Cuiaba, Pantanal & Amazon — Untamed Landscapes

Cuiaba, Chapada dos Guimarães

Travelers from the U.S. and Canada are required to obtain an eVisa before traveling to Brazil. The application is completed online and requires a recent photograph of the applicant, along with a photo of the applicant's passport bio page. Additional documentation is required for minors under 18 years. Processing typically takes approximately 10 business days; however, we recommend applying at least 20 days before departure to allow sufficient time for approval.. A shared transfer by air-conditioned vehicle is provided to your lodge. Along the way, you'll stop to visit Véu de Noiva, Chapada’s main landmark. This iconic waterfall, dubbed the "Bridal Veil" is the gem of the national park. Formed by the Piedade stream, a tributary of the Rio Coxipo, it has an 86m freefall along the sandstone wall, culminating in a huge canyon with lush valley forest. The cerrado vegetation is typical of the region. With a group guide, you'll venture high on the walkways to the viewing points of this beautiful waterfall. If there is time, you'll also stop at the geodesic center of South America. Afterward, continue to the lodge for check-in.

Accommodation: Park Eco Lodge (BLD) (Standard), Cuiaba

Chapada dos Guimarães

This morning, depart as a group on a waterfalls tour of the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park. Geologically older than the Andes Mountains, the Chapada dos Guimarães Tableland with its average altitude of 760m, is the source to almost all main rivers and waters that run into the Pantanal. Its waterfalls, creeks, rock formations covered with cerrado (savannah-like or scrub) vegetation and exotic wildlife give this National Park an unrivaled beauty. Set out through the forest to see the serene settings where these beautiful cascades meander through the reserve's dense greenery. Midday, you'll have an included lunch at a local restaurant. After your return to the lodge, you'll have a easy late afternoon hike to the exclusive 360° observation tower owned by the lodge. Once there, you'll ascend to the top of the structure where you'll be able to catch the sun setting behind the 850m high São Geronimo Peak in the distance; a truly majestic sight from this viewpoint.

Accommodation: Park Eco Lodge (BLD) (Standard), Chapada dos Guimarães

Chapada dos Guimarães, Cuiaba

Early this morning, you'll set out on a sunrise walk along trails of the reserve, witnessing the natural beauty as a new day dawns on the park.. After check-out, join a group transfer back to Cuiaba.. Enjoy a free evening to follow your interests, whether you step out to explore or unwind at your hotel.. Taste the flavors of Cuiaba at Hotel Deville, where regional character meets international cuisine in an inviting dining setting. From thoughtfully prepared local specialties to familiar global favorites, the hotel’s restaurants and bars offer a delicious way to unwind, connect, and experience the warmth of Mato Grosso through its vibrant culinary traditions.

Accommodation: Hotel Deville Cuiaba (B) (Deluxe Room), Chapada dos Guimarães

Cuiaba, Pantanal

A shared, air-conditioned transfer will take you from Cuiaba Airport to the Araras Eco Lodge in Pantanal. The duration is approximately 2.5 hours.. After check-in, enjoy an introductory group walking tour where the history, concepts and surroundings of the lodge are presented. You will be shown the impounding and treatment of water and effluents, destination of garbage, water heating and everything concerning minimizing the impacts of our presence on the environment. You will also see the Corixo (flood channel) of the alligator, where the visitor has a close and safe contact with one of the most present symbols of the Pantanal. From the 12m high Heron Lookout, you will have an aerial view from the crown of a giant tree. Please note: the order and schedule of activities is subject to change, based on lodge recommendation or weather conditions.. Set out as a group on a night walk, favoring the adaptation to the environment and the observation of nocturnal animals, a closer contact with the sounds of the night, and even star gazing!

Accommodation: Araras Eco Lodge (BLD) (Standard (3N/4D)), Cuiaba

Pantanal

In specially-adapted open vehicles, today's group photo safari tour accesses more distant sites and - because of the height of the vehicle - it facilitates the observation of the fauna along the roads of the Pantanal and the Transpantaneira crossway. During the photo safari, you are given the opportunity to watch the peculiarities and contrasts of the vegetation, as well as a large variety of animals. Canoeing allows you to discover the riverside forest in absolute silence for greater integration. It doesn’t require much physical effort, as it is carried out in areas without much current, though you'll row your own 2-seat Canadian canoe.. Set out on a group night drive, seeking out the array of animals who become active once darkness falls.

Accommodation: Araras Eco Lodge (BLD) (Standard (3N/4D)), Pantanal

Pantanal

Shared trail trekking provides you with the closest contact with the environment, while reinforcing its ecological significance. In the dry season, 13 miles of trail are at your disposal. During the wet season, the catwalks, suspended 1.5 m above ground, allow you safe and pleasant movement. The duration of these tours are determined according to the groups’ capabilities, and focus on the observation of fauna and flora across woods, savannahs, fields and swamps, with the goal of introducing the diversity of the ecosystem. Three canopy towers, 30-85 feet high, offer panoramic views on the plain and detail up in the crown of trees. (Duration 2 to 3 hours). Horseback Riding is the most traditional way of becoming acquainted with Pantanal. You're given the chance of exploring areas of difficult access, where it is common to witness the harmonious convivial between cattle and the wild fauna. On this tour, the horses walk, to provide safety and comfort. The troop of pure Pantaneiro race horses enjoy a high reputation regarding their beauty and docility. (Duration 2 to 3 hours). Note: This activity is not allowed for children under 6 years old or 1m tall.. This evening, you can either relax and sit by the fire, or opt for more understanding with a slide presentation & lecture.

Accommodation: Araras Eco Lodge (BLD) (Standard (3N/4D)), Pantanal

Pantanal, Cuiaba, Sao Paulo

Enjoy a group sunrise walk before breakfast. The daybreak in the Pantanal occurs amid the symphony of night and daytime birds celebrating the arrival of a new day. It precedes the sunrise and presents an important appeal, because it happens only in this moment of the day. It cannot be missed.. A shared, air-conditioned transfer will take you from the lodge back to the Cuiaba Airport. Approximate duration is 2.5 hours.. Board a flight in Cuiaba with direct service to Sao Paulo. Approximate flight time is two hours and 20 minutes. Please note: this is a separate purchase.. Enjoy time at leisure for independent exploration of the city of Sao Paulo. If you would rather schedule a tour or activity, please speak with your Destination Expert.. Dine at Bistro L’Hotel, the elegant restaurant of L’Hotel Porto Bay Sao Paulo, where refined service and a welcoming atmosphere set the tone for a memorable culinary experience. Thoughtfully crafted menus showcase a blend of local and international cuisine, with dishes that celebrate rich flavors, quality ingredients, and the cosmopolitan spirit of Sao Paulo.

Accommodation: L`Hotel Porto Bay (B) (Deluxe King), Pantanal

Sao Paulo, Manaus, Amazon

Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and English speaking driver-guide.. Board a flight in Sao Paulo with direct service to Manaus. Approximate flight time is four hours. Please note: this is a separate purchase.. Join a shared transfer to Mirante do Gavião Lodge which is located in the Amazon rainforest, approximately 3 hours northwest of Manaus.. Welcome to the Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge, located in the municipality of Novo Airão. A great assortment of included activities are planned by the lodge and await you during your stay. A snapshot of what you may experience: nocturnal wildlife-spotting excursions by motorized canoe in search of sloths, caimans, snakes and more, an exploration tour of the many channels, lakes and islands of the Anavilhanas Archipelago, an educational jungle hike through the mainland woods, a visit to an area frequented by Amazonian dolphins, recreational piranha fishing, canoeing the Rio Negro, and visiting a local community in Tiririca. Note: The order of the tours is defined by Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge, which will supply the schedule of the activities upon guests' arrival.. Traveling to the Amazon means understanding that nature is the protagonist of the adventure! To observe wild animals, we have to remain silent and follow the instinct of the guides who know the region and its secrets. When we find an alligator on the riverbank or are lucky enough to see a sloth in the trees, that's when we understand the grandeur of the forest. In this activity, as soon as night arrives, guests are taken by experienced guides for a river tour in the Anavilhanas National Park in search of nocturnal animals.

Accommodation: Mirante do Gaviao Amazon Lodge (BLD) (Treehouse 4D/3N), Sao Paulo

Amazon

Board a voodeiras, as the fast boats that travel on the river are called, for a trip to the Anavilhanas National Park. Depending on the season, the scenario is completely different! Guests can enjoy the beautiful beaches with light sand and dark waters during the dry season or the magic of the igapós, during the flood season, when the forest is flooded and the trail is made between the treetops.. “Being a local” is being an Amazonian! Amazonians are the people who live in the largest tropical forest in the world. On this day you will stroll through the city of Novo Airão to visit local initiatives for education, conservation and crafts projects. Guests learn about the projects they directly support, when choosing to take a trip to the Amazon with Expedição Katerre and Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge, and are part of this sustainability network made in practice. 'Be a local' is a land tour, carried out in an air-conditioned vehicle, covering short distances within the city of Novo Airão – with the optional use of the hotel's bicycles.

Accommodation: Mirante do Gaviao Amazon Lodge (BLD) (Treehouse 4D/3N)

Amazon

Right after breakfast, enjoy a departure by speedboat to visit the riverside communities of Santo Antonio and Tiririca. Upon arrival, take a walk along an interpretive trail through the dryland forest to discover the secrets of the fauna and flora. Return from the trail for a traditional lunch of Amazonian fish roasted over coals at the riverside caboclos' house, a true community experience! Then take a quick trip to the largest tree in the Anavilhanas igapó: a giant Macucu, on an excursion into the floodplain forest and with an explanation of this peculiar ecosystem.. At certain moments during the trip, between arriving from a tour and eating, take the opportunity to enjoy the lodge's leisure areas. The deck on Rio Negro invites guests for a delicious swim in the river, in addition to kayaks and stand-up paddles always available. For a change from diving, the pool is a good option. On rainy days, the games room is a favorite and good books about the Amazon are also available. At sunrise and sunset, the viewpoints are the best suggestion and at night, you could take a relaxing massage (optional separately – included in packages of 5 days/4 nights or more).. Of the beauties of the Amazon, the colors of the sky reflected in the Rio Negro are certainly one of the highlights that make this destination special. It is difficult to describe the shades of pink, lilac, green and blue that mix with the dark and deep green of the forest, mirroring the black waters of the river. The sunset contemplation tour is done in flying boats to the best place among the islands to enjoy the silence, feel the peace and immerse yourself in the Amazonian colors!

Accommodation: Mirante do Gaviao Amazon Lodge (BLD) (Treehouse 4D/3N)

Amazon, Manaus

A shared transfer is provided by Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge will take you to the airport in Manaus. The transfer takes approximately 3 hours.