Wildlife Photography tour of the Pantanal - Aniyami
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Wildlife Photography tour of the Pantanal
By: Benedito Freitas
DURATION: 20 a 31/10/2019
This safari adventure combines two passions –
GROUP: 7 to 14 pax
AIRPORT: CGR & CGB
wildlife and photography – to offer a truly
unmatched tour into the untouched Pantanal
wetlands. Discover the world’s largest flooded
plains where an astonishing array of flora and
fauna flourish and capture it all on camera
with the guidance of our expert biologist,
Benedito Freitas, who knows the Pantanal
inside out! The chance to feel an emotional
connection with this watery wilderness can
only be enhanced by learning how to
experience it from all sorts of perspectives.
ITINERARY: Best of all? Taking home incredible images to
Bonito - Pantanal – Boat match our memories.
Expedition - Transpantaneira
DAY 1 – (20/10/2019) Origin – Campo Grande - Bonito (D)
Airport arrival at Campo Grande, from where
we will go to Bonito, a small town in the state
of Mato Grosso do Sul, surrounded by plenty
of water and extraordinary nature. Upon
arriving we’ll have a presentation by
Benedito, where he’ll explain to the group
what will happen in the coming days and give
some information about the purpose of this
photographic tour. After this first encounter
with our guide and companion, we’ll have a
delicious welcome dinner and then we return
to our hotel to rest.
DAY 2 – (21/10/2019) Bonito (B, L)
After breakfast, we leave bound for the
"cerrado", where we find a "dolina" - a
geological formation result of the collapse of
rocks that give rise to a huge cavity - 120m
deep and 500m in diameter, where various
bird species adopted their natural habitat
called Buraco das Araras. The interior has its
own ecosystem with very particular fauna and
flora plus a large lake inhabited by caimans
(Caiman latirostris).
In this contemplative walk we will observe and photograph the vagaries of nature, we will hear
the call of birds echoing off the rock walls, perfect home for the red macaws. We’ll have a display
of colors guaranteed in our records.
After a break we go near Rio da Prata where
we’ll have lunch, and when finished we’ll
receive guidance and equipment (mask,
snorkel, life jacket, neoprene clothing and
rubber sneaker) to go floating by a gentle
water stream that will take us quietly for a
ride on a fantastic underwater world. We’ll
get to see a huge amount and variety of fish
and underwater plants, with great visibility;
we’ll be surrounded by piraputangas,
dourados, curimbatás, piaus, mato
grossinhos and other species. At the end of
the day, we return to our accommodation.
DAY 3 – (20/11/2018) Bonito (B, L)
After breakfast we’ll have a charming morning
in the Estância Mimosa where we’ll have our
lunch and make a tour to discover the magic
that this fazenda offers, teaching us about the
region’s flora and fauna.
Later we go on to Gruta do Lago Azul. We will
start the tour with the delivery of helmets and
instructions and then go on a 250 meters walk
on flat trail to the beginning of the nearly 300
steps staircase. The descent is made in parts
with stops to contemplate the interior of the
cave and listen to explanations about its
formation and history.
We get to the bottom of the cave and see a lake that delights our view with the water’s intensely
bluish tones and beautiful speleothems formed millions of years ago. This is the ideal ride for
those who love the pleasure of discovery. After this visit we go back to our accommodation place.
DAY 4 – (23/10/2019) Bonito - Pantanal Aquidauana (B, L, D)
Breakfast and check out in the morning. We leave the hotel in a 4WD along the state of Mato
Grosso to Pantanal Aquidauana, which has more than 2,000 hectares of the most beautiful
native forest, the wildlife that inhabits and abundant rivers. We’ll arrive on the territory of the
pousada. After check in we have lunch at our pousada. And at night, we’ll also have dinner here.
DAY 5 – (24/10/2019) Pantanal Aquidauana (B,
L, D)
We begin our stay in the wonderful Pantanal
Aquidauana, full of surprises to be discovered
by our cameras. Early in the morning we will
make a walk that will show us the spectacular
sunrise. With this light and the waking animals,
our inspiration will also be awaken to capture
the most beautiful images.
After lunch at the fazenda we’ll have the
traditional Roda de Tereré; as in any Pantanal
fazenda we will gather in a hangar to hear
interesting stories while drinking Tereré, a
drink made of herb mate, but cold, very
refreshing. This will be an opportunity to learn
more of the Pantanal man, his lifestyle and
culture. At the end of the reunion, we will
have dinner at our fazenda and rest for the
next day.
DAY 6 – (25/10/2019) Pantanal Aquidauana (B, L, D)
To make the most of the region we’ll do two completely different activities to show us the best of
South Pantanal. In the morning, after breakfast, we leave by 4WD vehicle, headed for a
photographic safari. We will walk along the fields combining two passions: photography and
wildlife observation. We'll see incredible scenery and clicks will not stop sounding.
Then we have lunch and, in the afternoon, we go on a canoe trip through the swamps in the area.
It will be an exciting boat ride going through Guanandy Bay, the Bay Pedras and Vazante do
Castelo. Birds and alligators are regular frequenters of the bays, which also attract mammals at the
beginning and end of the day. We dine and sleep at the fazenda.
DAY 7 – (26/10/2019) Pantanal Aquidauana (B, L, D) After breakfast we will make several walks that will take us to recognize the habitat of different species such as macaws and where they alight to rest from their flight. We will also find a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. Then we will make a 4WD safari at night with alligator observation and other nocturnal animals, testing our photographic skills in low light and where we’ll certainly have a different way of seeing, feeling and hearing the Pantanal. Dinner and rest on the last night of the Pantanal Aquidauana. DAY 8 – (27/10/2019) Pantanal Aquidauana – North Pantanal (B, L, D) After breakfast we leave to the track from where we’ll fly to the North Pantanal. We’ll have the opportunity to observe plenty of vegetation and wild animals in their natural habitats. After landing, we’ll make river transfer on boat to our floating accommodation.
After lunch we’ll go on a boat tour seeking for the majestic jaguar. At dusk we’ll arrive full of unimaginable images at our hotel boat to have dinner and rest from the expedition. DAY 9 – (28/10/2019) North Pantanal (B, L, D) After breakfast we will have another boat ride. Being an excellent opportunity to see otters up close, this is usually the highlight of visitors to Brazil; in the dry season (July-October) we can occasionally see the jaguar, resting in the river beaches exposed by drought. Other species commonly seen in the river are the capybara and caiman and among the most common birds sighted are kingfishers, herons, storks and swallows. We will seize the full day, with departures by boat in the morning and afternoon to explore the rivers and streams with all the wild mysteries they offer to our photographic lens. At the end of the afternoon we return to the floating hotel for dinner and a well deserved rest.
DAY 10 – (29/10/2019) North Pantanal– Transpantaneira (B, L, D)
After lunch, we check out from the hotel and
leave on river transfer to Porto Jofre, from
where we take our land transfer through the
Transpantaneira until reaching our pousada.
Upon arrival, we’ll do a boat tour to watch the
bio-diversity and stimulate the integration
and consequent personal experience, which is
accomplished while observing with a minimal
environment impact.
DAY 11 – (30/10/2019) Transpantaneira
(B, L, D)
We cannot leave the Pantanal without
having seen its dawn. On the penultimate
day we will spend in this wonderful region,
we’ll go out early in the morning to walk and
see the sunrise waking the thousands of
species that live here. The light of dawn will
give us new perspectives that we’ll be able
to capture in our memory as well as in the
camera’s.
After lunch we go on a land safari along the Transpantaneira looking for more animals. We
dine at the hotel and at night we will go for night sighting with flashlights.
DAY 12 – (31/10/2019) Transpantaneira – Cuiabá - Destination (B) Breakfast, then check out and depart in a terrestrial journey to the city of Cuiabá, where we will embark for our homeland, or to any destinations we’d like to see in this vast country, on this wonderful planet, heading for the next click! By: Benedito Freiras & Aniyami DMC Acronyms B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Biography Benedito Freitas:
Professional Naturalist Guide since 2000, Benedito Freitas saw his passion for nature grow when he
started leading nature tours, back in 1995 when he still was student of Tourism and then expanded his
knowledge by studying Biology. Since then, thinking about how to balance ecotourism and conservation, he
has earned some vast experience leading birdwatchers, photographers, filmmakers (including NatGeo and
BBC crews) and wildlife enthusiasts to most parts of Brazil, specially the Pantanal, the extensive Cerrado of
central Brazil, Southern Amazon, Southern Brazil, and the XINGU reserve, a region he knows best. On the
field, he excels not only for his ability to find, identify and show the birds and other animals to his clients, but
also for his deep knowledge and understanding of Zoology, Ecology and Conservation issues. When not
guiding, Ben also works as a field ornithologist, and is a research associate at the Laboratory of Ornithology
of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (NEPA/IB/UFMT), as well as a member of the Brazilian
Ornithological Society (SBO) and the Neotropical Bird.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
1) Guaranteed departure with minimum 7 pax and maximum of 14 pax
2) Confirmation of group will take place 90 days before departure
3) International group with Expert Guide in English only
4) Full payment for services will be required 30 days before departure
5) Full participants’ details (including insurance) will be required 30 days before departure
6) Cancellation Expenses Schedule:
a. Up to 90 days before departure – 10% of total price
b. After 90 days before departure – 100% of total price
7) Aniyami makes it compulsory that all participants be covered by appropriate travel
insurance. This insurance should include the following minimum requirements:
emergency medical expenses and assistance service, medical repatriation and
transportation, as well as burial, cremation or return of medical remains. Aniyami
recommends extending the insurance to include additional benefits such as cancellation
or curtailment, personal accident insurance, lost luggage, delays, etc.SERVICES
Included:
• 11 night accommodation and meals:
o Bonito: 3N Pousada Águas de Bonito with breakfast (www.aguasdebonito.com.br)
o South Pantanal: 4N Pousada Aguapé with FB (http://pousadaaguape.com.br/)
o North Pantanal: 2N Barco Panoramico with FB (www.transpantanl.com.br/Barco-
Panoramico)
o Transpantaneira: 2N Pousada Piuval with FB (www.pousadapiuval.com.br)
• Transfers and Tours with English guide (unless otherwise stated below):
o PVT TRF IN CGR/Campo Grande to Bonito
o Welcome dinner at Restaurant Casa do João
o PVT HD AM Buraco das Araras 2h30
o Luch at Restaurant at Rio da Prata
o PVT HD PM Snorkel Rio da Prata 4h
o PVT HD Tour Estância Mimosa 4h with Lunch
o PVT HD Gruta do Lago Azul 3h
o PVT TRF Bonito to Pantanal de Aquidauana only driver
o 3 days of PVT activities AM & PM at Pousada Aguapé FB
o PVT AIR TRF Pantanal Miranda to North Pantanal only pilot
o PVT TRF by river from land track in Miranda to Boat Panoramico
o PVT HD PM Jaguar tour 4h
o PVT FD Jaguar tour 8h
o PVT TRF by river Boat Panoramico to Transpantaneira
o 2 days with PVT Activities at Pousada Piuval
o PVT TRF OUT Transpantaneira to Cuiabá/CGB
• Accompaniment by Benedito Freitas since day 1 until day 12 of the trip.
• Aniyami 24h telephone and WhatsApp emergency support in Spanish and English
Not Included:
• Air transport and airport taxes
• Optional Excursions
• Meals not specified in the section “Included”
• Drinks, tips and personal extras
• Anything not mentioned as includedUSEFUL INFORMATION
• What to bring?
o Closed, waterproof and comfortable footwear to take walks in nature, because of
insects and wet sections.
o We recommend a 5-10kg backpack for activities and leave the rest of the luggage at
the fazenda.
o We suggest bringing a raincoat, spacious enough to put the backpack inside.
o Insect repellent, flashlight, swimwear and sunscreen all year.
o A bottle to drink water, avoiding the use of disposable containers.
o Throughout the trip our travelers will use light clothes, but long pants and long
sleeves to protect against insects.
o Travelers need to get advice from their local center of international vaccination
before travelling.
• Hiking Level of Difficulty: Pantanal treks are varied and take place in different areas
depending on the season (dry or raining). Treks are usually flat (or almost flat) and easy.
They are short in distance (not more than 2km), and their duration is less than 2h due to
the hard climate conditions with high humidity and heat.
• Banks and money exchange: The exchange and/or cash withdrawal at ATMs is
preferably done at airports for security and because most Aniyami Experiences take
place in locations with little banking structure.You can also read
