Southern Pantanal Birding Between the Aquidauana and Salobra Rivers
A seven-day birding and wildlife journey from the Aquidauana region to the Salobra River, with two lodge bases, local guides and a varied mix of forest, wetland and savanna habitats.
About this tour
Explore two contrasting parts of the Southern Pantanal over seven days. The first three nights are at Aguapé or Pequi in the northern Aquidauana region, followed by three nights at Refúgio da Ilha in the Salobra River area. The journey starts and ends at Campo Grande Airport, with road transfers connecting the two lodge bases. This combination gives birders several days in each landscape while retaining time for broader wildlife observation and photography.
The Aquidauana stage lies where Pantanal habitats meet the Cerrado. Birding excursions can explore open country, woodland and wetland, with local guides drawing on the conditions around the selected lodge. Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, Jabiru, Blaze-winged Parakeet, Great Rufous Woodcreeper and Red-legged Seriema are birds highlighted for the route. The region has more than 400 recorded bird species; that regional figure is not a promised count for a visit.
At Refúgio da Ilha, the Salobra River and its delta bring a different setting, including habitat connections with the Atlantic Forest. Nature walks and river excursions offer complementary ways to look for birds. Kingfishers, macaws, toucans, herons and raptors add interest to this stage. Boat outings, vehicle safaris, canoeing and horseback activities may be combined with birding according to the program arranged.
Other wildlife contributes to the experience: Giant Anteater, Six-banded Armadillo and Capybara are among the animals associated with this journey. Time around each lodge allows for photography and changing light rather than a single brief stop. The final full day at Refúgio da Ilha ends with a farewell dinner. A morning activity on departure day depends on your flight schedule before the return to Campo Grande.
Full-board accommodation, road transportation, daily guided excursions, local guides and Pantanal Wings travel assistance are included in the described program. The choice between Aguapé and Pequi and the detailed arrangements are settled when planning your trip. Send an inquiry with your preferred dates and birding priorities for a quotation.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Brazil.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and the Aquidauana lodge
Meet at Campo Grande Airport and transfer to Aguapé or Pequi, as agreed for your trip. Settle in and join an afternoon wildlife activity.
Day 2
Birding where the Pantanal meets the Cerrado
Dedicate the day to birds and wildlife around the first lodge. The available activities include birdwatching, boat outings, vehicle excursions and trails, with horseback riding and photography also possible.
Day 3
Another day in the Aquidauana habitats
Explore further patches of wetland, woodland and open country with local guiding. This second full day provides more time for birdwatching and wildlife photography around the lodge.
Day 4
Across to the Salobra River
Leave after breakfast for Refúgio da Ilha in the Salobra region. Following lunch, take your first excursion into the habitats around this river base.
Day 5
Salobra delta exploration
Discover the river delta through the activities chosen for your stay. Birding walks, boats, vehicle safaris, canoeing and horseback outings are among the possibilities.
Day 6
Birds and photography around the river
Spend the last full day looking for river and woodland birds, including kingfishers, macaws, toucans, herons and raptors. Combine boat or trail excursions with photography before the farewell dinner.
Day 7
Return to Campo Grande Airport
Enjoy breakfast and, if your flight timing allows, a final morning activity. Travel back to Campo Grande Airport for departure.
Locations & map
- Campo Grande - Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
- Aquidauana region - Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
- Refúgio da Ilha - Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
- Salobra River - Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Price: Price on request
Included
- Full-board accommodation
- Road transfers
- Daily guided activities
- Local guides
- Pantanal Wings travel assistance
Transport & stays
- Road transfers Ground transfers from Campo Grande Airport to the Aquidauana lodge, onward to Refúgio da Ilha and back to the airport. | Meet: Campo Grande Airport
Accommodations
- Aguapé or Pequi (days 1-3)
- Refúgio da Ilha (days 4-6)
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.