The diverse Pantanal comes together in this wildlife-focused trip. Explore everything the Pantanal has to offer from two eco-lodges, where you’ll experience the exotic sights and sounds of this great wilderness. In the Pantanal, you’ll see many of the 80 mammals, 698 bird species, 260 fish species, and 50 kinds of reptiles that dwell in this region. End the trip with an exciting 3 days in Rio de Janeiro before flying home.
Read More
The trip exceeded my expectations. We had great guides, and we saw many jaguars and birds.
Mark Faucher
Upon arrival in Cuiabá, you will be met and transfer to Araras Eco Lodge. Araras Eco Lodge offers comfortable rooms in a rustic setting, each with air conditioning, screened windows, ceiling fans, and private bathrooms. The property has a swimming pool with an adjoining covered area for meals, large verandas with hammocks, a reading room and conference hall, gift shop, bar, and restaurant. The lodge’s excellent regional food consists of dishes made with local met and fish of the Pantanal, plus organic salads, vegetables, and seasonal fruits.
Meals
Dinner
Lodging
Araras Eco Lodge
BDay 2The Pantanal
The Pantanal, the largest continuous wetland on the planet and a UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, is South America’s primary wildlife sanctuary. With a total area of approximately 150,000 km² and located in the center of the continent, the Pantanal brings together elements of the Amazon Rainforest, the Caatinga Desert, the Brazilian Savannah, the Atlantic Rainforest, and the Paraguayan Chaco. This fantastic biodiversity includes 698 bird species, 80 mammals, 260 fish species, and 50 reptiles.
Today is designed for you to explore the wonders of this amazing region. By truck, horse, canoe, or walking, you will be able to interact and get to know this complex ecosystem.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Araras Eco Lodge
CDay 3 The Pantanal
Early risers might want to enjoy a sunrise walk before beginning the transfer to Hotel Baiazinha. The drive today takes about 5 hours, by a combination of paved and dirt roads. Late afternoon, you will enjoy a safari search for jaguars and other wildlife.
This evening, settle into the Hotel Baiazinha. It has large apartments with balconies, a game room with a pool table, and wi-fi. The Hotel Baiazinha is located on the banks of the Paraguay River, close to the Taiama Ecological Reserve, one of the best areas for spotting jaguar and the rest of the Pantanal’s wildlife.
Taiama Ecological Reserve is a huge island in the Paraguay River and is extremely remote. No development is allowed within the reserve, so the Hotel Baiazinha provides the closest lodging to the reserve, which can only maximize the wildlife watching opportunities.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Baiazinha
DDays 4 - 6In Search of Jaguars
Spend two days venturing out by boat in search of the elusive jaguar. This region has the highest density jaguar population in the Pantanal region. Our guides estimate a 95% chance of seeing these amazing creatures over two days.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily
Lodging
Hotel Baiazinha
EDay 7Hotel Baiazinha/Cuiaba/Rio de Janeiro
After early breakfast, transfer to Cuiaba Airport (around 5 hours) for arrival around 1 p.m. At the appropriate time, board a flight (not included) to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival at Rio de Janeiro Airport, private transfer to the hotel. Overnight at in Rio de Janeiro.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Arpoador or similar
FDay 8Corcovado / Tijuca Forest National Park / Santa Teresa
After breakfast, depart (8 am) for Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest on earth. Stop to see the view from the Chinese Belvedere monument, then head into the forest on an easy walk to track tropical birds, monkeys, sloths, and other creatures. Afterward, head to Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain, where the views are even more amazing. Later, visit the old neighborhood of Santa Teresa, a charming area where lots of local artists live and exhibit their art. Return to your hotel late afternoon.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Arpoador or similar
GDay 9Sugar Loaf
After breakfast, venture to Sugarloaf Mountain, another well-known attraction, where you will ride up by cable car, high above endless views of the entire city and Guanabara Bay.
If you are up for some physical activity, consider the 40-minute hike to Urca Hill (220m). The first portion is somewhat steep; you can make your decision on the day of the tour.
Return to your hotel for a free afternoon.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Arpoador or similar
HDay 10Begin Your Trip Home
At the appropriate time, you’ll transfer to the airport. It’s time to say good-bye to Brazil and head home.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
The diverse Pantanal comes together in this wildlife-focused trip. Explore everything the Pantanal has to offer from two eco-lodges, where you’ll experience the exotic sights and sounds of this great wilderness. In the Pantanal, you’ll see many of the 80 mammals, 698 bird species, 260 fish species, and 50 kinds of reptiles that dwell in this region. End the trip with an exciting 3 days in Rio de Janeiro before flying home.
Upon arrival in Cuiabá, you will be met and transfer to Araras Eco Lodge. Araras Eco Lodge offers comfortable rooms in a rustic setting, each with air conditioning, screened windows, ceiling fans, and private bathrooms. The property has a swimming pool with an adjoining covered area for meals, large verandas with hammocks, a reading room and conference hall, gift shop, bar, and restaurant. The lodge’s excellent regional food consists of dishes made with local met and fish of the Pantanal, plus organic salads, vegetables, and seasonal fruits.
Meals
Dinner
Lodging
Araras Eco Lodge
BDay 2The Pantanal
The Pantanal, the largest continuous wetland on the planet and a UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, is South America’s primary wildlife sanctuary. With a total area of approximately 150,000 km² and located in the center of the continent, the Pantanal brings together elements of the Amazon Rainforest, the Caatinga Desert, the Brazilian Savannah, the Atlantic Rainforest, and the Paraguayan Chaco. This fantastic biodiversity includes 698 bird species, 80 mammals, 260 fish species, and 50 reptiles.
Today is designed for you to explore the wonders of this amazing region. By truck, horse, canoe, or walking, you will be able to interact and get to know this complex ecosystem.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Araras Eco Lodge
CDay 3 The Pantanal
Early risers might want to enjoy a sunrise walk before beginning the transfer to Hotel Baiazinha. The drive today takes about 5 hours, by a combination of paved and dirt roads. Late afternoon, you will enjoy a safari search for jaguars and other wildlife.
This evening, settle into the Hotel Baiazinha. It has large apartments with balconies, a game room with a pool table, and wi-fi. The Hotel Baiazinha is located on the banks of the Paraguay River, close to the Taiama Ecological Reserve, one of the best areas for spotting jaguar and the rest of the Pantanal’s wildlife.
Taiama Ecological Reserve is a huge island in the Paraguay River and is extremely remote. No development is allowed within the reserve, so the Hotel Baiazinha provides the closest lodging to the reserve, which can only maximize the wildlife watching opportunities.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Baiazinha
DDays 4 - 6In Search of Jaguars
Spend two days venturing out by boat in search of the elusive jaguar. This region has the highest density jaguar population in the Pantanal region. Our guides estimate a 95% chance of seeing these amazing creatures over two days.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily
Lodging
Hotel Baiazinha
EDay 7Hotel Baiazinha/Cuiaba/Rio de Janeiro
After early breakfast, transfer to Cuiaba Airport (around 5 hours) for arrival around 1 p.m. At the appropriate time, board a flight (not included) to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival at Rio de Janeiro Airport, private transfer to the hotel. Overnight at in Rio de Janeiro.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Arpoador or similar
FDay 8Corcovado / Tijuca Forest National Park / Santa Teresa
After breakfast, depart (8 am) for Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest on earth. Stop to see the view from the Chinese Belvedere monument, then head into the forest on an easy walk to track tropical birds, monkeys, sloths, and other creatures. Afterward, head to Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain, where the views are even more amazing. Later, visit the old neighborhood of Santa Teresa, a charming area where lots of local artists live and exhibit their art. Return to your hotel late afternoon.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Arpoador or similar
GDay 9Sugar Loaf
After breakfast, venture to Sugarloaf Mountain, another well-known attraction, where you will ride up by cable car, high above endless views of the entire city and Guanabara Bay.
If you are up for some physical activity, consider the 40-minute hike to Urca Hill (220m). The first portion is somewhat steep; you can make your decision on the day of the tour.
Return to your hotel for a free afternoon.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Arpoador or similar
HDay 10Begin Your Trip Home
At the appropriate time, you’ll transfer to the airport. It’s time to say good-bye to Brazil and head home.
Meals
Breakfast
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Rates Per Person
Need to Know
Rates Per Person -
2+ travelers
$6,495
Single Supplement
+ $1600
The land cost published is for the stated itinerary and is subject to change. This covers accommodations, transfers, activities, touring, guide services and meals as described in the full itinerary.
For a custom & private adventure, the final cost will be based on the activities selected, trip duration, accommodations, etc. Developing an initial custom trip itinerary is a service we provide to all clients at no cost. If after development of the initial itinerary you request additional development but are not ready to make a deposit, a trip planning fee may apply.
Please note that this trip operates under different payment and cancellation policies than those described in our complete Terms & Conditions as noted on our website and elsewhere. Please review the complete Terms & Conditions prior to submitting a deposit.
Expenses covered
Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses not covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
Payment and Deposit Schedule
A 40% deposit per person per trip or the applicable amount based on the trip and the proximity of the departure date. Final payment for land arrangements is due 60 days prior to departure. Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. The deposit may be made by Visa, Master Card, American Express, or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted via our website. Full payment schedule and cancellation penalties are described in our Terms and Conditions as noted in on our website, and elsewhere. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.
Airfare
We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.
Insurance
When you make your reservation, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.
Itinerary Change Fee
There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.
Duration 10 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost. The total number of days includes the time required to travel between the USA and the destination country.
Group Size From 2 - 14
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures. While Journeys groups include 2 to 12 people, the boat sleeps up to 18, and guests from other groups may be on the boat while our group is sailing.
Comfort Level
Superior
Delightful boat cabins and hotel accommodations
Activity Level
Active
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.
