Wildlife Photography tour of the Pantanal By: Benedito Freitas DURATION: 20 a 31/10/2019 GROUP: 7 to 14 pax AIRPORT: CGR & CGB ITINERARY: Bonito - Pantanal Boat Expedition - Transpantaneira This safari adventure combines two passions wildlife and photography to offer a truly unmatched tour into the untouched Pantanal wetlands. Discover the world s largest flooded plains where an astonishing array of flora and fauna flourish and capture it all on camera with the guidance of our expert biologist, Benedito Freitas, who knows the Pantanal inside out! The chance to feel an emotional connection with this watery wilderness can only be enhanced by learning how to experience it from all sorts of perspectives. Best of all? Taking home incredible images to match our memories.
DAY 1 (20/10/2019) Origin Campo Grande - Bonito (D) DAY 2 (21/10/2019) Bonito (B, L) Airport arrival at Campo Grande, from where we will go to Bonito, a small town in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, surrounded by plenty of water and extraordinary nature. Upon arriving we ll have a presentation by Benedito, where he ll explain to the group what will happen in the coming days and give some information about the purpose of this photographic tour. After this first encounter with our guide and companion, we ll have a delicious welcome dinner and then we return to our hotel to rest. After breakfast, we leave bound for the "cerrado", where we find a "dolina" - a geological formation result of the collapse of rocks that give rise to a huge cavity - 120m deep and 500m in diameter, where various bird species adopted their natural habitat called Buraco das Araras. The interior has its own ecosystem with very particular fauna and flora plus a large lake inhabited by caimans (Caiman latirostris). In this contemplative walk we will observe and photograph the vagaries of nature, we will hear the call of birds echoing off the rock walls, perfect home for the red macaws. We ll have a display of colors guaranteed in our records. After a break we go near Rio da Prata where we ll have lunch, and when finished we ll receive guidance and equipment (mask, snorkel, life jacket, neoprene clothing and rubber sneaker) to go floating by a gentle water stream that will take us quietly for a ride on a fantastic underwater world. We ll get to see a huge amount and variety of fish and underwater plants, with great visibility; we ll be surrounded by piraputangas, dourados, curimbatás, piaus, mato grossinhos and other species. At the end of the day, we return to our accommodation.
DAY 3 (20/11/2018) Bonito (B, L) After breakfast we ll have a charming morning in the Estância Mimosa where we ll have our lunch and make a tour to discover the magic that this fazenda offers, teaching us about the region s flora and fauna. Later we go on to Gruta do Lago Azul. We will start the tour with the delivery of helmets and instructions and then go on a 250 meters walk on flat trail to the beginning of the nearly 300 steps staircase. The descent is made in parts with stops to contemplate the interior of the cave and listen to explanations about its formation and history. We get to the bottom of the cave and see a lake that delights our view with the water s intensely bluish tones and beautiful speleothems formed millions of years ago. This is the ideal ride for those who love the pleasure of discovery. After this visit we go back to our accommodation place. DAY 4 (23/10/2019) Bonito - Pantanal Aquidauana (B, L, D) Breakfast and check out in the morning. We leave the hotel in a 4WD along the state of Mato Grosso to Pantanal Aquidauana, which has more than 2,000 hectares of the most beautiful native forest, the wildlife that inhabits and abundant rivers. We ll arrive on the territory of the pousada. After check in we have lunch at our pousada. And at night, we ll also have dinner here.
DAY 5 (24/10/2019) Pantanal Aquidauana (B, L, D) We begin our stay in the wonderful Pantanal Aquidauana, full of surprises to be discovered by our cameras. Early in the morning we will make a walk that will show us the spectacular sunrise. With this light and the waking animals, our inspiration will also be awaken to capture the most beautiful images. After lunch at the fazenda we ll have the traditional Roda de Tereré; as in any Pantanal fazenda we will gather in a hangar to hear interesting stories while drinking Tereré, a drink made of herb mate, but cold, very refreshing. This will be an opportunity to learn more of the Pantanal man, his lifestyle and culture. At the end of the reunion, we will have dinner at our fazenda and rest for the next day. DAY 6 (25/10/2019) Pantanal Aquidauana (B, L, D) To make the most of the region we ll do two completely different activities to show us the best of South Pantanal. In the morning, after breakfast, we leave by 4WD vehicle, headed for a photographic safari. We will walk along the fields combining two passions: photography and wildlife observation. We'll see incredible scenery and clicks will not stop sounding. Then we have lunch and, in the afternoon, we go on a canoe trip through the swamps in the area. It will be an exciting boat ride going through Guanandy Bay, the Bay Pedras and Vazante do Castelo. Birds and alligators are regular frequenters of the bays, which also attract mammals at the beginning and end of the day. We dine and sleep at the fazenda.
DAY 7 (26/10/2019) Pantanal Aquidauana (B, L, D) After breakfast we will make several walks that will take us to recognize the habitat of different species such as macaws and where they alight to rest from their flight. We will also find a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. Then we will make a 4WD safari at night with alligator observation and other nocturnal animals, testing our photographic skills in low light and where we ll certainly have a different way of seeing, feeling and hearing the Pantanal. Dinner and rest on the last night of the Pantanal Aquidauana. DAY 8 (27/10/2019) Pantanal Aquidauana North Pantanal (B, L, D) After breakfast we leave to the track from where we ll fly to the North Pantanal. We ll have the opportunity to observe plenty of vegetation and wild animals in their natural habitats. After landing, we ll make river transfer on boat to our floating accommodation.
After lunch we ll go on a boat tour seeking for the majestic jaguar. At dusk we ll arrive full of unimaginable images at our hotel boat to have dinner and rest from the expedition. DAY 9 (28/10/2019) North Pantanal (B, L, D) After breakfast we will have another boat ride. Being an excellent opportunity to see otters up close, this is usually the highlight of visitors to Brazil; in the dry season (July-October) we can occasionally see the jaguar, resting in the river beaches exposed by drought. Other species commonly seen in the river are the capybara and caiman and among the most common birds sighted are kingfishers, herons, storks and swallows. We will seize the full day, with departures by boat in the morning and afternoon to explore the rivers and streams with all the wild mysteries they offer to our photographic lens. At the end of the afternoon we return to the floating hotel for dinner and a well deserved rest.
DAY 10 (29/10/2019) North Pantanal Transpantaneira (B, L, D) After lunch, we check out from the hotel and leave on river transfer to Porto Jofre, from where we take our land transfer through the Transpantaneira until reaching our pousada. Upon arrival, we ll do a boat tour to watch the bio-diversity and stimulate the integration and consequent personal experience, which is accomplished while observing with a minimal environment impact. DAY 11 (30/10/2019) Transpantaneira (B, L, D) We cannot leave the Pantanal without having seen its dawn. On the penultimate day we will spend in this wonderful region, we ll go out early in the morning to walk and see the sunrise waking the thousands of species that live here. The light of dawn will give us new perspectives that we ll be able to capture in our memory as well as in the camera s. After lunch we go on a land safari along the Transpantaneira looking for more animals. We dine at the hotel and at night we will go for night sighting with flashlights.
DAY 12 (31/10/2019) Transpantaneira Cuiabá - Destination (B) Breakfast, then check out and depart in a terrestrial journey to the city of Cuiabá, where we will embark for our homeland, or to any destinations we d like to see in this vast country, on this wonderful planet, heading for the next click! By: Benedito Freiras & Aniyami DMC Acronyms B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Biography Benedito Freitas: Professional Naturalist Guide since 2000, Benedito Freitas saw his passion for nature grow when he started leading nature tours, back in 1995 when he still was student of Tourism and then expanded his knowledge by studying Biology. Since then, thinking about how to balance ecotourism and conservation, he has earned some vast experience leading birdwatchers, photographers, filmmakers (including NatGeo and BBC crews) and wildlife enthusiasts to most parts of Brazil, specially the Pantanal, the extensive Cerrado of central Brazil, Southern Amazon, Southern Brazil, and the XINGU reserve, a region he knows best. On the field, he excels not only for his ability to find, identify and show the birds and other animals to his clients, but also for his deep knowledge and understanding of Zoology, Ecology and Conservation issues. When not guiding, Ben also works as a field ornithologist, and is a research associate at the Laboratory of Ornithology of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (NEPA/IB/UFMT), as well as a member of the Brazilian Ornithological Society (SBO) and the Neotropical Bird.
BOOKING CONDITIONS 1) Guaranteed departure with minimum 7 pax and maximum of 14 pax 2) Confirmation of group will take place 90 days before departure 3) International group with Expert Guide in English only 4) Full payment for services will be required 30 days before departure 5) Full participants details (including insurance) will be required 30 days before departure 6) Cancellation Expenses Schedule: a. Up to 90 days before departure 10% of total price b. After 90 days before departure 100% of total price 7) Aniyami makes it compulsory that all participants be covered by appropriate travel insurance. This insurance should include the following minimum requirements: emergency medical expenses and assistance service, medical repatriation and transportation, as well as burial, cremation or return of medical remains. Aniyami recommends extending the insurance to include additional benefits such as cancellation or curtailment, personal accident insurance, lost luggage, delays, etc.
SERVICES Included: 11 night accommodation and meals: o Bonito: 3N Pousada Águas de Bonito with breakfast (www.aguasdebonito.com.br) o South Pantanal: 4N Pousada Aguapé with FB (http://pousadaaguape.com.br/) o North Pantanal: 2N Barco Panoramico with FB (www.transpantanl.com.br/barco- Panoramico) o Transpantaneira: 2N Pousada Piuval with FB (www.pousadapiuval.com.br) Transfers and Tours with English guide (unless otherwise stated below): o PVT TRF IN CGR/Campo Grande to Bonito o Welcome dinner at Restaurant Casa do João o PVT HD AM Buraco das Araras 2h30 o Luch at Restaurant at Rio da Prata o PVT HD PM Snorkel Rio da Prata 4h o PVT HD Tour Estância Mimosa 4h with Lunch o PVT HD Gruta do Lago Azul 3h o PVT TRF Bonito to Pantanal de Aquidauana only driver o 3 days of PVT activities AM & PM at Pousada Aguapé FB o PVT AIR TRF Pantanal Miranda to North Pantanal only pilot o PVT TRF by river from land track in Miranda to Boat Panoramico o PVT HD PM Jaguar tour 4h o PVT FD Jaguar tour 8h o PVT TRF by river Boat Panoramico to Transpantaneira o 2 days with PVT Activities at Pousada Piuval o PVT TRF OUT Transpantaneira to Cuiabá/CGB Accompaniment by Benedito Freitas since day 1 until day 12 of the trip. Aniyami 24h telephone and WhatsApp emergency support in Spanish and English Not Included: Air transport and airport taxes Optional Excursions Meals not specified in the section Included Drinks, tips and personal extras Anything not mentioned as included
USEFUL INFORMATION What to bring? o Closed, waterproof and comfortable footwear to take walks in nature, because of insects and wet sections. o We recommend a 5-10kg backpack for activities and leave the rest of the luggage at the fazenda. o We suggest bringing a raincoat, spacious enough to put the backpack inside. o Insect repellent, flashlight, swimwear and sunscreen all year. o A bottle to drink water, avoiding the use of disposable containers. o Throughout the trip our travelers will use light clothes, but long pants and long sleeves to protect against insects. o Travelers need to get advice from their local center of international vaccination before travelling. Hiking Level of Difficulty: Pantanal treks are varied and take place in different areas depending on the season (dry or raining). Treks are usually flat (or almost flat) and easy. They are short in distance (not more than 2km), and their duration is less than 2h due to the hard climate conditions with high humidity and heat. Banks and money exchange: The exchange and/or cash withdrawal at ATMs is preferably done at airports for security and because most Aniyami Experiences take place in locations with little banking structure.