Southern Pantanal & Bonito | 7 Days

Arrival at Campo Grande airport (CGR) and transfer to your hotel. Campo Grande, the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul, is well-connected with daily flights from major Brazilian cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Cuiabá (Northern Pantanal). Depending on your arrival time, you may rest at the hotel or head out to enjoy dinner at one of the city’s nice restaurants to experience the local cuisine.

After breakfast, transfer to Caiman Lodge (3 hours). Founded over 30 years ago to conserve the fauna, flora, and culture of the Pantanal, Caiman was a pioneer in believing in the benefits of ecotourism for the region.

Full days dedicated to immersing yourself in the incredible biodiversity of the lodge’s surroundings with a private vehicle, a local guide, and a South Quest senior naturalist guide.

Start your day by observing the lively feeders, where you’ll be treated to sightings of toco toucans, red-crested cardinals, plush-crested jays, nanday parakeets, and more! After breakfast, we will embark on an exciting safari in an open vehicle, venturing deep into the area to track down the Giant Anteater, the most iconic mammal of the Southern Pantanal.

Throughout the days, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to encounter other fascinating wildlife, such as the Southern Tamandua, Pampas Deer, and nine-banded and yellow armadillos. In addition to these mammals, the area is a haven for bird lovers, offering countless chances to admire the vibrant birdlife that calls this region home.

In the morning, we will drive to the Bonito region for around 3 hours (around 250km), arriving first at Rio da Prata, where we will have lunch. Later, from here, we will drive around 20 minutes (20km) and visit the famous Buraco das Araras. In this sandstone sinkhole, the Red-and-Green Macaws stay all day long, flying around and inside, providing great photographic opportunities! Key species of the day: Red-and-Green Macaw, Lineated Woodpecker, Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, Amazonian Motmot, Peach-Fronted Parakeet.

Early in the morning, you’ll visit the iconic Gruta do Lago Azul, renowned for its crystal-clear blue lake nestled deep within the cavern. The sunlight filtering into the cave enhances the vivid blue hues of the water, creating a mesmerizing and almost magical atmosphere—a truly unforgettable experience. Afterward, you’ll enjoy lunch near the stunning Rio da Prata.

After breakfast, we will revisit the captivating Buraco das Araras, a natural sinkhole that serves as a sanctuary for the vibrant red-and-green macaws. This second visit offers an excellent opportunity to capture new angles and behaviors of these majestic birds in their natural habitat. Following our morning photography session, we’ll drive for around 4:30 hours (around 300km) until the Campo Grande for your departure.