Northern Pantanal Wetlands Safari
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Cuiaba to the Pantanal
On arrival at Cuiaba airport you’ll be picked up by your guide and transferred by 4WD truck to the Pantanal. A large part of the journey takes you along the Transpantaneira, the ‘highway’ through the wild west of Brazil, and along the way you’ll drive through villages that resemble something out of a country and western movie. The journey then passes through savannah landscape where you might see a few water birds, and have a greater chance of spotting capybaras. If you are travelling during the rainy season, the otherwise sandy roads can get quite muddy.
After about two hours of driving, you’ll arrive at your accommodation. During this trip you’ll stay at a fazenda (farm) where you can expect a very friendly and informal welcome. We work closely with a selection of comfortable fazendas, that we have chosen based on their remote location and intimate atmosphere. You’ll have time to settle in and explore your surroundings before you sit down for a meal.
Days 2-3 – Wildlife spotting in the Pantanal
You won’t need your alarm clock during this Pantanal trip as the resident birds are at their liveliest in the early morning and you’ll wake to the sound of squawking macaws. The Pantanal is home to an impressive diversity of animals and birdlife including monkeys, deer, tapir, anteater, toucans and macaws; not forgetting of course the cute capybara. Rare animals such as the armadillo and jaguar also make their home in the Pantanal, but, as always with wildlife spotting, there are no guarantees on which animals you’ll see during your stay. Depending on the time of year and how water-covered the landscape is, you’ll either explore on foot, by horse, boat or canoe. If you’ve never ridden a horse before, this isn’t a problem as the Pantanal horses are used to inexperienced riders. You’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking guide who knows the area and will be able to share further information about the wildlife you see.
Day 4 – Pantanal to Cuiaba
After breakfast you’ll travel back along the Transpantaneira Highway from the Pantanal to Cuiaba. Your driver will stop the car any time you pass a point of interest so that you can look around and take pictures. Upon your arrival in Cuiaba you’ll be dropped off back at the airport.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
North Pantanal Wetlands Safari - Comfort accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our comfort version is a charming and sustainable eco lodge that has been built to blend into its natural surroundings. If you would like to upgrade your accommodation in the North Pantanal for this bite-sized trip select our comfort option below.
North Pantanal - In search of jaguar
If you’re keen to see jaguar roaming free in its natural habitat, travel deep into the Pantanal wetlands to Baiazinha Lodge. This small, remote lodge is close to the Taiamã Ecological Reserve, which is one of the best areas for spotting jaguar. During the dry season – from July through to October – the lodge operates a special Jaguar Program, with excursions focused on spotting this extraordinary big cat. The air conditioned rooms are spacious and simply furnished with solar heated showers. When you’re not wildlife spotting you can freshen up in the outdoor pool or relax in a hammock with a book. If jaguar spotting is high on your bucket list, then this is for you!
