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Few countries in the world are as diverse or as rich in wildlife as Brazil, and even today new species are discovered every year in the vast rainforest zones in this 3.3 million-square-mile country, the largest in South America.

First we venture to the world of the Amazon rainforest with a stay at Cristalino Lodge, nestled in a private forest reserve in the Southern Brazilian Amazon rainforest. This unique region, containing many endemic species, features pristine forest and aquatic habitats that support a very rich fauna and flora; it has been described as an Amazon sanctuary. While here we’ll go hiking on forest trails, motor along the river in search of wildlife, swim in the river, and paddle inflatable boats on a remote lake.

Next stop is the Pantanal in the state of Mato Grosso, an enormous terrain of forests, meadows and savannahs. The Pantanal, declared a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is South America’s primary wildlife sanctuary and the greatest existing natural wetland system in the world ("pantanal" means flooded plain or swampland). Our trip is timed in the dry season, when the waters recede and form lakes that are perfect ecological niches for vast numbers of birds, mammals and reptiles, a delight to photographers and naturalists alike. Excursions at comfortable Araras Eco Lodge range from hiking to horseback riding to boat trips (and even fishing for piranha!), all accompanied by bilingual local guides (in addition to Luis, of course!). In both areas, we’ll recap the highlights of the day each evening and discuss the nature of culture of the region.

A post-trip extension to lively Río de Janeiro is available.

This trip has been discontinued. Please call one of MTSobek’s travel experts at 888-831-7526 to learn about similar trips currently offered.

Day 1, Oct 20 ~ Meet at Cuiabá/Várzea Grande airport and fly to Alta Floresta. Transfer to the Río Cristalino, and then by boat to the Cristalino Lodge, searching for wildlife en route.

Day 2, Oct 21 ~ Sunrise visit to the tower to view wildlife at canopy level, then set out for a motor boat trip up the Río Cristalino and hikes on various nature trails to search for wildlife. Option of nighttime spotlighting mammals from a raised platform.

Day 3, Oct 22 ~ Motor up the Río Cristalino for a hike on the Sierra Trail, followed by a canoe trip down river.

Day 4, Oct 23 ~ All day boat trip up river to Cigana Lake, where you’ll take to inflatable boats (duckies) and investigate birds’ nests, canoe down to wild beaches, swim in the river and at a hot spring creek, and have a picnic lunch by the beach.

Day 5, Oct 24 ~ Transfer to Alta Floresta and fly to Cuiabá. Continue to the Pantanal lowlands and Araras Lodge, a comfortable pousada (lodge) built in harmony with the environment. Evening night walk to observe the skies of the southern hemisphere sky and to hear and feel the nocturnal environment.

Day 6, Oct 25 ~ Horseback ride through the pastures, woods, and wetlands surrounding the reserve. Afternoon hike.

Day 7, Oct 26 ~ Travel to Sentinela Camp on the edge of the Río Clarinho. Here we’ll board canoes for a tour to spot aquatic wildlife, birds, and flora, with the possibility of fishing for piranha! We’ll enjoy a Brazilian churrasco-style picnic lunch (traditional barbecue) along the banks of the river.

Day 8, Oct 27 ~ Hike or bike ride to a neighboring farm, a 12,000-hectare ranch that has raised cattle over the last three generations in a balanced and sustainable manner.

Day 9, Oct 28 ~ Transfer back to Cuiabá airport for homeward-bound flights.

Photo Credits
©MTS Photo File