Four nights with more time for the reserve’s trails and safari habitats
Araras’ complete lodge programme combines canoeing, horse riding, several nature trails, three observation towers and wildlife drives in different parts of the reserve.
The extra night leaves room for an additional walk and a longer wildlife drive without having to compress any of the classic Araras activities.
This is the best standard choice for travellers who want to experience Araras as an ecolodge rather than mainly use it as a base for a jaguar excursion.
Day 1
Meet in Cuiabá and travel via Poconé to the Transpantaneira. The final part of the journey doubles as a first wildlife drive, with several stops along the way.
After check-in, walk to the Garça observation tower and receive an introduction to the lodge and the programme for the coming days.
The evening ends with dinner and a short night walk.
Day 2
After breakfast, travel towards the Clarinho River and paddle through riverine forest. Giant otters, kingfishers, herons and many other species occur in the area.
After lunch, walk to the 25-metre Bugio tower for sunset views over the wetlands.
After dinner, head out on a safari in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 3
The morning is devoted to horse riding through varied Pantanal landscapes. The ride is led by experienced guides and adapted to the participants’ experience.
In the afternoon, walk along the Rondon trail to the Tuiuiú tower and an area where jabirus often nest.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4
The extra full day begins with a walk in another part of Araras’ private reserve, along the Ronco trail.
After lunch, take a two- to three-hour wildlife drive in an open vehicle south of the lodge and along the Transpantaneira.
In the evening, you can review the list of animals and birds seen during the stay with the guide.
Day 5
A final morning walk offers another chance to experience dawn and the birdlife around the lodge.
After breakfast or lunch, depending on the transfer time, return to Cuiabá.
Araras has 19 rustic-style suites with a veranda and hammock. Facilities include a pool, restaurant, bar, reading room and three observation towers.
The lodge has worked with ecotourism in the Pantanal since 1991 and has a strong nature-guiding and birdwatching profile.
Moderate
The programme includes several walks, horse riding and canoeing. The pace is relaxed, but the days are active and some starts are early.
Guests need to be able to walk on nature trails and get in and out of canoes and safari vehicles.
Araras is about 132 kilometres from Cuiabá and is reached via the Transpantaneira. The lodge’s regular transfers may run at fixed times that need to be coordinated with flights and the rest of the itinerary.
The order of activities may change according to weather, terrain, water levels and the lodge’s overall planning.
Horse riding can be replaced or adapted for guests who prefer not to take part when the lodge programme and capacity allow.
Jaguar Express is normally offered in the dry season, approximately June to November, and must be booked in advance. It is a long full-day excursion with a road transfer to Porto Jofre and around six hours of boat safari.
Wild animals roam freely and sightings can never be guaranteed.
The programme can be booked on its own or combined with flights, hotels, Chapada dos Guimarães and other parts of a tailor-made trip. The exact inclusions and price are specified in SambaTravel’s proposal.
The Pantanal is warm for much of the year, but early mornings and winter days can be cool. Dress in layers and choose lightweight clothing in muted colours for excursions.
Long trousers, long sleeves and closed shoes provide protection from sun, branches and insects. Cameras and binoculars should be protected from dust, rain and spray during boat and canoe trips.
We help you choose the right length of stay and combine the programme with transfers, flights, hotels and other parts of your journey.