ARARAS ECO-LODGE SAMPLE 4-DAY/3-NIGHT PROGRAM:

Day 1  - ARRIVE CUIABÁ & TRANSFER TO  ARARAS PANTANAL ECO LODGE:
Meeting upon arrival by staff from Araras Lodge and departure to Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge. Transfer is divided in two stages: the first, on a paved road for 100 km / 62.13 mi to Poconé, passing by farms and savanna. After a stop in Poconé we start the second stage of the transfer entering at Km 0 the Estrada Parque Transpantaneira (park road) unpaved at built at a higher level than the flood plain. The road has more than 127 wooden bridges fording fields, bays and grazing lands. Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge is at km 32 / 19.88 mi. and transfer is considered a photo-safari for the many species of animals and birds found along its length. Vehicle will make several stops for photos. Arrival at Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge, reception, welcome with fresh fruit juice and accommodation. Late afternoon hike of the lodge surroundings, reaching the Mirante da Garça, a 12m / 39.5 ft. high observation tower for an unequalled view of the sunset. After dinner, a star gazing trek, to hear the sounds of the flood plain. Overnight. ( L , D)

Day 2 - PANTANAL (horseback ride & hike):
Full day dedicated to observing the Pantanal’s flora & fauna at the Araras Eco Lodge private reserve. After breakfast, the guide will lead you on a 2 to 3 hour horseback ride through the grazing fields, woods and food lands. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, we will go on hike to a different area of the reservation, allowing you to observe and learn about this ecosystem. Overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - PANTANAL (canoe & photo-safari):
After breakfast, departure to Rio Clarinho (river) riding on the flood plain ways. At Rio Clarinho riverbank, take a canoe and explore its banks, mangroves and forest. With luck, a sight of a family of ariranhas (giant otters) will be nearby (fishing, playing and teaching the babies to swim and fish). Try to fish the elusive Piranha, known for nibbling the bait off the hook without the fisherman noticing. Lambaris, another species of fresh water fish are an easy catch and are delicious when barbecued. A picnic barbecue lunch will be prepared at the camp site. Return to the lodge at the end of the afternoon. Overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - TRANSFER PANTANAL TO CUIABÁ AIRPORT:
The day begins with a very early start to see the sunrise from the top of Mirante da Garça / Heron’s Tower. Hear the sounds of the birds leaving the nests for the day and the rising sun touching the vegetation. Breakfast and departure for a hike. Lunch and transfer to Cuiabá enjoying, once again, the beautiful road and the opportunity for last minute photos. Arrival at Cuiaba airport in time for late afternoon departing flight. (B)