07 Days – 06 Nights
Reserve Aqui
The combination of the Pantanal region along its main rivers and the drier regions far from the large rivers is a must to anyone seeking to know and get familiar with the Pantanal wildlife and biodiversity.
The Cuiabá river and its tributaries by the end of the Transpantaneira Par Road, offers superb possibility to meet most of the aquatic bird life, besides giving us the BEST opportunity to meet JAGUARS roaming along there river banks and sand beaches as well as giant river otters.
The natural grassland and forest along the Transpantaneira, offer us the best possibilities to meet other amazing wildlife as the giant anteater and the tapir, South Americas largest mammal. In these areas, birds are the most populous inhabitants of the region.
Day 1: Arrival – Cuiaba to Pantanal
Meeting and greeting at Cuiaba airport. After a briefing on your trip and itinerary, departure at 13h20 to Porto Jofre region. 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, we take the Transpantaneira Park Road at km “0” (108 km / 67.1 mi. from Cuiaba). This is a park road at its best, allowing us to drive above the water level, watching the flora and fauna of the Pantanal ecosystem – a photo safari along 146 km of dirt road with several stops along the way for photos and information. Arrival Hotel in Jofre Region for dinner and accommodation. (D)
Days 2 & 3: Safari along Cuiabá River and Meeting of the Waters State Park
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). After early breakfast, depart for a morning river safari on motor boat along bays and channels of Cuiabá River and tributaries. This area is home of great wildlife, such as Caymans, capybaras, giant river otters without 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. Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Arrival at Araras Lodge – A walk to know our concepts and projects supported by Araras
Breakfast yet at the hotel. Possibility of joining an optional morning river safari to increase your chances of spotting jaguars. Departure along the Transpantaneira Park Road to Araras Eco Lodge, on a photograph safari. Accommodation and lunch. Later, you will be guided on an introductory walk through the surroundings of the lodge, as far as the Great Egret Lookout, a 12 m / 39 ft. high observation tower. After dinner, night walk under the Southern Hemisphere sky. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Araras Lodge – Canoeing and trekking
After breakfast, take a photo safari through private dirt roads towards the Clarinho River. Reaching its banks, board a canoe and paddle down the river, exploring the forest that grows by the riverbanks and mangroves. Here lives a colony of “ariranhas” – giant river otters. With some luck, you may spot a family playing with their babies and teaching them how to swim and fish. Chance of fishing the elusive piranha, not an easy task, but fun. Return to the Lodge in time for lunch. Later on, trek the Howler Monkey trail to the Howler Monkey Tower, our highest observation point – 25 m high -, for a magnificent view of the sunset. After dinner, join a night drive in search of nocturnal animals. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Araras Eco Lodge – photo safari and trekking
In the morning after breakfast, get to know a different area of Araras Private Natural Reserve, by trekking the Ronco trail. After lunch, join a 2 to 3 hour photo safari towards the South of the lodge, on a safari open truck, in search of the fauna along the Transpantaneira Park Road. Dinner. Check a list of the wild animals you have met, with your guide. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Departure to Cuiabá Airport
Sunrise walk to witness the awakening of the Pantanal. Departure after breakfast (07:30) or after lunch (12:30) – depending on your flight. (B)
Note: The order of the activities may be modified according to the program at the lodge and weather or terrain conditions. Our team commitment is for a full enjoyment of the Pantanal Flood Plains, making it an unforgettable stay.
