iExplore Brazil Active: Amazon, Cerrado and Pantanal

Tour Description

Welcome to Brazil! Mato Grosso is the only state in Brazil that holds within its borders three Ecosystems almost equidistant from its capital, Cuiaba, and its respective airport. This program provides you with the opportunity of visiting the Pantanal, the Savanna Tablelands and the Amazon Rainforest, comprising 1,050 km of a true photo-safari without wasting time with flights and airports.

The mythical Amazon can only be described in superlatives. It covers an area of more than 5 million square kilometers of which 80% is on Brazilian territory and those spread in 8 states, one of which is the state of Mato Grosso. It is the third largest and most intact rainforest region in the world. Through this large area flows an extensive drainage system of more than a thousand rivers, which account for 20% of the world's fresh surface water.

The heartland of Brazil covers an area equal to Western Europe, and its original vegetation is called "Cerrado", considered the richest savanna in the world due to its high plant diversity and endemism. Most of Brazil's big rivers find their source here. It's an area of enormous ecological importance with many areas of spectacular beauty, such as the Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park. Its biodiversity includes 837 bird species, 161 mammals, 120 reptiles and over 10,000 vascular plants of which 44% are endemic.

The Pantanal, one of the last great wildernesses, is the largest continuous wetland on the planet, declared a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, its South America's primary wildlife sanctuary. With a total area of 240,000 sq km located at the center of the continent, the Pantanal is a biogeographic mixing bowl, containing elements of the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforests, the Brazilian Savanna and the Paraguayan Chaco. This fantastic biodiversity includes 698 birds, 100 mammals, 177 reptiles, 40 amphibians and over 250 fish species.

Itinerary

Day 01- SAO PAULO OR CUIABA, BRAZIL

Welcome to Brazil. You have two options for your arrival today.

Overnight at the Sao Paulo Airport Caesar Business International Hotel and continue on to Cuiaba tomorrow morning on one of these suggested flights: TAM Linhas Aereas #3804 departing Sao Paulo at 9:00am and arriving in Cuiaba at 11:15am or TAM Linhas Aereas #1453 departing Sao Paulo at 9:30am and arriving in Cuiaba at 1:30pm. Please note the flights are not included in the tour cost.

If you select this option, when you arrive in Sao Paulo, use the hotels complimentary shuttle service to transfer you to the Caesar Business International Airport. The hotel is located only 5 minutes away from the International Airport and is the best option for waiting for a connecting flight without having to go all the way downtown.

Fly directly into Cuiaba, Brazil. For this option, you will be met at Cuiaba Airport and transferred to the Hotel Deville Cuiaba. The hotel is located about 15 minutes from the airport.

Sao Paulo Airport Marriott Hotel or Hotel Deville Cuiaba

Day 02 - SAO PAULO OR CUIABA- AMAZON RAINFOREST

Depending on which option you selected for the previous day, you will either be met at your hotel in Cuiaba for the transfer to the Amazon Rainforest, or be met at Cuiaba Airport for the transfer. Transfer time is approximately 4.5 hours.

You will arrive at Jardim da Amazonia Eco Lodge in the late afternoon for a welcome drink and check in.

The Jardim da Amazonia Eco Lodge is located on the banks of the Claro River, the main tributary of the great Tapajos River. Surrounded by 1,000 hectares of luxuriant forest, representative of the transition from the Cerrado to the Rainforest and housing several springs of crystalline water, this area allows us to enjoy exciting trails, refreshing baths, fresh water fish barbeques in the jungle as the ancient rubber collectors did, canoe rides downstream the Claro River amid impressive biodiversity and much more. It's 7 well decorated rooms, delicious home-cooked food and hearty reception add to the excitement of this great experience.

We recommend a refreshing swim in its pool with crystal clear running waters or birding along the Orchid Trail- see the numerous hummingbirds, painted parakeets and blue-headed parrots.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Breakfast, Dinner

Jardim da Amazonia Eco Lodge

Day 03 - AMAZON RAINFOREST

After breakfast, an amazing trail will take you deep into the forest and into contact with its exuberant flora and fauna. Good chances to meet tapir, the largest mammal in South America as well as numerous birds such as solitary tinamou, royal flycatcher and the silver-beaked tanager to name a few.

The walk will be followed by a fish barbeque and then you will have a chance for a 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 and herons.

Afterwards, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Jardim da Amazonia Eco Lodge

Day 04 - AMAZON RAINFOREST- NOBRES- CHAPADA DOS GUIMARAES

After breakfast, depart for Nobres.

Nobres is a municipality located 140km northeast of Cuiaba. Due to a large concentration of limestone in its ground, we will find many caves and grottoes. The topography of the area features a small mountain range called the "Tombador Complex", with rolling valleys and tablelands. These characteristics present a remarkable visual effect. Dozens of complex cave systems cross the region, just like the better known and more crowded Bonito, the area has many rivers, lakes and caverns of crystal clear blue waters, the habitat of several species of fish and plants, and an outstanding area for snorkeling and caving.

A three-hour drive leads us to Nobres until Villa de Bom Jardim. When you arrive there will be a safety and floating instruction briefing and you will pick up your mask, snorkels and floating vests and take off to enjoy a 45-minute long activities along the Salobra River and its ponds, filled with thousands of colorful fish.

Aquario Encantado- one of the Salobra River's sources, 6 meters deep, where we will start the activities among the many species of gorgeous and colorful little fish. The Salobra River: a 500-meter long float snorkeling in the warm waters.

Have lunch, take a bit of a rest and then on to Chapada dos Guimaraes, in the heart of the South American Continent. Arrive by the end of the day at Chapada National Park and check in to the charming Park Eco Lodge and perhaps take a reconnaissance walk before dinner.

The Park Eco Lodge is strategically located on the borders of Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park at an altitude of 750m and houses in its 150 hectares of private reserve 2 waterfalls (from December to July), an amazing outlook over the entire park, caves, and several well prepared trails for the enjoyment of the most demanding nature lovers. Its 8 rooms and 1 suite offer comfort with charming décor and the "Teta da Loba" Restaurant and Bar serves cuisine from the regions rich flora. From the lodge most of the main attractions of the Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park, such as the 86m high Veu de Noiva waterfall, the 850m high Sao Geronimo Mountain, the Casa de Pedra Cave and the Complexo das Cachoeiras, a sequence of 7 waterfalls, are within walking distance. Not to be forgotten are the almost daily glorious sunsets that can be enjoyed from its large verandas and hammocks.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Park Eco Lodge

Day 05- CHAPADA DOS GUIMARAES NATIONAL PARK

This day is devoted to wonderful hikes through the National Park. The wind and rain have sculpted intriguing shapes in the sand stone covered with rich Cerrado vegetation. It's bird's songs and crystal clear waterfalls add to the enjoyment of the walk.

The hike ends at the 86m high waterfall "Veu de Noiva" where we'll enjoy a traditional meal at the local restaurant, looking down into this huge canyon.

Later, a light hike along the "Stone House" trail will take us back to the lodge in time for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Park Eco Lodge

Day 06 - CHAPADA DOS GUIMARAES- PANTANAL LOWLANDS

After breakfast and check out, we will drive down and visit the "Veredas da Salgadeira", humid areas adorned by the "buriti" palms at the slope of the Chapada Cliffs.

Stop for lunch at Las Velas Restaurant in Cuiaba before driving on to the lowlands of the Pantanal along 111km of paved roads as far as the charming "gold miners" town of Pocone. Here we will make a "pit-stop" for snacks and picture taking of the Central Square, colonial buildings and cathedral.

Then on to the Transpantaneira Park Road for the additional 32km until we reach the Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge, in time for dinner.

The Araras Eco Lodge is located amidst unique and rare biological diversity and built in harmony with the environment, without renouncing comfort, offers 19 comfortable rooms with air-conditioning and private bath. A swimming pool to refresh after a good walk, a bar with a large selection of cold drinks and a restaurant with delicious, organic, home style food. Its enviably-preserved surroundings, spread on 2,700 hectares of private preserve, offers the opportunity for first class bird watching, trekking in pristine forests, canoeing, horseback riding, jeep photo-safari and much more! Two observation towers, 12m and 25m high, linked by 1200m of catwalks on stilts, guarantee easy access to nature and wildlife.

The Pantanals Water Cycles: October, the first rains after 90 days of absolute dryness. In November and December the plain becomes green again with the first rains. In January the floods begin, reaching its crest in the middle of March and the end of the rain season. From April to June it progressively dries out; from July to September the plain is fully dry.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge

Day 07 - PANTANAL

After breakfast, depart for the Clarinho River along private dirt roads. As you explore its calm waters in canoes, there are good chances to spot giant river-otters. Have some fun fishing for piranhas to complete your local style barbeque on the banks of the river. Walk the trails along the shore before returning to the lodge for sunset at the 25m high Howler Monkey Tower.

Enjoy dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge

Day 08 - PANTANAL

Today is devoted to exploring the Araras Eco Lodge's private reserve.

After breakfast the guide will lead you on horseback (or walk) across this gorgeous ecosystem.

After lunch, take a photo-safari down the Transpantaneira Park Road.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge

Day 09 -PANTANAL- CUIABA

Enjoy a sunrise walk followed by breakfast. The rest of the morning is at your leisure before you transfer back to Cuiaba- about a 2-½ hour drive.

Upon arrival in Cuiaba, you will be met and driven to the Hotel Deville Cuiaba for overnight.

Breakfast

Hotel Deville Cuiaba

Day 10 - DEPART CUIABA

Today you will be met and transferred to Cuiaba Airport for your flight home.

Breakfast

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.

Pricing Information

2011 Prices:

January to June:

$3,709 per person double occupancy.

$3,519 per person double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together.

$6,229 solo traveler.

$575 single room supplement.

July to December:

$4,149 per person double occupancy.

$3,799 per person double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together.

$6,779 solo traveler.

$639 single room supplement.

Please note above prices are not valid over Christmas, New Year's, Carnival (March 4-9, 2011) and other holidays. Your iExplore Adventure Consultant can provide an exact quote for travel over those periods.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of December, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Inclusions:

· Day 1: One night accommodation at the Sao Paulo Airport Marriott Hotel or the Hotel Deville Cuiaba, including breakfast. Note: if staying at the Sao Paulo Airport Marriott Hotel, use the hotels complimentary shuttle from the airport to the hotel. If you are staying at the Hotel Deville Cuiaba, you will be met at Cuiaba Airport and driven to the hotel.

· Two nights accommodations at Jardim Amazonia Lodge.

· Three nights accommodations at the Araras Lodge in Pantanal.

· Two nights accommodations at the Park Eco Lodge.

· All meals and activities per the itinerary.

· Expert English speaking field guides

· One night accommodations at the Hotel Deville Cuiaba on the Day 9, including transfer from the airport.

· Transfer from the Hotel Deville Cuiaba to the Airport on the last day.

 

Exclusions

· Any/all flights and related costs.

· Meals not specifically mentioned in the program.

· Personal expenses such as beverages, phone, fax etc.

· Travel Insurance.

· Cost of a visa.

· Any/all items not specifically mentioned in the itinerary

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Tour Notes