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Destinations-Pantanal

Pantanal

The Amazon may have all the fame and glory, but the Pantanal is a far better place in Brazil to see wildlife. The thick forest of the Amazon boosts in animal life but due to the dense vegetation animals are difficult to spot. The more open vegetation of the Pantanal offers easier possibilities to come eye to eye with Caimans, monkeys and even anacondas. This vast area of wetlands, about the size Portugal, lies in the far west of Brazil and extends into the border regions of Bolivia and Paraguay.

Birds are the most frequently seen wildlife, but the Pantanal is also a sanctuary for giant river otters, anacondas, iguanas, jaguars, cougars, crocodiles, deer and anteaters. The area has few people and no towns. In the rainy season (generally starting end of December till May) rivers overflow and flood the whole region. Fish and reptiles are dispersed over the area and other animals stick to dry areas (camps and cordilleras). In the dry season (usually from June till the beginning of December) the water lowers. The plain shows its face and the rivers come back to their original form; several lakes appear and can dry completely. This is the best period for wildlife spotting, as animals flock together close to the remaining lakes and rivers.

ACCESS ROUTES
There are two major gateways to the Pantanal, Campo Grande for the Southern Pantanal and Cuiabá for the northern part.
Campo Grande is a modern city, capital of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. There are no real highlights in the city itself, however besides being an entrance to the Pantanal it is an important stopover for visitors to Bonito.
Campo Grande has an airport with daily connections to Sao Paulo , Rio, Cuiabá and Brazilia . There are no direct flights to Foz do Iguazu.
From the centrally located bus station there are buses to practically all major destinations, with several buses daily to Sao Paulo , Rio, Cuiaba and Foz do Iguazu. Cuiabá is a rapidly expanding city on the southern edge of the Amazon Basin and the Pantanal on the South. There is no real reason to visit Cuiabá, being the capital of one of Brazil's biggest states, Mato Grosso, it posses all the infrastructure one would expect from a big city; airport, long distance buses to basically all major Brazilian cities, bank facilities, etc.
ACCOMMODATION
Both Campo Grande and Cuiabá offer hotels in all price and quality ranges, mainly focused on business travelers, but passengers staying in one of these cities to or from the Pantanal will not have difficulties to find good overnight possibilities.
WHEN TO GO
Many Lodges in the Pantanal can be visited whole year round, some are inaccessible in the rainy season due to flooding of the access roads. Naturally most visitors will come during the dry period in the Pantanal (May/Jun-Sept). In summer months the climate can be very hot and sticky in the city.
HOW LONG
When arriving early in Campo Grande or Cuiabá one can continue to the Pantanal on the same day, making a stop-over in these cities unnecessary. The Pantanal itself should be visited for at least two days, to be able to do a morning, afternoon, evening, horse and boat excursion.
TIPS
Take enough cash with you before getting into the Pantanal, as there are no facilities to pay with credit cards and there are no ATM's. US dollars can easily been changed, although for better rates we advise you change either in Cuiabá or Campo Grande.

Excursions

Araras Lodge:

This lodge is located on the transpantaneira, an unpaved road penetrating deep into the Northern Pantanal. The transpantaneira makes it possible to reach the lodge the whole year round. Distance to Cuiabá is app. 132 Km ( 82 miles ). The lodge possesses comfortable double rooms, with air-conditioning and private bathrooms, a pool for a refreshing dive, a restaurant, a bar and two observation towers. From the towers one has a spectacular sight over the surrounding floodplains. As towers are built in local trees, one can often spot monkeys while sitting in them.

Araras Lodge

Araras Eco Lodge 3D/2N:

Day 1: Cuiabá - Pantanal

Pick-up from Cuiabá airport or hotel in the morning and transfer to Pantanal. Crossing the area, it is already possible to spot the first animals. Caymans for example enjoy sunbathing close to the road. After lunch and relaxation in the Lodge you will go for a sunset observation trek in the surrounding area. After dinner you can undertake a night tour to observe the nocturnal environment.

Day 2: Pantanal

Full day to observe the Pantanal flora & fauna. After breakfast, you will go on a guided tour either by car, trekking or canoe though the Pantanal, with a professional bilingual guide. You will return later on in the day and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Day 3: Pantanal Lowlands - Cuiabá

Early morning horseback ride to the Ronco do Bugio reserve. After lunch, departure to Cuiabá. Time for last pictures on your photo-safari transfer along the Transpantaneira Park Road

Included: In/out photo-safari transfer, full board (no drinks included; except for water, coffee and tea). All above mentioned activities, including professional bilingual tour guides.
Time: 3 days / 2 nights.
Type: There are daily departures; the maximum capacity is 38 pax. There are Spanish, Italian, French, German and Dutch guide services available on request. We recommend you bring a long sleeved shirt, sneakers or hiking boots, jeans or track suit, mosquito repellent and camera gear (batteries and films) with you.

Araras Eco Lodge

Araras Eco Lodge 4D/3N:

Day 1: Cuiabá - Pantanal

Pick-up from Cuiabá airport or hotel in the morning and transfer to Pantanal. See program 3 days / 2 nights.

Day 2: Pantanal

See program 3 days / 2 nights.

Day 3: Pantanal

Morning program similar as program 3 days / 2 nights, in afternoon canoe tour to spot aquatic wildlife, birds and flora; possibility to arrange piranha fishing. Picnic lunch en route. Return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Pantanal - Cuiabá

After breakfast, photo-safari along the transpantaneira road and return to Cuiabá. Drop off at airport or city hotel around lunchtime

Included: In/out photo-safari transfer, full board (no drinks included; except for water, coffee and tea). All above mentioned activities, including professional bilingual tour guides. Time: 4 days / 3 nights.
Time: 4 days / 3 nights.
Type: There are daily departures; the maximum capacity is 38 pax. There are Spanish, Italian, French, German and Dutch guide services available on request. We recommend you bring a long sleeved shirt, sneakers or hiking boots, jeans or track suit, mosquito repellent and camera gear (batteries and films) with you.

Araras Eco Lodge 1

Sightseeing at the Araras Eco Lodge

Pousada Refugio da Ilha:

This pousada lies roughly 230 km from Campo Grande , in the heart of the Pantanal on the shore of the River Salobra. The lodge is surrounded by bays and creeks, ideal habitat for Caymans, Capybaras and Anacondas. During the wet season the Rio Salobra divides itself in two tributaries, forming an island of more than 4000 ha . This is the Refúgio da Ilha, an extensive protected ecological area. The Pousada has been created with eco-tourism in mind, using rustic materials. All rooms are equipped with a ceiling-fan, air-conditioning and private bathroom. There is a pool to escape the intense heat during midday.

Pousada Refugio da Ilha

Macaw

Pousada Refugio da Ilha 3D/2N:

Day 1: Campo Grande - Pantanal

Pick-up from Campo Grande airport or hotel in the morning and transfer to Pantanal. Crossing the Pantanal we will see our first caimans, as these animals love to sunbathe along the roads. Upon arrival you will have a welcome drink and a short briefing. After lunch and relaxation at the Lodge you will start with one of the following activities: -Horse Riding, Boat rides, Trekking, Piranha Fishing, Photo Safari, Nocturnal Viewing (of Caymans), and Bird watching. Every day the excursion/activity program differs, according to the season, weather and wishes of the clients.

Day 2: Pantanal

Program with above mentioned activities.

Day 3: Pantanal - Campo Grande

After our early morning excursion and breakfast at the Pousada you will head to the airport or our hotel in Campo Grande

Included: In/out photo-safari transfer, full board (no drinks included; except for water, coffee and tea). All above mentioned activities, including English speaking guide.
Time: 3 days / 2 nights.
Type: There are daily departures; the maximum capacity is 38 pax. There are Spanish, Italian, French, German and Dutch guide services available on request. We recommend you bring a long sleeved shirt, sneakers or hiking boots, jeans or track suit, mosquito repellent and camera gear (batteries and films) with you.

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