Itinerary

Day 1 CUIABÁ → PANTANAL

Meeting and greeting at Cuiabá / Várzea Grande Airport. After a briefing on the Pantanal ecosystem and region, departure around 12h30 – 13h00 to the Lodge. Transfer in two stages: the first is on a paved road through the farms and cattle ranches. After a stop in Poconé, we will take the Transpantaneira Park Road at km “0” (108 km / 67.1 mi. from Cuiabá). This is a park dirt road at its best, along the flora and fauna of the Pantanal ecosystem, ­ a photo safari with several stops along the way for photos and information.

Arrival at the Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge. Welcome drink and accommodation. Later, we will take a walk to the surroundings as far as the Heron’s Lookout, a 12 m / 39 ft. high observation tower to watch the sunset and the homing birds. After dinner, join us in a walk to star gaze and listen to the the calling of the night animals. Overnight. (D)

Day 2 PANTANAL – Horseback, truck, hike

This day is dedicated to activities within the grounds of Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge. It starts with a ride (horse, truck or hike) to see the surrounding ecosystem. Learn about the flood plain ecosystem as you go along. Lunch, dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 3 PANTANAL – Canoeing and photo-safari

After breakfast, take a ride through the floodplain road to Clarinho River. Reaching its banks, board a canoe to row up and downriver exploring the forest that grows by the riverbank and mangroves. Here lives a colony of “ariranhas” –­ the giant otters. With some luck, a family will be seen playing with their babies and teaching them how to swim and fish. Ariranhas are very playful when in family and fierce with other animals. You can try to fish the elusive “piranha”, though not an easy task. Piranhas are famous for biting off the bait without the fisherman’s notice. The “lambaris” are easier to catch and will be barbecued for lunch. Return to the Lodge by sunset. Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 4 PANTANAL

Early rising to witness the awakening of the fauna of Pantanal. Breakfast. Departure to deepen the knowledge of the wildlife of this region through a photo-safari along the Park Road. Lunch at the lodge. During the afternoon, visit to the Lodge’s center for the reintroduction of parrots and, later, we will trail towards the 13m high Tuiuiú Tower, where you can watch a nest of this bird, the symbol of Pantanal. Return to the Araras Eco Lodge for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 PANTANAL → CUIABÁ

Breakfast and departure at 7h30 to Cuiabá with stops along the Transpantaneira park road for photos and a last glimpse of this unique ecosystem. Arrival at Várzea Grande / Cuiabá Airport around 11h00. (B