Brazil - The Pantanal: South America's Big Five

Highlights

• Explore Northern Pantanal
• Boat trip on the Pixaim River and drive to Porto Jofre
• Jaguar and Giant Otters on the Cuiabá River and tributaries from Porto Jofre
• Enjoy a Boat trip then travel back up the Transpantaneira
• Land-based explorations on nearby Araras for tapir, tamandua, and birds
• Visit Rio Cuiaba surroundings by boat for Jaguar

What's this trip about?

Our quest is to find and observe South America's "Big Five" – Jaguar, Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, Ocelot and South American Tapir. This special itinerary travels to both the north and south Pantanal regions where marshes, lakes and streams provide a diverse combination of ecosystems that support superb wildlife encounters. In the north Pantanal, Jaguars appear on the riverbanks of the Cuiabá upstream from Porto Jofre to hunt Yacaré Caimans and Capybaras and to bask in the sun. Hyacinth Macaws and many other colorful birds are a joy to photograph. Travel down the famous "Transpantaneira Highway" to Porto Jofre where highlights include Jaguar, South American Tapir, and Giant Otters. Spend the last week in the southern Pantanal, a sure bet for Giant Anteaters and Ocelots, including the three-day finale at exclusive Caiman Lodge, one of the very best wildlife destinations on the planet. The Pantanal Conservation Complex is a UNESCO world heritage site and biosphere reserve of spectacular beauty.

What's excluded

• All airfare including international and three internal group flights booked by Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees. Airfare is approximately $1,200 to $1,500 round-trip from the continental US, plus about $365 for three internal flights (estimated January 2015 and subject to change).
• Brazilian visa fee.
• Dinner on August 15.
• Gratuities: tipping is, of course, discretionary, however we suggest budgeting about $15 to $20 per participant per day for August 7 to 22 with our guides (about $225 to $300 total per participant). Please let us know if you would like to pre-pay this with your final payment.
• Emergency medical and evacuation insurance and Trip cancellation insurance. Read more about travel insurance.
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, soft drinks, some bottled water, and alcoholic bottled beverages, and items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Reservation/Release Form.

Accommodation