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Ecotourism itineraries in Brazil are now combining the Amazon rainforest and the Pantanal wetlands into unique journeys focused on biodiversity observation. These trips, which can last over 10 days, use the cities of Manaus and Campo Grande as logistical gateways to explore two of the planet’s most vital biomes.
Manaus: Gateway to the Amazon
In the capital of Amazonas state, the urban tour often includes the historic Teatro Amazonas, an 1896 opera house, the Adolpho Lisboa Market, and the Museum of the Amazon. The city serves as a launchpad for river expeditions and stays in jungle lodges, such as the Uiara Amazon Lodge.
From Manaus, the itinerary includes navigating Salvador Lake and witnessing the spectacular Meeting of Waters, where the dark Rio Negro and the sandy-colored Solimões River run side-by-side without mixing. Visits to the Janauari Ecological Park to see the giant Victoria amazonica water lilies are also a highlight.
Wildlife in the Pantanal
Access to the Pantanal in Mato Grosso do Sul is through Campo Grande, from where visitors travel to towns like Aquidauana. This region, a vast 150,000 km² floodplain, is home to specialized ecotourism lodges like Pousada Aguapé.
Activities in this biome include 4×4 photo safaris, horseback riding, and nocturnal wildlife spotting. Boat trips along the Aquidauana River and piranha fishing are other popular options offered by local establishments.
Optional Extension: The Crystal Waters of Bonito and Jardim
Many itineraries that explore the Pantanal also feature an extension to the nearby towns of Bonito and Jardim. In Bonito, one of the main attractions is the Blue Lake Grotto (Gruta do Lago Azul), a cavern with a stunningly blue lake more than 80 meters deep.
Snorkeling in crystal-clear rivers like the Prata and Olho d’Água allows for incredible observation of underwater life. In the town of Jardim, the Buraco das Araras (Macaw’s Hole), a 100-meter-deep sinkhole, serves as a natural habitat for red-and-green macaws.