildlife in this region. The boat ride allows you to go further, to places only reachable by water (about 2 hours in the boat).
Canoeing (1-2 hours). Paddle along the property’s “corixo” to observe local flora and fauna. Some of the fauna that you are likely to see includes monkeys, tapirs, giant otters and many bird species.
Night walk (1-2 hours). Discover the nocturnal animals’ habits during a night walk.
Photo Safari (2 hours). Depart in vehicle for longer distances within the property and along Transpantaneira Road to search for wildlife.
Horseback riding (1 hour). Transfer to a neighbor property to go horseback riding, another way to experience the Pantanal. During the transfer you may even the able to spot some animals.
Night Photo Safari (1-2 hours). Depart in vehicle for longer distances within the property and along Transpantaneira Road for observation of nocturnal animals.
Day 4
Details for Today
- Early wake-up for a sunrise walk before leaving
Transfer to Porto Jofre in Northern Pantanal
Porto Jofre:
-
Half day river safari to view the wildlife, including jaguars
Accommodation: Hotel Pantanal Norte
Meals: B, L, D
Photo credit: Douglas Simoes
Early wake-up and depart for a sunrise walk.
After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Porto Jofre (approximately 3h). Resting on the banks of the Cuiabá River in southern Brazil, Porto Jofre is part of the Pantanal wetlands system – one of the most beautiful and biodiverse corners of the planet. The rainforests, rivers and estuaries surrounding the town are home to an incredible array of bird and animal life, including monkeys, tapirs, capybaras, macaws, giant otters, armadillos, anteaters and even the elusive jaguar. This is one of the few places in the world where you may still be able to catch a glimpse of these majestic cats in the wild. It is also an excellent sports fishing destination, with rich stocks of feisty game fish such as golden dorado, tucunaré and pacu.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, depart for a half day river safari. The region has the highest density of jaguar population in the entire Pantanal, so during the trip we have high chances to spot the Big Cat, especially from mid-June to mid-November (although not guaranteed). Return for dinner.
Day 5 and 6
Details for Today
Porto Jofre:
- Enjoy private boat trips on the Cuiaba River to search for jaguars in the mornings and afternoons
Accommodation: Hotel Pantanal Norte
Meals: B, L, D
Photo credit: Fred Crema
Breakfast and departure to a private morning boat trip on Cuiaba River to search for jaguars. After lunch at the lodge, depart to another private half day safari searching for more jaguars. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 7
Details for Today
Fly to Southern Pantanal on a private small plane
Southern Pantanal:
- Embark on one of the afternoon activities – Daily shared activities are provided by the lodge. You will receive the schedule at check-in.
Accommodation: Casa Caiman
Meals: B, L, D
Have an early breakfast, check-out and be escorted by foot to the airstrip. Then board a private small plane to Southern Pantanal (approximately 1h flying).
Located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Southern Pantanal boasts a landscape scattered with bustling cities, picturesque cattle ranches and pristine landscape encompassing the largest tropical wetland area in South America. Visitors to the region can begin the Southern Pantanal experience at Corumba, the largest town in the Pantanal and the region’s historic hub, then drive along the unpaved road of Estrada Parque, a popular wildlife route that is home to capybara, jacare, giant anteaters, anacondas and a variety of birdlife. For a taste of local cowboy culture, visit the cattle ranches of Aquidauana and Miranda to discover the cattle rides, music, and traditional leatherwork of the pantaneiro cowboys, and explore the incredible landscapes while kayaking, canoeing and fishing on the rivers and exploring the Maracajú Plateau and Serra mountain ranges.
Be welcomed upon landing and check-in at your all-inclusive lodge. Daily shared activities are provided by the lodge. You will receive the schedule at check-in.
Enjoy lunch and an afternoon activity. Dinner followed by night activity.
Day 8 and 9
Details for Today
Southern Pantanal:
- Embark on the daily shared activities provided by the lodge
Accommodation: Casa Caiman
Meals: B, L, D
Photo credit: Layla Motta
Below are descriptions of the activities you can enjoy while staying at the lodge.
Caiman Tour – It is a walk through the surroundings of the main area of the ranch, corral, research centres, school and Environmental Interpretation Center. The final destination is the Paizinho’s bridge, one of the most traditional places of the Caiman Ecological Refuge, the spot by excellence to observe the Spectacled Caimans. It is a magical moment in which the guests get up close to the caimans with all the safety provided by the guides, getting to know up close one of Pantanal’s symbols.
Jeep Safari – This tour is done in a 4×4 adapted vehicle. It provides the guests the chance to get closer to the wildlife and also have access to different areas in Pantanal.
Nocturnal spotlighting – Provides the opportunity to observe nocturnal animals. One of the highlights is when the caimans are spotted, whose eyes present impressive red reflex.
Canoe trip – In the bays of the ranch, the guests sit in a three-seat canoe and contemplate the nearby vegetation and water birds. It is also a good opportunity to listen to the many local sounds, besides admiring the fantastic Pantanal’s sunset.
Walking trails in the woods – Taking in many trails in the surrounding areas of the lodges, the walk in the forests allows the guests to observe small animals and the local vegetation. It is the activity that provides the greatest contact with the environment. Reinforcing the ecological focus of its activity, the Caiman Ecological Refuge alternates the trails, minimizing the impacts upon the environment.
Jaguar Habituation Team – Full day with the Jaguar Habituation Team and follow their activities. This experience is approximately 6h to 7h duration. Some of the daily activities are: Search for Jaguar tracks; Look for different clues that may lead to these magnificent big cats; Check previously set camera traps for Jaguar signs; Download satellite data to check monitored Jaguar’s previous positions; Search for specific Jaguars using a VHF receiver; Find, monitor and observe Jaguar behaviours in the wild; Continue the habituation process. You may have the chance to see in first-hand some of the photos taken by the camera traps and experience all of the technological features used. At the base you’ll talk about the Project and its goals.
Horseback riding – The pantaneiro way of getting to know the biome and interact with nature, passing by different landscapes on a 3,5-hour tour.
Biking – The Pantanal is very flat, enabling bicycle rides. On the roads or trails, the silence is the advantage for this transportation. The bicycle paths and distance vary according to the group profile.
Day 10
Details for Today
Southern Pantanal:
- Continue to enjoy the activities at the lodge
Transfer to airport to depart to your next destination. Farewell!
Meals: B
Photo credit: Samuel Melim
Continue to enjoy the activities at the lodge.
At the appropriate time, check-out and private land transfer back to Campo Grande Airport (approx. 3h5). Fly to your next destination.
Accommodation
Five-star boutique hotel located just off the well-known Avenida Paulista and close to the best of the city’s restaurants, bars, museums and designer stores, giving you a central location without the bustle of the main avenue. L’Hotel Porto Bay has 87 rooms, restaurant, spa, heated indoor pool, gym, lounge, bar and a large facility to hold events and meetings.
Aymara Lodge, Northern Pantanal
A 238 hectares natural reserve with only 18 suites. With a rustic style and details manually applied in ipê wood, common of the region, the suites allow the visitor to discover the Pantaneiro lifestyle with additional comfort items, such as a ceiling fan and air conditioning. Aymara Lodge provides its guests with a full-service accommodation including breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee, and dinner. The lodge is calm and tranquil, bringing rest to the body and mind, providing the guest with a connection to nature while disconnecting from the outside world. In addition, a range of activities is provided according to the time available, the interest of each guest, and the period of the visit: in the dry season (from June to November) or in the green season (approximately from December to May).
Pantanal Norte Hotel, Porto Jofre
Positioned on the Cuiaba River, the Pantanal Norte Hotel is one of the best places in Brazil to see jaguar in the wild. It has direct access to the river, making it easy to head into quiet creeks and tributaries to spot the enigmatic and elusive feline. Accommodation consists of 28 comfortable, air-conditioned bungalow rooms with ensuite bathroom, TV and minibar. Facilities include a restaurant that serves home-made local dishes, bar, TV room, internet room and convenience store. There’s a swimming pool and lots of outside space in which to relax or observe birds or wildlife in the down time between excursions.
Casa Caiman, Southern Pantanal
Staying at Casa Caiman means having the chance to immerse yourself in some of the planet’s most breathtaking scenery. After all, our main lodge occupies a magical corner of the Pantanal: a plot overlooking a cinematic Bay and surrounded by an immense area of nature. From mornings enlivened by the singing of birds before our programmed walks to nights illuminated by the moon, everything here is an invitation to disconnect and enjoy the best that nature has to offer. Between walks, guests can read a book lying on the hammocks scattered around the garden, have a drink by the pool, or relax on the terrace cushions whilst you wait. Those who prefer can also rest in one of our suites, which occupy the structure of a century-old ranch, restored and renovated to offer even more comfort. And when night falls, the outdoor area which includes the firepit is the best place to reminisce over the day’s adventures and enjoy the starry sky above the Pantanal in the deepest peace.
