Luxury in Brazil’s Wild Heart: the Pantanal

Private tour of Cerrado, Pantanal, and Bonito

DID YOU KNOW?

Pantanal is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to jaguars, giant river otters, capybaras, and over 650 bird species.

For travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path luxury, Brazil’s landscapes offer unforgettable experiences. Pousada Trijunção in the Cerrado blends intimate wildlife encounters with refined comfort, guided hikes, and gourmet meals inspired by local flavors. In the Pantanal, Refúgio Ecológico Caiman immerses guests in serene wetlands with private boat tours, evening safaris, and impeccable service that turns every wildlife encounter into a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Finally, Hotel Santa Esmeralda in Bonito combines crystal-clear rivers, limestone caves, and curated excursions with luxurious accommodations and exquisite local cuisine. These three lodges offer an exclusive, immersive way to experience Brazil’s natural wonders in style and comfort.

Request the full itinerary and pricing HERE or email info@satedventures.com 

Check out this sample itinerary that tackles all the faces of the region: ITINERARY

CHOOSE ANY DATES:

Day 1 (Saturday) -

International arrival in Brasilia

Airport arrival at Brasília, the capital of Brazil. This city was created in the 20th century and declared an UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most important examples of modern city planning and representative of the work of the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Warm reception at the airport, and private transfer from the airport to the hotel.

ROYAL TULIP ALVORADA - Superior Double Room

Day 2 (Sunday)

Brasília to Pousada Trijunção

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Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your lodge driver this morning for a land transfer from Brasilia to Pousada Trijunção in the heart of Brasil's Cerrado, one of the world's largest savannas and the second largest of major habitat types in Brazil, after the Amazon rainforest. The drive takes approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival at Pousada Trijunção, we will be greeted by hotel staff, who will attend to every detail to ensure that we will spend the next couple of days taking part in incredible experiences that truly let us enjoy this biome.

POUSADA TRIJUNÇÃO - Suite Premium Double Room

Land transfer from Brasilia to Pousada Trijunção in the heart of Brasil's Cerrado, one of the world's largest savannas and the second largest of major habitat types in Brazil, after the Amazon rainforest. The drive takes approximately 5 hours. (Note: private air transfer available at request) Upon arrival at Pousada Trijunção, we will be greeted by hotel staff, who will attend to every detail to ensure that we will spend the next couple of days taking part in incredible experiences that truly let us enjoy this biome. At the time of booking, we will have selected the activities to best suit us, and the hotel will have devised an agenda to allow us to relish in our stay to the fullest. Upon check-in, we will receive this agenda. Included - shared tours at the lodge with specialist bilingual guides, full board (premium beverages and wine are not included), maned wolf tracking, with the Onçafari team, sustainable amenities.

Fun fact: Capybaras are social and often live in huge groups, sometimes numbering over 100 in one “family gathering.” These are called cities!

Day 3 (Monday)

Activities at Pousada Trijunção

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Day 4 (Tuesday)

Activities at Pousada Trijunção

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Today we will spend another full day exploring the areas surrounding the lodge. Among the MUST- DO activities is a tour with Onçafari in search of the maned wolf!

Request the full itinerary and pricing HERE or email info@satedventures.com 

Day 5 (Wednesday)

Pousada Trijunção to Brasília

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Today we will enjoy our last morning at the lodge before transferring via private land transfer to our hotel in Brasilia. The approximate driving time is 5 hours. Accommodations included again at the Royal Tulip Alvorada.

Day 6 (Thursday)

Cuiabá to Campo Grande and transfer to Caiman Lodge, South Pantanal

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Breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, we will transfer from our hotel in Brasília to the airport for our flight to Campo Grande. Airport arrival in Campo Grande, where we will be met by an English-speaking guide who will help get us acquainted with our transfer and then we will proceed with driver only to the South Pantanal. The total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours. Here we will have a lot of contact with the local fauna and flora while we make excursions and walks, always accompanied by a professional naturalist guide. The lodge activities start early in the morning taking advantage of the best time to appreciate the wildlife. Then we return to have lunch and rest, and when the sun goes down a bit and the temperature decreases, it is time to go out again to explore and enjoy the sunset.

REFUGIO ECOLÓGICO CAIMAN - Casa Caiman Double Suite

Here we will have a lot of contact with the local fauna and flora while we make excursions and walks, always accompanied by a professional naturalist guide. The lodge activities start early in the morning taking advantage of the best time to appreciate the wildlife. Then we return to have lunch and rest, and when the sun goes down a bit and the temperature decreases, it is time to go out again to

explore and enjoy the sunset. Included - lunch and dinner at Caiman Lodge, afternoon shared activity at Caiman lodge with English speaking guide.

Day 7 (Friday)

Caiman Lodge, South Pantanal

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Full day Onçafari Jaguar Safari- 8h:

Today we will go out with the Onçafari team, who monitor and protect the Jaguars in the region, and accompany them on their daily activities in search of the illusive Jaguar. The team spends a vast amount of time searching for these animals and for clues that will point them in the right direction when the nocturnal Jaguars get active as the sun sets down in the horizon. The team will check previously set camera traps for any signs of them, look for tracks on the ground, try to locate kills that the Jaguars might have made during the previous night, check satellite data that follow the collared Jaguars and even search them via a receiver that can capture VHF signals emitted by their collars. You may have a chance to experience tracking on foot with the expertly African trained trackers, to see firsthand pictures taken by the camera traps and experience all the technological features available to the team. Once a sign of the animal is found we will attempt to locate it in order to further understand the habits of these animals. Your group can be part of this amazing experience.

Day 8 (Saturday)

Caiman Lodge, South Pantanal

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Today we will continue exploring the areas surrounding Caiman Lodge as per the daily schedule and our interests. At our lodge, various activities are defined according to our preferences at the time of check in and according to weather conditions. We can choose hikes along the trails that surround the lodging, a photographic safari in special vehicles to reach more distant territories or by jeep to get in direct contact with the animals that inhabit the Pantanal.

We will also have the opportunity to paddle canoes through the river and flooded areas, where we can discover different species of animals and maybe we will meet the alligator! At night it is a goodtime to go out and look for them, because their eyes reflect the light of the lantern and it is easier to identify them. If we feel like it, we can also hire other optional activities such as bicycle rides and bird

Watching.

Day 9 (Sunday)

Caiman Lodge to Bonito

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After breakfast, we will be met by a private vehicle and driver and transfer to Bonito. The total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

HOTEL SANTA ESMERALDA - Bungalow with Terrace Double

Santa Esmeralda Hotel, nestled on the banks of the crystal-clear Formoso River, is a proud member of the Roteiros de Charme. Located 17 km from downtown Bonito, the hotel sits in an ecological paradise, accessible via a scenic route. The unpretentious service and ambiance reflect the natural beauty of the region. Guests can relax in the spacious living area with a fireplace, enjoy TVs with

Sky satellite, or unwind at the cozy bar and restaurant. The hotel also features an in-ground swimming pool with a wooden deck. Santa Esmeralda boasts 19 suites, each equipped with split air conditioning (hot/cold), hairdryer, minibar, living area, and terrace with a hammock, offering privileged views of the surrounding fields and forests. Included - accommodations with half board (breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner).

Day 10 (Monday)

Rio da Prata and Buraco das Aaras (Macaw's hole), Bonito

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Breakfast at your hotel. The tour starts with a walk through the forest near to Olho d'Água and Prata rivers. The route passes through centuries-old trees and it is possible to see several species of birds and mammals. Upon arriving at the source of the Olho D'Água River, a immense natural pool of crystalline waters, the guide will help everyone to equip themselves with mask and snorkel and to train the flotation for the exploration of the surroundings. A gentle current calmly takes visitors for a tour in the underwater world, inhabited by dozens of species of fish and aquatic plants. Are about 2 km of route, until the meeting of the rivers Olho D'Água and Prata. Upon returning to the headquarters of the farm, a

delicious lunch, typically from Mato Grosso do Sul, will be waiting for you.

Amid the Cerrado we find a dolina (depression formed by landslides), a huge sandstone crater with 120m depth, diameter of 500m and its beauty and exuberance, which many birds, especially the Red Macaws, adopted as a natural habitat. From May to December is the breeding period of birds, so they remain mostly in the PRNP area, with very particular fauna and flora, its own ecosystem and a large pond inhabited by alligators. This is a unique experience where will get to be surprised by exotic and amazing natural phenomena and beauty.

Fact: the Pantanal is Jaguar paradise – The Pantanal has one of the highest jaguar densities in the world, and you can sometimes spot them swimming across rivers!

Day 11 (Tuesday)

Free day in Bonito

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Breakfast at your hotel. Aqua Trekking in the Salobra River Canyon begins with an exciting hike along a trail that winds its way through the imposing canyon, amidst completely preserved forest. During the 7 km (seven kilometers, round trip) journey, visitors are guided by crystal-clear waters, breathtaking landscapes

and rocky walls that reach over 80 meters in height. The route includes several bathing stops in places of unique beauty, providing an experience of intense connection with nature. With a medium level of difficulty, the walk follows rustic trails along the banks of the Salobra River. In some stretches, it will be necessary to wade through the waters of the river, which adds a touch of adventure and fun to the tour, making it even more unforgettable. After the hike, enjoy a local and delicious lunch before departing back to Bonito. Total trail time: 5 hours, including 6 stops for swimming. Type of terrain: Rustic trail with stairs.

Day 12 (Wednesday)

Bonito to Campo Grande and flight home

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Breakfast at your hotel. At the appropriate time, according to our flight schedule, we will be met by a private driver and transferred to Campo Grande for your departure flight home. The total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours. Safe travels home!

Want to learn more about the world’s largest tropical wetland?

Request the full itinerary and pricing HERE or email info@satedventures.com