Pantanal & Chapada dos Guimarães

6 days/ 5 nights, with breakfast.
Airport / Hotel round trip transfers included.
Visit to the National Park with lunch, Visit to Chapada Dos Guimarães, Visit to the City of Stone, with lunch.
Other tours under request.

Cuiabá

There’s no doubt that Cuiabá is located on a strategic geographical position, what contributed to make the city a starting point to other Brazilian destinations. Known as the “Amazon’s Gate”, Cuiabá is also one of the main entrances to Pantanal and some other places in the region, equally rich in natural attractions.
With coloners, indians and slaves as its first residents during its construction, the city which grew with the races mixing has, as its very symbol, a mark that indicates the South American Geodesic Center or, in other words, the center of the continent. The obelisk was built under orders of Marshal Cândido Rondon, who, during a scientific expedition, calculated that Cuiabá was located exactly in the middle of the distance between Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.
However, the title of Geodesic Center is disputed with Chapada dos Guimarães, where there’s also a mark. As a matter of fact, Cuiabá is next to Chapada dos Guimarães National Park and innumerous other places famous for the natural richness, like Santo Antonio do Leverger, where regional fruit’s candies and beverages are produced, and São Gonçalo, a community of artisans.
With about three hundred years since its foundation, Cuiabá has museums and churches dated from the colonial era, besides being next to archeological sites. But, more than a simple destination searched for those who like to be in touch with nature, Cuiabá is also visited by business tourists. Next to other capitals, Cuiabá is an important economic and development pole in Brazil’s Middle-West and has a good structure to receive tourists.
Today, Cuiabá is a real metropolis, with modern buildings, commercial centers and paved roads which leads to the main cities of Brazil. Built at the margins of Cuiabá River, it has one of the hottest climates of Brazil, with an average of 27ºC during the year, but, during months like August, the temperature is near 40ºC. Without any doubts, it’s an astonishing destination for tourists visiting Pantanal as well as Amazon.

Chapada dos Guimarães

Adventure sports, archaeology, esotericism, ecotourism - what's your pleasure? In Chapada dos Guimarães even the most difficult to impress will delight in the endless pleasures of the National Parks and "new-age" community. In the late 1980's rumor spread that the perfect civilization was to settle in this region, leading to a small mass exodus of new age hippies, artists and esoteric to the town. Visitors reap the benefits of the town's unique accommodations, dining options, and crafts. Subject to parochial debate, here lies the geodesic centre of South America, amidst an 80,000 acre National Park and UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the Brazilian savannah. The awe-inspiring red rock cliffs and canyons are reminiscent of the desert buttes of the American Southwest. Endless trails carve out intricate patterns into the rock, and waterfalls such as the 260 foot "Véu da Noiva" cascade down the side, forming natural massage parlors surrounded by lush flora where the water meets the ground. The exquisite Red-Macaw and innumerable other exotic fauna often drop by to welcome eco-tourists respectful of their home. Protected within the confines of the spectacular red sandstone walls are 46 identified ancient cave paintings, many more undoubtedly await discovery, as well as natural cave pools. One not to be missed is the Caverna Aroe Jari. For those of you interested in the surrounding indigenous communities, Xingu National Park can be visited with a permit from Funai obtained at least one month prior to travel. Chapada dos Guimarães is an excellent side trip from the Pantanal!

Attractions

Waterfalls

Véu de Noiva, Independência, Andorinhas, 19 de Novembro, Pedra Furada, Sete de Setembro, Cachoeirinha, Salgadeira and dozens of other waterfalls wash the soul of all those seeking an escape from urban life. The transparent waters descend and form natural pools in creeks and small pebble-filled rivers, where lambaris (small fish) swim, indifferent to the company of bathers. It is recommended to hire a guide to accompany you on this outing.

Mount São Jerônimo

One of the highest points in Mato Grosso at 1020 meters, it provides a fabulous panoramic view. The difficult walk to the top passes by curious sandstone formation, such as the Jacaré de Pedra (Stone Alligator), the Pedra Furada (Hole in the Stone) and the Mesa do Sacrifício (Sacrificial Table). The trail finishes after a 30-minute steep, uphill climb – inaccessible on rainy days.

House of Stone

This is a 70-square meter cavern with a stream and a light trail from the Park’s Visitor’s Center. It also has cave pictures on the inside.

City of Stone

It is possible to walk by rocky formations, sculptured by wind and water and that formed along the cliffs of the Chapada, 350 meters high. The location is reminiscent of a city made of stone, which gave it its name. Access is made along a road that connects the Chapada dos Guimarães to the district of Água Fria, 24 km (15 mile) away.

Aroe Jari Cavern (Morada das Almas) (Home of the Souls)

The largest sandstone cavern in Brazil, Aroe Jari extends nearly 1550 meters and several pre-historic inscriptions can be found on the inside. Access is achieved over a moderate trail – 4.5 km (2.8 miles) long, an average 1 hour and 20 minute walk.

Lagoa Azul Cavern

This is a 30 minute walk from the Aroe Jari Cavern and it includes a lagoon with crystal clear waters where bathing is prohibited. Only 50 people are allowed to visit per day, and it is obligatory to hire a guide.

Paredão do Eco (Echo Wall)

This is a natural outlook formed by a huge sandstone wall at the top of the Chapada. Access is made along the road that leads to Água Fria, and then a secondary road that enters the Park.

Portão do Inferno (Gateway to Hell)

This is an 85-meter deep canyon that can be seen from the road that connect Cuiabá to Chapada (MT-251). It is possible to see the Cidade de Pedra from there.