For more information,
contact us at
1-888-203-7464 or by email
at info@pibird.com.
Brazil from Cuiaba:  Pantanal, Rio Cristalino and More

Trips to this part of Brazil with Lelis have found well nearly 480 species in two
weeks with around 420 species seen by the group.   From Cuiaba, you can reach
great birding in three very different locations.
  • The Pantanal is about 1 to 2 hours drive.  
  • The only quick access to Rio Cristalino is from Cuiaba and then to Alta
    Floresta by plane.
  • Chapada dos Guiamares National Park is another 2 or 3 hour drive from
    Cuiaba, and this extension usually fills up and offers participants more
    productive birding.

Our typical base trip from Cuiaba includes eight days of birding and wildlife
watching. The trip starts with three days of birding and wildlife watching in Brazil's
Pantanal.  Our plans use well these three days, crossing the three key habitats in
the area.  Another five days are then spent birding and wildlife watching in the top
spot for birding in the Amazonian Rainforest (Rio Cristalino).  A brief and then more
detailed full itinerary can be found below.  A full bird list is available upon request.

Extension Note:  A three day extension is available for additional productive birding
near Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park.

Note:  Full trip reports are available upon request, and include lists of bird species
seen at these locations.
Photo by Lelis Navarrete.
Typical Brief Itinerary for Pantanal and Rio Cristaliono

Flight In:  Fly into Sao Paulo then to Cuiaba.  Some travellers prefer the ease
of flying into Sao Paolo the day before.  Others are happy to take the
overnight flight and arrive into Sao Paolo the first day of the trip.  Booking
flights for groups together into Cuiaba can be complicated though a number
of options are available.  Our goal will be to get you to Cuiaba by the start of
the trip at the least possible cost to you.  Please call us before booking your
flight to Brazil to minimize additional lodging and transfers and to maximize
birding on the trip.  

From Cuiaba Three Days in the Pantanal:  We begin our journey into the
Pantanal and to the Fazenda Pousa Allegre Reserve for two or three
days.  Our travels will include numerous birding and wildlife stops, as we
travel through the Pantanal.   We will explore the Pantanal's key habitats of
marshes, islands of forests, and grasslands with different routes each day.  
Wildlife is rich in the area, and your guide will help you get on many new bird
species each day.  We will easily find Hyacinth Macaws.  Numerous other
species of macaws, parrots and parakeets, toucans, trogons, woodpeckers,
birds of prey, and hummingbirds are abundant.  Water birds are impossible to
miss and many species will be seen well.  (More details can be found below
and a complete bird list for the trip is available.)

On Years (4 out of 5) with Harpy Eagle on Nest at Curripira das Araras:  After
we continue our Pantanal travels in the morning, we will head towards a
nearby ranch with very nice lodging and an opportunity to find Harpy Eagle.  
The habitat here is a transition between the Pantanal and the foothills, thus
new species can more easily be found here (including a number of Atlantic
Forest species).  

Travel to Rio Cristalino:  After wrapping up birding in the morning, we will
have time for some additional bird watching before we head back to Cuiaba.  
From Cuiaba airport we fly to Alta Floresta and begin our exploration of the
Amazonian Rainforest.  After lunch at the Amazonica Hotel, we will head
towards the Rio Cristalino Jungle Lodge.

Five Days More:  Amazonian Rainforest and Rio Cristalino Jungle
Lodge:  The Rio Cristalino Lodge is situated along the confluence of the Rio
Cristalino and Teles-Pires Rivers at the southern edge of the Amazonian
Rain Forest.  With 570 bird species found in the are, this is one of the best
birding locations in the Neotropical Rain Forest.  This famous resort offers
superb Brazilian cuisine and a mega diverse array of birds. Over our five day
visit to the area, we will be able to select new routes and trails, taking
advantage of different microhabitats and locations to maximize our
opportunity to find new species each day.  (More details can be found below
or contact us for a complete bird list.)  

Transfer from Alta Floresta and Back to Cuiaba:  After birding all morning
near a productive birding spot in a forested area near the Hotel in Alta
Floresta, we will head back to Cuiaba that afternoon.  Some participants may
choose to finish the main trip here, and fly back to Sao Paolo the next
morning (depending on flight plans).

Extension to Chapada dos Guiamares for 3 Days:  The first four participants
signed up for the trip have decided to enjoy a four day extension to Chapada
dos Guimaraes National Park.  This this opportunity to extend the trip is very
affordable, taking advantage of a great opportunity for additional productive
birding with Lelis.
More Detailed Itinerary for Pantanal and Rio Cristalino Trip

Day 1:  Arrival into Sao  Paulo and Then Cuiaba
  • Fly into Sao Paulo on either the morning of Day 1 or the day before.  If day
    before, we will put you up at a nice hotel close to the airport.  Lelis will
    likely be there, and he will point you towards some good nearby birding.
  • Most participants will arrive in Sao Paolo in the morning, and we will
    arrange a flight to Cuiaba that day just afternoon.  Please try to arrive by 8
    AM, so we can enjoy a little birding at the airport before heading to Cuiaba.
  • If internal flights can be arranged well, we may catch some late afternoon
    birding in the Pantanal before supper.

Learn more about our three full days in the Pantanal below the Bare-faced
Currassow as the itinerary is continued.
Photo by Lelis Navarrete.
Detailed Itinerary Continued:  Pantanal:  Three Days

Days 2 to 4:  Brazil's Pantanal
  • On Day 2 and 3, we will begin with early morning birding at the Fazenda
    Pouso Alegre or some other spot near the lodge.  On most days, we will
    be able to allow participants a choice of excellent early morning birding
    or catching up on their rest.  Bird watching and wild life watching from
    the lodge grounds is good at almost any time, including good chances
    to see Hyacinth Macaws.
  • A number of good birding routes and trails will be available each day.  
    Lelis will select the best routes and choices based upon the weather,
    road quality and the interests of the group participants.  Throughout the
    Pantanal, we will bird in marshes and wetlands, grasslands and
    islands of forested areas.
  • The Pantanal Brasileiro is one of the most amazing habitats in South
    America and is home to a wide variety and interesting groups of bird
    species.  The bird watching will be complemented by countless sights
    of different species of mammals.
  • Some of the bird species we will be looking for include Greater Reha,  
    Maguari Stork, Jabiru, Bare-faced Curassaw, Chaco Chachalaca,
    Chestnut-bellied Guan, Rusty-margined Guan, Ash-throated Crake,
    Picazuro Pigeon, Long-tailed Ground-Dove, Scaled Dove, Hyacinth
    Macaw, Golden-collared Macaw, Black-hooded Parakeet, Buff-bellied
    Hermit, Ruby Topaz, Gilded Hummingbird, Campo Flicker, White
    Woodpecker,  Pale-crested Woodpecker, Great-rufous Woodcreeper,
    Planalto Woodcreeper, Red-billed Scythebill, Choty Spinetail,  White-
    lored Spinetail, Gray-crested Cacholote, Matogrosso Antbird, Long-
    billed Antwren, Black-chinned Antbird, White-rumped Monjita, Green-
    backed Becard, and White-naped Xenopsaris  among others.
  • Lelis will lead at least one night time outing which will likely result in
    good views of nearby owls, potoos and nightjars (including Rufous
    Nightjar).

  • On the second day in the Pantanal, we will relay upon Lelis' sound
    judgement on the best way to maximize our opportunities to see new
    bird species and wildlife.  Lelis will select the best routes and choices
    based upon the weather, road quality and the interests of the group
    participants.
  • Many trips in this area add Black-fronted Nunbirds, Guira Cuckoo,
    Southern Screamer, Blue-throated Piping-Guan, and maybe a real gem
    like the Surucua Trogan.  
  • At some point, we will likely find Hyacinth macaws, the largest parrots in
    the world.  They live on the reserve and are easily seen in trees
    surrounding the lodge at which we are staying. Some of the species we
    are likely to see include White-headed Marsh-Tyrant, Scarlet-headed
    Blackbird, Whistling Heron, and many more.  For half the year (including
    during our visit) the area also has a tremendous concentration of water
    birds, including numerous heron species and storks.  A full list of bird
    species for this area is available.
  • There are plenty possibilities to see other mammalian wildlife including
    Black Howler Monkey, Giant Anteater, Crab-eating Fox, Giant Otter,
    South American River Otter, Jaguarondi, Ocelot,  Puma, Tapir, Marsh
    Deer, Pampas Deer, and Capybara.

  • On Day 4 on the trip, the morning will present another opportunity to
    explore the Pantanal.  Based upon group interest (in terms of timing),
    we will head towards another nearby location that day.  This location is
    famous for Harpy Eagle and hopefully the birds will be nesting nearby.  
    After spending some time birding this Pantanal to foothills transition
    area, we will reach Currupira das Araras for lodging that evening.  

  • On Day 5 of the trip, we will begin with early morning birding at the
    Curripira das Araras before leaving for the airport at about 9:30 AM.
  • We will need to be in Cuibaba to catch our flights starting at 11:30 AM,
    but this leaves plenty of time for enjoying bird watching in the morning.

See more on our trip as we continue for five days of bird watching in the
Amazonian Rainforest.  The itinerary is continued just to the right of the
Hyancinth Macaws below.
Itinerary Continued in Amazonian Rainforest for Five Days at Rio Cristalino

Days 6 to 10:  Amazonian Rainforest and Rio Cristalino
  • On Day 5, we will take a short flight from Cuibaba to Alta Floresta.
  • Upon arrival we will take a short ride to visit Alta Floresta Hotel (run by the same owners that Rio Cristalino reserve) to rest for a
    while and have lunch before continuing with our journey to Rio Cristalino Lodge.

  • The Cristalino Lodge and the Alta Floresta Forest are located in the southern edge of the Amazonian Rain Forest with 570 bird
    species.  This is one of the best birding locations in the Neotropical Rain Forest.  The Rio Cristalino Lodge is situated along
    the confluence of the Rio Cristalino and Teles-Pires Rivers.  This famous resort offers superb Brazilian cuisine and a mega
    diverse array of birds and other wildlife.  Days 6 to 9 provide four full days to explore these areas.

  • As well as being known as one of the greatest rainforest sites for bird watching in South America, the Rio Cristalino area
    includes many microhabitats with various well developed trails, allowing easy access to them.  Over our four day visit, we will
    be able to select new routes and trails, taking advantage of different microhabitats and locations to maximize our opportunity to
    find new species each day.  Some of the trails that we will be visiting will be have an opportunity to enjoy include  Serra Trail,
    Canopy Tower Trail, Borboletas Trail, Haffer Trail, Rochas Trail, Ilha do Cardoso Trail, Castanheira Trail, Cacao Trail, and
    Bananeira Trail.  The Teles-Pires River by itself creates a barrier holding sister species in each side of its margins including
    not only birds species but also monkeys and other fantastic wildlife.  The birding and choices here are terrific and choosing the
    best route for each day will leave most participants wanting to stay longer.
  • We will also enjoy the always breathtaking and very rewarding boat rides along Rio Cristalino and Teles-Pires Rivers.
  • With easy access to different habitats close to the lodge, short productive early morning trips will allow us to visit the Canopy
    Tower, Terra Firme Forest (second growth), the Serra (a rocky outcrop) and perhaps a river island early in the morning.  Those
    needing to rest up can join the group after breakfast on most days.
  • Some of the most interesting birds, which we will be looking for, include Zigzag Heron, Dark-winged Trumpeter, White-browed
    Hawk, the recently described  Cryptic Forest Falcon, Razor-billed Curassow, Hellmyer’s Parakeet, the endemic Kawall’s Parrot,
    Pavonine Cuckoo, Black-banded Owl, Blue-necked Jacamar, Paradise Jacamar, Brown-banded Puffbird, Collared Puffbird,
    Spotted Puffbird, Black-girdled Barbet, Black-necked Aracari, Gould’s Toucanet, Curl-crested Aracari, Curve-billed Scythebill,
    Cabani’s Spinetail, Chestnut-throated Spinetail, Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Peruvian Recurvebill, the endemic Glossy Antshrike,
    Manu Antbird, Wing-banded Antbird, Variegated Antpitta, Spotted Antpitta, Pompadour Cotinga, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Fiery-
    capped Manakin, Ringed Antpitpit, Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant, Tooth-billed Wren, Guanianan Gnatcatcher, Gray-chested Greenlet
    and  Red-billed Pied Tanager among others.
  • All of these different habitats, various good trails and boat rides, and Lelis’ leadership and expertise will help the group find
    over 200 new species for the trip in this area.  Some of the additional species we will may find include Violaceous Quail-Dove,
    Crimson-bellied Parakeet, Golden-winged Parakeet, Red-fan Parrot, Pheasant  Cuckoo, Ocellated Poorwill, Silky-tailed
    Nightjar, Red-necked Aracari, the endemic Uniform Woodcreeper, Olive-backed (Para) Foliage-gleaner, Natterer's Slaty
    Antshrike, Bare-eyed Antbird, Spotted Antpitta, Cinnamon-crested Spadebill, Spangled Cotinga, Flame-crowned Manakin, Red-
    headed Manakin, Blue-backed Manakin, Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak, White-winged Shrike-Tanager, Flame-crested Tanager,
    the extremely rare White-bellied Dacnis and the Rose-breasted Chat.  A list of birds found on similar trips is available upon
    request.

Day 10:  Departure from Rio Cristalino
  • After birding all morning, we will take lunch at the Alta Floresta hotel before catching our afternoon flight to Cuiaba.  The Hotel
    not only offers a beautiful place to spend the night, but also offers some good birding in the big forest patch just behind the
    Hotel.  Each trip adds a number of new species after birding in this patch.  The patch is reliable for Crimson-bellied Parakeet,
    Black-girdled Barbet and at times Rufous-necked Puffbird, and Collared Puffbird.  The patch has recently had a nesting Harpy
    Eagle.

  • From Cuiaba, late flights can be taken to Sao Paolo and perhaps international flights home that night (or the next day).  Do note
    that booking internal flights in Brazil should be completed before finalizing your international flights.  Internal flights in Brazil are
    often complicated.

  • Most participants will continue to the Chapada dos Guimaraes extension trip.

See Chapada dos Guimaraes extension description below.  To right of Red Pileated Finch found in this area.
Chapada dos Guimaraes Extension:  Three Days
with Lelis Navarrete

Note:  Nearly all participants, after reviewing the trip report from this
fantastic area with beautiful water falls and protected Cerrado
habitat, sign up for the extension.  

Day 1 of Extension and Day 10 of Main Trip:   After getting in from
Cuiaba, the extension group will depart from the main trip participants
for Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park at pleasant local hotel in that
area.  

Day 2 and 3 of the Extension:  
  • Each morning, we will leave the charming hotel area for an
    opportunity for early morning bird watching.  
  • Throughout the day, we will enjoy the steep canyons and
    waterfalls and eye-level views of several high flying species.  
    With plenty of good roads and trails inside the forest, these will
    continue to be a few more days of great birding.
  • The nice temperature and the mild winds blowing through
    Chapada usually create the right conditions for a pleasant
    afternoon of bird watching, as well.
  • The Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park is located in the
    State of Mato Grosso and was created to protect the Cerrado
    habitat in an uplifted plateau.
  • The area is dominated by the Cerrado habitat with a few patches
    of forest.  This mix creates additional opportunities to find new
    bird species for the trip.  Some of the species we may see
    include the Red-winged Tinamou, Rusty-margined Guan, Red-
    legged Seriema, Scaled Pigeon, Blue-winged Macaw, Pearly-
    breasted Cuckoo, Great Dusky Swift, Biscutate Swift, Planalto
    Hermit, Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, White-vented Violet-ear,
    Dot-eared Coquette, Frilled Coquette, Horned Sungem, Amethyst
    Woodstar, Toco Toucan, Green-barred Woodpecker, Rufous-
    winged Antshrike, Large-billed Antwren, Collared Crescent-
    Chest, Planalto Tyrannulet, Chapada Suiriri, Rufous-sided
    Pygmy-Tyrant, Southern Antpipit, Cliff Flycatcher, Helmeted
    Manakin, Fiery-capped Manakin, Band-tailed Manakin, Curl-
    crested Jay, Coal-crested Finch, Green-winged Saltator, Black-
    throated Saltator, Yellow-billed Blue-Finch, White-banded
    Tanager and White-rumped Tanager.

Final Day of Extension:  After some early morning birding with Lelis, the
group will head to the Cuiaba airport for a mid day flight to Sao Paolo
(arriving at about 4 PM).  Nearly all participants should be able to catch a
late night flight home that night.
Photo by Lelis Navarrete.
Photo by Lelis Navarrete.
Spectacular Brazil:  
Pantanal, Rio Cristalino and More
Scheduled Trips to Brazil
including Pantanal and Rio
Cristalino in 2012:

June 5 to 14, 2012:  Spectacular Brazil Trip to Pantanal and Rio
Cristalino with Lelis Navarrete.  Trip includes includes Pantanal, Rio
Cristalino and Curripira das Araras.  Extension to Chapada dos Guimaraes
National Park and other Brazil options.   
      Note:  This trip combines well with an Atlantic Forest Brazil trip from May
      27 to June 5, 2012.

July 14 to 23, 2012:  Pantanal Spectacular with Xavier Munoz.  This is a
ten day Pantanal trip focused on birding and other wildlife.  See more on our
Pantanal Spectacular website.

Extensions to the Atlantic Forest from this Trip:
Photo by Bud Johnson.
Photo by Lelis Navarrete.

Notes on Booking Flights for This Trip:

Getting all the group on the same internal flights saves a lot of time for bird watching with Lelis.  However, booking
internal flights in Brazil can be very tricky due to long circular routes around the country and flight availability.

As soon as a trip reaches the minimum number, we will give ask for a further deposit so that we can book internal
flights.  Once these flights are booked, then you should book your international flights.

If you want to book your international flights first, please call us so that we can advise you the best way to do this.  
Flying in early and/or late is usually best, but this can result in additional lodging costs in either Cuiaba or Sao Paolo.   
Booking international flights first may also leave you at risk for changing your international flight plans (and the
airlines will charge you for this privilege in most every situation.  

Trip participants with patience in this process usually minimize their flight costs.

Booking your trip early will help all participants get better flight arrangements and pricing.  Please let us know if you
are interested in birding in the Pantanal and/or Rio Cristalino.  Email charles@pibird.com or call direct at
720-320-1974.
Photo by Lelis Navarrete.
Photo by Bud Johnson.
Photo by Bud Johnson.
Photo by Bud Johnson.
Photo by Bud Johnson.