Wildlife of the Pantanal
South America's premier wildlife sanctuary
• The Pantanal wetland • Wildlife • Ecolodge
| PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|
|
NZD
$3,100
|
Days
5
|
Nights
4
|
| PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|
|
NZD
$3,100
|
Days
5
|
Nights
4
|
Introduction
The Pantanal is the largest continuous wetland on the planet, containing elements of the Amazon forest, the Caatinga, the Brazilian Savannah, the Atlantic Rainforest and the Paraguayan Chaco.
This fantastic biodiversity includes approximately 698 species of birds, 80 species of mammals, 260 species of fish, and 50 species of reptiles. Unlike the dense foliage found in the Amazon, the open marshes of the Pantanal make it ideal for wildlife observation – from jaguars, anteaters, foxes, jabiru storks, marsh deer, or tapirs. Set amidst this is the Araras Ecolodge, a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable area.
Your accommodation: Araras Ecolodge is a comfortable, self-sustained property built in the traditional ‘pantaneiro’ farm style with 19 ensuite rooms each with hot and cold shower, screened windows, ceiling fan and air-conditioning. Meals are prepared with organic products from the local area. The lodge set on a 2760 ha private reserve has a bar, swimming pool, free wi-fi area, large verandahs with hammocks and three exciting observation towers.
This itinerary can be tailor-made, with the number of days, places visited, and activities varied to suit you.
Araras Ecolodge
Itinerary
Day 1 : Cuiaba > Pantanal
On arrival you will be met at the airport for a shared transfer to Pantanal lowlands. Along the way, enjoy sightings of the area’s unique flora and fauna. In the late afternoon, take a guided hike to a 12-metre observation tower for a spectacular sunset view. After dinner, there will be a walk to experience the night sky, soak in the sounds of the nocturnal environment, and spot some nighttime wildlife.
Day 2 : Pantanal
After breakfast, join your guide on a 2-3 hour photo safari led by your guide in a specially adapted open vehicle. This tour takes you to more remote areas, and the elevated height of the vehicle provides an excellent vantage point for observing the diverse wildlife along the Pantanal roads and the Transpantaneira crossway. During the safari, you will have the chance to admire the unique vegetation and spot a wide variety of animals. Following the safari, enjoy a canoe tour to observe aquatic wildlife, birds, and local flora, with the possibility of piranha fishing. During the dry season, lunch will be served by the river; in the wet season, lunch will be at the lodge. In the afternoon, take a hike to the 25-metre-high Howler Monkey Tower to enjoy a stunning sunset view.
Day 3 : Pantanal
Hike the Rondon Trail to the 12-meter high Tuiuiu Tower for sweeping views. Return to the lodge for lunch, followed by a horseback riding excursion—the most traditional way to explore the Pantanal. This ride allows access to remote areas where you can observe the unique harmony between cattle and the local wildlife. After dinner, gather around the fire for an engaging lecture or slide presentation.
Day 4 : Pantanal
Today you will enjoy a photo safari along the Transpantaneira crossway, capturing the incredible wildlife of the Pantanal . Return to Araras Lodge for lunch, followed by a guided hike along the scenic Ronco Trail. Should you choose to add-on the Jaguar Express day trip (additional charge), then today you will instead travel to Porto Jofre and embark on an exciting river safari around the Meeting of the Waters State Park.
Day 5 : Pantanal > Cuiaba
Begin the day with a sunrise hike before breakfast. Later, you will be transferred to the airport where your arrangements end.
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), NZD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2025 |
|||
|
3-star |
|||
|
2 Jan – 31 Mar |
NZ$3,100 |
NZ$3,825 |
|
|
1 Apr – 30 Jun; 1 – 26 Nov |
NZ$3,390 |
NZ$4,205 |
|
| 1 Jul – 31 Oct |
NZ$4,240 |
NZ$5,465 |
|
2025
3-star
2 Jan – 31 Mar
Twin: from $3100
Single: from $ 3825
1 Apr – 30 Jun; 1 – 26 Nov
Twin: from $3390
Single: from $ 4205
1 Jul – 31 Oct
Twin: from $4240
Single: from $ 5465
Departs
| Daily, year-round |
Included
- Tailor-made journey
- 4-nights’ accommodation
- All meals (B, L, D) during your stay
- Meet & Greet at Cuiaba Marechal Rondon International Airport
- Shared transfers as per the itinerary
- Shared activites as per the itinerary
- English-speaking naturalist guides
- Environmental fee
Not Included
Gratuities
Important Notes
- Please enquire about cross-season pricing or for a private guide
- Please also enquire about pricing for the Festive season
- Surcharges apply over Easter/Holy Week
- Araras Lodge is closed from 27 November to 27 December 2024
- Araras Lodge is closed from 30 November to 26 December 2025
- Please enquire to add-on a small-group or private Jaguar Express Day Trip from June to November
- Peak jaguar sightings occur during September and October
- Please also enquire should you wish to extend your time at Pantanal’s Araras Lodge
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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