Brazil - 3 Biome Expedition Book now!

Beneficiary: Cristalino Foundation

Brazil is a country of continental proportions. To visit and experience the entire country would take months. Thus, we have planned a 11 day adventure that embodies Brazils most diverse ecological and cultural State, Mato Grosso. Known as a geographical and social microcosm of Brazil, Mato Grosso via the 3 Biome Expedition will provide you the opportunity to explore the indescribably beautiful waterfalls of the Chapada dos Guimãres, the almighty water cycles and plains of the Pantanal, and the southern portion of the wildly gorgeous Amazon Jungle.

The Pantanal Biome

Serving as the cradle and place of refuge for thousands of species of animals, the Pantanal
has an extremely unique and essential ecological importance on the planet. The magic of the Pantanal water cycle is the life force behind its exceptional biodiversity, thus making it the preeminent option for those wishing to see animals of Brazilian fauna in their natural habitat. Among the most common species are diverse types of deer, emus, anteaters, monkeys, hundreds of bird species, and cats such as the ocelot, puma and jaguar. Besides the spectacular nature activities, we will also have conversation circles with the local inhabitants to understand the historic occupation of the Pantanal by cattle ranchers and how ecotourism is becoming an alternative and more sustainable solution for economic development of the region.

The Cerrado Biome: Chapada dos Guimarães

The Chapada dos Guimarães is located within the Cerrado Biome, in central Brazil, 62 km from the capital of Mato Grosso State, Cuiaba. World famous waterfalls and dramatic cascading mountain ranges are the setting for this majestic locale. The jewel of the National Park is the Véu de Noiva Waterfall: a 250-foot waterfall that drops into a crystal clear fresh water pool. Besides trail hiking and waterfalls, we will have the opportunity to visit a rural settlement owned by the Assentamento 14 de Agosto Community. In a region where dozens of giant agro corporations cultivate thousands of acres of destructive monocultures and extensive cattle ranching, this settlement is a symbol of social justice and a reference for sustainable living. There, we will spend time with the local families visiting their organic coffee, sugar cane, banana, manioc, corn and rubber tree plantations. Yet most importantly, you will gain a fundamental understanding on the importance of maintaining a balance between diverse eco-agriculture production and the preservation / restoration of farm land and its surrounding terrains.

The Amazon Biome: Cristalino

Finally ending at the stunning Amazon Jungle.Together with the Escola da Amazonia project, we will dive into an unforgettable experiential learning journey to understand the reality of how modern day economic forces are affecting deforestation of the world's most important natural resource: the Amazon. After a couple of days visiting soy farms, local schools and social projects in Alta Floresta we will enter into the forest and spend the last 4 days at the unique Cristalino Jungle Lodge, offering one of the most unique and exciting opportunities for wildlife viewing in the entire world. This region, in the southern tip of the Amazon biome, contains a great variety of medium to low altitude eco zones, different types of forest cover, lakes, micro habitats, around 600 species of birds and diverse neo-tropical wildlife. From the carnivorous predators at the top of the food chain such as the Jaguar, Harpy Eagle and Giant Otter to the herbivores at the bottom of the pyramid like the Capybara and Agouti, all of the organisms which took thousands of years to evolve and which make Amazonia unlike any other biome in the world are still alive and doing well within the reserve.