Tour 8: Pantanal-Tour for Birdlover or Birdwatcher

12 days/11 nights, year-roundly feasible, as of 2 persons



Red and Green Macaw (Ara chloroptera)


The Pantanal (and not Amazonia) is are part of the last almost untouched and untamed natural phenomena of this world!. Therefore the biggest marsh area of the world is a unique and unforgettable experience for Birdwatcher and nature lovers. Due to the great demand we have worked out a programme with our experienced guides as well as nature photographers for bird enthusiasts and ornithologists. The following photos are specially chosen and not associated with the respective accomodations. You will, however, find below here a list of bird species possibly to be found at the tour. On booking of this bird tour we send a complete bird list to you in 4 languages including over 600 species.



1st - 3rd day:  Cuiaba – Pousada Piuval (2 nights)

Arrival in Cuiabá. Transfer to Poconé and lunch in a typically Brazilian family (dependent on the time of arrival in Cuiabá.) After lunch journey (approximately 10 km) to the Pousada Piuval which lies directly besides the Transpantaneira. In the afternoon you will conduct a boating trip at the nearby lake Piuval for bird observation. After supper, night safari to trace nocturnal animals.

At the next morning at about 5 AM, getting up for a sunrise tour. Experience the awakening of the animal and plant life in the Pantanal. A unique event which you should not let pass. After the breakfast, return trip to Poconé where you can begin a one-hour sightseeing flight from/to Poconé (optional, not inclusive). A great spectacle, the Pantanal from a bird's-eye view.

Hyazinthe Macaw (Andorohynchus hyacinthinus)               Blue-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna)

After the flight, ride back to the lodge and lunch. Should you not book the flight you will get a tour of the lodge's compound after the breakfast on the fourth day. In the vicinity of the lodge the can Capped heron (Pilherodius pileatus), Vermillion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus), White Woodpecker (Melanerpes candidus), White-winged Parakeet (Brotogeris versicolurus), Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola), Bare-faced Curassow (Crax fasciolata) and many others types meet bird in the surroundings of the Pousada. As a special attraction watching the very rare Hyazinth macaws (Andorohynchus hyacinthinus) offers one's services here. The stay is, are to see a variety of waterfowls, caymans and giant otters at which rounded off by an excursion to the lake Piuval.

The next day you drive back to Poconé for starting your sightseeing flight arount the pantanal (1 hour included in this package), optional, not included in the package.

3rd -5th day: Pousada Piuval – Pousada Rio Claro (2 nights)

Along breakfast journey the Transpantaneira is this Fazenda to the Pousada Rio Claro as a highlight of the whole tour conceived and a variety of observation possibilities which can be outlined only briefly here offers after this.

She lies directly at the river Rio Claro, embedded in an almost untouched, varied landscape. A variety of kingfisher kinds (of Chloroceryle), Agama heron (Agamia agami), fork tail king tyrant (Tyrannus savana), Blue-throated Piping Guan (Aburria pipile), Giant toucan (Ramphastos toco), and giant otter can be observed at the river.

  Red brocket (Mazama americana)              Goliath Heron (Ardea cocoi)                          Burrowing owl (Speotyto cunicularia)


There are gallery woods nearby in which many species of bird, like Blue-corwned Trogon (Trogon curucui), red tail gleam bird (Galbula ruficauda), collar macaw (Macaw auricollis), potter bird (Furnarius Rufus commersoni), Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) red tree pit foreman (Xiphocolaptes major) live.

Bare-faced Curassow (Crax fasciolata)        Red-belled Macaw (Ara manilata)             Chestnut-eared Aracari (Pterogl. castanotis)

Monk Parakeet or Quaker Parrot                Rufescent Tiger-heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)    American Black Vulture
(Myiopsitta monachus)                                                                                           (Coragyps atratus)

 Black fronted Nunbird (Monasa nigrifrons)         Orange Troupial (Icterus icterus)            Whistling heron (Syrigma sibilatrix)

5th-7th day: Pousada Rio Claro – Fazenda Santa Tereza (2 nights)

Via the piste of the Transpantaneira with its many wood bridges we go more deeply to the Pantanal to Fazenda Santa Tereza. The possibility Whistling heron (Syrigma sibilatrix), the ubiquitous Jabiru stork (Jabiru mycteria), Giant toucan (Ramphastos toco), Silver heron (Casmerodius albus), Crake Cranes (macaw mush guarauna) and Black Buzzard (Buteogallus urubitinga) insists to find away.

One can with a little luck watch even the Paraguay or yolks anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) when sunbathing on the Transpantaneira in the early morning hours. Also Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) cannot be seldom found.
 
  Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)              Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco)                   Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)

  Southern Screamer (Chauna torquata)      Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)        Guira cuckoo (Guira guira)



Highlight is always the boat tour on which we get to see all representatives of the Kingfishers (Chloroceryle/Ceryle), Mangrove heron (Butorides striatus), Blue-throated Piping Guan (Aburria pipile), Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) and many other unusual features a special.

One is accompanied of the fish buzzard to be found ubiquitously Black-collared Hawk (Busarellus nigricollis) which only waits to pull fish of the anglers thrown away out of the water in the dive.

Even the very shy Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) are with a little luck anxious from the boat to gaze in admiration. Alone her communication by means of whistling lutes is an imposing play!

In the twilight night swallows often are to watch like the Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) and the kind (of Chordeiles Minor).






Common Potoo (Nyctibius grandis)

7th-9th day: Fazenda Santa Tereza – Pousada Pouso Alegre (2 nights)

Go to the Pousada Pouso Alegre with many stops at the Transpantaneira. This Fazenda is preferred by ornithologists and pays a visit to biologists since you have a try here especially for macaws and other bird ways within the last few years to produce old day rooms again. In an immediate proximity of the Fazenda whole swarms have to be watched by Hyazinth macaws (Andorohynchus hyacinthinus).

Other species of animals like Giant Toucan (Ramphastos toco), Rhea (Rhea Americana), Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria), noses, wash and great anteaters (Nasua nasua, Procyon lotor, Myrmecophaga tridactyla), Water Pigs (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) Otters (Lontra longicaudis) and great collections of caymans have to be watched frequently here.

American Scissor Beaks (Rynchops Niger) can be seen at her raids on fish at a morning ride at rest ponds. They steadily comb through the complete pond for food. This Fazenda is must and offers as described above, various fields of activity, one for nature lovers and photographers!


Green-billed Toucan(Ramphastos dicolorus)     Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)               Cresterd Caracara (Polyborus plancus)


After dinner night journey to the surroundings: Caymans, possible Tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) in all cases but rust night Swallow (Caprimulgus Rufus), Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) and perhaps the day Sleeper "Common Potoo" (Nyctibius grandis).
 
Black capped Mockingtrush                          Crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous)              Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria)
(Donacobius atricapillus)


Drive near situated Lodge and substantial excursion to one on a Trail up to an observation tower. Next to brown ear Arassari, fork tail King Tyrant (Tyrannus savana) and palm Pit Foreman (Berlepschia rikeri), one has many bird ways of the tower from here to see depending on time of day, in addition a splendid panorama. In the afternoon excursion to woods islands with Tabebuia trees.
  

  Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaia-ajaia)                   Victoria regia (Victoria amazonica)

Day next the morning excursion to the Rio Pixaim with boat trip. Many species of bird have to be watched in the gallery woods. In the afternoon excursion on the Lodge area and further night journey become offered.


9th-12th day: Pousada Pouso Alegre - Fazenda Carandá (3 nights)

After breakfast you pack your bags and go to the Araras-lodge by car (ride of about half an hour) to mount a raised blind. You walk about 2km through untouched gallery forest and experience the  Pantanal's unique beauty from a bird's-eye view. Following is the ride to Poconé where you will enjoy the hospitality of Dona Dalva and Senhor Antonio (called Toto) for lunch.

The highlight of the journey now lies right in front of you, the Fazenda Carandá, a paradise for bird lovers, ornithologists and birdwatchers.

The vicinity of this accommodation differs from the other lodges because of its vast and nearly untouched and diverse natural landscape. The observations are eased up by the animal's little fleeing distance. An overview over the the rich flora and fauna is best to get with a horse-riding tour. Specially great in number are the Hyacinth macaws, but the  Urutau or Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) on his hide as well. Also you cam meet rare kinds of parrots like the  Black-hooded Parakeet (Nandayus nenday). The variety of the animal and plant life of this region is just about inexhaustible. Here you experience the original nature, far off civilization and common tourism along the Transpantaneira.

Here even the arrival is an adventure who seeks alike. In the months from December to May the lodge can only be reached from Poconé by plane (which is arranged for by us). After arrival, moving into the rooms and possibility for resting, taking a shower and relax. First some small hiking trips and riding tours in the vicinity of the Fazenda. At the evening, night safari in order to trace nocturnal animals.

In the morning, sunrise tour, that is getting up early before breakfast to observe the awakening of the bird life. While you're staying at the farm, extensive trips by horse, foot and boat can be done to enjoy the unique beauty of the Pantanal, far off civilization. Be charmed by the fazenda owner's kindness and hospitality, which will make your stay unforgettable. The trips and tours will be planed and conducted individually and according to your wishes. For this, our guide is exclusively at your disposal, 24 hours a day.
 
A vast amount of bird species like Horn-birds, Toco Toucan, Andean Toucanet (Aulacorhychus), White-headed marsh tyrant (Arundinicola leurocephala), Blue-crowned amazon (Amazona aestiva), Blue-crowned Conure (Aratinga haemorrhous), Yellow-collared macaw (Ara auricollis), Peach-fronted conure (Aratinga aurea), Black-hooded Parakeet (Nandayus nenday), Greater Rhea (Rhea americana), Hodgs (Dermophrys hodgs), white-eyed conure (Aratinga leucophthalmus), Vermillion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus), Woodpecker and many Hyacinth macaws can be watched in the proximity of the Fazenda Carandá. Like said before: a paradise for bird-liking people.

12th day:

Return journey to Cuiabá, airport or connection programme to Chapada dos Guimarães, Nobres or to the Amazon area in the north of Mato Grosso possible for proximity Alta Floresta (on inquiriy).

Our travel guides:

Our travel guides know about the flora and fauna of the Pantanal very well, know also many species of bird. Of course our travel guides cannot know all 600 to 690 species of bird in the Pantanal with name Latin since these are not trained ornithologists. Can on request we, however, provide you with an English-speaking, trained biologist with additional subject ornithology. These guides trained especially are more expensive, however, and ask a higher price. The surcharge amounts to 1100.00 euros (100.00 euros per day) per group at this journey (not per person). Please indicate at booking whether you wish such a guide!

Prices (up to 2 persons:

Room Category
Double-Room
3-bed-room
4-bed-room
June - November  
1845,00 € 1665,00 € 1425,00 €
December - May
1920,00 €
1765,00 €
1525,00 €
1 hour sightseeing flight
+ 150,00 €
+ 100,00 €
+ 100,00 €
All Prices per person. Prices valid util 23.12.2008. Up to 4 persons possible, on inquiry.

Included in the journey price:

2 overnight stay at the Pousada Piuval.
2 overnight stay at Fazenda Santa Tereza.
2 overnight stay at the Pousada Pouso Alegre.
2 overnight stay at the Fazenda Rio Claro.
3 overnight stay at the Fazenda Carandá.
Full board service (lunch, dinner and breakfast).
All transfers as of/at Cuiabá in the air-conditioned vehicle (accident and third-party insurance available).
All tours by horse, boat, car and on foot.
24-hour support by trained, experienced and informed English-speaking guides.
1 hour Sightseeing flight about the Pantanal (optional).
The tour does every group one by one, no strange groups are mixed together.

Are included not in the price:

Drinks, tips, personal expenditure.

The photos are on copyright protected
© by Günter Stysch
© by Ingo Schulz