The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland, a place where water and land blend seamlessly to create a dynamic and biodiverse ecosystem.  Larger than the entire country of Greece, yet mostly inaccessible, the Pantanal remains one of the true wilderness areas of the world.  

 

Why the Pantanal and Iguaçu?

 

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The Pantanal boasts one of the highest densities of jaguars in the world, offering rare opportunities to observe what is usually a very elusive big cat in its natural habitat.  More common are the endearing capybara, the world's largest rodent, often seen lounging by the riverbanks or swimming through the waters. The playful giant otters, with their curious eyes and social antics, are a delight to watch as they frolic in the rivers. And then there's the impressive array of birds: the striking blue of the hyacinth macaw, the tallest stork in South America, the jabiru, with its commanding presence, and the vibrant toucans, their large beaks adding splashes of color to the canopy.

Reptile enthusiasts will find the Pantanal equally captivating. The yacare caiman, often seen basking in the sun or gliding through the water, and the hard to spot green anaconda, one of the largest snakes in the world, contribute to the region's rich tapestry of life. The waters themselves are alive with the flicker of piranhas and the chorus of frogs and toads that thrive in this humid paradise.

CNH Tours, in cooperation with a local expert, has organized a small group trip to this lesser known wilderness area.  We'll spend 4 full days exploring the wetland on our own chartered river cruise, allowing us to go where few others can.  We'll add a few days at remote yet comfortable lodges, giving us a chance to stretch legs and do some ground exploration.  We add a visit to Iguaçu Falls (another UNESCO World Heritage site) prior to our Pantanal visit.   

 

 

Your accommodations

At Iguaçu (3 nights)

The very comfortable Hotel das Cataratas of the Belmond group (it doesn't get better than that).  We feel that after a very long trip, you will doubly appreciate the comfort here.  No corners are cut for you.  BONUS:  It's the only hotel in the park. Hotel guests are the only people allowed to wander in the park after hours.   

 

Into the Pantanal - Southeast sector (2 nights)

After Iguaçu, we head off into the wilderness - we hope you didn't get used to the luxury.... though still comfortable, accommodation options in the Pantanal are a little more on the rustic side.  Our home is the Pousada Aguapé, owned by the same family for over 150 years.  

 

Pantanal River Cruise (5 nights)

The Akaia is a solid expedition river cruise ship that will take you to remote places in a good deal of comfort (but don't expect any polished brass / white gloves).  With 6 cabins, it accommodates 12 people.  All cabins have twin beds, with one of them being a bunk (3 beds / cabin).  The top bunk can be used to store luggage, clothes etc... Or accommodate a group of three of course.  All have air conditioning, windows and private ensuite bathrooms.  With the advent of Starlink - you'll also have internet service.  

 

 

 

 

Pantanal - Northern sector (2 nights)

Unlike our first Pantanal lodge, the Aymara lodge was purpose built to receive guests.  Located in the heart of the Aymara reserve, it's a classic Pantanal "boutique" lodge, with only 18 rooms, it retains a sense of intimacy with its forested surroundings.  Rustic - yet very comfortable. 

 

Sao Paolo (1 night)

After our amazing journey through the Pantanal, by road and boat, we end our trip as we started it - in a very comfortable Rosewood hotel , with a peaceful inner courtyard and a rooftop pool.  It's a perfect place to gather your thoughts and enjoy a bit of down time.  If you'd like to extend your stay here, let us know and we'll extend our special rates for you. 

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions & Insurance

RATES

Published voyage rates are quoted in US dollars and are based on passengers sharing accommodations. Once a deposit is received, your rate is locked in. 

RESERVATIONS

To confirm a booking a US$900 deposit per person is required. A 2nd deposit of $2,000 is due 10 months prior to the trip start date and the final balance is due 3 months prior to the trip start date. 

CANCELLATIONS / PAYMENTS

Payments are not reimbursable once the deadline for that payment has passed. In cases where payment is late, we reserve the right to treat the booking as canceled by you.  All payments may be made via cheque, direct deposit, wire transfer or VISA / Master Card (a transaction fee applies to credit cards).  Consider acquiring appropriate cancellation insurance that covers you in case you need to cancel.  

TRANSFERABILITY

The trip is entirely transferable.   Should you not be able to participate, you could transfer your trip to someone else, subject to CNH Tours approval.  Any payment made by you at th time of transfer would be applied to the account of the person taking your place.  While CNH Tours will not impose a transfer fee, there may be some charges imposed by services we have contracted (example: domestic flights).  These would be added to the account of the person to whom the trip would have been transferred.   

 ELIGIBILITY / PHYSICAL FITNESS

While you don't need to be an Olympian to join this trip, you should be prepared to spend a few hours per day on your feet.  There will be a few easy to moderate walks programmed during the trip - the longest being up to 5mi/8km.  Our walks are at a leisurely pace for the most part, as we are there to observe nature.  If you feel that a walking stick would be useful, do not hesitate to bring one. There are a few overland journeys on rough roads - some lasting as long as 2 hours.  We will be making stops during such journeys.  Your tour leader reserve the right to deny a guest participation in an activity if he/she feels that the guest would be at undue risk to him/herself or to others. 

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

CNH Tours strongly urges its guests to be fully vaccinated for any common communicable diseases such as COVID and the flu.  Should you come down with symptoms of such diseases in the two weeks prior to the trip date, we ask that you inform us and keep us posted on the situation.  Should you come down with such symptoms while on the trip. we will require that you see a doctor (at your expense) for an examination.  Your tour leader will help to arrange a visit.  

INSURANCE

All CNH Tours guests on this trip will benefit from a US$200,000 emergency medical evacuation coverage.  Any additional insurance, such as emergency medical to cover medical costs related to accidents or sudden illness while on the trip is recommended.  You may also want to consider acquiring trip cancellation / interruption insurance, which would reimburse all or part of your trip costs under certain circumstances.  There are other insurance products sold by travel insurance providers that you may want to consider.  

ITINERARY CHANGES

The itinerary as described on this website is the one we intend on following.  However, circumstances such as extreme weather events, labour strife etc. make can result in the need to modify the itinerary.  In such circumstances, the tour leader will be responsible for making alternative arrangements. In the event of such a change no refunds or price adjustments are possible. Placement of a booking with CNH Tours amounts to an acknowledgement that itinerary changes are possible.

WILDLIFE SPOTTING

While the Pantanal and Iguaçu Falls areas are rich in wildlife diversity and numbers, and while the chances of spotting the most iconic species found in these areas are good, no responsible travel company could guarantee that you will see them.  In joining this trip, you accept and understand that nothing is guaranteed.  Your guides will do their utmost to maximize your chances of spotting these such species.

VOYAGE CANCELLATION

In the unlikely event that a trip is cancelled by CNH Tours for any reason, CNH Tour's liability will be limited to the payments it will have received by the participants.  This will not include any costs assumed by our guests that are not invoiced by us (for example, airfare).  

TRIP LANGUAGE

Our trip will be conducted in English. Your guides are fluent in English and Portuguese.   

AUTHORITY

All guests are subject to instructions or regulations given by your guides. 

SMOKING

Smoking is not allowed inside any of the accommodations, restaurants nor in the transport.

RESPONSIBILITY

CNH Tours, the tour leader and participating local service providers shall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any vehicle operated or provided by such other provider; and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against CNH Tours or its service providers for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. 

By participating on a CNH Tours trip, the participant acknowledges these terms and conditions and certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. CNH Tours and its designated representatives reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant from a voyage or daily activity.  CNH Tours and its representatives / tour leader / service providers reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants. The tour leader has the right to restrict the activities of any guest whose behaviour results in a loss of enjoyment or the safety of other guests. 

Neither CNH Tours, nor its service providers shall be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non – refundable ticket to or from the participant’s departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

 

Terms and Conditions subject to change. 17 March 2025

 

What's included / Not included?

It's always important to be sure! 

 

INCLUDED

  • All transfers from airports to lodges and hotels starting on arrival in Iguaçu and ending at your Sao Paolo hotel
  • 2 domestic flights (Iguaçu to Campo Grande & Cuiaba to Sao Paolo), economy class (contact us for other options)
  • All the tours mentioned and excursions at the lodge, on the river boat
  • All the meals as stated (BLD)
  • 3 nights' accommodation in Iguaçu (luxury Cataratas hotel)
  • 2 nights' accommodation in South Pantanal (at Pousada Aguapé)
  • 5 nights' accommodation in private cruise (ship is chartered for our group only)
  • 2 nights' accommodation in North Pantanal (at Aymara Lodge)
  • 1 night's accommodation in São Paulo (luxury Rosewood hotel) 
  • Private English speaking guides
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance (US$200,000)
  • Carbon offsets

 

NOT INCLUDED

  • International airfare 
  • Airfare to Iguaçu
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • All other services stated as optional or not explicitly stated as included.