Pantanal s Ultimate Safari Experience Abercrombie & Kent BRAZIL
Travel Plan Meal Plan Accommodation Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 São Paulo North Pantanal North Pantanal North Pantanal North Pantanal/South Pantanal South Pantanal South Pantanal South Pantanal/Salvador da Bahía Salvador da Bahía Salvador da Bahía Salvador da Bahía Departure B B B - L B - L B Emiliano São Paulo Jaguar Suites Jaguar Suites Jaguar Suites Caiman Ecological Refuge Caiman Ecological Refuge Caiman Ecological Refuge Caiman Ecological Refuge Fera Palace Salvador Fera Palace Salvador Fera Palace Salvador - - - Includes Accommodations for two guests sharing a room. Private charter flight from Cuiabá to Porto Jofre/Santana. Private charter flight from Porto Jofre/Santana to Caiman Lodge. Internal Commercial air travel and associated costs. Transportation by private vehicle with local English-speaking guide. Meals as described. Excursions and services as listed above. Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing. Baggage handling large cruise luggage contemplated. Taxes and service charges hotel taxes and service charges as imposed by the government are included for hotel services specified in the itinerary. 24 hour emergency contact service. *Based on double accommodation. *Single rates available upon request. *Services are subject to availability. *Services are subject to change. Excludes Flights and/or airport taxes, unless specified above. Gratuities Extras at hotels (laundry, telephone calls, tips etc.) All items of a personal nature. Anything not mentioned in the inclusions list. Remember:
Day 1-São Paulo On arrival, your local guide will provide some introductory information about the Brazil s largest city, São Paulo. Enjoy the transfer and some sightseeing along the way until you arrive at your hotel, the Emiliano São Paulo. By valuing the famous Brazilian hospitality, the Emiliano provides a unique and memorable experience, offering exclusivity and sophistication in every detail: trough personalized service, special amenities selection, the exquisite cuisine, cozy and minimalist décor. Every detail is designed to offer more comfort and make you feel at home. A butler team is always attentive to meet and anticipate your needs. Located in the heart of Jardins neighbor, at Rua Oscar Freire, address which is also a symbol of the city, the hotel is surrounded by art galleries, renowned restaurants and a variety of shops, for easy access to what you need. A booking reservation was made in your name to dine at the famous D.O.M. The only two Michelin stars restaurant in Brazil. Dinner is scheduled at 7:00 pm (dinner not included). The restaurant is located 300 m from the Emiliano. Feel free to walk or take a cab. The receptionist will gladly help you. Day 2-São Paulo/Cuiabá At 7:00 a.m. - After breakfast, your local guide and driver provide a transfer (approx. 45 minutes) to the GRU São Paulo airport for your local flight to Cuiabá the gateway to the North Pantanal. Flight information nonstop flight Departure: São Paulo, Brazil on Flight Gol 1420 at 9.50am Arrival: Cuiabá, Brazil at 11:00am local time In Cuiabá you will take a private charter flight to reach the heart of the Pantanal and where area where we have found the highest concentration of wild jaguars. Land in either the Porto Jofre or Santana landing strip where our local guide will greet you to begin you Pantanal adventure. The flight is about 30 minutes and will provide a great view of the Pantanal from above. On arrival at Santana airstrip you are transferred by boat another 20 minutes to the lodge to arrive in time for lunch and to set off for your first jaguar boat expedition in the afternoon. The Pantanal is South America s primary wildlife sanctuary and the world s largest continuous wetland. With 150,000 sq km (93,205 sq mi) and in the center of the continent, it is a biogeographic mixing bowl including 698 bird species, 80 mammals, 260 fish species and 50 reptiles.
Days 3-4 -Pantanal/Jaguarland Spend two days focused on seeing some of the best wildlife in South America and particularly searching for the elusive Jaguar. The excursions take place in comfortable skiffs that meander along the meeting of the waters state park, where Tres Irmãos, Cuiabá and Piquirí rivers all converge. At this time of year it is likely to get one or two jaguar sightings a day! These wild and untamed animals can be active and hunting in the morning and evenings, so keep an eye out for them along the river banks. You will also see Giant Otters, Caimans, Capybaras and many other bird species. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided at the main lodge restaurant adjacent to the jaguar suites. After dinner, enjoy a short lecture by an accomplished biologist on local wildlife behavior and conservation. Day 5-North Pantanal/South Pantanal Morning boat excursion to see jaguars!!! At 2:00 p.m. - After lunch you are speedboat transferred to the Santana landing strip for a charter flight to Caiman Lodge. This flight time is approximately 60 minutes and will provide the best view of the Pantanal from above. Please note flight schedule is subject weather conditions. You will arrive in Caiman approximately 4:00 p.m. where your hosts will discuss afternoon activities for your consideration. The Caiman Ecological Refuge is a pioneering ecotourism enterprise in Southern Pantanal, on a 53,000 ha cattle ranch,in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, near the city of Miranda, 236km west from the State Capital, Campo Grande. In addition to ecotourism, Caiman is involved with cattle production, as well as environmental research and conservation projects, including the Hyacinth Macaw Project, Onçafari (Jaguar) Project and Blue-Fronted Parrot Project, all done through partnerships with researchers and universities. It has also created a Private Reserve, which spans almost 5,600 ha and includes a representative sample of the Pantanal s natural characteristics. Moreover, Caiman has an Environmental Interpretation Center, which is a cultural space aiming to show a complete panorama of the Pantanal s ecosystem and a secular vision of the Brazilian history. The visitors are guided through the space by a series of corridors, whose walls are covered in images of the local culture, flora, fauna, and landscapes in different seasons. The activities at Caiman start early in the morning taking full advantage to observe the wildlife. After that, guests return to the lodges for lunch and rest. When the afternoon passes by and temperature cools off, it is time to go for an afternoon excursion, another good time to see Pantanal and enjoy the wonderful sunset.
Days 6-8 -South Pantanal Enjoy the wonderful sanctuary at Caiman, where you will see wildlife from North Pantanal, including giant ant eaters, jabiru storks and other endemic animals. But still keep your eyes peels because Jaguars can be found here too. Excursions at Caiman are shared with other guests in the 5-room villa. Usually groups are small, however a private guide can be arranged in advance for an additional cost. Walking trails in the woods: taken in many trails in the surrounding areas of the lodges, walking in the forests allows guests to spot small animals and native vegetation. It is the activity that provides the greatest contact with the environment. Reinforcing the ecological focus of its activity, the Caiman Ecological Refuge alternates the trails, minimizing the impacts on the environment. Caiman Tour: it is a walk through the surroundings of the main area of the ranch, corral, research centers and Environmental Interpretation Center. The final destination is the Paizinho s bridge, one of the most traditional places of the Caiman Ecological Refuge, the spot by excellence to observe the Spectacled Caimans. It is a magical moment in which the guests get up close to the caimans with all the safety provided by the guides, getting to know up close one of Pantanal s symbols. Canadian canoe trip: in the bays of the ranch. The guests row in three-seat Canadian canoes and contemplate the nearby vegetation and water birds. It is also a good opportunity to listen to many the local sounds, besides admire the fantastic Pantanal s sunset. Nocturnal Spotlighting: the opportunity to observe nocturnal animals. One of the highlights is when the caimans are spotted, whose eyes present impressive red reflex. Jeep Safari: offers a more intimate contact with wildlife. Done in 4x4 vehicles with adaptations for safari, gives guests close contact with animals and access to different areas of the Pantanal.
Day 9-Salvador da Bahía At 5:30 a.m. After an early breakfast is provided for you, you depart for transfer to Campo Grande airport (approx. 3.5 hours) where you will take your local flight to Salvador. Flight information Departure: Campo Grande, Brazil on Flight Gol 1489at 10:50 a.m. Arrival: Sao Paulo, Congohn Airport, 1:25 pm Departure: Sao Paulo, Congohn Airport, on flight GOL 1572 at 4:05 pm Arrival: Salvador, Brazil at 6:30 pm The first capital of Brazil, Salvador was a major place for the slave trade and is now a thriving center of Afro-Brazilian life. Salvador is considered the country s soul and the birthplace of Brazilian culture. On arrival, you will be met by our local representative, for your transfer service to your hotel located in the heart of the city. Transfer time is approximately 40 minutes. The Palace Hotel has always been known for its impressive art deco architecture and memorable parties. Carmen Miranda is one of the celebrities who has stayed at the hotel. The hotel reopened as Fera Palace and redeems the decade glamour with a contemporary glimpse. Original architectural details, such as its magnificent facade, have been recovered and preserved. Fera Palace Hotel presents a modern environment to guests who are looking for a comfortable, intimate and sophisticated place. All rooms translate the Brazilian identity. The hotel s facilities also include Fera Lounge, located on the rooftop right by the infinite edge swimming pool s side, a Fitness Studio, a restaurant, lobby bar and a ballroom. Enjoy dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant nearby (your guide or the hotel concierge will assist with recommendations and reservations. Meal payment is direct). Day 10-Salvador da Bahía At 9:00 a.m. After breakfast you are met at the hotel for a full day interacting with Salvador s flavors and rhythms. Your guide will take you to the São Joaquim market, the best place to seek and understand the local culture. Down through the centuries São Joaquim market provided an essential link to the farming hinterland of the western shores of the bay. Where the sugarcane and tobacco came to be exported, also the farming produce to supply the city came. Ever bustling and bordering on the chaotic, today the market still sells fruits, vegetables, spare parts for domestic appliances, sacred herbs, religious artifacts of the candomblé and the ingredients for Bahia cuisine s signature dish, the moqueca - cilantro, limes, garlic, coconut milk and dendê palm oil. After the tour, taste the famous moqueca in a local restaurant. Enjoy a private cooking demonstration and lunch at the house of a local artist. The hosts will show you some of the spectacular artworks exhibited throughout their house. After lunch enjoy a percussion demonstration and workshop. Bahia is the percussive heart of Brazil, its rhythmic soul is African, with a mind-boggling myriad of rhythms that has attracted many international musicians to these shores, Paul Simon, Wayne Shorter, Michael Jackson, to name but a few of the more famous. Under the expert guidance of local professional percussionist, we investigate and contextualize varied aspects of the percussive jungle that is Bahia, focusing on the more important and accessible rhythms in a workshop that is instructive, interactive, engaging and fun. Participants try their hand at various instruments such as the rhum, rhumbi and lê drums of the candomblé, also the surdo, caixa, timbau and repique drums of the samba-reggae, as well as hand percussion instruments agogo, reco-reco and caxixi, and of course the formidable berimbau, the integral instrument of the capoeira. When you return early this evening, be sure to make your way to the rooftop to enjoy sunset (5:30 p.m.). Beverages are available at Fera Lounge located here. Dinner reservations may be made Villa Bahia tonight (note: a 10 minute walk or 5 minute taxi ride from hotel) as you wish (pay meal cost direct).
Day 11-Salvador da Bahía At 9:00 a.m. Again after breakfast you are off for another full day of sightseeing. Discover the essential sights of Salvador on a full-day tour tracing the development of the city from its simple beginnings to, what is now, the third largest city in Brazil. Your guide will meet you at the hotel with private vehicle and travel to the bay along elegant tree-lined avenues and lively city streets to the Pelourinho, a UNESCO Heritage site and the largest complex of colonial architecture in South America. At Municipal Square, by the towering Lacerda Elevator, marvel at the fantastic views of the bay stretching out to the lower city and stroll through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings adorned in pastel shades of an age gone by, whilst soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Afterwards visit the church of São Francisco with its exuberant goldleafed Baroque interior and Pelourinho Square, the heart of the old town. Enjoy the flavors of Bahia with a cachaça tasting followed by lunch at the Cuco restaurant. One of the best meals that preserve the authentic local flavors. Our host will guide you through a great cachaça tasting experience to open your apetite! After lunch, enjoy some time to explore the Pelourinho, the local shops and galleries. Our guide will show you around to one of our favorite spots where you can taste various tropical fruits in gelato form, so make sure you still have room for desert. At 7:15 p.m. you are met and transferred to enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the Miguel Santana theater to watch a traditional dance shows that authentically represents the African and indigenous influences in the rhythms and dances of Brazil. The show, beginning at 8:00 p.m., is an immersion into African heritage with an exhilarating performance by the Bahia Folklore Company (Balé Folclórico da Bahia), one of the most respected folklore dance troupes in the world. The Balé Folclórico da Bahia Company performs in the intimate Miguel Santana Theatre in the Pelourinho district, in a seamless presentation of the multiple African traditions that underpin Bahian culture. Watch the sacred dances of the Candomblé including; puxada de rede, a song by fishermen in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea; maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance originating in the sugarcane fields; the exhilarating capoeira martial art dance and the grand finale of samba de roda, a spinning, swirling version of the exuberant national dance. Note: Head to the rooftop terrace for sunset at 5:30 and enjoy snacks (pay direct) before the show. Day 12-Salvador da Bahía Enjoy a tropical breakfast at the hotel Your local guide will provide a transfer to the airport where you will embark on your return journey home. Board a direct flight to Rio or São Paulo where you will connect for your international flight home.
Dalia Gibu Regional Sales Director dgibu@abercrombiekent.com.pe Mikael Castro Country Manager mcastro@abercrombiekent.com.br info@abercrombiekent.com.br www.akdmc.com