Araras Ranch Lodge/Pantanal | Trip Itinerary

Day 1 CUIABÁ PANTANAL
Reception at the Cuiabá / Várzea Grande airport. After a briefing on the Pantanal eco system and region, departure between 12h30 and 13h00 to the lodge.  (alternately there is a 5:00 PM departure from the airport) Transfer in two stages. The first is on a paved road passing by farms and cattle ranches. After a stop in Poconé, take the Transpantaneira Park Road at km "0" (108 km / 67.1 mi. from Cuiabá). This is a park road at its best, passing by the flora and fauna of the Pantanal ecosystem ¬ a photo safari with several stops along the way for photos and information. Transfer will take approximatley 2 1/2 hours.
While crossing the area, it is possible to spot and appreciate the local flora & fauna. Late afternoon hike through a surrounding area to a 12 m observation tower and a spectacular view of sunset. After dinner, night walk to observe the South Hemisphere sky, hear and feel the nocturnal environment and watch some nocturnal animals. Overnight at Araras Eco Lodge. (D)

Day 2 PANTANAL
After breakfast, the guide will lead you on a 2 to 3 hours Photo-Safari in a especially adapted open vehicles, this 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, It’s given the opportunity to watch the peculiarities and contrasts of the vegetation, as well as a large variety of animals. Folowing the photo safari, a canoe tour to spot aquatic wildlife, birds, flora and possibility of piranha fishing. During the dry season there is the possibility to lunch close to the river; during the wet season the lunch is at the lodge. After lunch, in the afternoon, hike to 25m /82 ft high Howler Monkey Tower for sunset. Dinner and overnight (B, L, D)

Day 3 PANTANAL
Hike the Rondon trail to the 12m / 40 ft high Tuiuiu Tower. Return to lodge for the lunch. After that, Horseback Riding that is the most traditional way of becoming acquainted with Pantanal. It’s given the chance to explore areas of difficult access, where it is common to witness the harmonious convivial between cattle and the wild fauna. Return for the dinner and then sit by the fire for lecture or slide presentation. (B, L, D)

Day 4 PANTANAL
**Note this day is eliminated for those taking the 4 day/3 night package**
After the breakfast, photo-safari along the Transpantaneira Road. Get back to Araras Lodge for lunch and then hike the Ronco Trail. Dinner and check list of the spotted wild life. Return to the Araras Eco Lodge for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 PANTANAL --CUIABÁ
Breakfast and sunrise hike.  Departure at 7h30 to Cuiabá with stops along the Transpantaneira park road for photos and a last glimpse of this unique ecosystem. Arrival at Várzea Grande / Cuiabá Airport at 11h00. Alternately there is a 12:30 PM departure from the lodge, arriving to Cuiaba airport 4:00 PM (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner

Optional Jaguar Express Full day tour:  This program must be combined with a minimum of 4 nights package at Araras Eco Lodge and is offered between June 15 and November 15.

Departure at 6:00 AM from Araras Lodges in an air conditioning vehicle, towards south along 120km of the Transpantaneira Road, in the region of Porto Jofre.
Arrival about 09am, board an outboard motor boat for an exciting river safari around the Meeting of the Waters State Park, perching the river shores and beaches searching the jaguars.
At 12:30PM stop for a light pic-nic lunch (fruits and sandwiches) and continue the search of the jaguars until 05:30pm when we will return to Jofre pier.
At 6:00 PM drive back along the Transpantaneira Road and arrive at Araras Eco Lodge in time for dinner.

* Private basis available on Tuesday and Thursday.* SIB (shared) basis available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.