Pantanal and Cerrado (Nobres)

1^st day – Arrival: photo-safari through Transpantaneira Park road and introduction walk  

Meeting and greeting at Cuiaba airport. After a briefing on your trip, departure at 13h20 or 17h00, depending on your flight schedule. 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 – 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 32 km of dirt road with several stops along the way for photos and information. Welcome drink on arrival and accommodation. Later, the guide will lead you into an introductory walk through the surroundings of the lodge, explaining our concepts and many conservation projects. Continue to the Great Egret Lookout, a 12 m / 39 ft. high observation tower. After dinner, night walk under the Southern Hemisphere sky. (D)

 2^nd day – Pantanal: 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)

3^rd day – Pantanal: Horseback riding and trekking

After breakfast, enjoy a horseback ride, which will allow you to explore the diversity of the Pantanal landscape including some flooded areas of the Pantanal plain. The Pantaneiro horse are docile and has adapted, through the centuries, to eat with its nose underwater. In this region, the horse is the Pantaneiros’  best friend, a daily companion during work and leisure. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, trek the Rondon Trail towards the 13 m high Jabiru Stork Tower, where you can watch a Jabiru Stork nest. Return to Araras Eco Lodge for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

4^th Day – Departure from Pantanal to Bom Jardim Village, before meeting the great Savanna

Early rising, to witness the awakening of the Pantanal at dawn. Breakfast and departure to Bom Jardim Village in Nobres. Bom Jardim takes place at 162km from Cuiabá Airport and is strategically located in an area of transition between  the  Savanna and the Amazon rainforest. Bom Jardim is the land of many crystal clear water rivers, lakes and caverns, the habitat of several species of fish and plants. Snorkeling and caving are outstanding. 3 hours trip from Araras Eco Lodge. At your arrival, 1 km trail until we reach Enchanted Aquarium and Salobra river, where the snorkeling activity takes place. About 2 hours at river pace enjoying the beauties of underwater. Lunch and in the afternoon departure to Chapada dos Guimarães, passing by impressive rocks formation. Outstanding scenario to admire until the end of the trip. Visit to  Chapada Town historic centre and  to the Geodesic Mark of South America for a breathtaking view over the plain. Check in at the  charming Park Ecolodge. Dinner and overnight.  (B, L, D)

5^th day – Parque Nacional: Waterfalls, trails and sunset

Breakfast. Join the Tour of the Waterfalls through the Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park. The wind and rain sculpted intriguing shapes in the sand stone covered with rich vegetation. Birds singing and waterfalls add to the enjoyment of this trail. The walk ends with a visit to the Bridal Veil Waterfall and lunch at a local restaurant.

Returning to the Park Eco lodge, enjoy the private trails of the property and a walk to the observation tower. This is the place to be at sunset. It allows you a bird´s eye view over the Sao Jeronimo Peak.

Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

6th day – Trip back to Cuiabá

Sunrise walk. Transfer do Cuiaba Airport after breakfast. (B)