03 ECOSYSTEMS PACKAGE TRAVEL 8 DAYS -7 NIGHTS

Price per person

Amazon Rain Forest, Savanna (Cerrado) and Pantanal Lowlands

The Pantanal covers an area of 130,000 km2 (51,000 sq. miles). It is a perfect ecological niche for observing and photographing a large number of birds, reptiles and other animals. The Pantanal's main access road, the Transpantaneira, crosses more than 100 wooden bridges and ends 147 km (92 miles) from Poconé in Porto Jofre,penetrating deep into the marshland ecosystem.

ARARAS PANTANAL ECO LODGE - Located amidst all this is the ARARAS ECO  Built in harmony with the environment, without renouncing
comfort, the lodge is reachable all year-round by car via the Transpantaneira Park Road, 132 km (82 mi) south of Cuiabá (Mato Grosso State Capital) On a 2h30 safari-transfer, in air-conditioned vehicle. From this lodge,with its enviably preserved surroundings, it is possible to do firstclass bird-watching, trekking in pristine forest, canoeing, horseback riding, truck photo-safaris, night tours, two exciting tree top look outs with 12 and 25m high and much more, all under the assistance of expert bilingual naturalist guides.

1st Day - Cuiabá - Amazon Rain Forest - (Recommendation: Schedule flight with A.M. arrival. LUNCH NOT INCLUDED)
Arrival at Cuiabá/Várzea Grande airport or pick up and transfer to the Amazon Rain Forest. (310 km paved federal road- approximately 4.5 hours ).
Arrival late afternoon, welcome drink and check-in at Jardim da Amazonia Lodge. We recommend a refreshing swim in its pool with crystal clear running waters. Birding along the Orchid Trail (numerous hummingbirds, painted parakeet, blue-headed parrot, masked trogon, etc.) Dinner and overnight.(, D)

2nd Day - Amazon Rain Forest - After breakfast, an amazing trail will take you deep into the Forest, and contact with its exuberant fauna and flora.
Good chances to meet tapir, the largest mammal in South America as well as numerous birds (solitary tinamou, royal flycatcher, silver beaked tanager,etc.). The walk will be followed by fish barbecue and 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, herons.) Dinner and overnight at Jardim da Amazonia Lodge. (B, L, D)

3rd Day - Amazon Rain Forest - Nobres - Chapada dos Guimarães - After breakfast, departure to Nobres. Nobres is a municipality located 140km Northeast of Cuiabá. Due to a large concentration of limestone in its ground, we 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 at better known and more crowded Bonito, the area has many rivers, lakes and caverns of blue crystal clear waters, habitat of several species of fishes and plants, outstanding for snorkeling and caving. 3-hour-drive towards Nobres until Vila de Bom Jardim.
Upon arrival, safety and floating instructions, pick up mask, snorkels and floating vests. Enjoy about 45-minute-long floating activities along the Salobra river and its ponds filled with hundreds of colorful fishes.

. Aquário Encantado: One of the Salobra river's sources, 6 meters deep where we'll start the first floating activities among many species of gorgeous and colorful little fishes // Salobra River: a 500 meter long float, snorkeling in 27oC warm waters.Have lunch, take a rest and then on to Chapada dos Guimarães, in the heart of the South American Continent.
Arrive by the end of the day at Chapada National Park. Check in at the charming Park Eco Lodge and take a reconnaissance walk.
Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

4th Day - Chapada dos Guimarães National Park
Day devoted to wonderful hikes through the National Park. The wind and rain have sculpted intriguing shapes in the sand stones covered with rich"Cerrado" vegetation. Its bird's songs and crystal clear water falls add to the enjoyment of the walk. The hike ends at the 86m high water fall "Véu de Noiva" where we'll enjoy a traditional meal at the local restaurant, looking down into this huge canyon. Later, light hike along the "Stone House" trail back to the Lodge. Dinner and overnight.

5th Day - Chapada dos Guimarães - Pantanal lowlands
After breakfast and check-out, drive down and visit the "Veredas da Salgadeira", humid areas adorned by the "buriti" Palms, at. The slope of Chapada cliffs. Lunch in Cuiabá at Las Velas restaurant. Then drive on to the lowlands of the PANTANAL along 111 km paved road as far as the charming "gold
miners" town of Poconé. "Pit-stop" for some snack, toilet and picture taking of its central square, colonial buildings and cathedral. Then on to the Transpantaneira Park Road for additional 32km until Araras Pantanal Ecolodge, welcome drink and check-in. Later a brief reconnaissance walk of its
surroundings. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

THE PANTANAL'S WATER CYCLES:
October, first rains after at least 90 days of absolute dryness.
November /December, the plain becomes green again with the first rains.
In January begins the flood, reaching its crest middle of March, and end of rain season.April to June, progressively drying out.
July to September, the plain is fully dry.

6th Day - Pantanal
Breakfast and departure to Clarinho River along private dirt roads. Exploring its calm waters in canoes. Good chances to spot giant river-otters. Have fun fishing for piranhas to complete your local style barbecue on the banks of the river. Walk Trails along its shore. Later in the afternoon return to the lodge
for the sunset at the, 25m high Howler Monkey Tower panoramic wood-tower. Dinner and overnight at Araras Lodge.

7th Day - Pantanal
Day devoted to exploring Araras Eco Lodge private reserve. After breakfast the guide will lead you on horseback or walking across this gorgeous ecosystem. Lunch. In the afternoon photo-safari down the Transpantaneira Park Road for an additional 25 km. Dinner and overnight at Araras.

8th Day - Pantanal - Cuiabá
Sunrise walk followed by breakfast. Morning at ease for personal undertakings with the assistance of your guide, before being transferred to Cuiabá airport through estimated 2h30 drive.

Scheduled activities are always subject to change due to water levels and weather conditions.

USEFUL NOTES:
Travel to Amazon and Pantanal, it is recommended that people bring with them common drugs as well as antihistamines, insect repellents, sun protectors, sun glasses, camera, batteries, long trousers, long sleeves T shirts, swimming suits, cotton socks, hat, tennis shoes/ boots, sandals, light clothes and jogging suits or fleeces. To Pantanal we also recommend binoculars.
The Brazilian National Agency for Sanitary Vigilance recommends Yellow fever vaccination for people who travel in areas endemic to Brazil: Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Distrito Federal (Brasilia), Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, Rondínia, Roraima and Tocantins.
*There is no National or Reserva tax to pay in Amazon or Pantanal.
*For vegetarian food the additional cost, it will depend of the Lodge so please ask the requirement.

*Regular Transfer leaves Cuiabá airport at 13h20pm and 17h00pm. So flight should arrive at least 1 hour before pick up time.

incluyed:

Included in the Seven Nights: 02 overnight at Jardim Amazonia Lodge,02 overnight at Park Lodge and 03 overnight at Araras Lodge, full board, activities according to the program below, specialized bilingual guide(English/Portuguese) safari- transfers in air conditioned vehicles.

LODGING INCLUDED:

JARDIM DA AMAZÔNIA LODGE
"Jardim d' AmazÃ'nia" Eco Lodge, on border of the Claro River the main tributary of the great Tapajós River. Surrounded by 1,000 hectares of luxuriant forest, representative of the transition from the Cerrado to the Rain Forest and housing several springs of crystalline water, this area allow us to enjoy
exciting trails, refreshing baths, fresh water fish barbecue in the jungle as the ancient rubber tree collectors, canoe downstream the Claro River amid impressive biodiversity, and much more.Its 7 well decorated rooms, delicious home food and heartily reception add to the excitement of this great
experience.

PARK ECO LODGE
The Park Eco Lodge, strategically located on the borders of Chapada dos Guimarães National Park (S 15º 26' 27'' - W 55º 49' 34'') at an altitude of 750m,only 55 km NE from Cuiabá Airport. Houses in its 150 hectares of private reserve 2 water-falls (from Dec. to Jul.), 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 a charming decoration in full privacy and the "Teta da Loba" Restaurant & Bar serves delicatessen from the region rich flora.From this Lodge most of the main attractions of the "Chapada dos Guimarães" National Park, as the 76m high "Veu de Noiva" waterfall, the 850m high "São GerÃ'nimo" peak, the "Casa de Pedra"cave and the "Complexo das Cachoeiras" a sequence of 7 waterfalls, are at walking distance.

ARARAS ECO LODGE
Location: Along the Transpantaneira Park Road, 132 Km (82 miles) from Cuiabá. (Cuiabá-Poconé: 100 km [62 miles], paved road + Poconé - Araras Eco Lodge: 32 Km [20 miles], dirt road). Lodge: Total of 19 standard rooms & bathrooms (14 twin + 3 triple + 2 quadruple rooms), air conditioning and ceiling fan, private bathrooms with hot and cold shower. Large verandas with hammocks. Two observation towers (12 m and 25 m in height). Swimming pool.Bar & restaurant.Electricity power line. Cellular telephone.