Icons of Brazil Safari

Cristalino Reserve

Arriving into Sao Paolo airport, you will connect with an onward flight to Cuiaba, and then to Alta Floresta, the small and dusty gateway to the Southern Amazon. Here you will be met and start your journey into the jungle, make sure your camera is ready as your safari starts now and on the way to the lodge you can expect to see giant river otters, tapir, caiman, capybara and many birds. Spend your days experiencing the sights and the sounds of jungle. You might want to visit the 50-metre canopy tower, which gives you a bird’s eye view of this mighty rainforest. It is common to spot, monkeys, macaws and several species of birds. There are many trails that snake through various forests and habitats and over 500 species of birds and over 1800 different types of butterfly.

Pantanal Jaguar Viewing

Travel along the Transpantaneira Highway, a 145 kilometre long dirt road that leads south through the heart of the Pantanal ending at the Cuiaba River in Porto Jofre. Spend your days exploring and searching for jaguars and giant otters on Three Brothers, Cuiaba and Piquiri Rivers. This is the best place in the world to see these elusive cats in the wild and we are proud to report an average of 2 sightings per day on these waters. Other possible sightings include tapir, giant river otters, caiman, ocelot and even giant anteaters who may come to the banks to drink.

Bonito

The Gruta do Lago Azul trail will start with a 40 minutes walk to the cave, then, after descending 100 meters, you will see the lake and its' crystal-clear water. The depth is 72 meters and when the light hits, the water will have an intense blue color. After, visit the Rio da Prata and enjoy some snorkelling before your dive begins at the East of Olho Dágua River. On this course you will find the rich flora and if you are a little bit lucky maybe you can see others wild animals such as the peccary and curassow. Arrive to the most transparent waters you've ever seen and the chance to see some stunning marine wildlife. Once you're out of the water, you will head to the Hole of Macaws for a chance to spot this stunning birds as they feed on salt and minerals, with a stunning natural backdrop.

Caiman Ecological Refuge

Explore the Caiman Ecological Refuge, one of the best wildlife viewing locations in the South Pantanal. The area is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles and offers you the best chance of seeing jaguars in the wild. A well-respected jaguar conservation project is also based here and you will get the chance to see their work from up-close (possibility to spend a full day with the biologists, please inquire for further information). Activities include photographic safaris in specially adapted vehicles, guided walks, canoeing and night safaris.

Iguassu Falls

Estimated to be 275 different waterfalls dotted around the tropical forests., the Brazilian side of the falls offers a more panoramic view putting into perspective their sheer size and scale. The Argentinian side of the falls is very extensive compared to Brazil, with many paths taking you to within touching distance of the falls. You will also travel to the furthest point and the largest and most spectacular of all of the cascades - The Devil`s Throat.

Rio de Janeiro

Begin the day with a visit to the historical old centre of Rio, and then onwards to the Praia Vermelha - the landing station for the cable cars to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Get some stunning birds-eye views of various parts of the city and when you are at the summit, take in some stunning views across the bay of Rio de Janeiro. End your day with a caipirinha watching the sunset over Copacabana.

Caiman Ecological Refuge

A true oasis in the heart of our refuge. With 18 delightful suites, Casa Caiman has recently been completely renovated and offers different spaces for rest and leisure. Located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul and the southern portion of the Pantanal region, Caiman Ecological Refuge is a massive 53,000-hectare complex. Caiman Ecological Refuge is home to 29 rooms in three unique lodges, 18 of which can be booked individually. The gorgeous Baiazinha Lodge and Cordilheira Lodge operate solely as private villas and are available only to groups by special request. The lodges, which are entirely independent of each other, are scattered across the refuge. This distance provides guests privacy and a greater sense of integration into nature. At the cozy Baiazinha Lodge, relax on your balcony or in a hammock next to the pool. Whichever you choose, you can soak in the views of a crystal-clear bay. At the contemporary Cordilheira Lodge, take a dip in the pool while enjoying the views of the green mountain range, or climb the observation deck to watch wildlife roam the area. At the Main Lodge Complex, which is near the office, you have the option of a room in one of two houses: the Old Farmer’s House or the Owner’s House.

Hotel Pantanal Norte

Thought to be the best hotel in the Pantanal area, Hotel Pantanal Norte (formerly Porte Jofre) is simple and often used by the fishermen of the area. Located at the end of the Transpantaneira Highway, on the banks of the Cuiaba River, it is the perfect base for jaguar spotting between July and September. Rooms are spacious and en-suite and the well maintained gardens are frequented by Hyacinth macaws and toco toucans. Each of the 28 rooms are spacious and en-suite, split into two blocks. Rooms are all air-conditioned with a TV (local channels only), a ceiling fan and a porch complete with relaxing chairs. Some of the newer rooms overlook the Cuiaba River; the older ones are at the back of the property. Hotel Pantanal Norte can sleep up to 100 guests and has a large dining area, an outdoor pool partly shaded by exotic fauna and a games room with two pool tables.