PANTANAL BIRDING TOUR

Pantanal Ecoexplorer offers a range of tailor-made birding tours from one to 45 days. We are specialists in the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, but also have intimate knowledge of other Brazilian birding destinations and conduct tours to the Alta Floresta region, the Atlantic forest, Emas National Park, Serra das Currupiras, Chapada dos Guimaraes, the Iguazu National Park, and the Rio Negro in Manaus.

In the Pantanal you can observe nearly 600 species of birds compared to 500 species in all of Europe. The Pantanal is one of the most important breeding grounds for herons, storks, ibis and Roseate Spoonbills all of which can be observed frequently and in great numbers. The magnificent Jabirus (Tuiuiu) , with its distinctive black head and red neck pouch, is the largest stork in the world and the symbol of the Pantanal. There are 26 species of parrots, including the endangered Hyacinth Macaw and the endemic Nanday or Black-hooded Parakeet. Interesting bird species are Undulated Tinamou, Anhinga, Capped Heron, Jabiru, Buff-necked Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, Southern Screamer, Snail Kite, Hyacinthine macaw, Turquoise-fronted Parrot, Toco Toucan, Silver-beaked Tanager and Ferruginous Pygmy Owl.

In general we do not run scheduled tours, and costs depend on the tailored itinerary agreed and the number of people on the tour. The minimum number of passengers to begin a tour is 2 and singles are encouraged to join an existing party. Departures can be any day of the week subject to availability. Whether you wish to see numerous species at a faster pace, or fewer species at a gentler pace; we can arrange a tour that suits you.

All the guides we use are absolutely top class – with brilliant birding and people skills. They all are Brazilian birders, they know the habitats intimately, and are very knowledgeable about the local birds. They know exactly where to look and what to look for, ensuring you will have a great time and maximize your experiences in any region. All of our tours are conducted with modern, high clearance vehicles that can comfortably seat 4-8 passengers. We select our vehicles with consideration given to large windows that can be rolled down for maximum wildlife viewing and photography. The vehicles also have a 12v connection for charging camera batteries and other equipment.

Let Pantanal Ecoexplorer be your birding guide to the endemic and harder to find species of this spectacular ecosystem. We have tours available throughout the year departing from Cuiaba, Mato Grosso. We can ‘design’ a tour to fit in with your plans and requirements and will be happy to discuss alternatives with you.

BRAZIL´S PANTANAL: A WILDLIFE PARADISE.

Brazil's Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world and is South America's best place for wildlife tours. This is a plain which covers some 88.803 miles2 (230,000km2) in the central western portion of the country and which becomes submerged during the rainy season. Wildlife in the Pantanal includes anteaters, howler monkeys, the elusive jaguar, giant river otters, caimans, anacondas, ocelots and capybara, plus around 400 species of fish. The wetlands of the Pantanal are a haven for birders with highlights including the hyacinth macaw, numerous colorful parrots and large flocks of jabiru storks, an estimated 650 species of bird live here. Travel to the Brazilian Pantanal if you really want to see wildlife and birdlife.

The Pantanal is an immense floodplain in the middle of the South American continent which is, in fact, a vast alluvial plain. This is, by far, the best place in Brazil to see wildlife. The Pantanal is about half the size of France, some 230,000 sq. km. (88,000 sq. miles) and spreads across Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, of which a total area of around 130,000 sq. km. (50,000 sq. miles) is located in Brazil. The Pantanal, which long ago was a sea, is made up of lowlands flooded by the Paraguay River and its tributaries. These waters fertilize the land, revitalizing it and giving birth to wild flowers and vegetation in abundance. It is the biggest natural fish breeding ground in the world, with the most important species being the dorado (Salminus maxillosus), surubim (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) and surubim-pintado (Pseudoplatystome coruscans). The infamous piranha also inhabit the waters of the Pantanal.

 The climate is tropical and humid with temperatures between 7ºC (45ºF) (evening and nights during winter time) to 40ºC (104ºF) (day time) with an average temperature of 24ºC (75ºF). September and October are the driest months. Between these two periods, the lakes become a perfect ecological niche for a great number of birds, reptiles, and other animals, much to the delight of wildlife watchers and photographers.

The landscape of the Pantanal changes radically throughout the year due to its geographic and climatic characteristics. The fauna also changes, remaining in place or migrating for shelter, nests, or food, according to the existing conditions. There are two seasons in the Pantanal: the rainy season (October-March) and the dry season (April-September). Global changes in climate also affect the cycles in the Pantanal and there has been an alteration in the length and intensity of the seasons. In spite of these variations, the general characteristics of each season remain constant.

The Amazon may attract more attention and tourists, but the Pantanal is a better place to see wildlife. In the rainforest, animal life is concentrated in the boreal canopy, which makes it more difficult to observe. Pantanal Ecoexplorer is a Brazilian based tour operator that specializes in providing personalized Nature & Wildlife Tours in the Pantanal. Our wide range of Ecological Tours all offer authentic experiences in the pristine environments of the Brazilian Pantanal. Each tour is led by an experienced local tour guide, so you are guaranteed the best local knowledge and reliable service.

PANTANAL TOUR: JAGUAR PHOTO SAFARI

Pantanal Ecoexplorer jaguar tracking tours take you down the Paraguay River to explore a labyrinth of rivers and lakes between two remote reserves: the Taiama Ecological Station and the Caracara National Park. The corridor between the two reserves is the richest area in the world for spotting jaguars in the wild. Travel aboard small motorboats to explore the region through which our specially-trained trackers and boatmen will take you to track jaguars. Sightings vary according to weather and river water levels, with the greatest chances of catching these elusive cats coming between July and November. You also have a very good chance of seeing jaguars in the wild between March and June. Jaguars are visible day and night, often from only 20-30 meters away. No other location in the world can offer anything like the possibility of seeing wild jaguars as the Brazilian Pantanal.

Pantanal Ecoexplorer offers a number of 5-, 7-, and 10-day Jaguar tour packages starting in Cuiabá, the capital of Mato Grosso. All include transportation to/from the Cuiabá airport, all meals, all boat trips from Cáceres, accommodations and experienced, professional guides. While no reputable tour operator can guarantee with 100% certainty that you will see or photograph any jaguars in the wild, what we at Pantanal Ecoexplorer can guarantee is that you will be guided by local experts with a great deal of skill and experience at locating jaguars throughout the region. Our agency has an excellent track record of successful jaguar tracking tours, as many of our former clients can attest.

During the trip you will stay at two different lodges: our very own Jaguar Camp and the Jaguar Trackers floating lodge. The Jaguar Camp is for the exclusive use of Ecoexplorer’s guests; it is a rustic and simple campsite located on the banks of the Paraguay River in the vicinity of northern side of the Taiama Reserve. The Jaguar Trackers floating lodge is a houseboat anchored further down the Paraguay River halfway between the Taiama Reserve and the Parque Nacional do Caracara. These accommodations are the ideal places for travelers seeking tranquility and intimacy.

The Jaguar Camp main house faces the river and has a dining area and a kitchen. The entire house is screened-in, thereby providing fresh air and protection from mosquitoes. Behind the main house, for more privacy, are several small screened-in cabins for sleeping, each with a private bath and shower as well as a ceiling fan. The dining and bar area is under the shady canopy of majestic trees and most meals are served in the open air. There is electricity only at night, for charging cameras and computers, and there is a radio for communication with the office and for any emergency.

The Jaguar Trackers floating lodge sleeps 2-4 people comfortably in a cabin that includes two sets of bunk beds. There is a dining area, bathrooms, a kitchen and radios, as well an upper sun deck. There is an electric generator that runs at night and again at midday for air conditioning and battery recharging. These accommodations are the ideal places for travelers seeking tranquility and intimacy. If you’re really looking to get off the beaten path, then this trip is perfect for you.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require any additional information.

The Pantanal....a wildlife paradise!!

Brazil's Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world and is South America's best place for wildlife tours. This is a plain which covers some 88.803 miles2 (230,000km2) in the central western portion of the country and which becomes submerged during the rainy season. Wildlife in the Pantanal includes anteaters, howler monkeys, the elusive jaguar, giant river otters, caimans, anacondas, ocelots and capybara, plus around 400 species of fish. The wetlands of the Pantanal are a haven for birders with highlights including the hyacinth macaw, numerous colorful parrots and large flocks of jabiru storks, an estimated 650 species of bird live here. Travel to the Brazilian Pantanal if you really want to see wildlife and birdlife.

Brazil's Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world and is South America's best place for wildlife tours. This is a plain which covers some 88.803 miles2 (230,000km2) in the central western portion of the country and which becomes submerged during the rainy season. Wildlife in the Pantanal includes anteaters, howler monkeys, the elusive jaguar, giant river otters, caimans, anacondas, ocelots and capybara, plus around 400 species of fish. The wetlands of the Pantanal are a haven for birders with highlights including the hyacinth macaw, numerous colorful parrots and large flocks of jabiru storks, an estimated 650 species of bird live here. Travel to the Brazilian Pantanal if you really want to see wildlife and birdlife.