what to know before coming
Are we in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso or South Mato Grosso?
The North Pantanal is in the region of Mato Grosso and the capital Cuiabá and is served by the international airport of Cuiabá – Marechal Rondon. From the capital it is possible to travel quickly by land to any of the biomes such as the Savanna, the Pantanal or the Amazon.
Are the packages ‘full package’?
Yes, our packages are complete, including your accommodation, all meals during your stay, two to three ecotourism activities in the destinations and the accompaniment of a naturalist guide. In addition to inbound and outbound transport and between destinations.
Are there fixed times and/or days to start the tours?
Most of our packages have free dates, which can be planned according to the best date for you. Some of them have a minimum number of nights or certain special conditions. Consult us to know more details about your interest package.
As for the schedules, we have two fixed entry departures, regular, every day. They are at 1:20 pm covering all morning flights and at 5:00 pm covering all afternoon flights.
On the way out, there are also 2 regular fixed departures: 7:30 am or 12:30 pm depending on the destination. Your outbound flight must be at least 4 hours apart from these times.
Are the packages followed exactly as described?
Our packages are made according to your needs, we can plan the number of total nights in each destination according to your available time for travel or your desire to stay in each of them.
Why do I need to inform you about my arrival schedule? May I just tell you which transfer schedule I prefer?
If you let us know about your arrival flight details, we will meet you at the airport, right after the baggage claim area, avoiding misunderstandings. Also, if your flights gets delayed, we will know in advance and will do our best to assure that you don´t lose a transfer to the lodge.
One of my flights doesn´t fit your transfer schedule. How can we handle it?
It is possible to book private transfers at any schedule – supplement applies. Please contact our reservations department.
I´ve booked the package without transfers. May I book them later?
Yes, of course. However, the confirmation of this service will depend on the availability at the time of booking. We suggest a minimum of 3 days in advance.
I´ll arrive at Cuiaba a few days in advance and will be staying at a hotel. Do I have to meet you at the airport for the transfer?
No. We can pick you up from your hotel in Cuiaba. Please be sure to inform our reservations department.
I will arrive at Araras Ecolodge during the morning. May I check-in? Is lunch included?
You will be most welcome if you arrive in the morning. However, your room may not be available before 2 pm. Lunch on the day of arrival is not included, but if you let us know in advance, we will provide lunch and you can settle locally this extra service.
I´ll depart from the lodge at 12h30. Is there any activity programed for the last morning?
If you leave the lodge at 12:30 or after, your guide will organize one last activity before lunch. How big are the groups? During the regular activities, each of our guides – who are experts in nature and have an in depth knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Pantanal Flood Plain – is assigned to small groups of 8 to 10 guests, for safety reasons but also so our guests may deeply enjoy their experience with increased chances of spotting wildlife.
May I book a private guide?
Our packages include regular activities, but it is possible to book a private guide for your group or family, according to availability. A supplement applies: please contact our reservations.
Are the activities accessible for everyone?
The difficulty level of our activities is light to moderate, and considered accessible by most of our guests. However, some people with walking difficulties may have some issues with some of the activities. If that is your case, please contact our reservations department, for detailed information. A private guide may be a solution.
Are the activities safe?
Our activities follow all the rules for Safety Management and are monitored through radio. However, precisely for safety reasons, the horseback riding is not allowed for children under 6 years old. Will I be able to use my mobile phone and access the internet? Generally, there is no mobile coverage at the lodge. You will be able to access the internet through complimentary wifi in social areas.
I´m a vegetarian or I’ve got some food intolerance? Do I have to let the lodge know?
Our meals are buffet, with various dishes, including vegetarian. However, if you let us know, we will be able to serve you better.
What should I take to the Pantanal?
For your Pantanal experience:
We recommend light cotton clothes for the activities, including trousers and long sleeved shirts (against the sun and insects) and walking shoes or boots (very important). Please do not forget your shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, hat with a brim, knee-high socks (the ones for sports) and 2 extra pairs of shoes. From June to September, at night, temperatures can be as low as 4°C- 39°F: a sweater or windbreaker may come in handy. You may also find useful to bring your camera, sunglasses, binoculars, mosquito repellent, sunscreen lotion.