High plateau, snorkeling in clear rivers, the Pantanal, and an overnight stay on a riverboat with a jaguar tour

Day 1: Cuiabá Airport – Chapada dos Guimarães (2 nights)

After your arrival at the airport, your guide will meet you holding a UeSo Lodge sign. Together, you’ll head out on a 70-kilometre drive to Chapada dos Guimarães – a striking region northeast of Cuiabá, located on a rocky plateau at 836 metres above sea level.  This landscape features deep canyons, flat-topped mountains, hidden caves, clear rivers, and waterfalls. Chapada forms its own ecosystem, lying between the Amazon to the north and the Pantanal to the south. Once in Chapada, you’ll check in at one of our partner lodges. Lunch is arranged flexibly based on your arrival time. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Mirante viewpoint for wide-open views across the highlands – standing right at the geographical centre of South America. A varied hike takes you to sandstone towers shaped by millions of years of erosion. The walk continues through rugged terrain and across the plateau. Depending on the season and current park regulations, additional highlights may be included – subject to park opening times, which can change at short notice. In the evening, you’ll return to Chapada dos Guimarães for a relaxed dinner. The rest of the evening is free.


Day 2: Chapada dos Guimarães

After a hearty breakfast, you visit the region’s most famous waterfall – the impressive «Veu de Noiva» or «Bride’s Veil», dropping nearly 70 metres down a steep cliff. The fine mist and dramatic setting make it one of the icons of Chapada dos Guimarães.  Back in the village, a typical regional lunch is waiting for you. After a short siesta, you head out again to explore the plateau on foot. Walk through a landscape of sandstone formations and wide-open views. In the evening, you return to the lodge and enjoy a relaxed dinner.

Day 3: Chapada dos Guimarães – Lodge in Nobres (1 night)

After breakfast, you continue your journey to our partner lodge in Bom Jardim. The 150-kilometre drive takes about two hours. Once you arrive, a hearty lunch is served.  In the afternoon, you explore the lush vegetation along the waterways, with shrubs and leafy trees all around. Equipped with snorkelling gear, you enter a crystal-clear spring pool teeming with underwater life. You may spot pintado, dorado, and various types of colourful aquarium fish – and even small freshwater stingrays resting on the sandy bottom. Afterwards, you float gently down the river, taking in the tropical scenery from a different perspective. Later in the afternoon, a short trip brings you to the Laguna das Araras, another natural highlight. This is a great spot for birdwatching – look out for macaws, parrots, storks, and herons. You return to the lodge in time for dinner and enjoy a relaxed evening.


Day 4: Lodge in Nobres – UeSo Pantanal Lodge (2 nights)

After breakfast, you begin your journey towards Poconé. On the way, there’s a stop at a gas station for a snack or a refreshing coffee.  Once you’ve passed the former gold mining town of Poconé, you continue along the world-famous Transpantaneira highway, heading towards the UeSo Pantanal Lodge. Along the way, you make a few stops to observe wildlife and explore the diverse plant life. After checking in at the lodge, a buffet lunch awaits you, followed by a restful break. In the late afternoon, you head out on a walk through the surrounding forests. With a bit of luck, you may spot various bird species, capuchin monkeys, or even howler monkeys. The day ends with a delicious buffet dinner at the lodge.