Pantanal and Bonito
By EcoAssociation

Destination: Alter do Chão and Monte Alegre

Interests: adventure, trails, snorkeling in transparent waters and climbs up the surrounding mountains where you can explore caverns and marvels at breathtaking waterfalls.

Maximum group size: 10 people

Departure dates: August 24-31, September 25-October 2, October 22-29, November 5-19

Description: You will be exploring the immense savanna of the Pantanal which epitomizes Brazil’s rich bio-diversity. In the countryside, we will hike through areas where the house rooster still lives in harmony with the surrounding wildlife. We will visit some of the family farms scattered throughout the region, and witness how people’s simple lives are predicated by the annual floods and droughts.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet expedition guide at the Guarulhos International Airport. Take charter plane to Campo Grande. Depart to Pantanal. Lodging at a typical farm redesigned for eco-tourists. Dinner.

Day 2: After breakfast, boat trip for observation of fauna. Lunch. In the afternoon, fishing or other activities that can be done close to lodging. Dinner. Evening, head out for caiman spotting.

Day 3: Breakfast. Hike or horse ride for second day of wildlife observation. Lunch. In the afternoon, swimming and other activities that can be done close to lodging. Dinner.

Day 4: Breakfast. Visit town. Lunch. Departure to Bonito. Colonial style lodging at the Ecotourism of Bodoquena Park. Dinner.

Day 5: Breakfast. Visit to Bodoquena Ecotourism Park and Cultural Center; swim and canoe trip on Olaria river and lunch. In the afternoon, hike up the Renato mountain for view of the night sky. Dinner.

Day 6: Breakfast. Visit Estância Mimosa- trail through the forest where you can observe the beautiful orchids and bromeliads; stop for a swim near a spectacular waterfall; lunch included. In the afternoon, a visit to the Mimosa grotto, where you can snorkel. Return and dinner.

Day 7: Breakfast, visit to Blue Lake. Lunch in the city. In the afternoon hike on trails, visit the headwaters of the Sucuri river. Return to park. Dinner accompanied by the sounds of the viola.

Day 8: Breakfast. Transport to Campo Grande for return flight to São Paulo.

Program includes: Air travel between São Paulo/Campo Grande/São Paulo and transportation by van to Campo Grande/Pantanal/Bonito/Campo Grande; stay over at the Aguapé Farms and Pequi lodge in the Pantanal, room with private bath; In Bonito, lodging in the Bodoquena Park in duplex, with bath, kitchen, veranda for up to four people; meals and trips described in itinerary; local guides; free copy of the book, "Conheça o Pantanal", "Understanding the Pantanal", written by professor Nicia Wendel de Magalhães.