Abstract
The Pantanal of Mato Grosso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, is the largest floodplain on the planet and one of South America’s richest ecosystems in terms of biodiversity. Its vast wetlands, shaped by the alternating rainy and dry seasons, are home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, fish and reptiles. During the rainy season, from December to April, water covers much of the plain and the vegetation is at its most lush; from May onwards, the waters gradually recede, concentrating wildlife along rivers, lagoons and the remaining flooded areas. In the heart of the northern Pantanal, in the Barão de Melgaço region, Pousada Rio Mutum – Rio Mutum Eco Lodge is a refined nature retreat designed for travellers who wish to experience the Pantanal while combining comfort with authentic wildlife encounters. The lodge is set within a reserve featuring a variety of landscapes, including forest, grasslands, freshwater lagoons and the Rio Mutum, which flows at the foot of the property. Activities are led by experienced local guides and focus on observing wildlife in its natural habitat. The programme includes excursions by small boat and canoe along the Rio Mutum and across the Siá Mariana and Chacororé bays, horseback rides through forests, grasslands and flooded areas, trekking within the private reserve, and fishing trips. Birdwatching is a particular highlight: more than 400 bird species can be identified in the area, and dedicated excursions, including private outings, are also available.
Starts from
5 days / 4 nights - from Cuiaba to Cuiaba.
Characteristics
Guaranteed shared tours with a minimum of 2 participants.
Local guides in English/Portuguese.
Daily departures
Important notes
- ATTENTION: Due to organizational or weather reasons, the order of visits may change.
Meals
Legend: B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner.
Itinerary
Giorno 1 — Cuiaba → Pantanal (Cuiaba)
I arrive at the airport of Cuiaba. Cuiabá, capital of the state of Mato Grosso, lies in the geographic heart of South America and is the main gateway to the Pantanal, the largest wetland on the planet. A hot and lively city, it blends colonial and modern architecture and is renowned for its cuisine, where river fish and ingredients from the backcountry rule the table. From here, wildlife expeditions set off toward the Pantanal marshes, realm of caimans, capybaras and the jaguar, and toward the Chapada dos Guimarães plateau, with its waterfalls and rock formations. An essential stop for those seeking adventure and wildlife. Welcome upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Duration 3H30 hours approximately. Accommodation in a lodge. Dinner. Introductory briefing alle attività del lodge.
Accommodation Pousada do Rio Mutum.
Giorno 2 — Pantanal (Cuiaba)
Breakfast. Nature walk through the forest and open areas to observe wildlife and birds. Thanks to the extraordinary variety of bird species found in the region, the Pantanal is a particularly rewarding destination for birdwatching. Return to the lodge. Lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion for a photographic safari along the Mutum River. In its crystal-clear waters, it is possible to spot giant otters, stingrays, and schools of small fish. Along the banks of the Mutum River, you can also observe a wide variety of bird species. Return to the lodge. Dinner. After dinner, a night-time excursion with headlamps aboard a jeep or boat, lasting about 2 hours, to explore the surroundings in search of nocturnal creatures and to contemplate the wetland environment.
Accommodation Pousada do Rio Mutum.
Giorno 3 — Pantanal (Cuiaba)
Canoe excursion along the Mutum River to watch the sunrise and admire the beauty of the Pantanal’s wildlife in the early morning light. Breakfast. Excursion in barca fino a Cuiabá Mirim, un piccolo villaggio di pescatori situato sulle rive del fiume Cuiabá. Return to the lodge. Lunch. Dinner.
Accommodation Pousada do Rio Mutum.
Giorno 4 — Pantanal (Cuiaba)
Breakfast. Horseback riding excursion along a forest trail leading to the shores of Siá Mariana Bay. Throughout the year, visitors can observe a wide variety of birds, animals, and reptiles. Return to the lodge. Lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion along the Mutum River, Siá Mariana Bay, and Chacororé Bay. Return to the pousada by boat, stopping at Siá Mariana Bay to admire the sunset and try piranha fishing (please note: piranha fishing is available only from February to September). In the evening, observe and feed the caimans with the piranhas caught in Siá Mariana Bay, followed by an activity dedicated to spotting nocturnal wildlife. Dinner.
Accommodation Pousada do Rio Mutum.
Giorno 5 — Pantanal (Cuiaba) → Cuiaba
Breakfast. Airport transfer. End of the tour.
Price includes
- Hotel accommodation
- Entrances, visits and excursions as per the itinerary
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
Price does not include
- Opening fee and Zero Risk coverage
- Medical-luggage-cancellation insurance
- Unmentioned meals, beverages and extras in general
- Tip
- Flights and airport taxes
- Everything not expressly mentioned in "The fee includes"
Notes
ROOMS: The rooms are always and only for 1 or 2 beds. The terms triple, quadruple, family room refer solely to the number of occupants, who will be accommodated in the existing beds (maximum 2 beds). An additional bed (rollaway), even if requested at the time of booking, is always subject to availability and payment of a local supplement. Requests for rooms with a double bed or twin beds, connecting rooms, adjacent rooms, on higher or lower floors, etc., are always subject to availability and are never guaranteed.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Participants must ensure before departure that they have the necessary and valid documentation for entry into the countries visited during the tour.
HOTEL / ITINERARY, CHANGES: The organizing company reserves the right to modify the itinerary and/or the planned accommodations if required by unforeseen circumstances and if necessary for the safety and smooth continuation of the trip.
INTOLERANCES AND SPECIAL DIETARY REGIMES: food intolerances (allergies, celiac disease, etc.) and special dietary regimes (vegan, etc.) must be communicated at the time of booking. Special menus or treatments are not provided or guaranteed, but we will do our best to accommodate the needs of participants. Notifications made after arrival will not be taken into consideration.
MEALS: not included unless specified.
REFUNDS: There are no refunds for parts of the tour or excursions not carried out due to force majeure; in any case, no refund is due to the customer who decides to interrupt the trip or stay.
