Pantanal and Bonito Tours - Wildlife + Fun
|
Here are 2 sample itineraries for a tour to both the Pantanal and Bonito Brazil - combining the wildlife viewing of the Pantanal with the excitement of great snorkeling, caving and more options in Bonito. We can add more time for more tours or substitute other tours in Bonito and we can change Pantanal lodges or the Bonito hotel if you prefer.
|
|
2 Nights Bonito + 3 Nights Pantanal |
Self-drive Bonito + Pantanal 6 Nights |
Day 1- After arriving at the Campo Grande airport, you will be met and transferred to Bonito (330km), leaving at 09:30 am / 11:30 am / 04:00 pm / 08:00 pm *
* subject to change on weekends * daily departures can be updated according to flight schedule. and arriving approximately 5-5.5 hours later. Check in to Pousada Galeria Artes for overnight. ![]() Day 2 - Breakfast. Right after breakfast we shall visit one of the most famous places of Bonito, the Lago Azul grotto. Blue Lake Cave is doubtless the most beautiful and imposing cave of the region. It is approximately 400 million years old. The access is by stairway with 292 steps that descends to the level where we see the lake rich in water with calcium carbonate and magnesium that gives its blue color of hypnotic intensity. It’s the largest submerged gallery in the world. Divers have reached depths of 57 meters and found fossils of pre-historic animals, such as the giant sloth, saber-tooth tiger and others.
In the afternoon, after a cozy reception at the reception of Estancia Mimosa, visitors go on a pleasant stroll through the gallery forest of the Mimoso River, passing by eight waterfalls of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, you can swim 11 under waterfalls or in natural pools, explore small caves, enjoy spectacular lookouts and (for the more daring visitors) jump from a 6-meter high diving board into a natural water hole. On part of the river you can ride a small boat through paths and passageways, relaxing while you enjoy the sights. Lunch included.
or, with a US$10 per person supplement: Visit the Sucuri River. This is some of the clearest river water in the world, with a visibility and transparency of 100%, due to the calcareous composition of the soil. Visit to the headwaters were we see the water come out the sand in a phosphorescent blue and green color. Afterwards, floating snorkeling for 2 km down in the main current to observe flora and fauna of the river. Unforgettable! Included equipment: snorkel, mask, life-vest and back up boat. Lunch not included.
Note: Can substitute Rio Sucuri snorkeling + Macaw's Hole if you prefer, at extra cost ![]() Day 3 - Breakfast, then transfer to Pousada Aguape.
Activities include the following: Hikes - they offer a number of different hikes to observe the fauna and flora of the Pantanal. Each of these hikes can be done during the day, whilst two hikes are also available at night. Canoe tours - Paddling is an excellent way to experience the sights and sounds of the Pantanal, with frequent views of Giant Otters fishing in the river, Capybaras on the shoreline and monkeys in river edge trees. Birds commonly seen on our outings include the tallest flying bird in the New World (the Jabiru Stork) as well as a large number of other species of water birds, hawks, and kingfishers. Horseback riding offers one of the best ways to explore the Pantanal, as you can reach spots not accessible by car.
4 x 4 safaris - Open-backed 4 x 4 vehicles enable exploration of the further reaches of the ranch to search for large mammals and birds. Night spotting excursions reveal the phenomenal nocturnal animals of the Pantanal. Outings often include one or more of the following: thousands of caimans with their eyes glowing orange in the beams of our flashlights, Capybaras and Giant Anteaters. Day 4 - Breakfast. Tour according to lodge arrangements. Lunch at the lodge restaurant. Afternoon tour. Dinner. Option to do night tour. Overnight.
Day 5 - Breakfast. Morning tour according to lodge arrangements. Lunch. Afternoon tour. Dinner. Overnight. Day 6 - Breakfast. Morning tour. Check out. Transfer to Campo Grande airport for flight after about 2pm 2024 Price per person in US$: Valid till June 30, subject to currency exchange fluctuations.
* can upgrade to Refugio Caiman if preferred
* can delete 1 night in Pantanal to make 5 days if preferred High Season for services in 2023: January: 03 to 31/Jan, 17/Feb to 22/Feb (Carnival : under request), 06/Apr to 09/Apr; 20/Apr to 23/Apr ; 28/Apr to 01/May, 07/Jun to 11/Jun, 07/Sept to 10/Sept, 11/Oct to 15/Oct, 02/Nov to 05/Nov; 15/Nov to 19/Nov, 11/Dec to 27/Dec; 28/Dec to 02/Jan´2024 (under request) Note: Seasons for the Pousada in Bonito, the Bonito services and Pousada Aguape don't coincide exactly, so prices can change. 3 Nights Bonito + 2 Nights PantanalDay 1 - After arriving at the Campo Grande airport, you will be met and transferred to Bonito (330km), leaving at 09:30 am / 11:30 am / 04:00 pm / 08:00 pm *
* subject to change on weekends * daily departures can be updated according to flight schedule. and arriving approximately 5-5.5 hours later. Check in to Pousada Galeria Artes for overnight. Day 2 - breakfast, then full day Rio da Prata + Buraco das Araras (Macaws´ Hole). One-hour walk along a jungle trail as far as the Olho d'Água wellspring. A one-hour and a half snorkeling in the springs and down the Olho d'Água River without a support boat. Mask, snorkel, neoprene clothing and boots included.The Buraco das Araras is a 124-meter deep doline (a cave whose roof caved in) with a circumference of 500 meters. In its interior there is a very special ecosystem made up by a forest and a lake complete with microalgae and fish. In this environment there is a fauna represented by fruit-eating bats, insect-eating bats, some species of reptiles, little rodents and birds, among them, the bright and wonderful red-and-green macaw (Ara chloroptera)- This tour takes place in the city of Jardim, 50 km from Bonito - Duration: full day.
Day 3 - Breakfast. Right after breakfast we shall visit one of the most famous places of Bonito, the Lago Azul grotto. Blue Lake Cave is doubtless the most beautiful and imposing cave of the region. It is approximately 400 million years old. The access is by stairway with 292 steps that descends to the level where we see the lake rich in water with calcium carbonate and magnesium that gives its blue color of hypnotic intensity. It’s the largest submerged gallery in the world. Divers have reached depths of 57 meters and found fossils of pre-historic animals, such as the giant sloth, saber-tooth tiger and others.
In the afternoon, after a cozy reception at the reception of Estancia Mimosa, visitors go on a pleasant stroll through the gallery forest of the Mimoso River, passing by eight waterfalls of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, you can swim 11 under waterfalls or in natural pools, explore small caves, enjoy spectacular lookouts and (for the more daring visitors) jump from a 6-meter high diving board into a natural water hole. On part of the river you can ride a small boat through paths and passageways, relaxing while you enjoy the sights. Lunch included. or for a US$10 per person supplement: Visit the Sucuri River. This is some of the clearest river water in the world, with a visibility and transparency of 100%, due to the calcareous composition of the soil. Visit to the headwaters were we see the water come out the sand in a phosphorescent blue and green color. Afterwards, floating snorkeling for 2 km down in the main current to observe flora and fauna of the river. Unforgettable! Included equipment: snorkel, mask, life-vest and back up boat. Lunch not included Day 4 - Breakfast, then transfer to Pousada Aguape. Same activities as in itinerary to left. Day 5 - Breakfast. Morning tour according to lodge arrangements. Lunch. Afternoon tour. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 6 - Breakfast. Morning tour. Check out. Transfer to Campo Grande airport for flight after about 2pm 2024 Prices per person in US$ Valid till June 30: (subject to change due to currency exchange fluctuations)
* can upgrade to Refugio Caiman if preferred
Note: Seasons for the Pousadas in Bonito, the Bonito services and Pousada Aguape don't coincide exactly, so prices can change. For Bonito: High Season: January/ July / December and national holidays Low Season: February to November(Except July and national Holidays) For Aguape: Low Season: January 2nd to May 31st (Except Holidays) High Season: June 01st to December 22nd and Holidays Included: group transfer Campo Grande to Bonito, private transfers Bonito/Pantanal/Campo Grande with Portugese-speaking driver, Tours in Bonito and in Pantanal with English-speaking guides; Full board in Pantanal and breakfasts in Bonito; accommodation in air conditioned rooms; and all activities above mentioned. Not Included: Air tickets to/from, beverages, any type of insurance.
Personal Gear: T-shirts, cap, shorts, hiking shoes, jeans or tracksuit, swimsuit, sunscreen, mosquito repellent.
Transportation among the different places Bonito-Caiman, etc. went off with out a hitch, the tours in bonito were just perfect and we did see an anaconda in the water. So, I can't thank you enough for putting together a great set of activities with terrific staff every step of the way. The part of the trip that you arranged was exceptional. Many many thanks to you!! - Mary Wakefield We had a great time – Bonito/Pantanal was our favorite part of the trip!! Everyone from the tour guides to the folks running and working at the lodges was top notch! Thanks for all of your help! - Lori Rosman "We are back in Thailand already. Thank you for arranging such great trip. Everything from the start until the end was smooth and great. Memorable! Thanks, Nonn" "Just a quick note to thank you for organizing such a great trip for us to Bonito and the Pantanal. Everything went perfectly, accommodations were excellent, people were great, guides knowledgeable and wildlife viewing outstanding ! If you ever need us as references, we would be delighted to sing your praises. All the best, and many thanks again." The Thorntons "We have just returned to Australia after 6 weeks in South America. (Not long enough) We had an amazing time. Everything was wonderful with the Pantanal and Bonito, we seen heaps of animals, transfers were great, guides wonderful, accommodation awesome. Thanks so much for organising all this for us." Wayne and Sharon |
For confirmed self-drive bookings, along with the Voucher we'll also send a manual with instructions, important notes, tips, routes and links to access the needed maps. Also we have a 24h number that customers can call if they need any assistance. In both Pantanal and Bonito, the English-speaking guide is already included in the itinerary. For long transfers (as from Campo Grande to Pantanal or Pantanal to Bonito) there is no guide. In the Pantanal the guide will be at the Pousada waiting for the clients. In Bonito the guide needs to go to the tours in the customers' car. Since there are a limited number of visitors allowed per day, day and time for the tours are settled in advance.
Day 1: Campo Grande / Pantanal Sul Arrival in Campo Grande***. On your arrival, please go to the car rental shop at the airport to pick up your car. Self drive from Campo Grande to Pantanal, at pousada Aguapé. The trip takes from 3.5 to 4 hours. It is 195 km, mostly on a paved road, but the last 50 km is on a dirt road.During your stay at Pousada Aguapé you will have the chance to enjoy two activities a day, to be scheduled by the lodge according to weather conditions. The activities include:
Accompanying guide for activities at Pousada Aguapé for 4 days Overnight at Pousada Aguapé Included: Car Rental , Excursion , Local guide , Dinner , Room , English bilingual guide Days 2-3: Pantanal Sul - Activities during the day and overnight at Pousada Aguapé with full board accommodation Included: Car Rental, Excursion , Local guide , Full Board , Room Day 4: Pantanal Sul- Bonito Breakfast and early morning activities. At proper time, check-out. Self drive from Pantanal to Bonito. The distance is 245Km and the trip takes from 3.5 to 4 hours. If you are looking for more adventure on this day, consult us for the Boca da Onça Tour that includes hiking and waterfalls. Overnight at Pousada Olho D'Água in a standard room with breakfast included. Included: Car rental, American Breakfast , Excursion , Local guide , Room & Breakfast Day 5: Bonito Guide at your disposal for day tours & Self drive to the attractions. Gruta do Lago Azul The interpretive trail is about 300 meters to the cavity where the descent is performed by a staircase of 200 meters. The trail to get to the lake is going down staircases made with limestone rocks. In the first 20 meters drop there's no support at all, and the rest of the route is structured with handrails. There are four rest stops, while you can admire the look of the cave and hear explanations of the various geological formations that occur there - stalactites, stalagmites, travertines and several other limestone formations. The depth of the lake is estimated at 87 meters, sheltering rare albino shrimp and also bones of extinct animals that lived in the region for over 12,000 years, like the giant sloth. Restrictions: - It’s not permitted for children under 4 years. - Children up to 5 years must present proof of their age. - We do not recommend it for people with heart problems, labyrinthitis, high blood pressure and walking problems that make it difficult to access stairways. - In the reception area there is a place to wait in case the family takes turns on the tour when they have a child under 05 years old, so there will always be a responsible adult waiting with the child. - Required: use of sneakers. Duration of tour: 1 hour and 20 minutes ESTÂNCIA MIMOSA WITH LUNCH An authentic experience of contact with nature and the regional culture. In 2009 Estância Mimosa was awarded prizes for their work in the environmental and quality management. The tour is conducted through the riparian forest by interpretive trail in a RPPN (Private Natural Heritage Reserve). The reception is made by an employee who presents the infrastructure for tourists and passes on information about the Security Management System and will accompany you along the tour. Visitors equip and follow to the interpretive trail in their own vehicles. The length of the trail is around 2,800 meters, roundtrip, and the portions made of rowboat lie around 500 meters. Along this route there are 8 places for bathing in waterfalls with natural pools, some with small caves. The track has suspended walkways and lookouts from where one can see the Serra da Bodoquena, with the waterfalls and the hills that form the valley through Mimoso River. Recommended for: adults and children over 03 years (no need to know how to swim) Distance: 24 km from the center of Bonito-MS Travel time: 40 minutes Duration of tour: half day What to bring: swimsuit, towel, closed shoes, camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, cash or card for extra consumption Included: accident insurance, tour guide, lifejackets, buoys lifeguard on each deck, first aid supplies on the trail and at the reception Optional: horseback riding, bird watching, prepared lunch in the wood stove, neoprene boots for hire RESTRICTIONS: - Children under 03 years old cannot do the tour. - Cannot take the tour: women after 24 weeks of risky pregnancy or pregnancy, people with pacemakers, recent surgery (up to 30 days), epilepsy, stroke history, anaphylactic shock history. - Obligatory to make the trail only with closed shoes, the farm offers rental of neoprene boots. - Alcohol is not allowed before the activity. Overnight at Pousada Olho D'Água in standard room with breakfast included. Included: Car Rental, English bilingual guide , Excursion , Lunch , Room & Breakfast Day 6: Bonito Guide at your disposal for day tours & self drive to the attractions. Flotation Rio da Prata (with lunch) One of the most beautiful tours of the area, where the visitor enjoys a true natural spectacle, with a great diversity of species of fish and a rich aquatic vegetation. The Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata is part of a RRPN (Private Natural Heritage Reserve). Arriving at the farm, tourists are directed to the front desk, where they will receive information about the place and about the SMS (Safety Management System - Safe Adventure Project). The group will be guided to the equipment sector, where general information is given. Equipped, the group follows a truck adapted to transport tourists to the beginning of the track. The walk begins with an interpretative trail of approximately 2.200 meters, covered in 50 minutes. The visitors pass by large trees such as mastic, mahogany pink, balm, mimosa and ipês and may also catch sight of animals like capuchin monkeys, agoutis, tapirs, peccaries, curassow, among others. At the source of the Rio Olho d'Água visitors will have a moment of contemplation before suiting up for the river. From there, the stream will take tour quietly floating down the river, creating an underwater route that lasts approximately 2 hours. There will be a stop on a small deck for diving and experiencing the beauty of the bed underneath. It is 1800 meters up to the meeting with the Rio da Prata. At this time, you can choose to continue floating for another 600 meters or climb aboard a motor boat till the end of the tour. Duration of tour: half day Restrictions: - Tour is allowed only for children from 06 years old. - Children from 0 to 05 years old do not take the tour, but it is courtesy of lunch, they should wait at the reception with a responsible adult. - It is allowed the descent of the river (flotation) for pregnant women up to 24 weeks, after 24 weeks cannot perform the tour. - Visitors with recent surgery (up to 30 days), epilepsy, history of stroke, history of infarction, history of anaphylactic shock, heart problems and / or pacemakers may not take the tour. - People over 120 kg must bring their own neoprene clothing, otherwise only the differentiated ride (trail + spring). - Forbidden to drink alcohol before activities. - Forbidden use of chemicals in flotation (sunscreen or repellent). - If the child is unable to make the trip and needs to return to the receptive, it is mandatory that the parent or guardian returns with the child. We will not reimburse values of children and adults who decide to interrupt the tour. Buraco das Araras A huge crater open in the cerrado, with about 500 meters in circumference and 100 meters in depth, the largest sinkhole in Latin America. The tour is done on a track of 970 meters contemplation around the hole, which is located within a Private Natural Heritage Reserve - RPPN. In both viewpoints, visitors can observe the beauty of the place, which echoes the sound of nearly a hundred red macaws, among other species of birds that live there. Early in the morning or late afternoon visitors witness the special show that these birds give, it is the moment when groups come out to feed and return. However, these groups take turns, making it possible to see many macaws throughout the day. Duration of tour: 1 hour Overnight at Pousada Olho D'Água in standard room with breakfast included. Included: Car Rental, English bilingual guide , Lunch (no drinks) , Excursion , Room & Breakfast Day 7: Bonito - Campo Grande At proper time, self drive from Bonito to Campo Grande's Airport. The trip is 305km long and takes around 4 hours. At the airport, please go to the Car rental shop to return your car. Included: Car Rental, Hotels Pousada Aguapé This rural guesthouse is located near the town of Aquidauana, 195 km from the capital Campo Grande, in an area that has belonged to the same family for over 150 years. Here, the typical vegetation of the Pantanal mixes cerrado (Brazilian tropical savanna), lakes, marshes, water channels, and the Aquidauana River, with its lush riparian forest. Cattle raising coexists with ecological tourism and initiatives such as the Blue Macaw Project and Organic Cattle Farming. There are only 15 apartments, all with charming rustic decor and equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar and electric shower - some with solar heating and one wheelchair accessible. The property also has a swimming pool, sand volleyball court, soccer field, hammock area, TV and games room, as well as a souvenir shop. The guesthouse's restaurant is perfect to enjoy the delicious typical food of the region: Pantanal's cheese bread, piranha broth, oxcart drivers' rice and Paraguayan soup are some of the delicacies, not to mention the homemade sweets made on the farm. Environmentally responsible and sustainable, 100% of the energy used in Aguapé is generated by solar panels, and the guesthouse provides free mineral water to guests carrying reusable water bottles, to encourage waste reduction. Free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas, and the property also has a small aircraft landing strip. The daily rate includes all meals and two tours per day, including nighttime animal spotting. It is a very favorable environment for bird watching, as there are over 300 species already registered. Wake up to bird songs, taste fresh milk in the bullpen and watch wonderful sunsets in one of the most beautiful biomes in Brazil.
Featuring free WiFi and a year-round outdoor pool, Pousada Olho D'Água offers accommodations in Bonito. The guesthouse has a barbecue and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site. A flat-screen TV is provided. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. You can play ping-pong at this guesthouse, and bike rental is available. Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip. This property is also rated for the best value in Bonito! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
2023 RATES PER PERSON IN DOUBLE ROOM: USD 1611.00 *Rates may vary according to the chosen date *Consult us for upgrades or any other changes in your itinerary. NOT INCLUDED
Flights (if not mentioned in the itinerary), Meals (unless mentioned), Drinks, Options, alternatives, upgrades and extensions, Drivers’ and guides' tips, Visa fees, Airport fees IMPORTANT* This is only a quotation. Nothing is booked until this moment. Prices and availability may change without previous notice * Due to economic instability experienced by our country in recent times the prices shall be valid for 15 days from the date of quotation. * If the language of the guide or driver is not specified in the quote, please consider as Portuguese language. For quotations with French or German speaking guide we recommend booking in advance as it is always subject to availability. About Covid-19: Please be aware that traveling during these times requires some extra care due to Covid-19. Thus, we are demanding that all customers sign a Term of Knowledge of Risk when confirming the reservation. The passenger is responsible for bringing his own personal protective equipment (mask and alcohol gel) or making the purchase of it as soon as he arrives in Brazil. In addition, you must respect the guidelines provided by your Travel Agency and your guide, which will be in accordance with the demands of local governments. THE CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING VISAS, VACCINES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE TRIP. ABOUT CONFIRMATION & CANCELLATION * All reservations should be requested and confirmed by e-mail. * Penalties applicable to cancellation of confirmed bookings: Before 30 days of travel: 20% penalty From 15 to 29 days before: 30% penalty From 07 to 14 days before: 50% penalty From 06 to no show: 100% penalty* * In case some of the commitments with third parties assumed by the agency are higher than the percentage established in the policy of cancellation, the contracting part will be responsible for this payment. *In case of cancellation of air tickets the fines and conditions to be applied will be established by each airline. ROOM TAXES * City Room Tax at hotels is NOT included and should be paid directly by guests upon checkout, unless otherwise requested upon booking (only charged at some Brazilian hotels - tax varies between US$3,00 and US$7,00 per room, per night). This tax is not obligatory and the guest can ask for it to be excluded from the bill at the hotel itself. ACCOMMODATION IN TRIPLE ROOM (capacity for three people): TPL rooms in Brazil are normally composed of 01 DBL bed + 01 cot-bed. Some of the hotels that work with triple rooms and you can find the prices in this rate sheet. For the ones that are not informed, it means they don’t offer this category. Please check the upgrade category as sometimes they can be available there. Maybe there will be one triple option in one upgrade of category. Consult upon booking the different types of accommodations available. LUGGAGE If the clients will need to carry some unusual items that will need special attention, we kindly ask for the client to inform us in advance in order to avoid any inconveniences during the land transfer. DOMESTIC FLIGHTS Usually the baggage allowance for domestic flights is: - Checked baggage must be within the dimensions: 50 x 28 x 80 cm (length x width x height) and be at most 23 kg. - Hand Baggage: inside the dimensions: 40 x 25 x 55 cm (length x width x height) and have a maximum of 10 kg. So give preference to backpacks or small suitcases. |