NORTH & SOUTH
PANTANAL PHOTO TOUR
Info
HIGHLIGHTS
Jaguars
Anteaters
Macaws
Tapir
Anaconda FULL EXPERIENCE - NORTH & SOUTH, 12 DAYS
Day 1, Start from Cuiabá to Chapada dos Guimarães
Meeting in the morning at the hotel or airport in Cuiabá (CGB) and transfer to Chapada dos Guimarães. Enjoy a panoramic view of the sandstone walls on the way to Chapada town.
Chapada dos Guimarães sits atop the Brazilian Central Plateau, on a very scenic area comprised by cerrado (Brazilian tropical savannas) scrubland bordered by huge sandstone cliffs and lush gallery forest.
In the afternoon we will visit the famous Bridal Veil Waterfall where we will have good chances to see and photograph magnificent birds like the Red and Green Macaw, Bat Falcon, Swallow Tanager, White-eyed parakeet, Cliff flycatcher, among other. Back to the lodge after sundown.
Dinner and overnight. (L,D)
Day 2, Chapada National Park; departure to Pantanal
Early drive through dirty roads to the Stone City for an outstanding view of the National Park. Besides the great scenery we might have the opportunity to see and photograph many of the Cerrado’s specialties, such as Collared Crescentchest, White-rumped & White-banded Tanagers, Rufous-winged Antshrike, White-eared Puffbird, Horned Sungem, and some mammals too, including the elusive Maned Wolf.
Back to the lodge, check out and transfer to Pantanal.
Arrival at Piuval Lodge in the mid-afternoon.
Introduction walk around the lodge - a vast mosaic of marshlands, forests, savannas and dry islands, perfect for observing interesting wildlife, such as, greater rheas, toucans, capybaras and the majestic hyacinth-macaw.
Sundown, dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 3, Land safaris
Full day to explore the many wildlife opportunities on this extraordinary private reserve. Our activities are a combination of overland safaris and forest walks. The guide will accompany you on all excursions to truly enhance your wildlife viewing. (B,L,D)
Day 4, Piuval Lodge to Porto Jofre
Early start to witness the awakening of the Pantanal in search of the Giant Anteater. The soft light at this time of the day usually provide great pictures. After breakfast we go for a walk in the forest.
Check-out, lunch and transfer to Porto Jofre.
Our arrival in Porto Jofre will be followed by an introduction walk in the lodge surrounds.
Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 5 & 6, Morning and afternoon boat safari
Two days devoted to explore the Cuiabá river and its tributaries. Our naturalist-guided water safaris are timed to allow photography during the first and last hour of light and give you the best chance of viewing jaguars. During excursions, you will also encounter other interesting wildlife. Watch for Giant River Otters, Caimans, Howler Monkeys, Capybaras and many bird species. Our outings will be always a full day, from sunrise to sunset, with a break for lunch and siesta at the hotel. The exact lengths of the outings will, of course, vary depending on the sightings and weather, and you should be prepared to be flexible with the timetable. (B,L,D)
Day 7, Porto Jofre to Barranco Alto
Morning flight to Barranco Alto - a wonderful exclusive little lodge with an immense area inland, only accessible by 4WD vehicles and small airplanes. A once in a lifetime wildlife destination with very friendly hospitality. Besides this, you can live the day-to-day life of an authentic Pantanal cowboy, savor typical local dishes and sleep in a traditional house which offers all the necessary comforts for a cozy and unforgettable stay.
Arrival for lunch at Barranco Alto Lodge. In the afternoon we will start our activities accompanied by an experienced local guide. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - 9, Traditional Pantanal ranch Barranco Alto
Two full days exploring the Barranco Alto private reserve. Daily activities include safari drives, short walks and boat rides, always focused on wildlife viewing. The landscape here is among the most beautiful of the Pantanal, with hundreds of lagoons, forests and native grasslands. Wildlife often encountered here include Giant Anteater, Tapir, varied deer species, lots of parrots and macaws, Giant and Neotropical Otters, Caimans, and even Jaguar and probably the best chances for Puma in Brazil. The habitats here are surprisingly different than at North Pantanal, with some notable differences in avifauna too. Many drying lakes inland will also have a big concentration of migrating aquatic birds. Good chances to see armadillos, pampas deer, blue-and-yellow macaws, and the iconic toco toucan. (B,L,D)
Day 10, Barranco Alto, departure to Bonito
Final morning at Barranco Alto. Breakfast and flight to Bonito. Lunch at the local restaurant.
Check in at Pousada Olho D’água, brief break, and walk in the town for shopping.
Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 11, Rio da Prata & Buraco das Araras
Snorkeling tour in the morning. Our dive begins at the east of Olho D’Água River. The access to there is by an agreeable stroll through the interpretative trail in the Prata ciliary river forest. Along this path you will find a rich flora and interesting wildlife as the bare-faced curassow, capuchin monkey and azara’s agouti. Walk through rustic trails for about 1.6 mile and snorkel with amazing underwater life.
The afternoon will be devoted to getting the best possible shots of macaws in flight at a huge natural sinkhole where dozens of Red-and-green Macaws nest and roost. At this private nature reserve there is a conveniently placed wooden terrace installed at the edge of the sinkhole, ideal spot for our photography as the macaws fly below us and at eye level. Expect dozens of great opportunities for flight shots. The habitat surrounding the sinkhole is good for birds such as Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Plush-crested Jays, among others.
Back to the lodge in the evening. Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 12, Final morning.
Breakfast and transfer back to Campo Grande (CGB) where the trip ends aroud noon. (B,L)
TOUR COST PER PERSON - SEASON 2025:
R$ 75.000 (BRL) *4 people group / R$ 55.000 (BRL) *6 people group / R$ 47.500 (BRL) *8 people group
ALL PRIVATE, STARTING FROM CUIABÁ (CGB) / ENDING IN CAMPO GRANDE (CGR)
TARIFF INCLUDES:
- All land transport; 11 nights in private double room with full board (lunch, dinner and breakfast); All activities mentioned in the itinerary; English/Portuguese speaking naturalist guide.
- CHARTER PRIVATE FLIGHTS – PORTO JOFRE / BARRANCO ALTO / BONITO.
Checked Baggage Allowance:
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1 bag with a maximum weight of 15kg/33lbs - Size: 155cm/61in (35cm wide, 55cm high, 25cm long);
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Small hand luggage.
NOT INCLUDED:
Drinks, tips, laundry, travel insurance, flights in/out, and extras not mentioned above.
PRICE
Our prices are fixed in the Brazilian Reais (R$/BLR), and the cost in other currencies will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing.
RESERVATION & CONFIRMATION
All reservations shall be made in writing via our official email addresses info@northpantanal.com. The booking requests will be handled/replied within 24 hours. We will inform you in case we are unable to process your requests by the specified time frame.
BOOKING & PAYMENT
Once your itinerary is settled, an payment invoice will be sent to you, with the booking instructions. Reservations are made under 50% credit card down payment (non-refundable), and the balance of total amount should be paid by credit card 30 days prior to arrival, or cash (USD/BRL) at the beginning of the tour in Cuiabá.
