Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge

Stays of Distinction

SUMMARY

5 Days

Brazil

Nestled in the captivating beauty of the northern Pantanal, the Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge offers a haven for nature enthusiasts. It provides convenient and hassle-free year-round accessibility via Transpantaneira Park Road, only a two-hour drive from Cuiaba Airport.

Guests can enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the vast Pantanal from the lodge’s observation towers, leaving them in awe. When seeking respite from excursions, take a refreshing plunge in the pool, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
A rich array of activities ensures a deeply immersive experience at Araras Lodge. Expert local guides lead thrilling treks into the heart of the wild, where you’ll witness nature’s wonders up close. Prepare to be enchanted by the symphony of bird calls during our renowned birdwatching excursions. Glide gracefully along tranquil waters on a serene canoeing adventure, surrounded by abundant wildlife.

For those seeking a more adventurous journey, explore the Pantanal’s diverse terrain on horseback, forging unforgettable connections with nature and its inhabitants. And, of course, a photo safari is a must to capture the essence of untamed beauty. Brazil’s Pantanal allures visitors with its distinction throughout the seasons. The dry season from July to October unveils an extraordinary spectacle of magnificent mammals, including the graceful Giant Anteater, elusive tapir, puma, playful capybara, and stealthy jaguar. In contrast, the wetter months from November to March transform the region into a true birdwatcher’s paradise, with abundant avian life unmatched in South America.

In essence, the Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge beckons explorers to embark on a thrilling journey. Every moment presents an opportunity to immerse in the wonders of this unparalleled natural world. Discover the magic of the Pantanal, where wildlife and tranquility unite, creating an unforgettable experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy one of South America’s best wildlife experiences.
Hike nature trails, ride horses with Brazilian cowboys, canoe along flooded streams, and join evening photo safaris.
You’ll see some spectacular sunsets – the Pantanal is renowned for the display of rich colours as the sun goes down.
With only 19 rooms, Araras is an intimate experience in the Pantanal.
The Araras Eco Lodge follows the “Farm-to-Table” gastronomy concepts, utilizing the products from their farm and from the region.
Learn about their conservation efforts to save the critically endangered Blue Hyacinth Macaw.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Cuiaba/Pantanal

You will be met at Cuiaba Airport this morning and transferred to Araras Ecolodge, driving the scenic Transpantaneira Park Road. While crossing the area, it is possible to spot lovely sights of the local flora & fauna. On arrival at the lodge, you will be met with a welcome drink and have time to settle into your accommodation.
|Late this afternoon, enjoy a guided hike within the surroundings of the lodge, reaching the Mirante da Garça, a 12m high observation tower for an unequalled view of the sunset. After dinner, a star gazing trek, listening to the sounds of the Pantanal.

Day 2 Pantanal

After breakfast, take a photo safari through private dirt roads towards the Clarinho River. Reaching its banks, board a canoe and paddle down the river, exploring the forest that grows by the riverbanks and mangroves. Here lives a colony of “ariranhas” – giant river otters. With some luck, you may spot a family playing with their babies and teaching them how to swim and fish. Chance of fishing the elusive piranha, not an easy task, but fun. Enjoy a barbecue lunch under the shadow of the trees (*). Hammocks are available to enjoy a “siesta”.
Return to the Lodge in time for the afternoon tea. Later on, trek the Howler Monkey trail to the Howler Monkey Tower, our highest observation point – 25 m high -, for a magnificent view of the sunset. After dinner, join a night drive in search of nocturnal animals.

Day 3 Pantanal

After breakfast, enjoy a horseback ride, which will allow you to explore the diversity of the Pantanal landscape including some flooded areas of the Pantanal plain. The Pantaneiro horse are docile and has adapted, through the centuries, to eat with its nose underwater. In this region, the horse is the Pantaneiros’ best friend, a daily companion during work and leisure. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, trek the Rondon Trail towards the 13 m high Jabiru Stork Tower, where you can watch a Jabiru Stork nest. Return to Araras Eco Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 Pantanal

In the morning after breakfast, get to know a different area of Araras Private Natural Reserve, by trekking the Ronco trail. After lunch, join a 2 to 3-hour photo safari towards the South of the lodge, on a safari open truck, in search of the fauna along the Transpantaneira Park Road. Check a list of the wild animals you have met, with your guide.

Day 5 Pantanal/Cuiaba

Rise early to witness for the last time the awakening of the Pantanal at dawn. Breakfast and departure at 7h30 or 12h30 to Cuiaba, with stops along the Transpantaneira Park Road for photos and a last glimpse of this unique ecosystem.