Welcome to Pantanal Ecoexplorer
Birding Tours

About 600 species of birds (compared to about 500 in all of Europe) occur in an area which is one of the most important wetland breeding grounds for birds such as: heron, stork, ibis, pink spoonbill all of which can be observed in enormous flocks. The magnificent Jabirus with its decorative red neck and black head is the biggest stork in the world and the symbol of the Pantanal. There are also 26 species of parrots including the world’s largest and endangered bluer hyacinth macaw. Also present in the area is the South American ostrich, the rhea and approximately 45 species of birds of prey are at home in the Pantanal.

Pantanal Ecoexplorer specializes in operating customised birdwatching tours within the Brazilian Pantanal. We can also organize tours to other top birding destinations, including: Serra das Currupiras, Alta Floresta, Chapada dos Guimaraes, and Emas National Park. Apart from the major areas visited by other tour operators we are able to venture into new areas with high density of birds, check with us.

Pantanal Ecoexplorer is a small company that does not conduct trips around set dates with large groups of people. Rather, we arrange tours that cater to exactly what our clients want to see or do - with a much more personal touch. All of our trips are designed for small groups (2 to 8 participants), allowing everyone an excellent opportunity to see the bird species they desire and to have excellent support from guides.

Our tours range from half-day trips to extended tours - you tell us what you wish to see and we will customize an itinerary to suit. We are very flexible and really want you to get the most out of your birding time in the Pantanal. Just tell us exactly what you have in mind and we will be happy to arrange something for your bird watching needs.

If you are unsure of what you are after, or if you would prefer us to do the thinking, that's fine - we can present you with a range of options for you to consider, please contact us.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR TOURS

The guide...
The quality of your birding experience has everything to do with the quality of the guide who leads your trip. With Pantanal Ecoexplorer, you will get an experienced, knowledgeable, English-speaking guide who knows what makes a trip special, and communicates with professionalism and enthusiasm. Our Team of guides are some of the best bird local guides of our region, they are young (relatively!!!), fit & very knowledgeable about the local birds. They are extremely friendly, helpful & approachable. Through their considerable expertise in Pantanal, Amazonia, and beyond, your guides know habitats intimately. They know exactly where to look and what to look for, ensuring you will have a great time and maximize your experiences in any region. Our comments page will give you an indication of the difference this makes to a birding trip.

The vehicles...
All of our tours are run within a modern, comfortable 4wd vehicle. Our vehicles can comfortably seat 4 passengers, though if necessary, can seat up to 6. We carry a spotting scope and a spare pair of binoculars - so seeing the birds won't be a problem. Our other important equipment includes bird-call sound recordings, spotlights and torches for night birds. Most importantly, bird field guides are provided so we can show you how to identify the birds that we are seeing and hearing. We usually carry 2 or 3 field guides to use as cross-references in the field. We also have field guides for other animals and plants in case you are interested. We provide complimentary cold mineral water, coffee/tea and snacks on all drives, and make regular comfort stops so you can stretch your legs or do whatever else people do during a comfort stop. The vehicle has a 12V connection for charging camera batteries or other equipment.

The accommodation...
The lodges and Fazendas we partner with have been specifically chosen for their excellent location, great birding viewing, comfort facilities and quality of meals and service. Whatever your budget and preferences, we will have a suitable option for you. Shared facilities are only used where there is no alternative, and such exceptions are clearly noted.

Custom tours made easy

While many companies offer custom tours, few are able to efficiently arrange a trip around your personal target list. The trip reports on our website attest to this; just take a look at some of the brilliant private tours we have put together, and then think about what you would like to do in 2010

Our trips can be intense but not demanding

Some days will require early rises to be in the field, ready for action, at dawn. People of reasonable fitness will have no trouble undertaking any of our tours. When there are optional excursions that require a difficult hike, we will inform you well ahead of time. On many days we have lunch back at the lodge, and those people wishing some down-time can spend the afternoons relaxing.

We make the hard birds easy

Our game plan is to target the endemic, the rare, the difficult, and the spectacular species. Of course, along the way we will see most of the other birds in the area.

Even our bad days are good

No matter what you do, sometimes the birding is slow or the weather is bad. Although your guide is sweating and doing everything to find you birds, he also strives to maintain a friendly atmosphere so you still have a great time. We always remember that it is your holiday, not ours.

Testimonials from a few friends

November 2009
Brad and Noma Macurda from Texas contacted Carlos Grandez regarding a birding trip to the Pantanal during the dates of the 19th of November through the 23rd of November. Carlos arranged for Ricardo Casarin to be our birding guide. We were absolutely delighted with the services we received during our trip. The choices of Pouso Alegre, a large rustic farmland filled with a variety of habitats, and Rio Claro lodges, a resort with some forest lands and the Rio Claro River, as the primary birding sites were excellent. This provided a good variety of habitats for observation. Ricardo is very keen at finding birds in the densest cover, both visually and by sound. He was able to identify the birds by sight and sound. He was very helpful in calling the birds obscured by their color or vegetation. He is very patient and strived to make sure each of us saw the bird we were observing. He knows the common and Latin names for all the birds. His English is very clear and his explantions are easy to follow. He took care of daily logistics of rooms and meals very well, and followed a schedule discussed for our morning and afternoon walks and excursions. He is a careful and good driver, observing posted signs and showing good prudence in passing other vehicles. He is one of the best birding guides we have had in our many birding trips, and we look forward to returning to Brazil for further birding adventures with him.

Brad and Noma / noma41@aol.com

Our focus is to provide you with the most rewarding birding experience possible - whether you wish to see numerous species at a faster pace or fewer species at a gentler pace, we are here to arrange a tour that suits you. We aim to meet the travel and vacation needs of bird watchers and those vacationing with them. Email Us for further information

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