Destinations:  Cuiaba & Pantanal North
Length: 7 Days / 6 Nights


The Pantanal is the world’s largest contiguous wetland area (actually an alluvial plain) located in the center of South America, spanning three countries, with around 168,000 km2 (60,000 sq. miles) being in Brazil.  It’s a perfect ecological niche for a great number of birds, reptiles and other animals to the delight of wildlife lovers and photographers. The Transpantaneira Park Road, a raised dirt road 147 km (90 miles) in length from Poconé to Porto Jofre crossing 126 small wooden bridges, penetrates deep into the Pantanal ecosystem. Araras Eco Lodge is located at Km 32 of the Transpantaneira Park Road.


Detailed Itinerary:                                                


Day 1  
Cuiabá / Araras Lodge (D)

Arrival at Cuiabá/Várzea Grande airport or pick up at hotel and transfer to Pantanal lowlands.  While crossing the area, it is possible to spot and appreciate the local flora & fauna.  Late afternoon hike through surrounding area to a 12 m observation tower and a spectacular view of sunset.  After dinner, night walk to observe the South Hemisphere sky, hear and feel the nocturnal environment.

Overnight at Araras Eco Lodge. 


Day 2
Araras Lodge (B/L/ D)

Full day dedicated to observing the Pantanal’s flora & fauna at the Araras Eco Lodge private reserve.  After breakfast, the guide will lead you on a 2 to 3 hour horseback ride through the pastures, woods and wetlands. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, you will go on a hike in a different area of the private reserve, allowing you to observe and learn more of the local environment.

Overnight at Araras Eco Lodge. 


Day 3
Araras Lodge (B/L/D)

After breakfast travel down private dirt roads, to Sentinela Camp on the edge of the Rio Clarinho. Canoe tour to spot aquatic wildlife, birds and flora; possibility of piranha fishing. Brazilian churrasco style picnic lunch along the banks of the river. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight at Araras Eco Lodge


Day 4
Araras Lodge / Jaguar Research Center (L/D)  

Sunrise hike. Breakfast. Enjoyment at lodge surroundings, before your photo safari Transfer by road and boat to Jaguar Research Centre.
Departure from Araras Lodge on the way to Jaguar Research.  The road dead-ends at the 250-m-wide Cuiabá River, where we board boats and navigate 1.0-1.5 hours upstream to our base at the Jaguar Research Centre camp, in the core of the new, Jaguar-rich 270,000-acre Meeting of the Waters State Park.  The name of this park refers to the three navigable rivers that join inside this unique park.

Overnight at JRC.


Day 5
Jaguar Research Center (B/L/D)

Use small boats to explore narrow and wide rivers in the amazingly wild core of this huge park, the world’s best location to see wild Jaguars (from July to October 2006, seven out of  seven of our two-day Jaguar Monitoring Expeditions in this park saw one or more Jaguars during the day).  In all, these groups saw 18 Jaguars in 23 days of daytime searches.  One group spent five days in this Jaguar Zone and saw nine of these huge predators, all during the day, a number at very close range for extended periods.

Overnight at JRC.


Day 6
Jaguar Research Center (B/L/D)

More river and forest explorations in the state park near the JRC.  The JRC is a tent camp, as no buildings can be erected in the pristine core of the park.  We own a key piece of riverbank terrain in the center of the park, and that is where we anchor our Centre.

Overnight at JRC.


Day 7 
Jaguar Research Center/ Cuiabá (B/L)

After breakfast 1.0 h boat and 2 h (non stop) drive back to PWC, which means another chance to spot wildlife along the edges of the Transpantaneira Road. After lunch drive 1.5 h along the Transpantaneira back to the town of Poconé, and then 1:15 on asphalt to Cuiabá hotel.


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