You don't have to be a wildlife enthusiast to fall in love with the Pantanal. It is the world’s largest interior wetland and one of Mother Nature's favorite playgrounds. The abundance and diversity of its vegetation and animal life are spectacular. Wildlife in its most primitive form and men with their cattle farms share the same space. Along with the Amazon, the Pantanal, located in the western part of the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, is considered an example of the best of Brazil - untouched nature. It is in fact an amazing mixture of ecosystems with different landscapes such as savanna, floodplains, lagoons, bays and forests crossed by many rivers, connected to the Paraguay river. These characteristics give the Pantanal some important titles like the Third Largest Biosphere Reserve of the World and Natural Patrimony of Humanity (UNESCO).

The Pantanal is the best display of unbounded and undisturbed wildlife in the Americas, a paradise for wildlife watchers and photographers. Furthermore, it may come as a surprise to many that, due to the fact that the view is unobstructed by thick vegetation, it is an even better show than could be expected in the neighboring Amazon jungle. Some authors say that Pantanal has the richest fauna of the New World, even compared to Africa's fauna. Whatever your passion, be it fishing, boating, bird watching, wildlife, horseback riding or hiking - your dreams will be fulfilled in the Pantanal!

Lying in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the city of Bonito and its neighbor Bodoquena with its National Park are the most fascinating natural areas of water leisure in the world. The word bonito means "beautiful" in Portuguese and that could not be more appropriate to describe this exotic area, which has most of the region's rivers spring on top of the Bodoquena mountain range, with extends for 250 km an altitude between 400 to 600 meters. Calcium carbonate - from which limestone is formed – is the major mineral component in the soil, being responsible for the amazing beauty of out rivers and caves. Being here is to enjoy the unforgettable moments in harmony with nature at its plainest and most beautiful state. Hundreds of waterfalls, lakes and rivers of pristine waters, over 80 caves (dry and flooded), and endless species of fish and other wild animals are some of the attractions of the place. And they can all be reached without much trouble.

Ecological tourism has recently unveiled the quietness of Bonito, where forests of secular trees live together with a diversified fauna and fresh water rivers. The main activity is certainly diving into great lakes of fresh and crystal clear waters, where a great variety of fishes calmly swim among visitors, in a dazzling display of color and movement. Snorkeling, scuba diving, light rafting, abseiling, horseback riding, caving, mountain biking and trekking are just some of the fun things to do in these places.

Famous in this region is the Blue Lake Cave, impressive because of its geological formations and its blue-colored lake. This cave has woken up the attention of tourists and researchers from all over of the world. Sunbeams permeate the lake, producing a spectacle of breathtaking beauty. Both the caverns roof and bottom are full with speleological formations of different shapes and sizes. The bottom of the cavern harbors prehistoric skeletons of a giant ground sloth and a saber tooth tiger.

1- Arrival in Campo Grande/Pantanal
Meet and greet at the airport in Campo Grande and arrival transfer to the Refúgio Ecológico Caiman (approximately 4 hours / 236 km). Arrival, welcome drinks, tours presentation and accommodation.

2- Pantanal
Breakfast. Today you will enjoy 2 tours, one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and in the evening a slide show. Lunch and dinner at the lodge.

3- Pantanal
Breakfast. Today you will enjoy 3 tours, one in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Lunch and dinner at the lodge.

Note: Tours in Pantanal include the best of Pantanal's fauna and flora, walking tours, photo safaris, night safaris, horseback riding, canoeing and access to the customs and culture of the local cowboys, known as Pantaneiros. The Refúgio Ecológico Caiman is also the Hyacinth Macaw Project base.

4- Pantanal/Serra da Bodoquena/Bonito
Breakfast. Tour to Fazenda Boca da Onça in the Serra da Bodoquena Region (approximately 2 hours / 121 km). Serra da Bodoquena is a region where we find crystalline waterfalls, trails of totally preserved forest and the scenic Salobra river, natural swimming pools and the highest waterfall of the State: the Boca da Onça Waterfall, 156 meters high, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Brazil. Complete day use with tours and lunch at Fazenda Boca da Onça. Here you will find totally safe tracks together with great comfort and cozy facilities where delicious typical meals are served. It is also possible to enjoy two natural pools and an energizing natural shower, besides the water massage. In the afternoon, transfer to Bonito (approximately 1 hour / 50 km). Arrival and accommodation, followed by dinner.

5- Bonito
Breakfast. Floating at Sucuri river with lunch. The Sucuri river starts on the eastern edge of the Serra da Bodoquena. The tour starts with a visit to the river spring, where you can see the water boiling out of the ground. The visitors are taken to a wooden deck where they will board the support boat. After a 45 minute boat ride along the crystal clear river, the visitors can descend in to the river and start the snorkeling tour. The 750 meter long trip you can observe the rich sub aquatic flora and fauna. An unforgettable experience. For those who do not want to go snorkeling, it is possible to stay in the boat and descend the river by boat and enjoy the flora and fauna at the river margins. Dinner at the hotel.

6- Depart Bonito/Campo Grande - Next City
Breakfast. Tour to the Grota do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Cave), the most beautiful grotto of the region. The beauty of the place can already be noticed at the entrance, where pointed stones assume interesting shapes. The descent to the core of the cave is approximately 100 meters and ends at the magnificent turquoise blue lake. For the purpose of preservation, no swimming is allowed, despite the temptation of diving. About midday, check-out and transfer back to the airport in Campo Grande (approximately 4 hours / 320 km). Homebound flight or proceed to your next destination.

Land-Only prices in US-Dollars per person in double occupancy (single supplement available), including:

• Transfer Airport CGR in Campo Grande/Refúgio Ecológico Caiman in Pantanal on regular service featuring air-conditioned vehicle with driver only.

• Transfer Refúgio Ecológico Caiman in Pantanal/Wetiga Hotel in Bonito and transfer Wetiga Hotel in Bonito/Airport CGR in Campo Grande on regular service featuring air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide.

• All mentioned activities in Pantanal/Serra da Bodoquena/Bonito as per description with experienced English speaking guide.

• Accommodation in the lodge/hotel of your choice.

• Full board in Pantanal and half board in Bonito.

• Meals as per description (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).

• Hotel taxes.

-> The activities are settled according to the weather conditions, season or group make-up with the intent of maximizing your experience of the eco-system.

-> To reduce or extend number of nights in this package, please contact us for a specific quotation.

To receive more information, please email us at office@opcotours.com.