\n\n
For the 2024 season, travel agencies like Pinto Lopes Viagens are organizing combined itineraries exploring both the Amazon and the Pantanal. This epic circuit connects the Amazon River basin to a vast flooded plain stretching across 150,000 square kilometers. Together, these pristine ecosystems boast documented populations of 698 bird species and 80 types of mammals, offering an unparalleled wildlife experience.
Manaus Basecamp and the Majestic Amazonian Rivers
Expeditions in Brazil’s northern region kick off in Manaus, featuring visits to the iconic Amazon Theatre, built in 1896, and the Museum of the Amazon (MUSA). Accommodations include unique stays at facilities like the Uiara Amazon Lodge, a floating hotel structure gently resting on the river’s surface. From the property, visitors embark on canoe trips to navigate Lake Salvador and catch a glimpse of the legendary pirarucu fish.
The itinerary also explores the Janauari Ecological Park and the famous Meeting of the Waters, where the dark Negro River and the sandy Solimões River flow side by side without mixing. Within the environmental reserve, expert local guides track down the magnificent Samaúma trees, which soar up to 70 meters in height. Daily activities wrap up with thrilling evening boat rides dedicated to spotting the rainforest’s fascinating nocturnal wildlife.
Journeying to the Central-West
Following the immersive forest experience, travelers fly to Campo Grande to begin the overland leg through the Brazilian Central-West. The exceptional tourism infrastructure in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul divides the adventure into three geographic circuits operated by local tour guides:
- The Aquidauana Pantanal, focusing on the breathtaking flooded plains and rich wildlife.
- The municipality of Bonito, centered around the crystal-clear waters of the Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata.
- The city of Jardim, home to striking sinkholes and fascinating dry caves.
Stays in the Pantanal area take place in traditional eco-lodges and ranches like Pousada Aguapé, which provides boats and 4×4 vehicles for unforgettable safaris. Over in Bonito, the itinerary takes visitors down a 300-step descent into the Blue Lake Cave (Gruta do Lago Azul). This stunning underground water pool reaches 80 meters in depth and remarkably displays prehistoric animal bones dating back 12,000 years.
Still exploring this limestone water hub, groups float down 2.5 kilometers of gentle currents at the source of the Olho d’Água River. The adventure continues with hikes to the Buraco das Araras (Macaw Sinkhole), a massive geological crater boasting a 500-meter circumference and a depth of 100 meters. The site features two observation platforms, perfect for capturing breathtaking sights of vibrant macaws returning to roost in the late afternoon.