Epic Pantanal

The mythical Amazon can only be described in superlatives. It covers an area of more than 5 millions square kilometers of which 80% is on Brazilian territory and it spreads for eight States, one of them is the State of Mato Grosso. It is the largest and most preserved rainforest region in the world. Through this large area, flows an extensive drainage system of more than thousand rivers, which account for 20% of the world’s fresh surface water.

The heartland of Brazil covers an area equal to Western Europe (2,000,000 sq km), and its original vegetation is called “cerrado”, considered the richest savanna in the world, due to its high plant diversity and endemism. Most of Brazil’s great rivers find their sources here. It’s an area of enormous ecological importance with many areas of spectacular beauty, as the National Park of Chapada dos Guimarães, only 55km North East from Cuiabá airport. Its biodiversity is home of 837 birds species, 161 mammals, 120 reptiles and over 10.000 vascular plants. 44% of them are endemic.

The Pantanal, one of the last great wildernesses, is the largest continuous wetland on the planet, declared a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is South America’s primary wildlife sanctuary. With a total area of 240,000 sq km located in the centre of the continent, the Pantanal is a biogeography mixing bowl, containing elements of the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforests, the Brazilian Savannah and the Paraguayan Chaco. This fantastic biodiversity refuges 698 bird species, 100 mammals, 177 reptiles, 40 amphibians and over 250 fish species.

Feel the thrill of being close to more than 2,260 species of animals and 1,640 species of tress and shrubs. Declared by UNESCO in 2000 as a Naure Reserve, the Pantanal is the largest floodplain in the world and has one of the most diverse faunas in the world! With over 150 bird species which is more than all of North America and more than 60 species of fish, this is a once in a lifetime adventure! 

Day 1: Arrival – Cuiaba to Pantanal 
Upon arrival at Cuiaba airport you will be met by the local operator who will give you a briefing on your trip and itinerary. You will then start the journey to your lodge. 

This transfer is divided into two different stages. The first is a journey on a paved road along farms and cattle ranches. After reaching Poconé – a small mining town and the gateway to the Northern Pantanal you will continue via a park road, allowing us to drive above the water level, watching the flora and fauna of the Pantanal ecosystem.

Upon arrival at your hotel you will check in and settle into your surroundings before a delicious dinner. 

Set on a wildlife preserve, this rustic lodge is a minute's walk from Igreja Matriz de Pocone church and 2 km from the Transpantaneira road. The no-frills rooms feature natural wood furniture and neutral tones.

There's a restaurant offering regional cuisine and an open-air dining area. Other amenities include a bar and an outdoor pool, plus a reading room and verandas with hammocks.

Day 2:

After breakfast, the guide will lead you on a 2 to 3 hours Photo-Safari in an especially adapted open vehicle. This tour accesses more distant sites and - because of the height of the vehicle - it facilitates the observation of the fauna along the roads of the Pantanal and the Transpantaneira crossway. 

During the photo safari, you have the opportunity to watch the peculiarities and contrasts of the vegetation, as well as a large variety of animals. Following the photo safari there is a canoe tour to spot aquatic wildlife, birds, flora and possibility of piranha fishing. During the dry season, there is the possibility to lunch close to the river; during the wet season, the lunch is at the lodge. After lunch, in the afternoon, hike to the 25m high Howler Monkey Tower for sunset. 

Day 3: 

After early breakfast, depart for a morning river safari on motor boat along bays and channels of Cuiabá River and tributaries. The area between the Cuiabá, Piquiri and Three Brothers rivers hold the Meeting of the Waters State Park, home for a superb high concentration of jaguars (over 60 individuals). This area is also home to some great wildlife, such as Caymans, capybaras, giant river otters and not to mention the hundreds of birds and of course the jaguars. 

Returning to the hotel for lunch and rest, and restarting later in the afternoon searching until sunset.

Day 4:

Today you will get the chance to have a truly unique experience, horseback riding through the Pantanal. Horseback Riding is a unique experience to get to know Pantanal. It is a traditional way to unravel the several environments in Pantanal. Visitors have the possibility of exploring the hard-to-access locations, mainly wet or flooded areas. Our troop of pure Pantaneiro horses has high reputation for their beauty and docility. 

Day 5: 
This morning after breakfast you can join an optional morning river safari to increase your chances of spotting jaguars. After this, you will say goodbye to the Araras Eco Lodge lodge and depart along the Transpantaneira Park Road to the Hotel Pantanal Norte. Along the way there is time for a photograph safari before you check in and have lunch at the new lodge. 

The Hotel Pantanal Norte is situated in one of the most fascinating regions of the Pantanal, 245 km from Cuiabá, the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, and 145 km from the municipality of Poconé. The hotel is of a first-world standard, offering its guests comfort and satisfaction whilst they enjoy nature and relax.

The hotel infrastructure includes air conditioned apartments with a TV and fridge. There is also a restaurant with home-made regional dishes, a pool, convenience store and laundry service. 

Literally located at the end of the Transpantaneira at the banks for the Cuiaba river Hotel Pantanal Norte is a suburb location to explore the Cuiaba River and the 3 Brothers State Park, one of the best location in South America to see the Jaguars.

Day 6:

Today is another chance to sight the spectacular jaguar along with other animals such as Caymans, capybaras, giant river otters and plenty of birds. You will have another river safari, returning to the lodge for lunch and a rest then out on the river again to continue the search. 

Day 7:

You have one last full day at Hotel Pantanal norte, take advantage and choose from a wide range of activities. 

Tonight you can also go out to look for owls, nightjars, anteaters, Jaguar, Margay, Ocelot, Brazilian Tapir, Little Brocket Deer and a number of other crepuscular and nocturnal animals with a spotlight.

Day 8: 
This morning you can awaken early for a sunrise walk to witness the awakening of the Pantanal. Depending on your flight you will then have breakfast and depart for your return journey to Cuiabá airport.