Although not as well-known as the Amazon Rainforest to its north, this gigantic seasonal floodplain is also home to a staggering variety of plants and wildlife.
The Pantanal is one of the world’s great reservoirs of plant and animal life. This floodplain wetland system is highly productive, supporting both a large number of species and an abundantly high concentration of these species. It has been said that the Pantanal has the highest concentration of fauna in the New World, comparable to the densest animal populations in Africa. Not infrequently, producers of films or videos on Amazonian fauna send their camera crews to the Pantanal to film animals too rare or hard to spot in the rainforest.
ird species are particularly diverse. The Pantanal is certainly one area of the world where there are a lot of birds. From small and delicate hummingbirds to large ones such as the jabiru. Several types of macaws, parrots, parakeets and other are easily spotted.
The region is an important migratory bird stopover point and wintering ground, used by birds from three major migratory flyways — bringing ospreys from the Nearctic latitudes to the north, woodstorks from the Argentine pampas to the south and flycatchers from the Andes to the west The result is one of the planet’s most diverse avian communities.
The Pantanal continues to be one of the best places to see jaguars (Panthera onca), giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis), giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), giant armadillos (Priodontes giganteus), the endangered maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) — each of which is considered to be the largest of its kind in South.
Other species commonly encountered in the Pantanal include the anaconda (Eunectes murinus), howler monkey (Allouatta caraya), Capuchin monkey (Cebus apella), coati (Nasua nasua), ocelot (Felis pardalis), cougar (Felis concolor), tapir (Tapirus terrestris), anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), great egret (Casmerodius albus), snowy egret (Egretta thula), roseate spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja) and what is often referred to as the symbol of the Pantanal, the jaburu stork (Jabiru mycteria).
RATES INCLUDE – Transfers in Cuiaba, one night deluxe hotel prior to cruise in Cuiaba, 7-day/6-night cruise, with English speaking guides, excursions, all meals, bottled water, and premium set of travel documents.
- Airfare
- Visa (if required)
- Beverages
- Day 1 Arrive Cuiaba, Brazil
- Day 2 TRANSFER TO CACERES - board M/V MINAS
- Day 3 TAIAMAN ECOLOGICAL RESERVE - Search for Jaguars
- Day 4 PARAGUAY RIVER - Search for Jaguars
- Day 5 AMOLAR MOUNTAIN CHAIN - Search for Jaguars
- Day 6 PANTANAL NATIONAL PARK - Search for Jaguars
- Day 7 MEETING OF THE WATERS' STATE PARK - Search for Jaguars
- Day 8 TRANSPANTANEIRA PARK ROAD SAFARI + Transfer PORTO JOFRE to CUIABA
The Minas is a small, comfortable river boat with five cabins, each with private bathrooms, and a capacity of just 10 guests. Fresh food is served aboard, and there is a bar. Carrying two large and comfortable launches, guests will journey out from the Minas in search of jaguars and other wonderful wildlife. During the week, the vessel will reposition along the rivers, providing upclose access to remote areas, providing prime viewing without other boats getting in the way.
Four cabins have two lower twin beds. One has a bunk bed arrangement.
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Pantanal Route Map
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Jaguar
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Pantanal - Sunset on the the Paraguay River
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Large Billed Terns and Black Skimmers
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capybara family
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Jaguar - Pantanal, Brazil (6)
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Jaguar - Pantanal, Brazil - 1425x950
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Young Jaguar
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Upper Deck
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Minas
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MINAS IN RIVER
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Minas - side view
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Jaguar
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Minas Cabin
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Minas Bridge
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Giant Otters
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Deck Bar and Grill
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Capybaras
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Caiman
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Bow