Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CUIABÁ & TRANSFER TO CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES

We start off our Mato Grosso birding tour at Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB) in Cuiabá. From there, we will start our way towards the Brazilian cerrado in Chapada dos Guimarães. This afternoon, we will take advantage of the day to make a visit to the Bridal’s Veil Waterfall. Apart from the stunning beauty of the falls themselves, we will also have good chances to see and photograph some lovely bird species including Red-and-green Macaw, Blue-winged Macaw, White-eyed Parakeet, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Blue Dacnis, and Swallow Tanager, among many others.

DAY 2: CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES

This morning we will visit Cidade das Pedras in the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, where we will take in the superb views from the plateau. Then, we will do some birding along the Vale do Jamacá looking for Band-tailed Manakin, Lettered Aracari, and Pale-crested Woodpecker, to name just a few. 

DAY 3: CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES TO PIUVAL LODGE

After breakfast, we will travel to Piuval Lodge. Along the way, we will make stops for birding in the vast Pantanal. In the open area we will look for Maguari Stork, Nanday Parakeet, Planalto Slaty-Antshrike, Chotoy Spinetail and others. Upon arrival at the lodge we will settle in and explore the grounds. 

DAY 4: PIUVAL LODGE

This old farm offers many trails and photographic safaris that crosses a variety of Pantanal environment allowing great chances for nice birds. We will seek out some species such as White-fronted Woodpecker, Guira Cuckoo, Pied Lapwing, Red-legged Seriema, Purplish Jay, Helmeted Manakin, White-headed Marsh Tyrant, and Campo Flicker, to name a few. Furthermore, like throughout the Pantanal, there are plenty of opportunities to see other fascinating mammals, and with a lot of luck, a Giant Anteater.  

DAY 5: MORNING SAFARI & TRANSFER TO PORTO JOFRE

We will enjoy our last morning at Piuval Lodge with an early morning safari. After our breakfast at the hotel, we will start our day on our way to the Pantanal. We will drive through the Transpantaneira throughout the day, exploring the exuberant wildlife. Among the birds we hope to find are Greater Rhea, Southern Screamer, Jabiru, Plumbeous Ibis, and Unicolored Blackbird. The Pantanal is also an excellent place to find some iconic Neotropical mammals such as Capybara, Crab-eating Fox, and Collared Peccary. 

DAYS 6 & 7: PORTO JOFRE

Porto Jofre has one of the highest jaguar densities in all of Latin America, with around eight individuals per square 100 kms. Nowadays, it is known as one of the best places to photograph Jaguars in the world. To increase our chances of spotting and photographing the largest wild cat in the Neotropics, we will embark on two full days of boat rides. We also expect to find other wildlife such as Giant Otter, Southern River Otter, Lowland Tapir, Capybara, and Black and Spectacled caimans, as well as avian gems including Large-billed Tern, Sunbittern, Capped Heron, Black-backed Water-Tyrant, Black Skimmer, and White-throated Piping-Guan.

DAY 8: BIRDING/SAFARI & TRANSFER TO CUIABÁ

We will enjoy breakfast and some final birding at the lodge, then start our drive back to Cuiabá. Along the way, we will enjoy a safari and stop for lunch. Upon arrival in Cuiabá, we will enjoy a final dinner together.

DAY 9: DEPARTURE

After our breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the Marechal Rondon International Airport to catch our return flights home. Our Pantanal & Chapada Dos Guimarães tour ends in Cuiabá.