Compare Land of the Jaguar by Exodus Travels vs Rhythm & Diamonds by SouthAmerica.travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 6,945 | $ 2,875 |
| Price Per Day | $ 772 | $ 359 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included. All meals are included in Hotel Baiazinha and Araras Lodge. Food is likely to be a mix of dishes using a lot of local produce. The local fruit is normally very good. Meat is a staple part of the Brazilian diet, but vegetarians can be catered for throughout the trip. Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements, especially since the remote nature of the places we stay means special supplies can be difficult to obtain without prior arrangement. Camomile tea and fruit infusions are available at the lodges, however traditional tea is not available, so you may wish to take teabags with you. | N/A |
| Description |
The Pantanal straddles the borders of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia and is the largest wetland region in the world. Its plains and low scrubby forests are home to more than 1,000 bird species and 300 different mammals, including tapirs, anteaters, jabiru storks and the striking hyacinth macaw. Concentrating on the incredibly rich northern Pantanal in the southwest of Brazil, we divide our time between two lodges, journeying deep into the wetlands in search of jaguars, the largest feline in the Americas. These solitary, elusive predators, as well as being formidable opponents on land, are strong swimmers and are known to frequent the waterways we explore.Search the Pantanal wetlands for the largest big cat in the Americas |
Combine Brazil's African soul with our off-the-beaten-track tour through the interior of Bahia state. From the flair of Salvador's markets to the eternal tranquility of the Highlands, Brazil's ethnic and geographical diversity come alive! Experience the most African city in the Americas, Salvador da Bahia. Travel into the mountains and hike through Chapada Diamantina, the elevated highlands of overwhelming beauty surrounded by incredible cliffs and waterfalls. These light hiking excursions are perfect for soft adventure seekers, not for the faint of heart! |
Day 1 Start Cuiabá
Welcome to Cuiabá, the capital of the Mato Grosso state and the gateway to the Pantanal wetlands. After arriving at the hotel, you have the rest of the day free to relax. Accommodation: Deville Prime Cuiabá (or similar)
Day 2 To Hotel Baiazinha on the Paraguay River
This morning, we head towards the remote Paraguay River in the Pantanal. We start by driving 127mi (205km) towards the town of Cáceres before continuing a further 62mi (100km) on dirt roads to our lodge on the banks of the Paraguay River, where we spend the next four days exploring the region for jaguars and other wildlife. This off-the-beaten-path area is the ideal place for jaguar spotting and, with fewer visitors than other areas of the Pantanal, is also much quieter. This afternoon, we board our small motorboats to go on our first jaguar safari, exploring the river and its tributaries for the elusive big cat plus tapirs, monkeys, macaws, anacondas, capybaras, giant otters and any other wildlife we can find. While no guarantees can be made when it comes to wildlife, there is a 90 percent chance of seeing jaguars. Accommodation: Hotel Baiazinha (or similar)
Day 3 - 5 Morning and afternoon boat safaris on the Paraguay River searching for jaguar and other wildlife
We spend the next three days on morning and afternoon boat safaris looking for jaguars and other local wildlife and learning about the delicate ecosystem of the area. The exact lengths of the outings will vary depending on the sightings and you should be prepared to be flexible with the timetable. Make sure to bring all you’ll need including sun protection, insect protection, rain protection, water and your cameras and/or binoculars. Accommodation: Hotel Baiazinha (or similar)
Day 6 Transfer to Araras Lodge
This morning, we retrace our steps towards Cáceres and onto Poconé and finally Araras Lodge. Surrounded by pristine forest, the lodge offers a range of activities designed to showcase the flora and fauna of the Pantanal, including jeep safaris, trail walks, nocturnal safaris, canoeing and horse riding. Expert bilingual naturalist guides from the lodge accompany us on all excursions to truly enhance our wildlife viewing. Accommodation: Araras Lodge (or similar)
Day 7 - 8 Search for giant anteaters and capybaras
The next two days we have a full programme of activities around the lodge. Hundreds of bird species and dozens of mammals and reptiles have been recorded in the immediate surroundings; if we are lucky, we will catch sight of the striking hyacinth macaw (Portuguese: arara jacinta) after which the lodge is named. The largest of the macaws, its dark blue plumage and the bright yellow skin around its eyes and beak make it instantly recognisable. Accommodation: Araras Lodge (or similar)
Day 9 To Cuiabá; end
After breakfast, we head back to Cuiabá where the trip ends. We bid farewell and begin our return journey home. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Day 1: Arrival in Salvador
Arrive in Salvador da Bahia, a historic city on the northern coast of Brazil. Leave your luggage at your hotel and explore the city on your own or relax on the beach. Salvador’s Renaissance architecture is reminiscent of colonial times when the city was the capital of the Brazilian Empire. Bahia was also the site of the first slave market in the Americas and its population reflects the unique mix of African, European and Native American heritage.
Day 2: Explore the Historic Pelourinho
Set out on a lively tour of Salvador. Visit the Pelourinho, the recently restored historical center of Salvador and a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. Spend the evening at your leisure or opt for a Bahia by Night excursion that features a delicious dinner and exciting local folklore show highlighting Afro-Bahia traditions, Samba, Puxada de Rede and traditional capoeira (at an additional cost).
Day 3: Transfer to Praia Do Forte: Beaches & Sea Turtles
Sun and sea lovers won’t want to miss this scenic trip along the Northern Coastline. Start at Guarajuba beach and travel towards one of the most visited beaches along the Green Line Roadway: Praia do Forte. Admire the local wildlife at the Turtle Station run by Tamar Project, a major non-profit organization that protects sea turtles. Spend the night in Praia do Forte.
Day 4: Arrival at Lençóis
Return to Salvador and transfer to Lençóis, a small city that doubles as the gateway to the magnificent Chapada Diamantina, an immense national park covering an area of 1,520 sq kms that boasts imposing mountains and monoliths, mysterious caves and flowing cascades.
Day 5: Chapada Diamantina Intensive Tour
Enjoy a full-day tour of the main attractions in Chapada Diamantina National Park. Start your journey 67kms north of Lençois and arrive in Iraquara, Brazil’s cave capital. Visit Lapa Doce, a cave with strikingly beautiful stalactites and bizarre rock formations. Next, head to Pratinha Farm to discover caves whose walls emit curious yet captivating turquoise and electric-blue colors reflected in the lake. Hike the Morro do Pai Inácio Mountain for a sweeping view of Chapada Diamantina National Park. Gaze at the impressive and majestic high peaks and green valleys and bask in the light of the sunset from this wonderful viewpoint before returning to Lençóis.
Day 6: Fumaça Waterfall
Spend a final day in Chapada Diamantina and visit the second highest waterfall in Brazil: the Fumaça Waterfall. Transfer to Capão Valley, hike up to the high plains and admire the vast valley and the mountains along the way. Reach the waterfall and marvel at the extensive, untamed plains and steep slopes. Take some free time to eat lunch and swim in the Riachinho River. Afterward, return to Lençóis and spend your last night in this small but charming town.
Day 7: Transfer Back to Bahia
Take a 6 hour transfer back to Salvador. Spend the afternoon at your leisure relaxing on the beach or wandering through Pelourinho.
Day 8: Departure from Bahia
Drink in the breathtaking views of Bahia one last time. Transfer to the airport and catch a flight to your next destination in Brazil or another wonderful destination in another part of South America.
