According to Pantanal Ecotourism's website, the Pantanal is 250,000 kilometers in length and located in the northwest of the Brazilian state of Mato Grohesso do Sul. The Pantanal is classified by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site which provides home to many animals threatened with extinction in other parts of Brazil. Alligators, jaguars, and the capybara are just some of the animals able to thrive in the Pantanal wetlands. The Jaguar Ecological Reserve, located in the heart of the Pantanal, gives visitors a good luck at the diversity of wildlife the Pantanal houses. The Jaguar Ecological Reserve provides tours with experienced, English-speaking guides from the Pantanal. Tours are offered related to bird watching, hiking, nighttime wildlife-viewing drives and fishing. Lodging is provided at the reserve.
Jaguar Ecological Reserve
Mato Grohesso do Sul, Brazil
65-3646-9679
jaguarreserve.com
Another place for ecotourism in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul is the small town of Bonito. The town is positioned by a rain forest with rivers inside providing ideal settings for snorkeling. They possess not only clear blue water, but also a vast array of wildlife. One location providing excellent visibility while snorkeling is the Natural Aquarium inside Baia Bonita Ecological Park. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism's website, the Natural Aquarium is located near the springs of the Baia Bonita River spring. There are no piranhas amongst the vast array of colorful fish in the Natural Aquarium. Another Bonita river with crystal clear water to snorkel in is the Suucri River. It can be found along the eastern edge of the Bodoquena Hills. A tour of this river can be booked through Pack Tours Travel Service. Also in Bonito's rain forest are more than 500 caves. One of them that is open to tourists is the Grotto of Blue Lake. Visitors are not allowed to swim in the cave's Blue Lake. The Blue Lake Grotto is a World Heritage site. Tours of the cave can be arranged through Hosteling International's website.
Pack Tours Travel Service
Avenue Ibirapuera
Moema, Sao Paulo City, Brazil
+55-11-3807-2146 (Bookings)
packtours.com
Hosteling International
Gate House, Fretherne Road
Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England
+44-1707-324170
hihostel.com
It's hard to think about ecotourism in Brazil without considering the Amazon. One attraction that showcases some of the Amazon's biodiversity is the Caratigna Biological Station, located just outside the city of Ipanema. It is a natural preserve with hiking trails providing tourists chances to see some of the Amazon's endangered species. River tours of the Amazon are available from the city of Manus. Amazon Clipper Cruises is one boat tour operator out of Manus with regular weekly departures allowing ecotourists to choose from among three different itineraries. Trips range from three to six days. Side trips during the tours give tourists opportunities to walk around parts of the Amazon, and also paddle through parts of the river on canoes.
Amazon Clipper Cruises
Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
+55 92 3656-1246
amazonclipper.com
