Itinerary Expand allCuiaba to Cuiaba Depart London Day 1 Start Cuiaba.The group flights should be arriving in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax after the long journey.Accommodation: Slaviero Slim Hotel (or similar) Day 2 To Hotel Baiazinha Lodge on the Paraguay RiverThis morning we head towards the remote Paraguay River in the Pantanal. We start by driving 205kms towards the town of Caceres before continuing a further 100kms on dirt roads to our lodge located on the banks for the Paraguay River where we will spend the next 4 days exploring the region for jaguars and other wildlife.This area is further off the beaten path and the ideal place for jaguar spotting and, with fewer visitors than other areas of the Pantanal, is also much quieter.This afternoon we will board our small motorboats to go on our first jaguar safari exploring the river and its tributaries for the elusive big cat as well as tapirs, monkeys, macaws, anacondas, capybaras, Giant otters and any other wildlife we can find. Whilst no guarantees can be made when it comes to wildlife, there is a 95% chance of seeing jaguars. Accommodation: Hotel Baiazinha Lodge (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Days 3-5 Morning and afternoon boat safaris on the Paraguay River searching for jaguar and other wildlifeWe spend the next three days on morning and afternoon boat safaris looking for jaguars and other local wildlife and learning about the delicate ecosystem of the area. The exact lengths of the outings will, of course, vary depending on the sightings and you should be prepared to be flexible with the timetable. Make sure to bring all you’ll need including sun protection, insect protection, rain protection, water and, of course your cameras and/or binoculars.Accommodation: Hotel Baiazinha Lodge (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Transfer to Araras LodgeThis morning we retrace our steps towards Caceres and on to Pocone and finally Araras Ecolodge. Surrounded by pristine forest, the lodge offers a range of activities designed to showcase the flora and fauna of the Pantanal, including jeep safaris, trail walks, nocturnal safaris, canoeing and horse riding. The lodge’s expert bilingual naturalist guides accompany us on all excursions to truly enhance our wildlife viewing.Accommodation: Araras Lodge (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Days 7-8 Search for Giant anteaters and capybarasThe next two days we have a full programme of activities around the lodge. Hundreds of species of bird, and dozens of mammals and reptiles have been recorded in the immediate surroundings, and if we are lucky, we will catch sight of the striking Hyacinth macaw (Portuguese: Arara jacinta) after which the lodge is named. The largest of the macaws, its dark blue plumage and the bright yellow skin around its eyes and beak make it instantly recognisable.Accommodation: Araras Lodge (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 To Cuiaba; endAfter breakfast we head back to Cuiaba where the trip ends. Those on the group flights will be departing this afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast To Cuiaba; depart CuiabaAfter breakfast we head back to Cuiaba where the trip ends. Those on the group flights will be departing this afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast Arrive London.Arrive London
BrazilThere are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Lodges & HotelsOn this trip we spend 4 nights at the Hotel Baiazinha Lodge on the banks of the Paraguay River. The Lodge has en suite air-conditioned rooms and a swimming pool.We also spend three nights at Araras Eco Lodge, which is designed in a rustic regional style and has 19 comfortable rooms, all with air-conditioning, ceiling fans and private bathrooms. The lodge has a bar, swimming pool and gift shop, as well as a spacious restaurant whose excellent dishes feature lots of local fruits, vegetables, meat and fish.
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Reviewed September 2019 Christopher WittAmazing Brazil Long journey to get to the Pantanal but worth it! Three jaguar sightings on the first trip made everyone very happy for the forthcoming adventure. Hotel Baiazinha is the perfect location for trips into the wetlands. Accommodation and food excellent and staff very friendly. Plus around the hotel so many birds. Seven boat trips was tiring in the heat, thankfully the boat has a cover. Finally saw nine jaguar sightings, some repeats, plus two giant otter encounter.......and so many birds. Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge is a nice wind down with good accommodation. Trips out to spot wildlife are good but toucans and hyacinth macaws can be spotted in the grounds early morning!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing my first hyacinth macaws on the drive in to Hotel Baiazinha and then in the afternoon seeing jaguars!What did you think of your group leader? Group leader was knowledgeable on the wildlife and environment but poor on keeping us updated on plans for the trip.
Reviewed August 2019 Sally ChewterBrilliant Fantastic trip - brilliant guide - great accommodation - superb wildlife sightings. Be prepared for very high temperatures but so worth it.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing our first jaguarWhat did you think of your group leader? Tony Rodriguez was superb. So knowledgeable, professional and a great sense of humour. He was great company and made sure everything ran smoothly.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for high temperatures - it's hot out there!Is there anything else you would like to add? Great trip - wonderful jaguar, giant otters sightings
Reviewed October 2018 James TreharneLand of the Jaguar report This trip exceeded all my expectations.Seeing a Jaguar in its natural habitat was wonderful. As usual Paul worked hard with the guides to get the results that we all longed for.The accommodation was good, though the food in Porte Joffre could have been much better. I was a little disappointed with the fact that we had to pay for our luggage on the internal flight. This caused some hassle because none of the flight desk attendants spoke English and I do not speak Portuguese. A similar scenario ensued on the return flight. This was one of the most memorable trips that I have done with Exodus and I look forward to my next one.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing my first Jaguar and being able to follow her for some while, whilst not causing her any concern. Seeing the other animals and birds was also wonderful.What did you think of your group leader? I have been on trips with Paul before, so I know what to expect(mostly!). As I have said before,but it is worth repeating, no one works harder , or is more committed to his clients than Paul. An excellent leader.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure that you have checked the medical advice available on line both for vaccinations and prescription drugs. and take the appropriate medicines.On photographic trips be totally prepared to put in hours.Is there anything else you would like to add? I am very satisfied with Exodus Holidays. They have provide me with some spectacular moments at very reasonable cost. Through them , I have met some lovely people..
Reviewed September 2018 barry tyleeThe Pantanal deliverd This trip to the Pantanal ranks amongst the best. Yes, Jaguars are illusive but so are lots of big cats. patience and trust are required. Trust in so much that your guide will do his/her utmost to find you a jaguar. If they are there, they will find them. But while you are waiting, just observe the absolute plethora of wildlife, Birds of all sizes and colours, you might encounter a swimming Tapier or be entertained by a family of river otters. While you are travelling you might see a giant ant eater, dont be surprised to be able to see a Cayman with young on its back, or see an Anaconda curled up sleeping after a meal. There is so much to see. Beautiful Macaws, what colours. Its pure entertainment. I cant wait to return.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Where does one start. For me it was all inspirational. Although I have to say, when you first see a Jaguar it a heart stopping moment. The two lodges that you will stay in are very well positioned, you are surrounded by wildlife.What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was, Tony. Excellent all round. very knowledgeable, for me went the extra mile to find a Jaguar, always prepared to stop when something has been sighted.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I travelled in August. Yes this part of Brazil is in the tropics, but. It can be cold on the wide open rivers. Read the trip notes. When it says take a warm fleece. Take one and add to that a wind "shell" head cover and gloves. Once you have moved on to the next lodge, its all change, its gets very hot. be prepared for both.Is there anything else you would like to add? Dont be put off, dont wait. book it.
Reviewed September 2017 Barbara RobertLand of the Jaguar For those interested in wildlife and the possibility of seeing a Jaguar in the wild, this trip to the Pantanal of Brazil is an affordable winner. Logistics were well coordinated, accommodations were fine though it should be noted the Jaguar House Boat is not luxurious but more than adequate for its remote location on the Paraguay River. The three nights at the very nice Araras EcoLodge were a pleasant bonus. Our guide, Tony, could not have been better. He is experienced, knowledgable and very pleasant. With his skill we had three jaguar sightings during our time on the Paraguay River. Contrary to the Exodus trip description, the majority of the time is spent scouring the river banks of the main river and its narrow channels. It was quite a long distance by small speed boat to the Taima Ecological Reserve and that was reserved only for our last day. According to Tony there are jaguars in the Reserve but they are more difficult to see and eluded us. However, we had excellent caiman, giant river otter and bird sightings. The abundance of birds in the Pantanal was extraordinary and I personally saw over 90 different species. Tony knows them all! So, if you are "into" birds and jaguars, you will be well entertained. The majority of our group of 13 were interested in photography so that was enjoyable. One goes in the dry season to spot jaguars more easily but you will not see the Pantanal flooded as depicted in many photos. One needs to go in a different season for that experience; I am already dreaming of a return trip!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Spotting my first jaguar in the wild!What did you think of your group leader? Outstanding. Could not have been finer. Very professional.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring a could DSLR camera with 400mm lens if possible. Lots of long shots.Is there anything else you would like to add? While on the house boat, there is an option to go on a night land safari. Cost was $35 per person paid directly to the boat owner/rancher. Personally I felt it was overpriced for the experience.
Reviewed September 2017 David WoodhamsLand of the Jaguar Overall a relatively full on experience with very little 'down' time. An amazing abundance of wildlife especially birds. A trip that definitely lived up to expectations.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The last day on the Paraguay River when we spotted a Female Jaguar and cub on a rock adjacent to the river on our return journey from the National Park.What did you think of your group leader? Tony was an excellent guide with very good knowledge of the birds and mammals and his spotting skills were amazingDo you have any advice for potential travellers? As we were travelling in the dry season it did get very hot 40C + and somewhat dusty but worth it in every way.Is there anything else you would like to add? We left the UK with the hope that we would see the main targets of our visit, Jaguar and River Otter. Not only was our expectation rewarded with one sighting, but 3 groups of Otters, 4 Jaguars and the Hyacinth Macaws as well as numerous other mammals and birds. A truly wonderful experience and the stay on the houseboat was GREAT
Reviewed September 2017 J. ThomsonLand of the Jaguar - and other wildlife The trip provided the wildlife viewing we had hoped for - five jaguars, plus giant otters, armadillos, anteater etc etc and a wide variety of bird life.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Watching a jaguar cub emerge cautiously from its den before playing with its mother.What did you think of your group leader? Tony was very good at spotting and identifying wildlife, both mammals and birdlife. All the trips and transfers ran smoothly due to his involvement.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? On my visit the weather was dry, sunny, and hot, up to 40ºC. It cooled to about 20º around dawn. Go prepared for a range of temperatures - check the Caceres weather forecast. The trip notes do not make it clear that at the lodge activities such as horse-riding and canoeing are part of the programme. You may wish to check that your travel insurance covers these.
Reviewed September 2017 Jenny HicksA great trip of two very different parts This trip is in two parts. Four days on the Jaguar houseboat looking for jaguars, the boat's a bit cramped and you spend all day on the river, but the sight of your first jaguar makes it all worthwhile. Then the fantastic Araras Eco Lodge, which is spacious and relaxing and the bird life is amazing! You need to be prepared for long days and you need lots of patience, but it's definitely a fantastic experience.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The sight of our first jaguar of course, as well as a mother being suckled by a young cub. But also the kingfishers, the storks, the skimmers, the sight of a potoo completely disguised in a tree - load of special moments!What did you think of your group leader? Tony was great at spotting jaguars, but I think his real passion showed through, which is birdlife. He has a great knowledge of the local wildlife and birds.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It can be windy (and cold) on the early morning boat rides, so take a fleece, sunglasses and moisturising cream. Take long trousers and 100% deet mosquito repellent as they bite through your clothes. You get so hot and dirty, but if you rinse clothes through at night they are dry by the next day. Be prepared for very long boat rides looking for jaguars (sometimes 6 hours) and you need to be patient. You may sit looking at a jaguar for a couple of hours, during which it hardly moves! The lodge is wonderful - spacious, relaxing, great food, wifi and amazing birdlife everywhere. Horse riding and kayaking and a night drive are included at the lodge and part of the Exodus itinerary. Brazilian electricity sockets have changed in the last 18 months and in hotels and the Lodge they are recessed - you need to buy an adapter locally.Is there anything else you would like to add? Amazing trip - a long journey to get there and you have to rough it a bit on the houseboat, but it's definitely worth it! Exodus arranged an Iguassu Falls extension which we did before before our group trip which was fantastic - worth spending some extra time in Brazil if you can.
Reviewed September 2016 Liz NewmanWhen can I go back? This was a terrific holiday, despite the weather being the coldest on record for that time of year.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Predictably, seeing a jaguar for the first time.What did you think of your group leader? Tony was excellent. His knowledge of the wildlife was first rate. And he came horseriding with us on the last day!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't assume the weather is going to be hot, whatever the online sites tell you in advance. When we arrived in Cuiaba it was hot and humid - then the cloud rolled in, so thick that it sometimes looked like twilight at midday. It rained - not a lot, but if I hadn't taken a raincoat I'd have been in trouble. Going upriver into the wind was a bitterly cold experience, and everyone was wearing everything they had. Six layers! The guides had scarves round their faces, dark glasses, and woolly hats. All you see was their eyes... and those eyes gave us four jaguar sightings. The wildlife came out to platy whatever the temperature. But when we arrived at the Araras Eco-lodge the weather changed, and it was glorious.Is there anything else you would like to add? The Jaguar Houseboat did not have Wi-Fi, so we had to play games when it was too cold and wet to do anything else in between boat trips. The food was great. The Araras Eco-lodge was wonderful, with friendly staff, good food, and a cayman almost within touching distance of every room. (They eat fish, luckily.) There were no mosquitoes, which was a surprise. I've been on a lot of Exodus holidays, but this was one of the best.
Reviewed July 2016 Stephen HarfordA short trip but very enjoyable We went on this holiday principally to see Jaguar, Giant Anteater, Giant River Otter, Tapir and Hyacinth Macaws. We opted for a short trip combining a boat hotel and and land-based lodge. We had been with Exodus previously and felt they would do a good job. Food at both venues was very well prepared although a little monotonous at times. Travel arrangements were very good.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We saw 7 Jaguars on the river including a pregnant female and a lover's tiff between a young female and adult male. Saw giant river otters a number of times and while we only saw giant anteater and tapir once both were superbly close and long viewings. Our main interest is usually birds and these didn't disappoint with good views of various macaws, parrot, herons and some noteworthy viewings of sunbittern at Araras Lodge.What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader, Tony, was very helpful and knowledgeable and he would always try to meet everyone's requirements. Originally from Guyana clearly his English was very good. In addition the guides at the Jaguar Boat and the Lodge were also very helpful, particularly Paulo on the Jaguar Boat day trip craft whose ability to spot wildlife at a distance was quite remarkable. The drivers transporting us between venues were also very courteous, safe and helpful.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It may not be appropriate for all trips but when we were there was a surprising cold wind particularly when out on the river in the early morning. If you have room in your luggage it would be worth taking some warmer clothing just in case.Is there anything else you would like to add? Some cabins on the Boat Hotel were quite cramped as they had 4 'short' bunks. Other cabins seemed more spacious with less beds. It might be worth viewing the available accommodation and selecting the most appropriate.
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