THE PANTANAL, BRAZIL'S WETLAND WILDERNESS
and the Atlantic Forests
with Amazon Pre-trip

This tour visits three entirely different regions of vast Brazil. Atlantic Rainforest Itatiaia Park is in the Serra do Mar Mountains, just 70 miles from Rio. We'll walk beautiful trails between 1500 and 7000 feet, beside waterfalls and across meadows in the alpine zone. Butterflies, orchids, tanagers and toucanets are specialties.

Near Brazil's SW border lies the Pantanal, the world's largest wetland, and the best place in South America to see large animals like Marsh Deer, Giant Anteater, Capybara, Black Howler Monkey, Anaconda and even Jaguar. Drying pools concentrate Jabiru Storks and a hundred other waterbirds, and raptors and parrots like Hyacinth Macaw abound on higher islands.

Famed Rio Cristalino Jungle Lodge is our home in the Amazon. The large rivers that meet here isolate species creating great diversity. On trails, by boat and canoe we'll search for Tapir, Giant Otter, monkeys, several macaws and 500 other flashy birds. Harpy Eagle is possible. There will be opportunities for swimming from pristine beaches. We will stay in a model lodge and environs that showcases the conservation value of ecotourism. We will also have a day and morning in Rio de Janeiro to take in the sights.

August 31 - September 15, 2008

GROUND COST: $3475

Amazon Pre trip:
August 26 - September 1, 2008
GROUND COST: $1475

LEADER: Marc Egger & Brazilian Naturalists

LIMIT: 14