7 Nights · 8 DaysPantanal Essence

Authentic Hospitality & Genuine Pantanal Culture

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Experience the remarkable biodiversity of the Southern Pantanal on a journey that combines two authentic traditional lodges in the Aquidauana and Negro River regions. Discover extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the region’s iconic brackish lakes, which make this part of the Pantanal so unique.

Together, these two regions offer the perfect introduction to the true essence of the Pantanal, revealing the diversity of its habitats, wildlife, and natural beauty.

Carefully curated for birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers, this itinerary provides exceptional wildlife encounters while combining genuine Pantaneiro hospitality with comfortable accommodations.

Itinerary

  • Meet and greet at Campo Grande Airport and transfer to Pousada Pequi in the Aquidauana region. Afternoon introduction to the Pantanal with your first wildlife excursion.

    Overnight · Pousada Pequi (D)

  • Full day of birdwatching and wildlife activities. The Aquidauana region lies within a fascinating transition zone between the Pantanal wetlands and the Cerrado savanna, creating ideal conditions for a rich diversity of wildlife. Throughout the trip, two activities are offered each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Night drives can also be arranged at both lodges.

    Activities may include:

    • Birdwatching excursions
    • Boat safaris
    • Wildlife drives
    • Walking trails
    • Horseback riding (optional)
    • Photography opportunities around the lodge

    Overnight · Pousada Pequi (B, L, D)

  • Another full day exploring the diverse habitats surrounding the lodge.

    Target species may include:

    • Hyacinth Macaw
    • Toco Toucan
    • Jabiru
    • Blaze-winged Parakeet
    • Great Rufous Woodcreeper
    • Red-legged Seriema
    • Giant Anteater
    • Capybara

    Overnight · Pousada Pequi (B, L, D)

  • After breakfast, enjoy a road transfer to the town of Aquidauana (approximately 50 minutes), where your pilot and aircraft will be waiting for a spectacular panoramic flight to Hotel Barra Mansa. As you fly over the Southern Pantanal, admire the breathtaking mosaic of freshwater and brackish lakes that define the Nhecolândia region, along with the beautiful Negro River. This scenic flight offers a rare opportunity to appreciate one of the Pantanal’s most distinctive and best-preserved landscapes from above before landing at the lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before setting out on your first wildlife excursion to explore this remote and remarkably pristine region, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and striking natural beauty.

    Overnight · Hotel Barra Mansa (B, L, D)

  • Full day exploring one of the most scenic areas of the Negro River region. The activities here are similar, but you will now be discovering different landscapes, a new river, and a new region. The combination of rivers, forests, and wetlands attracts an impressive diversity of birdlife and mammals.

    Activities include:

    • Birdwatching walks
    • Boat excursions
    • Jeep safari
    • Canoeing on the river
    • Horseback riding (optional)

    Overnight · Hotel Barra Mansa (B, L, D)

  • A final full day dedicated to exploring the region’s most productive habitats. Farewell dinner at the lodge.

    Excellent opportunities for:

    • Kingfishers
    • Toucans
    • Herons
    • Raptors
    • Giant river otters
    • Black skimmers
    • Photography from boats and trails

    Overnight · Hotel Barra Mansa (B, L, D)

  • After one final morning activity, perhaps a sunrise walk followed by a hearty breakfast, your journey back to Campo Grande begins. As you travel through different regions of the Pantanal, you’ll witness the ever-changing landscapes and distinctive characteristics of this remarkable ecosystem. If you’re fortunate, you may encounter a traditional cattle drive along the way, with Pantaneiro cowboys on horseback and mules guiding hundreds of cattle across the plains. Using horns to communicate and direct the herd, they continue a centuries-old tradition that remains an integral part of life in the Pantanal. Witnessing this authentic cultural spectacle is a memorable experience and a fitting conclusion to your time in the region. Arrival at your hotel in Campo Grande is expected in the late afternoon, before dinner. We will be happy to recommend some of the city’s excellent restaurants for your evening. (B, L)

    Overnight · Campo Grande

  • Transfer to Campo Grande Airport (CGR) according to your flight schedule.

Highlights

  • Hyacinth and blue-and-yellow macaws all together
  • More than 400 bird species recorded throughout the region
  • Exceptional birdwatching opportunities
  • Expert local birding guides
  • Wildlife photography opportunities
  • Pantanal wetlands, Nhecolândia region and Cerrado savanna influences
  • Boat safaris on both the Aquidauana and Negro rivers
  • Comfortable historic lodges hosted by pioneering Pantaneiro families
  • Authentic regional cuisine and hospitality

Lodges

Northern Aquidauana Region

Pousada Pequi

Negro River Region

Hotel Barra Mansa

Ideal For

  • Birdwatchers
  • Wildlife Photographers
  • Nature Enthusiasts
  • First-Time Visitors to the Pantanal
  • Couples
  • Small Groups

A journey through some of South America’s richest wildlife habitats, revealing the extraordinary diversity of the Southern Pantanal and beyond.

Target species

  • Hyacinth Macaw
  • Blue-and-yellow Macaw
  • Toco Toucan
  • Jabiru
  • Blaze-winged Parakeet
  • Great Rufous Woodcreeper
  • Red-legged Seriema
  • Giant Anteater
  • Capybara
  • Giant River Otter
  • 400+ Bird Species

What’s Included

  • All road and air transfers from and back to Campo Grande, as well as between the lodges
  • Full-board accommodation (not including alcoholic beverages and soft drinks)
  • Daily guided activities
  • Expert local guides
  • Pantanal Wings travel assistance
  • Exclusive experience curation

What’s Not Included

  • Domestic flights to and from Campo Grande
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Laundry services at the lodges
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

Also Available as 4-Day Experiences

For travelers with limited time, Pantanal Wings offers shorter versions of the Pantanal Essential collection, featuring carefully selected 3-night, 4-day stays in exceptional lodges.

Perfect for:

  • First-time visitors to the Pantanal
  • Long weekend escapes
  • Extensions before or after other Brazilian destinations
  • Birdwatching and wildlife photography enthusiasts

Why Travel with Pantanal Wings?

Because we know the Pantanal beyond the maps.

We create tailor-made experiences that connect our guests with the people, landscapes, and stories that make this region truly unique. Every itinerary is crafted with deep local knowledge, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for wildlife and conservation.

Plan Your Journey

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Contact Pantanal Wings and receive a personalized proposal for your next wildlife adventure.

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“Authentic wildlife experiences crafted with local knowledge and a passion for nature.”