With a name deriving from the Portuguese for 'thick jungle', Mato Grosso, the third largest state in Brazil, is the water divisor between three huge river basins, and the setting for an impressive meeting of three important biomes. The state boats crystalline water with rich aquatic flora between sandstone rock formations, the Amazon Rain Forest, at what is known as 'non-flooded' forest - best place in the region to see birds and mammals, as well as butterflies; and the Pantanal swampland- an ecological sanctuary - which together make up this mosaic of scenery and landscapes, and are home to the large variety of animals and plants seen on this tour. The visit to the tableland of Chapada dos Guimarăes amplify the comprehension of the formation of both spectacular swampland and rain forest.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Alta Floresta / Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
Reception at the airport in the town of Alta Floresta. Welcome drink, lunch at the Floresta Amazônica Hotel and departure by van and boat to the lodge, via river. The lodge is nestled in a private reserve surrounded by the Cristalino State Park. After dinner, slide show and briefing about the region. Opportunity to browse the library with main titles of fauna and flora.
- Overnight at Cristalino Jungle lodge.
- Transfer Alta Floresta airport/ Cristalino lodge by van and boat.
Day 2: Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
Early start to visit the 50 m tall canopy tower to observe primates, canopy bird, flora and an enchanting misty dawn. After breakfast, motorboat up river and hike the Brazil nut trail, tasting the fresh Brazil nuts collected in the wild. Return paddling down in inflatable canoes. Afternoon walking the Ficus Trail where one can observe a giant fig. Activity of ropes and rapel course at the Rocky trail: a 30m rope bridge and a 20 m tall rope ladder that takes you to the top of tall rocks (abseiling- optional). Cayman spotting at night.
- Overnight like night before;
- Hikes and night caiman spotting. Includes: (B), (D), (L).
Day 3: Cristalino Jungle Lodge.
After breakfast walk to the Tree house – a 6 m high hide overlooking a natural clay lick that is regularly visited by tapirs, peccaries and deer. After lunch, motor boat ride up river to hike the 'Sierra' trail, a great view of the private reserve and the Cristalino Park including a marvelous sunset. Return to the lodge by motorboat turned off observing nocturnal birds and animals by the river.
- Overnight like night before;
- Hike and canoe trips. Includes: (B), (D), (L).
Day 4: Cristalino Jungle Lodge/ Piuval.
Short hike and river swimming or canoeing before departure. Lunch in the Floresta Amazônica Hotel in Alta Floresta and transfer to the airport for the flight to Cuiabá. Arrival in the afternoon and immediate transfer to the Pantanal. Accommodation, dinner and night safari - a chance to observe nocturnal such as crab-eating foxes, raccoons, deer and possibly a cat such as an Ocelot or Jaguar .
- Overnight at Piuval lodge;
- Hike, transfers lodge/ airport/ lodge, air flight. Includes: (B), (D), (L).
Day 5: Piuval/ Arancua.
Early in the morning is a hiking through one of the many mound hills - a refuge for many mammals and nesting site of Hyacinth Macaws, Jabiru storks and many other birds. Boat trip on the pretty Baía do Piuval - a large lake. Lunch and departure for a terrestrial safari down the Transpantaneira until the lodge Canto do Arancuă, located in between two river courses. Arrival in time to enjoy a nice boat trip along the river Claro, specially beautiful at dusk, with flocks of birds. Dinner and night safari.
- Overnight at Canto do Arancuă lodge;
- Hike, terrestrial safari, boat trips. Includes: (B), (D), (L).
Day 6: Arancua/ Chapada dos Guimaraes.
Early sunrise walk to hear the sounds of nature as it awakes. Breakfast and departure leaving the
swampland to the plateau. At its top is 'Cidade de Pedra' - where the sunset can be seen over
the beautiful vista, overlooking the numerous valleys and rivers of the region. Return to the picturesque town of Chapada dos Guimarăes for dinner and overnight accommodation at a pleasant lodge installed in a ranch integrated to the nature.
- Overnight at Villa Guimarăes lodge;
- Hike and visit to Cidade de Pedra.
Day 7: Chapada dos Guimaraes/Cuiaba.
Visits to the National Park, with bath in waterfalls including the largest one - Véu de Noiva with it 86 m entering a majestic canyon. Immediate transfer to the Cuiabá airport for embarking at convenient time.
- Hiking on the National Park and transfer to Cuiabá airport. Includes: (B), (L).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
* Sightseeing: Boat trips; horse riding; hiking; terrestrial and night safari; visit to Chapada National Parks; swimming in waterfalls.
* Transportation: Fiat Uno 2-3 pax. Kombi 4-7 pax;
Sprinter or Ducato 8-11 pax;
* Guide: English speaking guide, with a good knowledge of the Pantanal & Amazon’ s nature, and equipped with binoculars, books and
check-lists.
Price Excludes:
- Beverage, tips and any other personal expenses.
- Flight tickets CGB/ AFT/ CGB.
Children Policy: 0-5 year olds = free. 6-12 = 65% full price. (01 per couple in a DBL)
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Brazil
Nature & Wildlife
Wildlife Viewing
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