EXOTIC TREASURES OF BRAZIL: JAGUAR AND WILDLIFE SAFARI

Transcription

1 EXOTIC TREASURES OF BRAZIL: JAGUAR AND WILDLIFE SAFARI Visit us at

2 Meet Your Guide Lawrence Wahba: Brazilian native and naturalist celebrity Lawrence Wahba is an expert documentary filmmaker, TV reporter, and conservationist. He has spent over a quarter of a century tracking and filming rare wildlife in the remote corners of Brazil's Pantanal. His extensive experience and fieldwork in Brazil, as well as in other natural habitats throughout the world, have landed him multiple guest appearances and hosting roles for National Geographic, NatGeo Wild, BBC, and Discovery Channel. Join Wildland Adventures on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the hidden backwaters of the Pantanal wetlands and learn about Brazilian wildlife and conservation from one of the primary experts in the field. Feel free to check out Lawrence s NatGeo Wild Show: Secret Brazil HERE. -2-

3 Itinerary Overview Accompanied by expert naturalist guide Lawrence Wahba, dive into an active and educational in-depth adventure to two of the world s most famous regions of biodiversity: the Pantanal and the Amazon. Begin your adventure in the northern Pantanal, epicenter for jaguar research and spotting and the largest wetland on the planet! Using two ecolodges as our base camps for exploration, we ll hike, boat, ride on horseback, and travel along the renowned Transpantaneira in search of jaguar, caiman, capybara, some 700 bird species, manned wolves, and ocelots! Our journey continues in the Southern Amazon, where we ll take educational nature walks along remote jungle trails, experience exhilarating boat rides, and climb to the tops of observation towers to get sweeping views of the vast tropical rainforest while mingling with exotic monkeys and vibrant birds. For wildlife lovers, this is the trip of a lifetime! Though we ve been arranging safaris and in-depth naturalist tours for 30 years now, we re extremely excited to invite our Wild travelers to take part in our newest and most exhilarating wildlife viewing adventure in South America to date! DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS THURS, OCTOBER 20 FRI, OCTOBER 21 SAT, OCTOBER 22 SUN, OCTOBER 23 MON, OCTOBER 24 TUES, OCTOBER 25 WEDS, OCTOBER 26 THURS, OCTOBER 27 FRI, OCTOBER 28 SAT, OCTOBER 29 SUN, OCTOBER 30 CUIABA Hotel Deville Prime Arrive in Cuiaba. Evening at leisure. PANTANAL Porto Jofre BLD Transfer to Porto Jofre PANTANAL Porto Jofre BLD Jaguar Spotting PANTANAL Porto Jofre BLD Jaguar Spotting PANTANAL Araras Lodge BLD Transfer to Araras Lodge, Night walk PANTANAL Araras Lodge BLD Activities with Araras Lodge AMAZON Cristalino Lodge BLD Fly to Amazon AMAZON Cristalino Lodge BLD AMAZON Cristalino Lodge BLD AMAZON Cristalino Lodge BLD DEPARTURE BL Canopy tower, Ficus and Taboca Trails Saleiro House and boat adventure Sierra Trail and Teles Pires Island Transfer to Alta Floresta. Fly home. -3-

4 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVAL Arrive in Cuiaba, gateway to the Northern Pantanal. The Pantanal, the largest wetland on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, is South America's primary wildlife sanctuary. Spanning a total area of around 58,000 square miles, the Pantanal lies at the heart of the South American continent and comprises several diverse regions: the Amazon rainforest, the Catinga, the Brazilian Savannah, the Atlantic Rainforest, and the Paraguayan Chaco. This amazing conjunction of ecosystems boasts fantastic biodiversity: 698 bird species, 80 mammals, 260 fish species and 50 reptiles inhabit the region. On arrival, we ll be escorted to our centrally located hotel in Cuiaba. The evening is at your leisure to rest and prepare for your jaguar adventure tomorrow. Overnight at Hotel Deville Prime Cuiaba. DAY 2: PORTO JOFRE Venture out to one of the most remote outpost towns in the Pantanal, Porto Jofre. This will be our base for jaguar tracking and spotting for the next two days. Overnight at Porto Jofre. [BLD] DAYS 3 & 4: JAGUAR SPOTTING Depart on an exhilarating boat trip up the Cuiaba River in search of jaguars! This region has the highest jaguar population density in the entire Pantanal. During each outing, we ll have a 95% chance of seeing jaguars, especially if traveling during the mid-june to mid-november range. Depending on weather, lunch will be served either out in the field or back at the lodge. Continued overnights at Porto Jofre. [BLD] DAY 5: TRANSPANTANEIRA Depart for the Araras Ecolodge. The transfer is divided into two stages: the first is on a paved road that we ll follow for 65 miles past farms and across the Brazilian savanna to Poconé. After a short stop in Poconé, we ll begin the second stage of the transfer, entering the famous Transpantaneira Park Road, a dirt road built above the floodplain. The road has more than 127 wooden bridges, fording fields, bays, and grazing lands. The second half of the drive will double as a photo-safari, with opportunities to see the many animal and bird species found along this unique highway. The vehicle will make several stops for photos before arriving at Araras Ecolodge, located about 20 miles down the highway. -4-

5 On arrival at Araras Ecolodge, we ll be greeted with a welcome drink and shown to our rooms. After dinner, take part in a stargazing trek to hear the hypnotic sounds of the Pantanal and take advantage of the glittering night skies, completely uninterrupted by light pollution. Overnight at Araras Eco Lodge. [BLD] DAY 6: PANTANAL EXPLORATION Discover the marvelous flora and fauna of the Pantanal! Traveling with our expert local naturalist guide either by truck, horseback, canoe, or on foot, interact with and gain a deeper understanding of this complex ecosystem. Choose from a wide variety of excursions that appeal most to your interests, ranging from hiking and horseback riding to photo jeep safaris and canoeing. In the evenings, climb the 82 feet in the Monkey's Tower to watch an unforgettable sunset. Continued overnights at Araras Eco Lodge. [BLD] DAY 7: PANTANAL- AMAZON Rise early for a sunrise walk (optional). Return to the lodge for breakfast, then depart at 7:30 AM to return to Cuiaba. From Cuiaba, fly to Alta Floresta (flight not included). On arrival, we ll be escorted to the Cristalino Private Natural Heritage Reserve, our home for the next four nights (transfer time approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). The Cristalino Jungle Lodge, nestled in the middle of a Private Rainforest Reserve in the Southern Amazon, allows us to completely immerse ourselves in the region s unique ecosystem. The lodge s comfortable rooms were designed to promote close contact between visitors and the surroundings. Sustainable practices are present in the solar heating, gray-water treatment system, blackwater treatment system, and the roof (designed to maintain cool room temperatures). The pristine Cristalino River, with clean and beautiful water, lies just in front of the lodge. The lodge's own forest reserve is located just beyond the borders of Cristalino State Park, an extremely important conservation area covering 456,800 acres. The park is connected to other protected areas, forming a huge conservation corridor in the Southern Amazon. This region is recognized as an important area of the Amazon in terms of biodiversity; the number of species is exceptional even by Amazonian standards, making this one of the richest places in the area for observing birds, mammals, butterflies, and orchids in a Primary Forest environment. Overnight at The Cristalino Jungle Lodge. [BD] DAYS 8-10: SOUTHERN AMAZON Three Experience three full days of exploration in the Southern Amazon with expert naturalist guides at your side. Each day, you can choose between easier or more active trail hikes and excursions through the private reserve. Follow jungle trails through pristine forest to observation towers and higher sierras. Paddle through the remote water ways while canoeing and spot wildlife from a different perspective. Rise early in the morning and watch the jungle come to life with the activity of the many monkey and bird species. Watch for brown capuchins, red howlers, white-nosed bearded sakis, harpy eagles, hawks, macaws, hoatzin, and more! Participate in yoga, meditation, and photography workshops to make the most of your experience in this stellar environment. All meals are included at Cristalino Lodge. Continued overnights at Cristalino Lodge. [BLD] -5-

6 DAY 11: DEPARTURE Depart from the Amazon and set off back to Alta Floresta, where we catch our flight home or on to a next destination. Please note that Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu Falls are excellent add-ons to this trip and we are happy to assist in arrange post-trip extensions for those interested. END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING: PRICING PER PERSON BASED ON: SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Land cost $7,200 $6,600 $6,100 $5,800 $1,250 INCLUDED SERVICES Entrance fees Accommodations as indicated English-speaking naturalist guides Guided tours and excursions Airport-hotel transfers and land transportation Meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Services of in-bound land operator for airline reconfirmation, and tour operations Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International air transportation Internal air Cuiaba > Alta Floresta (estimated at $150 per person) Airport Taxes Brazilian Visa costs/services for US citizens (~$250 per person, good for 5-10 years) Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above -6-

7 Accommodations HOTEL DEVILLE PRIME, CUIABA Fifteen minutes from the airport, Deville Cuiabá sits at the center of the capital of the state of Mato Grosso. The hotel has quick access to the city s most important points, like the commercial center and cultural and tourism attractions. Staying at the hotel gives you the opportunity to visit the beautiful nature of the Central High lands and visit the Chapada dos Guimarães and the Pantanal. PORTO JOFRE, NORTH PANTANAL Pantanal, Porto Jofre boats 28 guest rooms, a large dining room, internet, a game room complete with two pool tables, and an outdoor pool. The spacious guest rooms are in blocks of two and are equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and a porch with chairs and a ceiling fan. Hyacinth macaws and toco toucans frequent the trees around the hotel s extensive gardens, and a picturesque lake with water hyacinths lies just behind the hotel. The hotel is the ultimate base camp for jaguar-spotting tours on the Cuiaba River, with jaguars having been seen just 10 minutes upstream! For wildlife enthusiasts interested in jaguar spotting, Porto Jofre is a must! ARARAS ECO LODGE, NORTH PANTANAL A rustic and comfortable ecolodge and working cattle ranch, Araras Ecolodge is located 82 miles from Cuiaba City. The lodge s 19 rooms feature air conditioning, fantastic beds, and en suite bathrooms with solar-powered showers. The main lodge has a bar and dining room for dinner, though you can eat other meals at the thatched lodge near the swimming pool (where a variety of birds can be seen!). English-speaking owners, staff, and guides ensure that you have a great wildlife-viewing experience while exploring more than 3,000 privately owned hectares of wetlands, forest, and savannah. Explore on horseback, on foot, via jeep, or while paddling a canoe. Araras Ecolodge is a particularly good place for viewing the brilliant blue Hyacinth Macaw, as the lodge has been involved with macaw conservation and breeding programs for several years. -7-

8 CRISTALINO JUNGLE LODGE, SOUTHERN AMAZON Offering the highest-quality Amazon Jungle experience accessible from the Northern Pantanal, the award-winning Cristalino Lodge is a luxury property situated in the middle of a nearly 50-square-mile pristine private forest reserve, accessible by a combination of boat and van rides from Alta Floresta.. Accompanied by expert guides, you ll have ample opportunities to explore the diverse flora and fauna, hiking several different trails, ascending the 50-foot canopy viewing tower, and traveling by boat (or paddling your own canoe) along the rivers. Clay deposits in the region attract several species of mammals that you can observe from the shelter of a treehouse. Accommodations range from simple yet comfortable standard rooms to deluxe special bungalows with outdoor soaking tubs and private garden verandas. All rooms have solar water heating and biological waste treatment, epitomizing the lodge s attention to environmental sustainability. -8-

9 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $1,000 per person. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions. -9-