Discover Pantanal, the largest wetland on the planet, and the main wildlife sanctuary in South America.
Flight from Rio de Janeiro to Cuiaba (not included)
Welcome to Cuiaba! Upon arrival at the airport you’ll be greeted and transported to Araras lodge, 132 km south from Cuiaba. The self-sustained lodge is located in a 2760-hectare private reserve, offering amazing comfort and different amenities while maintaining harmony with its surroundings.
After check-in we’ll set off on our first activity: an introduction walking tour, where we’ll learn about the history, concepts and surroundings of the lodge. We’ll learn about the treatment of water and effluents, waste management, water heating and everything concerning minimizing our impact on the environment. We’ll see the CORIXO (flood channel) of the alligator, where you’ll get to have close and safe contact with one of the most representative symbols of the Pantanal. Afterwards we’ll climb the 12-m high Heron Lookout tower, which gives an amazing aerial view of the surroundings from the canopy of a giant tree. After dinner we’ll go on a night walk, where we’ll be able to observe some wildlife, and adapt to our environment by being in closer contact to the nocturnal sounds and the amazing night sky.
Overnight in Pantanal
After breakfast we’ll embark on a photographic safari through private dirt roads towards the Clarinho river. Once we reach the Clarinho we’ll board a canoe and paddle down the river, exploring the beautiful riparian forests and mangroves. This area houses a colony of “ariranhas” – giant river otters. If we’re lucky enough, we might spot a family playing with their young or teaching them how to swim and fish. Afterwards we’ll try our luck with fishing, with the chance of fishing the elusive piranhas, famous for biting off the bait without the fishermen feeling it on the line. Depending on the weather and terrain conditions we’ll have lunch by the river or head back to the lodge for lunch.
During the afternoon we’ll trek the Howler Monkey trail towards the Howler Monkey Tower – the highest observation point (25 m) – for a magnificent view of the sunset over Pantanal. After dinner we’ll join a night safari to search for nocturnal animals.
Overnight in Pantanal
Our first activity after breakfast will be an exciting horseback ride, which will allow us to explore otherwise inaccessible flooded areas of the Pantanal plains. The Pantaneiro horse is docile and has adapted through the centuries to breathe while feeding with its nose under water. Throughout the region the horse is the Pantaneiro man’s best friend, a daily companion during work and leisure (Note: this activity is not allowed for children under 6 years old or 1 meter tall).
We’ll return to the lodge for lunch and, afterwards, trek the Rondon trail towards de 13 m-high Jabiru Stork Tower, from where we can observe a Jabiru Stork nest. At the end of the afternoon we’ll return to the lodge for dinner.
Overnight in Pantanal
On our last day we’ll rise early to witness the incredible awakening of the Pantanal at dawn.
After breakfast at the lodge, at a proper time, you’ll be transferred from the Lodge to Cuiaba’s airport for your departure flight.
Flight from Cuiabá not included.
NOTES:
REMARKS
* Accommodation in SGL/DBL.
NOT INCLUDED:
* Lunch or dinner not included in the program.
*Flights: Rio – Cuiabá / Cuiabá - Rio
ABOUT PANTANAL:
As a result of the summer rains, part of Pantanal becomes flooded, which revitalizes the fauna and flora resulting in one of the most exuberant periods of the Pantanal. That’s when the area becomes the world’s largest wetland; when Pantanal becomes a real swamp.
In April the rains cease and the water levels start to drop, forming lagoons and pools where thousands of fish become stranded serving as a banquet for the aquatic birds. The temperature becomes milder and the nights starrier.
The lack of rainfall shrinks the pools and lagoons; the plain re-emerges and land transport is resumed. The fields begin to dry up exposing vast areas for grazing, where mammals seek food and water in the remaining pools. During this season different species of storks and egrets’ nest, profiting from the abundance of food. From August onwards, the trees start to bloom and the draught intensifies, lasting until November.
