Brasil
With our travels to Brazil a big dream came true.
The first stop was Rio de Janeiro where our day consisted of sightseeing, beach walks along Copacabana and relaxation in our hotel which overlooked both Copacabana and the rooftops of Rio. The Christ the Redeemer statue which watches over the city left a strong impression on us.
Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant city located on the southeastern coast of Brazil known for its stunning natural beauty, lively culture and iconic landmarks. With a population of over 6 million it is Brazil’s second-largest city and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Rio is famous for its beaches, particularly Copacabana and Ipanema as well as the towering Christ the Redeemer statue that overlooks the city from the peak of Corcovado Mountain. The city is also renowned for its Carnival a colorful festival that attracts millions of visitors every year. Rio's diverse landscape includes lush rainforests like Tijuca National Park, hills and spectacular bays such as Guanabara Bay. The city blends modernity with tradition offering a mix of cultural attractions, vibrant nightlife and breathtaking views making it a must-see destination in Brazil.
Afterwards we flew to Cuiabá. From there we started our journey along the Transpantaneira to Pousada Rio Claro where we began our first safari drives, hikes and boat cruises in the river channels.
The next major part of our trip was a stay on the Mutum houseboat with daily boat safaris through the Pantanal’s river systems where we had exceptional jaguar sightings which we were especially excited about.
Upon arrival at Pousada Piuval the area offered fantastic wildlife sightings as well as a characteristic landscape dotted with termite mounds and Ipe trees.
Our last accommodation was the Southwild Lodge which is particularly popular among wildlife photographers due to the opportunity to observe Jabiru storks in their nest, howler monkeys in their natural habitat and ocelots. The experiences from this fantastic trip will remain in our hearts forever.
The Pantanal is one of the largest tropical wetlands in the world, located primarily in western Brazil though it also stretches into Bolivia and Paraguay. Covering an area of about 150,000 square kilometers it is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. The Pantanal is home to numerous species including jaguars, capybaras, caimans and hundreds of bird species making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. The region experiences seasonal flooding which creates a dynamic landscape of rivers, lagoons and grasslands. This wetland ecosystem is vital for water regulation and supports local communities. Due to its remote location and unique environment the Pantanal offers one of the best places in the world for ecotourism with safaris, boat tours and hikes allowing visitors to observe its incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.