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Along with the Amazon Basis, the Pantanal is one of the last virgin areas on the face of earth. A huge lowland plain, it is entirely overgrown by luxuriant vegetation dotted by thousands of rainbow colored flowers which bloom during the rainy season (January - June). It shelters innumerable rivers and crystal clear lakes. Along their shores are rare species of animals such as jaguars, peccaries, bob-cats, wild boards etc.
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| ESSENCE OF THE AREA |
| The Amazon may have all the fame and glory, but the Pantanal is a far better place to see wildlife. In the Amazon, the animals hide in the heavy forest, but in the open spaces of Pantanal, wildlife is very visible. These are wetlands, vast alluvial plains. Pantanal (Nobody's Land) has few people and no towns.
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| RECOMMENDED STAY |
| Go during the dry season (from April to September/October). Best time for bird watching is July to September. Heavy rains falls in February and March.
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| EATING AND DRINKING |
| A local speciality, peixe urucum (fish whit cheese melted on top in a condensed milk sauce). It cost $10 but should be enought for two.
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| RECOMMENDED SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES |
| Ecological treks, photo safari, canoeing, horseback riding.
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| MUST SEE |
| This is a destination for bird lovers, but the pantanal is also a sanctuary for giant otters, anaconda and iguana, jaguar, ocelot, cougar, jacare, pampa and marsh deer, giant and collared anteater, black and gold howler monkey, zebu bull and capybara, the world's largest rodent.
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| RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS |
The Pantanal is divided in two parts:
Pantanal South-access by flying into Campo Grande.
Pantanal North-access by flying into Cuiaba.
Pantanal South:
Caiman Ecological Refuge: Access by flying into Campo Grande. There are regular transfers (vans with air-conditioning) from the Campo Grande airport to the Refugio Ecologico Caiman and back. The trip takes about 4 hours.
The Caiman Ecological Refuge has four comfortable, rustic lodges, which accommodate up to 73 people. With air conditioning, ceiling fan, private bathroom with hot water, 110 volts electric outlets, living rooms and swimming pool, the four lodges have independent infrastructures for meals, tours and guides.
Pantanal North:
Araras Lodge: Access by flying into Cuiba. Built in regional rustic style, it offers 15 air-conditioned standard rooms with screened windows, ceiling fans, private bathrooms (hot and cold water); a swimming pool with an adjoining covered area for meals, large verandas with hammocks, gift shop, bar, and restaurant. |
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