Amazon or Pantanal?
 

I am planning a trip to Brazil in April-- after several days in Rio, we want to do an eco-tour either in the Amazon or the Pantanal- I've heard that the Pantanal is less travelled and that the wildlife is more prevalant there--- any opinions? Also, can anyone recommend a good tour?

Tough question, considering that I'm a braziliam who hasn't been to either one. It is true, the Amazon region has been developed for tourism much longer than the Pantanal. That might be good or bad. Are you a skilled eco-tourist? How much wilderness in life can you take? Wild life runs free all over the country, possibly in a degree you are not used to, anyway. Friends of mine are generally very impressed with boat cruises on the Amazon river (from Belem to Manaus, for instance), why don't you start there?!

hey william, <BR> <BR>have you been to salvador. is it better to stay in pelourinho or by the beach. i'm trying to get a good understanding of the city but the guidebooks are shite. <BR> <BR>danny

I have been to both areas and it is a tough decision. Pantal was wonderful. <BR>I stayed at the ecohotel Pouisdas Caiman. One could see more and sensed the vastness of Brazil. I was in Manaus and traveled one day up the Amazon by boat. If I went back I would find a reliable guide to take me deeper into the Amazon. The density of the rainforest can not be imagined. Later this month I am going to Machu Picchu for two weeks.

Never been to Pantanal, but I can tell you that there was not much wildlife on the Amazon Tour I went on-- which I highly recommend, by the way. I do have to warn you that we did a similar trip in March of 1999 visiting Rio first and then heading to the Amazon. March is a great time to visit Rio, but considered the rainy season for the Amazon, so much of the forest is under water this time of year. This was kind of a bummer, because you end up spending most of your time in the boat and not doing many jungle walks, but it was still very fascinating to learn about the floral and fauna. The weather was still quite warm, but we did get hit by some heavy rains while out on the boat a few times. <BR> <BR>We went through Ariau Jungle Tower Lodge near Manaus. They were very organized and well run with many English speaking tourguides and visitors. The accomodations were basic: twin beds, balconies, (chicken-wired to keep out the monkeys) fans-- no air conditoning, in room showers and toilets-- little hot water though, so get used to cold showers. All meals are provided and the food was surprisingly good. <BR> <BR>I liked the fact that monkeys walk aroung the grounds like residents, they are pretty friendly and mind their own business. The coolest thing about the place is that it is a series of towers built on stilts in the water and connected by a double decker layers of catwalks. Trippy! Check out the website www.ariau.tur.br <BR> <BR>A couple more things! Consider doing the eco-tour first and then going to Rio. You'll be wanting a nice hot shower and relaxation at the beach after a few days of semi-roughing it. I think two days is the right amount of time there unless you are used to this sort of thing. Any less and you won't experience enough of the river and jungle and any more and you'll start getting cranky about that hot shower! Rio was cool, but our eco-tour was the highlight of our journey. Have you considered hitting Iguassu Falls? We didn't make it there, but I hear it's amazing! <BR> <BR>Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and I'd love to hear about your trip when you return.

We are heading for the Amazon region as well and I'm wondering about what vaccinations one needs. Were you concerned about malaria, yellow fever etc.

I'd rather Amazon.<BR>Yellow fever vaccination is necessary 10 days before you go.

Actually you can see plenty of animals at Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel. The hotel has 6 miles of catwalks through the canopy of the trees. You will get close up photos with toucans, parrots, macaws, coati mundis, sloths, squirrel monkeys, wooley monkeys, howler monkeys, and more. The US web site is:<BR>http://www.AriauAmazonTowers.com<BR><BR>I also feel that the best season to go is when the water is high. Actually, because the forest is flooded you can go deeper and see more, than when you are limited by foot.<BR>Yes, the food is great. Big buffets featuring the local fish, many salads, homemade breads daily, and a variety of fruits that you will only find in the Amazon.<BR>I also enjoyed the Pousada Caiman in the Pantanal. But between the two experiences, I still prefer Ariau in the Amazon.