Brazil Vacation Package - Bonito and Pantanal Sul (4 Nights)

This vast wetland, measuring 230,000 sq km (143,000 sq miles), in the central west of Brazil, is one of the worlds greatest wildlife preserves and includes spectacular canyons and waterfalls in its stunning scenery. The Pantanal is home to 700 species of bird, around 240 varieties of fish, giant anteaters, armadillos, marmosets, monkeys, wolves, pumas, anacondas, capivaras, and the impressive cayman, to name but a few species. With this package you will also stay in Bonito, which has breathtaking mountain and forest scenery and whose main attractions are wildlife, rivers and caves with crystal waters and amazing stalagmite and stalactite formations. This package includes comfortable lodging in pousadas and nature tours with a private English-speaking guide

Day 1:

You will be met at the Campo Grande airport and driven to your hotel, where you will check in. You may want to have lunch at your hotel and relax before your afternoon boat tour. This tour takes you down 7km of the beautiful Formoso River in inflatable boats, with a capacity for a maximum of 13 people per boat. You will pass various waterfalls and rapids and have the opportunity to see many animals and birds, as well as observe the rich vegetation along the riverbank. Stops to swim in the river and waterfalls will be possible. Dinner is included at your hotel.

Day 2:

After breakfast you will be taken on a tour of the Blue Lagoon Cave, which is undoubtedly the most beautiful and impressive cave in the region. The stunning blue lake lies 180m below the earth's surface and is reached by a steep descent. The clear blue color is due to rich deposits of calcium carbonate and magnesium in the lake. It is a truly beautiful and mysterious place.

Lunch is back at your hotel, followed by a snorkeling trip to the Sucuri River. This crystal clear river is one of the most transparent in the world. You will float down 2km of river, carried by the current, wearing a life-jacket, mask, and snorkel. Hundreds of fish live in the river, as well as incredible subaquatic vegetation. Dinner is back at your hotel.

Day 3:

Today you will check out of the hotel in Bonito and be driven to another hotel in the Pantanal (3 hour drive). After checking in and having lunch at the hotel, you will have a choice of tour to go on.

On days 3 and 4 of the package at the Refugio Ecologico Caiman you will have a choice of the following tours, depending on the different conditions of the trails (due mainly to the weather). All tours are guided by expert, local, English-speaking guides:

• Walking trails through wetland areas near your pousada to see flora and fauna, animals and the different ecosystems of the Pantanal.
• Horseback riding tours - this is the best way to really see the Pantanal. The horses are well trained and will take you through rivers, streams, and to areas which are impossible to reach by car. This is a great way to see birds, mammals, reptiles, and flora.
• Boat tours - During the wet season (December - March) the rivers and streams flood on to the plains and boat trips are offered through these flooded plains to see reptiles, mammals, water birds, fish, plant life, and the famous capybara (the world's largest rodent). During the dry season (July - October) the water level drops and it is possible to see an abundance of wildlife on the river banks, such as cayman, and beautiful, colorful macaws.
• Day and night time safari tours in an open-top vehicle to see the rich wildlife and flora of the region. You will have a chance to observe animals such as monkeys, deer, armadillos, anteaters; and birds such as macaws, toucans, eagles, emus, and herons.

Day 4:

On your second day at Refugio Ecologico Caiman you will go on a morning tour after breakfast. Lunch is back at the hotel and in the afternoon you will be taken on a different tour. Tours will vary according to trail conditions and weather. See options above on day 3. Dinner is back at the hotel.

Day 5:

On your last day in the Pantanal you will check out of the hotel and be driven to the airport (4 hour drive).