High Plateau Chapada, snorkelling in the crystal-clear river, and the Pantanal

Day 1: Cuiabá Airport - Chapada dos Guimarães (1 night)

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 - Nobres (1 night)

After breakfast, you continue your journey to the partner lodge in Bom Jardim. The 150-kilometre drive takes about two hours. Upon arrival at the lodge, a hearty lunch awaits you.  In the afternoon, you immerse yourself in the lush vegetation surrounding the waterways, with shrubs and deciduous trees. Equipped with snorkelling gear, you explore a crystal-clear spring pool, teeming with fascinating underwater life. You may encounter fish such as pintado, dorado, and various types of aquarium fish. Small freshwater stingrays are also not uncommon, resting on the sandy bottom. Afterwards, you float gently down the river, enjoying the tropical surroundings from a new perspective. Later in the afternoon, a trip takes you to Laguna das Araras, another natural highlight. Here, you can observe a variety of bird species, including macaws, different parrot species, storks, and herons. In time for dinner, you return to the lodge and relax for the evening.

Day 3: Lodge in Nobres - Ueso Pantanal Lodge (3 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.