In this amazing trip, you will visit the most important Brazilian ecosystems: the Amazon, the largest and most intact rain forest in the world, the “Cerrado” or savanna, with an amazing plant and animal diversity as well as spectacular beauty; and Pantanal, the largest wetland area in the world and South America’s primary wildlife sanctuary.
Day 1 Cuiabá / Amazon Rain Forest (B)
Upon arrival to Cuiabá/Várzea Grande airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the Amazon Rain Forest (310 km paved federal road– approximately 4.5 hours. We recommend you arrive in a morning flight!). Arrival late afternoon, welcome drink and check-in at Jardim da Amazonia Lodge. We recommend a refreshing swim in its pool with crystal clear running waters. Optionally, you can do some bird watching along the Orchid Trail (numerous hummingbirds, painted parakeet, blue-headed parrot, masked trogon, etc.) Lodging at Jardim da Amazonia Lodge
Day 2 Amazon Rain Forest (B, L, D)
After breakfast, an amazing trail will take you deep into the Forest, and contact with its exuberant fauna and flora. Good chances to meet tapir, the largest mammal in South America as well as numerous birds (solitary tinamou, royal flycatcher, silver beaked tanager, etc.). The walk will be followed by fish barbecue and light nap in a hammock. Later, canoe down the Claro River, enjoying the solitude of the jungle and its different life forms: (muscovy duck, long tailed tyrant, cormorant, Amazon kingfisher, green and rufous kingfisher, swallow tanager, herons…) Lodging at Jardim da Amazonia Lodge
Day 3 Amazon Rain Forest / Nobres / Chapada dos Guimarães (B, L, D)
After breakfast, depart to Nobres. Nobres is a municipality located 140km Northeast of Cuiabá. Due to a large concentration of limestone in its ground, we find many caves and grottoes. Dozens of complex cave systems cross the region just like at better known and more crowded Bonito, the area has many rivers, lakes and caverns of blue crystal clear waters, habitat of several species of fishes and plants, outstanding for snorkeling and caving. It is a 3 hour drive towards Nobres until Vila de Bom Jardim. Upon arrival, you’ll receive safety and floating instructions and will pick up mask, snorkels and floating vests. Enjoy about 45-minute-long floating activities along the Salobra River and its ponds filled with hundreds of colorful fish. You’ll visit Aquário Encantado: One of the Salobra river’s sources, 6 meters deep where we`ll start the first floating activities among many species of gorgeous fish. Then, Salobra River: a 500 meter long float, snorkeling in 27°C warm waters. After lunch, take a rest and then on to Chapada dos Guimarães, in the heart of the South American Continent. Lodging at Park Eco Lodge
Day 4 Chapada dos Guimarães (B, L, D)
Day devoted to wonderful hikes trough the National Park. The wind and rain sculpted intriguing shapes in the sand stones covered with rich “Cerrado” vegetation, its bird’s songs and crystal clear water falls add to the enjoyment of the area. The hike ends at the 86m high water fall “Véu de Noiva” where we’ll enjoy a traditional meal at the local restaurant, looking down to a huge canyon. Then, hike along the “Stone House” trail back to the lodge. Lodging at Park Eco Lodge
Day 5 Chapada dos Guimarães / Pantanal (B, L, D)
After breakfast and check-out, drive down and visit the “Veredas da Salgadeira”, humid areas adorned by the “buriti” Palms, at the slope of Chapada cliffs. You’ll have lunch in Cuiabá at Las Velas restaurant. Then drive on to the lowlands of the PANTANAL along 111 km paved road as far as the charming “gold miners” town of Poconé. Then on to the Transpantaneira Park Road for additional 32km until Araras Pantanal Ecolodge, welcome drink and check-in. Lodging at Araras Eco Lodge
Day 6 Pantanal (B, L, D)
After breakfast, depart to Clarinho River along private dirt roads. Good chances to spot giant river-otters. Have fun fishing for piranhas to complete your local style barbecue on the banks of the river. You’ll explore its calm waters in canoes and walk the trails along its shore. Later in the afternoon return to the lodge for the sunset at the, 25m high Howler Monkey Tower panoramic wood-tower. Lodging at Araras Eco Lodge
Day 7 Pantanal (B, L, D)
Day devoted to exploring Araras Eco Lodge private reserve. After breakfast the guide will lead you on horseback or walking across this gorgeous ecosystem. Lunch. In the afternoon photo-safari down the Transpantaneira Park Road for an additional 25 km. Lodging at Araras Eco Lodge
Day 8 Departure (B)
Before breakfast, enjoy a sunrise hike. You’ll have some time off to enjoy the surroundings, before your transfer to Cuiabá. Drop off at airport or city hotel (2,5 hour drive approximately).
