The Highlights of Amazing Brazil
Iguazú Falls, Central Plateau, Amazon Rainforest and the Pantanal
September 15-October 1, 2007
With an Optional Extension to the Jaguar River Lodge, Oct 1-5, 2007

Brazil – the name conjures images of vast emerald forests and immense wetlands, where giant Jabiru stalk amid caiman and Capybara. Brazil has more endemic species than any country in the world. Over 1,700 species of birds, and unparalleled numbers of primates and other mammals, fish, insects, and orchids have been recorded there.

Our journey samples four of Brazil’s richest life zones: Amazonian rainforest at Rio Cristalino, the subtropical Atlantic forest at Iguazú Falls, the Cerrado of the Central Plateau, and the fabled wetlands of the Pantanal. By visiting these diverse habitats, we will encounter a great variety of wildlife, including extraordinary mammals, exotic birds, and stunningly beautiful butterflies.

Join us for an unforgettable and in-depth journey to Brazil. We have carefully crafted this 17-day trip to make the most of your long plane ride and time once there. To ease the pace, we spend three to four nights each at several locations and fly between major areas. We are proud to work in Brazil with Focus Tours, a company that has organized environmentally responsible travel there for over 25 years. As this is a new destination for Naturalist Journeys, Narca Moore-Craig joins Peg Abbott throughout the journey to offer her expertise and knowledge of Brazil, and highly experienced local guides join us as well. We expect this journey to be popular – sign up for this amazing experience today!

ITINERARY

Day 1 Sat., Sept. 15 Flights leave the U.S.
Most flights depart the U.S. in the evening hours, arriving in Sao Paolo, Brazil in the morning. Focus Tours can help you make travel arrangements, and if you book through them on an airline that partners with our Brazilian in-country air carrier, a substantial discount on your internal air may apply.

Day 2 Sun., Sept. 16 Arrive in Iguazú Falls
Once our group has gathered at the Sao Paulo airport, we fly to Iguazú Falls, an incredible 550,000-acre international park shared by Brazil and Argentina. Our guide will meet us for transfer to the Sheraton International Resort, located in the Argentine Iguazú Falls National Park. Here, our rooms overlook the surrounding subtropical rainforest; you may also upgrade to rooms that face Iguazú Falls (see Cost section at the end of this itinerary).

Rest up from your journey, then enjoy leisurely walks in the park along forest trails that bring us to views of the falls. As private cars are no longer permitted within the park, we explore scenic highlights by tram. Enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel.
Accommodations at the Sheraton Internacional Iguazú Resort, Argentina (D)

Day 3 Mon., Sept. 17 Iguazú National Park, Argentina and Brazil
Among the world’s premier waterfalls, thunderous Iguazú is canopied in luxuriant subtropical Atlantic forest. For more than 60 million years, the wet forests of southeastern Brazil flourished in isolation from other wet forests, resulting in a spectacular number of endemic species. Among patches of sunlight that illuminate the arboreal bromeliads and orchids, the endangered Tegu Lizard is common and the number of brilliant butterflies astonishing. This region is home to Toco and Red-breasted Toucans, Chestnut-eared Araçari, Plush-crested Jays, parrots, tanagers, and hummingbirds.

After an early breakfast, we will start at the heart of Iguazú Falls, the incredible Devil’s Throat. Here a plunging cascade sends mist billowing high into the air. Great Dusky Swifts streak overhead and plunge into the falls, sometimes by the thousands. We’ll return to the park headquarters for lunch and a rest, then those that wish to may cross over to the Brazilian side to explore the falls in further detail on walkways that wind through the forest just where the river channels plunge over the edge of this picturesque escarpment. Dinner tonight is at your leisure, either at the hotel, or if you have crossed to the Brazilian side, at a traditional restaurant in the town of Foz de Iguazú. (B, L)

Day 4 Tues., Sept. 18 Iguazú Falls / Cuiabá / Chapada dos Guimarães National Park
We depart early to fly to Cuiabá from the airport on the Brazilian side. On arrival, we drive to the base of the Chapada, high cliffs where the plateau of central Brazil abruptly ends. We then ascend to the top of the plateau, winding through strange rock formations and patches of rich Cerrado habitat. Among the spectacular birds are Crested Black-Tyrant, Blue Finch, Helmeted and Band-tailed Manakins, White-eyed Parakeet, Blue-headed Parrot, and Curl-crested Jay. Dinner is at your leisure in the nearby town.
Accommodations at a delightful hotel in Chapada dos Guimarães for the next three nights (B, L).

Day 5 & 6 Wed. Sept. 19 & Thurs., Sept. 20 Chapada dos Guimarães National Park
Chapada National Park sits at the division between Amazonia and the Parana River basin, on the western edge of the Cerrado grasslands. Here, in spectacularly scenic canyons, species typical of Amazonia overlap those of the Brazilian Central Plateau, enhancing the park’s diversity. Clear rivers and rich gallery forests cut through seemingly endless grasslands. In some areas picturesque red soils turn to fine sands, creating arid conditions where we find twisted trees and scrub vegetation.

After early coffee, we set out to explore the nearby Cerrado with its gallery forest and shrubby grassland, then return to our lodge for a delicious breakfast. During our stay, we’ll visit Veu da Noiva (Bridal Veil) Falls, which plunges over 250 feet into a deep, forested bowl. From that high vantage point, we can overlook the forest canopy, a spectacular situation for viewing noisy flocks of macaws.

We search nearby areas for Dot-eared Coquette and other hummingbirds, Blue-crowned Motmot, Pheasant Cuckoo, White-eared Puffbird, Yellow-ridged Toucan, Pale-crested Woodpecker, Band-tailed Manakin, Blue Dacnis, and several lovely tanagers. Brown Capuchin and Bare-eared Marmoset are sometimes seen, and Giant River Otter and even Puma are possible. Typical birds in the open grassland include Red-legged Seriema and Red-winged Tinamou. We’ll also visit the geodesic center of South America, located on the edge of a cliff with a spectacular view of the valley below. Enjoy the sunset before heading out for an evening meal in the nearby town at a restaurant of your choice. (B,L both days)

Day 7 Fri., Sept. 21 Chapada dos Guimarães / Alta Floresta / Rio Cristalino
After breakfast take a scenic flight to Alta Floresta in the Amazon Basin. Our flight path crosses the highlands of north-central Brazil, where lush gallery forests intersect with soybean plantations.

On arrival in Alta Floresta, we have lunch before boating upstream on the Teles Pires River and into the mouth of the Rio Cristalino. The water of the Cristalino, stained black with tannins, meets but does not immediately mix with the yellow-brown water of the Teles Pires, creating a fascinating swirl of color and line of separation for several miles downstream. The remote Rio Cristalino Jungle Lodge, where we stay for the next FOUR nights, is a half-hour upstream in a small clearing on the banks of the river, many miles from the nearest habitation.

In this undisturbed, primary tropical forest, the animals have apparently not been hunted; most are unusually tame. Giant River Otters and Brazilian Tapirs can sometimes be seen swimming slowly across the river. Scarlet Macaws nest just behind the lodge. White-whiskered Spider Monkeys can often be found in the immediate area. The lodge’s rooms feature private baths, and hammocks are available for lounging or sleeping. We’ll settle into our rooms before meeting for a delicious dinner.
Accommodations at Rio Cristalino Jungle Lodge, Cristalino River ( B, L, D)

Days 8-10 Sat - Mon., Sept. 22 - 24 Rio Cristalino
For three days we explore several different Amazonian habitats from our riverway. Both the Teles Pires and Cristalino Rivers are natural boundaries, with many plant and animal species restricted to only one bank or river type. These ecological barriers contribute to the region’s distinctive biodiversity. In the field we are likely to find several primate species; possibilities include the very rare and endangered White-nosed Bearded Saki, the Dusky Titi, Southern Red-necked Night Monkey, White-fronted Capuchin, Common Woolly Monkey, White-whiskered and White-bellied Spider Monkeys, and Red and Red-handed Howlers. Brown Brocket Deer, Giant River Otter, and even Jaguar have been observed along the river in the early morning.

Birding here is nothing short of spectacular. At least five species of macaws occur: Hyacinth, Blue-and-Yellow, Scarlet, Red-and-Green, and Chestnut-fronted. Rare and colorful parrots such as the White-bellied, Vulturine, Yellow-crowned, Mealy, and Orange-winged Parrot live in the region, along with the endemic Crimson-bellied Parakeet. Paradise, Rufous-tailed, and Blue-cheeked Jacamars inhabit the forest, and we are likely to see Red-necked, Lettered, Curl-crested, and Chestnut-eared Araçaris. Other specialties include Brazilian Tinamou, Razor-billed Curassow, Dark-winged Trumpeter, Cinnamon Attila, Snow-capped Manakin, the endemic Bare-eyed Antbird, and many other antbirds and antshrikes.

Three trails behind our lodge take us through thick forest and bamboo on semi-flat terrain. A spectacular 50-meter tower allows splendid views of creatures of the high canopy. One very productive trail traverses hilly terrain, ending on a ridge with an endless, panoramic view of the tropical forest. Another trail wanders through tall and stately Brazil nut trees, including one tree over 20 feet in diameter.

We spend our days in the forests and on the river, returning to the hotel for meals or perhaps taking a sack lunch with us. The haunting calls of tinamous herald the onset of evening. Far from any human settlement save our lodge, you'll experience the primeval Amazon as it has been for the last 40 million years. (B. L, D)

Day 11 Tues., Sept. 25 Rio Cristalino to Alta Floresta
After breakfast and a last morning on the river, we return to the town of Alta Floresta. Our hotel here has nice gardens and a pool, as well as a private nature reserve featuring different primates and a recently discovered Harpy Eagle nest. After lunch and time to relax we go in the late afternoon into the forest to look for the Harpy Eagle and other gems. In the evening we enjoy a group dinner in the hotel.
Accomodations at Alta Floresta (B, L, D)

Day 12 Wed., Sept. 26 Alta Floresta / Cuiabá / Pantanal
We return to the inviting forest of Alta Floresta Reserve in the morning, then have lunch at the hotel restaurant. Early in the afternoon we fly out of the Amazon, back to Cuiabá -- and on to our next adventure in the celebrated Pantanal. This is the world's largest wetland -- 55,000 square miles -- and the easiest place in the Americas to see a great diversity of wildlife species. Habitats range from semi-deciduous and evergreen forests to palm woodlands and true pantanal (seasonally flooded grasslands with scattered clumps of cerrado scrub on elevated patches of land). An incredible number of lakes and rivers dot and cross the region, constantly cleansing and renewing the wetlands.

From the airport we drive to our lodgings, starting on a paved road through transitional habitat that includes cerrado vegetation and gallery forests. The pavement stops in Poconé, where we board our safari vehicle -- an open truck with comfortable tiered seating -- to drive along the raised dirt highway of the Transpantaneira. Suddenly the roadsides fill with herons, storks, Roseate Spoonbills, kingfishers, ibis, Limpkins, cormorants, and caimans. This time of year is the dry season, when the vast wetlands shrink to become a mosaic of pools that concentrate the fish for foraging waders such as Jabiru and Maguari Storks.

For the next 28 km (46 mi.), we stop frequently to observe and photograph the teeming wildlife. The light fades quickly around 6:00 p.m., so we'll pull out the spotlight to look for nocturnal mammals and birds. It’s possible to find Crab-eating Raccoon, Crab-eating Fox, and endangered Marsh Deer.

We stay the next two nights at the private Fazenda Curicaca, an African-style hotel situated on the water's edge. The hotel’s dining area overlooks a feeding station that attracts numerous animals. As much as we’ve seen along the road today, it is only a taste of what is to come.
Accommodations at Fazenda Curicaca, Pantanal (B, L, D)

Day 13 Thurs., Sep 27 Pantanal / Fazenda Curicaca
Awaken early to the dawn chorus of birds and Black-and-Gold Howler Monkeys roaring in the distance. On an early morning walk through forests and clearings near the hotel we scan for the region’s birds, including Long-tailed Ground-Dove, Blue-fronted Parrot, Buff-bellied Hermit, Pygmy Kingfisher, White Woodpecker, Gray-crested Cacholote, Greater Thornbird, Ashy-headed Greenlet, and Campo Oriole. We may find mammals as well – this area is home to a recently discovered marmoset, as yet unnamed.

In the afternoon, we head out in our safari vehicle, exploring the Bare-faced Curassow Reserve for additional species. This evening we’ll spotlight again; with luck we’ll illuminate a number of mammals, and the wondrous eyes of caiman and potoos.
Accommodations at Fazenda Curicaca, Pantanal (B, L,D)

Day 14 Fri. Sept. 28 Pantanal to the Pixaim River
Enjoy another morning of wildlife viewing in the Fazenda Curicaca reserve. After lunch, we venture south another 40km (66 mi.) into the lowest and most biologically diverse area of the Transpantaneira. Here we’re likely to see herds of Capybara, the world's largest rodent (more like a guinea pig than a rat), in good number. Keep your eyes open for endangered Marsh Deer, South American Coati, Brown Capuchin, Yellow Anaconda, Crab-eating Fox, Greater and Collared Anteaters, and a host of other animals.

Then we travel up to the highest area of the Transpantaneira and our lodge by the Pixaim River. Giant River Otters are common here, as well as tapir, iguana, and Crab eating Raccoon. Tonight after dinner we can go out spotlighting and look for owls, nightjars, and a number of other crepuscular and nocturnal animals.
Accommodations at the Mato Grosso Hotel, Pixaim River, Pantanal (B,L,D)

Day 15 Sat. Sept. 29 Pixaim River to Pouso Alegre
On an early morning walk we search for the bird species of this elevated region, including Plumbeous Ibis, Long-tailed Ground-Dove, Campo Oriole, Greater Thornbird, Rufous Cacholote, the scarce White-naped Xenopsaris, and Pygmy Kingfisher. Perhaps the resident Giant River Otter will pass by our hotel as we are having breakfast.

We leave the hotel after lunch for our next destination, still in the vast Pantanal. In the cooler late afternoon we look for bird specialties such as Purplish Jay, Plumbeous Ibis, Red-billed Scythebill, Sunbittern, Toco Toucan, Bare-faced Currasow, Yellow-billed Cardinal, Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Nanday Parakeet, Blue-crowned Trogon, Cinereous-breasted and Chotoy Spinetails, Mato Grosso Antbird, and a number of other bird species. Of particular interest at our lodgings are the Hyacinth Macaws that nest in high concentrations nearby.
Accommodations at a private hacienda, Pouso Alegre (B,L,D)

Day 16 Sun. Sept. 30 Pouso Alegre to Cuiabá /Departures (or continue to the Paraguay River for our Jaguar River Lodge Extension)
After a final morning excursion in this area of the Pantanal, we leave after breakfast for our next destination. Some participants continue on an exclusive extension (limited to 6 participants) to the Paraguay River, exploring an area with the highest concentration of jaguars. Those not on the extension will fly to Cuiabá and then to Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro for flights home. Those flying home will arrive at their destination on Mon., Oct. 1; those on the extension will arrive on Fri., Oct. 5. (B)

 

 

 

Pantanal’s Jaguar River Extension
Wetlands, Rivers & Wildlife
Oct 1-5, 2007

On this four-day exclusive opportunity, we plunge yet more deeply into the wilderness of the Pantanal with the goal of spotting some of the region’s more elusive animals. The excellent chance to see Jaguar is the primary incentive for this trip, but we also explore interesting transitional habitats between the Pantanal and Amazonia.

We visit the remote and seldom-visited Taiamã Ecological Station on the Paraguay River. This remote and protected region supports the highest known density of Jaguars anywhere. While it’s impossible to promise a sighting, our chances of seeing a Jaguar are excellent. This is the home of the giant subspecies, Panthera onca palustris; it weighs over 300 pounds, dwarfing its Amazonian counterpart. A paw print in the mud of the riverbank can measure five inches across. Join us in this exploration of the unspoiled reaches of the Paraguay River! The group is limited to only 6 participants, so decide early!

ITINERARY

Mon., Oct. 1 Cuiabá / Pantanal / The Paraguay River
Leave Pouso Alegre after breakfast and enjoy an early lunch in Pocone. Then we travel by van for a couple of hours on good paved roads, first through disturbed transitional habitat and then into a beautiful and well-preserved Cerrado/Amazonian area. The hills become more densely forested as we approach our turnoff.

On arrival in Caceres, we board a boat on the Paraguay River for our voyage to the Jaguar River Lodge. En route, we’ll watch for Jaguar and other mammals, including Pampas Deer, Brazilian Tapir, and Capybara. Birds abound, and we hope to see Roseate Spoonbills, herons, storks, ibis, Limpkins, cormorants, and kingfishers. We travel at a leisurely pace; as the light fades we’ll bring out the spotlight to search for elusive nocturnal animals. We may see Ocelot, Margay, Puma, Crab-eating Raccoon and Crab-eating Fox. Our home for the next four nights is a delightful lodge on the water's edge, the nicest in the Pantanal.
Accommodations at the Jaguar River Lodge (B, L, D)

Tues., Oct. 2 Pantanal, Land and River
The dawn chorus of monkeys and birds will rouse us. After an early breakfast, we take a short ride on our comfortable boat to a private ranch that hosts a family of Hyacinth Macaws. Witness the world’s largest parrot as it playfully clambers about the branches of the fig tree where it sleeps in every night. Other birds in the area include Osprey, Long-tailed Ground-Dove, Nanday Parakeet, Glittering-throated Hermit, Amazon Kingfisher, Greater Thornbird, Gray-crested Cacholote, Yellow-billed Cardinal, and Campo Oriole.

Returning to the river, we enter a bay that is full of birds, but we also scan the shore for resting Jaguar, as one or two are often seen in this area. We return to our lodge to avoid the mid-day heat, we have time before and after lunch to rest in our air-conditioned rooms, enjoy a swim in the pool, or relax on the covered deck overlooking the scenic river. When the heat breaks in the mid-afternoon, we take a walk and do some birding behind the lodge. This transitional forest blends features of the Amazon, cerrado, and Pantanal biomes. A survey of this reserve’s fauna has not yet been completed, so we could be in for surprises! Return to the lodge for dinner, then enjoy a night drive spotlighting for owls, nightjars, and nocturnal mammals.

Wed., Oct. 3 Pantanal / Taiamã Ecological Station
After an early breakfast, we explore this incredibly rich area by boat, taking along a full cooler and lunch. We travel an hour down the river to the remote Taiamã Ecological Station, taking our time to search for Jaguar and other creatures. The river supports a dense population of Osprey.

The Taiamã Ecological Station is part of Brazil’s extensive system of protected areas and the most remote outside of Amazonia. It includes a 35,196-acred island. No fishing is allowed on the surrounding river. In addition, a large private reserve has been established on the eastern bank of the river, along the station’s eastern border. This reserve system is a stronghold for endangered species, including Jaguar, Ocelot, Margay, and Giant River Otter. We will cruise slowly, looking for these and other animals from the comfort of our covered boat. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in the field, then explore the other side of the island for wildlife while working our way back to our lodge. We stop at an historical village, largely abandoned, where we will likely find Greater Rhea and other birds. Tonight after dinner we will spotlight either on land or by boat.

Thurs., Oct 4 Pantanal / Cuiabá /Sao Paulo
After an early breakfast, we depart the Pantanal by boat, stopping frequently. Just north of our lodge we enter a beautiful mountain range with gorgeous, primary growth forest, also largely unsurveyed for species. Habitat typical of the Pantanal occurs where the river spreads, but the hills support transitional Amazonian forest. Here, Orange-winged Parrots displace the Blue-fronted Parrots that are common in most of the Pantanal.

Arrive in Caceres for lunch before continuing in our comfortable van to the Cuiabá airport. We’ll arrive in time for a late afternoon flight to Sao Paulo, connecting to flights home.

Fri., Oct. 5 Arrive Home

 

 

Tour Cost and Travel Arrangements COST OF THE JOURNEY:  Cost of the journey from Sao Paolo is $5580.00. Prices are quoted are per person in double accommodations and quoted in US Dollars. Prices are based on tariffs and currency exchange rates in effect on October 23, 2006, and are subject to change if tariffs increase or exchange rates fluctuate. The tour fee includes all lodging and almost all meals from dinner on Day 2 to lunch on Day 16 - excluded are dinners at Chapada dos Guimarães and one dinner at Iguazú, all ground transportation, entrance fees, the services of the Naturalist Journeys and local naturalist guides, and tips for baggage handling and meal service. Rates are based upon group tariffs and based on a group size of 12-15 persons. If the tour 11 or fewer registrants, a small group surcharge of approx. $200-$300 (or higher, if very small group) will apply. Please note that special terms and conditions apply; upon registration you will need to review and accept Waiver of Liability and Terms and Conditions of Focus Tours as well as that of Naturalist Journeys. The deposit for this special tour is $750.00. Items not included are airfare to and from Brazil or the flights within the country, all airport taxes (there is an approximately $6-$8 tax at each Brazilian airport and the roughly $36 departure tax, probably included on your international ticket), visa fees, optional tips to bus drivers and hotel staff, laundry and other personal expenses, beverages including mineral water, room service, optional gratuities for hotel maids and the customary end-of-the-tour gratuity for the local naturalist guide. All attempts will be made to place singles desiring a roommate with another person. In the event such a match is not found it will be the responsibility of the single participant to pay the Single Supplement. Hotel Upgrades: You can upgrade to the luxury rooms at the Rio Cristalino Jungle Lodge and to get rooms facing the falls at the Sheraton International Iguazu Resort. Rio Cristalino Luxury Room Upgrade $250/person (limited availability) Sheraton International Iguazu Falls view room upgrade $350/person Special Air Fares: Focus Tours can negotiate special airfares with several carriers originating in the USA, as well as all internal Brazilian flights. Upon registration we will give you details to contact Focus Tours for help with air travel. FocusTours@aol.com or (505) 989-7133. ACCOMMODATIONS: Tour accommodations throughout are good. The five-star Sheraton Internacional Iguazú Resort is an unique experience, in front of some of the most spectacular waterfalls anywhere. Our rooms face the forest and an upgrade to a Falls facing room is available. Our hotel in Chapada is very charming, with private bath and air conditioning. It is in the English style, reflecting the good taste of the English owner, and conveniently located in the village. Our rooms at the Rio Cristalino are simple and comfortable, with hot water showers. There are new luxury rooms, much nicer and larger, available as an upgrade. Fazenda Curicaca is a pleasant lodge by the Claro River and surrounded by a rich forest on the edge of the Pantanal. The rooms are comfortable and large, and their style reflects the passion of the former owners for Africa. From the restaurant facing the forest we can observe various birds coming to the feeders. Pouso Alegre is a beautiful Pantaneiro owned ranch. Excellent food and the constant presence of Hyacinth Macaws on the grounds round out the experience. Our other hotels in the Pantanal have private bath, hot water showers and air conditioning. All hotels are the best available in wildlife viewing area. TRIP INSURANCE: We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment should you fall ill or otherwise need to cancel your participation in this tour. We recommend Access America, and will mail you an application upon receipt of your deposit. You may also register for this through a link on our website www.naturalistjourneys.com. BRAZILIAN VISA: A Brazilian visa is required for Americans and many other nationalities. Contact your nearest Brazilian consulate or us for more information. Americans and many other nationalities are not required to have a visa for Argentina. COST OF THE JAGUAR RIVER LODGE EXTENSION:  Cost per person for the Jaguar River Lodge Extension is $2490.00 per person, double occupancy, based on a group size of 6. With fewer persons a pro-rated small group surcharge will apply. Details will be given upon request. Photo Credits: Narca Moore-Craig, Alan Craig; Giant Otter, Bud Ferguson; all other photos by Douglas B. Trent.

 

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