The Pantanal is a nature lover's delight as wildlife is seen in abundance. It is one of the largest wetlands in the world and contains wetlands, forest and savannahs. Large numbers of beautiful and rare birds, such as Hyacinth Macaws, are often viewed. Here one finds a succession of beautiful scenes: shallow lakes and bays dotted with birds such as jabirus and roseate spoonbills feeding peacefully on aquatic life.  The wood ibis “tuiuiuis” are seen fishing along the riverbanks while big antlered deer and the world’s largest rodent, the capybara, wander through the marshes. There are also reptiles, fish and mammals, including Giant Otters.  It is also one of the few locations in the world where you can see the shy 600-pound lowland Tapair, Latin America’s largest land animal.

You will be staying at the Pantanal Wildlife Center an outstanding eco-lodge located 2.5 hours from the Cuiaba airport, on the banks of the wildlife rich Pixaim River. The Paxaim is the only navigable body of water on the Transpantaneria until its end at the Cuiaba River. The Pantanal Wildlife Center offers air conditioning rooms with private bathrooms. There is also wireless, high speed internet available at the lodge.

Day 1- Sao Paulo/ Cuiaba/Pantanal Wildlife Center
In Cuiaba a guide will pick you up and you will depart for the Pantanal, driving about 70 minutes or 1 hour and 10 minutes on paved roads to reach Poconé, the start of the Transpantaneira Road.  The Transpantaneira is the finest and only year-round road that penetrates the heart of the 50 million acres of the Pantanal, the world’s largest freshwater wetland.  This gravel-and-dirt road offers a greater quantity and variety of wildlife than any other road in the Pantanal.  All parts of the Pantanal are exciting, but there is nothing that can compare with the wildlife pay-off of the Transpantaneira. Drive 1 hour and a half to 2 hours and a half observing and photographing wildlife, and in the afternoon, reach the Pantanal Wildlife Center at kilometer mark 66 of the road.  The secluded lodge is actually 2.5 km (less than a mile) off the road, on its very own long, private driveway. Photo by Brian W. Matthews

Pantanal Wildlife Center was once called Fazenda Santa Tereza. The “Fazenda” was a traditional cattle ranch. Today, it is an eco-lodge on 3,500 hectares of flooded lands situated at the end of Rio Pixaim River. Here you are deep into the Pantanal.

After check-in and some time to relax, dinner will be served.Overnight at Pantanal Wildlife Center. (D)
 
Day 2-  Pantanal Wildlife Center
After breakfast there is the opportunity for an early morning walk in the surrounding area.  Return prior to lunch in time to relax and explore some on your own.  After lunch, in the afternoon you will take a boat tour of the Rio Pixaim.

Pantanal Wildlife Center is an excellent location for bird watching. It is also one of the best sites for viewing wild Giant Otters from a distance of only 3 to 16 feet away. You’ll be amazed at the size of these otters at 6 feet long and 70 pounds. They truly are giant! You’ll hear them interact through high-pitched hums and squeals. Often they will come close to the boat, craning their necks, and snorting loudly.

We also are the only lodge in the Pantanal offering mobile canopy towers near fruiting trees and electric catamarans for long-lens photography on the intimate, wildlife-rich river that flows next to the lodge. These floating blinds are designed to allow you to sneak up silently on mammals and birds along the banks of the river. Overnight at Pantanal Wildlife Center. (B, L, D)

Day 3-  Pantanal Wildlife Center
Today you can go horseback riding in the Pantanal and in the afternoon take a hike. There is also another opportunity to enjoy the Brazilian Tapirs only 36 yards from the lodge. At night, you can go out again with spotlights to look for owls, nightjars and a number of crepuscular and nocturnal animals. Overnight at Pantanal Wildlife Center. (B, L, D) Photo by Brian W. Matthews

Day 4: Pantanal/ CuiabaSunrise Walk
After breakfast we’ll drive 1 hour and a half along the Transpantaneira back to the town of Poconé, and then 1 hour 15 minutes on asphalt to the Cuiabá airport for a short, midday flight to your next destination. (B)

Pantanal Wildlife Center
Trip length	4 days/3 nights
Departs	Everyday
Number of travelers	2 to 4	5 or more
2008 Per person cost	$690.00	$550.00
Single supplement	$180.00