|
Experience the
Pantanal wetlands, one of the greatest ecological
sanctuary. This vast wetland houses thousands of
animals such as alligators, snakes, capybaras, and
also infinite numbers of birds and plants species.
Pantanal is an important migration stop for millions
of birds annually. Bonito is located in the southern
Pantanal area, a magical place with countless
freshwater lakes, rivers and caves. Over 80
fantastic wet and dry caves mark Bonito as one of
the best places in the world for caving and cave
diving and fresh water snorkeling.
Short itinerary
Day 1 -
Departure from
home town to Campo Grande, Brazil
Day 2 -
Campo Grande -
Pantanal - Relax - Nature walks - Optional
"flight-seeing"
Day 3 -
Pantanal - Optional excursions
BONITA LIGHT OPTION
Day 4 -
Depart
Pantanal for Bonito - Visit Indigenous people
Day 5 -
Bonito - Walks
and Optional excursions
Day 6 -
Bonito - Walks
and Optional excursions
BONITO PRO-DIVING OPTION
Day 4 -
Bonito -
Diving Gruta de Mimosa
Day 5 -
Bonito - Diving
Ceita-Corê cave
Day 6 -
Bonito - Diving Formoso River
Springs
BOTH BONITO OPTIONS
Day 7
- Bonito -
Campo Grande - Departure
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
-
Departure from
Miami or other international airport
Departure from your home town
to Campo Grande, Brazil.
Day 2
-
Campo Grande -
Pantanal - Relax - Nature walks - Optional
"flight-seeing"
A frontier town founded in
1889, Campo Grande openly mixes the modern with the
cowboy heritage of the region. Upon arrival in Campo
Grande, we will be met and proceed in the westerly
direction of the vast wetlands of the Pantanal.
We'll pass through the cities of Aquidauana and
finally to Miranda, a small yet lively town on the
southern edge of the Pantanal. The Pantanal, a large
wetland ecosystem, is one of the world's greatest
wildlife preserves; here we'll see piranhas,
alligators and jacaré³ (caimans), anteaters,
opossums, monkeys and over 650 species of birds. It
was probably a sea once, evidenced by the presence
of marine shells, salt water lagoons and the spotted
ray and other freshwater fish resembling salt water
species. Here you can relax in the beauty of
unspoiled nature. Walk the trail to see the wildlife
and birds and take a truck ride through the swampy
grasslands. There will be an evening nature walk,
where we'll spot alligators. We'll also take a boat
ride on the Paraguay River to the border of Bolivia.
You'll have the chance to go piranha fishing
(optional, includes equipment). Another possibility
is to take a half-hour flight in a small plane and
see the natural wonders of the Pantanal from the
air. The whole region is a preferred destination for
nature and wildlife photography; the sunsets here
are especially picturesque. Overnight in Pantanal
Day 3
-
Pantanal - Optional excursions
Spend the day in the wild
Pantanal for excursions, or relax at the hotel and
take advantage of the swimming pool. Take an
optional excursion to the Macaw Farm, in the middle
of Pantanal. The farm showcases different species of
macaws and is surrounded by water on the well-known
Park Road where thousands of animals and birds live.
Or visit the Fazenda São Francisco, a former rice
farm where animals come and congregate to feed. Here
we can take an exciting photo safari in an open
truck to see the Brazilian leopard, deer, eagle,
macaws and many other birds as well as the beautiful
trees, flowers and plants of the area. Dinner is
included. Overnight in Pantanal.
For day 4 - 6 there are two options available in the
Bonito area as follows:
BONITO LIGHT OPTION
Day 4
-
Depart
Pantanal for Bonito - Visit Indigenous people
On the way, we will visit an indigenous village
inhabited by one of the primary Indian tribes of the
region; the Caiua, the Terena or the Guarani. We
will witness a traditional native dance; get to walk
around the village, and to meet and interact with
the local tribe (within reason). We will notice
their customs and see aspects of their culture that
they attempt to pass on to the next generation. The
little children really enjoy little gifts such as
pens, gum, small toys and so on. Afterwards we will
make our way to Bonito. Along the way we will stop
for late lunch at a typical European-style family
farm. Overnight in Bonito
Day 5
& 6
- Bonito - Walks and
Optional excursions
Bonito is a beautiful forest-clad area in the
Pantanal region with abundant waterfalls, rivers and
caves. It's an ecologically sensitive area, and
efforts are being made to preserve the natural
treasures of this region. Since the area is rich in
calcareous rock, the bodies of water in this area
are unusually clear and are almost unrivalled in
beauty. The crystalline, almost transparent rivers
and pools display many species of colorful fish. We
will have the chance to go on optional excursions to
the caves and rivers of this area. Visit the
awe-inspiring Blue Lake Cavern (Lagoa Azul) or enjoy
an optional boat ride down the Eden-like Rio Sucuri
(whereby the fish swim along with the boat) where
you can observe wildlife, like monkeys and parrots
and go swimming and snorkeling in designated places.
Note: a limited number of people can take this trip
due to park limitations. There's also an optional
excursion to Aquario Natural or Prata River, one of
the springs of the Rio Formoso where you can also
swim and snorkel. We recommend that you choose one
of the two options; both are equally relaxing water
excursions. Overnight in Bonito; dinner is included.
BONITO PRO-DIVING OPTION
Day
4
-
Bonito -
Diving Gruta de Mimosa
North of Bonito lies the Gruta do Mimoso (Mimoso
Cave) located on the privately-owned Mimoso Farm. At
the bottom of the submerged cave here there are some
spectacular calcareous (karstic) rock formations
rarely encountered in underwater settings. You'll be
impressed by the many stalactites, stalagmites and
cones. The main tunnel of the cave leads to two
large domes at opposite ends of the cave (divers are
advised not to remove their regulator when surfacing
in these compartments, as the air has increased
levels of CO?). With superb visibility and a
year-round water temperature of 70F, Mimoso is a
good choice for all divers certified for cave dives.
Overnight in Bonito.
Day 5
-
Bonito - Diving
Ceita-Corê cave
Today we will dive at Ceita-Corê cave, one of cave
divers' favorites in the Bonito area. The
4000-hectare (9,880 acre) Ceita-Corê ranch, whose
Indian name means "Land of My Sons," boasts diving
in a sunken cavern with a depth of 90 meters. Area
wildlife includes monkeys, capybara and anteaters.
Certification is required to dive in this cave. Area
trails lead to interesting caves and idyllic
waterfalls.
Day 6
-
Bonito - Diving Formoso River
Springs
Cave dive at Nascente Rio Formoso (Formoso River
Springs). In a setting of incredible natural beauty,
Formoso and Little Formoso are parallel systems that
flow into one another at a depth of 200 feet. The
entrance to Little Formoso is rocky and dotted with
various artifacts. The Formoso starts out shallow
and develops into several tunnels. Colorful and
exotic fish abound here. Overnight in Bonito or
surroundings.
BOTH BONITO OPTIONS
Day 6
Bonito -
Campo Grande - Departure
Leave Bonita and depart via Campo Grande for your
flight home
The ecobrazil family wishes you a great expedition!
Tour package includes
- Domestic Flights
- Local ground transportation
- Double accommodations
- Daily breakfast & selected meals
- Selected activities & admission fees
- Bilingual guide services
NOTE
Prices,
as listed in our rates pages, are subject to availability and may vary by
time of year. All prices are based on double
accommodations and subject to change without notice.
This is a preset departure bus tour and prices are
based on groups of 20 passengers or more. Package
does not include international flights, airport
taxes, optional
tours, tips or items of a personal nature.
Rates for diving excursions and equipment rentals
are priced separately, and are
based upon local service providers. |
