Highlights
- Fish for bloodthirsty piranhas and enjoy them (or not) in a traditional soup
- Experience the forest come alive during a nocturnal wildlife tour in the Pantanal
- Descend into a subterranean world of blue lakes at the Anhumas Abyss
- See thousands of colorful, wild macaws flock to Buraco das Araras
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Campo Grande, Transfer to South Pantanal, Piranha Fishing | South Pantanal |
| Day 2 | Photo Safari in South Pantanal, Kayak Ride on the Rio Aquidauana | South Pantanal |
| Day 3 | Motorboat Tour on the Rio Aquidauana, Nocturnal Wildlife Tour | South Pantanal |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Bonito, Natural Pools at Estância Mimosa | Bonito MS |
| Day 5 | Visit Lago Azul, Rio Sucuri Snorkel Tour | Bonito MS |
| Day 6 | Descend into Abismo Anhumas, Float on the "Silver River" | Bonito MS |
| Day 7 | Buraco das Araras Sinkhole, Transfer to Campo Grande, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Campo Grande, Transfer to South Pantanal, Piranha Fishing
Welcome to Brazil! Fly into Campo Grande Airport, where your driver will greet you, and the kids can catch up on any lost sleep during the 4.5-hour drive to the southern part of the South Pantanal. Wake up in the world's largest tropical wetlands and settle into your home for the next three nights—a traditional Brazilian farm surrounded by nature known as a pousada. Step out your door onto one of the many hiking trails that will take you into the grasslands and wooded savannas of the Pantanal and be prepared for a glut of wildlife, from toucans and monkeys to the elusive jaguar.
After your walk, refresh back at your lodgings before going on a sunset fishing trip on the nearby river. This isn't just any kind of fishing trip, though: you'll be angling for carnivorous piranha with the help of your guide while catching glimpses of caimans, some of which can reach 9.8 feet (3 m)! Compete against the kids to see who can catch the most of these toothy fish before taking your catch of the day back to the pousada and enjoying it in a regional soup called caldo de piranha. Who knows, maybe the fact they've caught it might motivate your kids to become adventurous eaters!
Day 2: Photo Safari in South Pantanal, Kayak Ride on the Rio Aquidauana
Wake up to the sound of exotic birds and have breakfast while watching monkeys swinging from tree to tree. Make sure your cameras are at the ready as you embark on a more in-depth exploration of the Pantanal during a 2.5-hour photo safari. Hop in an open-topped 4WD vehicle and navigate rough terrain to reach some of the most remote spots of the region. Travel through open grasslands to flood plains and even swampland, and find out who's the best wildlife spotter in the family as you enter the territory of howler monkeys, giant anteaters, tapirs, and jaguars.
Refuel with a light lunch and get out on the open water this afternoon. Hop into kayaks and feel part of the natural environment as you peacefully glide along the banks of the Rio Aquidauana. Paddle along the forest-lined shores and be lulled into a sense of tranquility by the sounds of the tropics. If you keep particularly quiet, you may spot local waterbirds such as herons, kingfishers, and storks. After such a peaceful evening, the little ones should sink easily into a deep slumber at the lodge.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Motorboat Tour on the Rio Aquidauana, Nocturnal Wildlife Tour
Today is your last day in the watery world of Brazil's Pantanal, and there's no better way to enjoy it than with a 2.5-hour motorboat ride down the Rio Aquidauana. Join other friendly passengers and witness the beauty and flourishing wildlife of the riparian forest flanking the river. Its centennial trees are home to exotic birds, while mammals like tapirs and capybaras frolic around on the shore. Keep your eyes peeled, especially for playful otters and even giant anacondas! The kids will enjoy learning interesting facts about the forest before you return to the shores of the pousada, where you'll sit down to a healthy lunch.
No early bedtime tonight, as once the sun's gone down, you and the kids will embark on a nighttime excursion into the depths of the Pantanal. Experience a whole new side of the wetlands on a guided drive, where you'll travel to the best wildlife viewing areas in the area. Listen to the soundtrack of frogs and insects chirping and flitting around, and hold your breath as you look out for some of the area's most secretive, nocturnal animals, such as native foxes and ocelots—big, beautiful spotted cats. After an evening of roving around the wetlands in the dark, you'll be ready to hit the pillows.
Day 4: Transfer to Bonito, Natural Pools at Estância Mimosa
Pack your things, have breakfast, and wave goodbye to your wetlands home before taking your private transfer 3.5 hours south to your hotel in the town of Bonito. This area is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, crystalline rivers, and stalactite-covered caverns, and it's perfect for adventure-loving families.
After you've settled into your new lodgings, meet your tour guide for a four-hour excursion into the private wetland forests of Estância Mimosa along the Rio Mimoso. Begin with a 2-mile (3 km) walk past century-old trees and sharpen up those animal-spotting skills. Stop at panoramic viewpoints for some impressive family photos and continue until you reach crystal waterfalls. Cool off in the natural pools and splash around in the cascades for the afternoon. Once you've had enough (and it may be hard to tear the kids away), your guide will show you the way back to Bonito.
Day 5: Visit Lago Azul, Rio Sucuri Snorkel Tour
Today, embark on a hiking and wildlife-spotting excursion deep in the forests of Bonito to Lago Azul. This natural cavern and grotto is regarded as one of the region's most beautiful landmarks. Once there, descend 650 feet (200 m) underground to the shimmering blue lagoon. Give the kids something to impress their geography teachers with as a guide reveals the area's fascinating geology and points out interesting fossils, including one of a saber-toothed tiger! Return to your hotel after admiring the grotto's sapphire water and white stalactites.
This afternoon, go snorkeling in the crystalline waters of the Rio Sucuri. This river is world-famous for having some of the clearest waters in the world, so you won't have any trouble spotting interesting-looking creatures. Upon arrival, you'll each be given a snorkeling mask and life vest, a quick talk about what to look out for, and then it's into the water you go. Watch fish of all sizes and colors float past you and check out the underwater plants. After a good soak, dry off and catch your transfer back to your hotel.
Day 6: Descend into Abismo Anhumas, Float on the "Silver River"
Prepare to descend into one of Brazil's largest underground caverns: the Abismo Anhumas (Anhumas Abyss). Just a 20-minute drive from your hotel lies this otherworldly location with subterranean lakes surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. After putting on your climbing gear, courageously leap into a narrow crack in the earth that quickly widens into a vast cavern. As you're lowered down by a 236-foot rope (72 m), admire the beauty of your surroundings, the darkness pierced by one solitary sunray. For the truly brave, you can dive into the transparent waters, which have a nearly 100 ft (30 m) visibility.
You'll probably want to enjoy some daylight after several hours spent in darkness, so meet your driver, who will take you to Bonito's Rio de Prata (Silver River). Begin with a short walk through an unspoiled native forest in which you can look up into the trees and spot cute marmoset monkeys and some of the region's hundreds of species of birds, including macaws, motmots, and parakeets. Once you've reached the Rio de Prata, dive into it and float on the gentle current while your kids giggle as the fish tickle their toes. Finish the evening with a traditional Brazilian dinner and return to your hotel.
Day 7: Buraco das Araras Sinkhole, Transfer to Campo Grande, Depart
It may be your last day on Brazilian soil, but your adventure hasn't ended yet. Get up early and head 30 minutes south to Buraco das Araras (Macaws' Hole). This massive limestone sinkhole is the largest in South America, at around 1,640 feet (500 m) in circumference and 328 feet (100 m) deep. Formed over 300 million years ago, this impressive sight is brought to life by the thousands of red and green macaws that live there. Watch these majestic birds fly overhead and become immersed in their cacophonous calls.
Head back to your hotel, pack your things, round up the family, and meet your driver for the four-hour journey back to Campo Grande Airport. Bid farewell to Brazil and reminisce about all your adventures as your airplane lifts off. Safe travels!
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