Best budget options for wildlife? Budget/splurge combo?
 

Please don't be annoyed if this question has been asked repeatedly. :-)

Any tips or rec's you can offer on where to begin research for a budget/moderate trip (ok to rough it part time and splurge part time if it increases wildlife opportunities) will be be much appreciated...either firsthand or links to other threads. I'm not opposed to taking day trips from a budget location to see wildlife but the ultimate would be to stay at a lodge with abundant wildlife in the general vicinity. Don't care about nightlife so much although somewhere with a social atmosphere is good. Anywhere that offers discounts for teens since I'm a solo adult (assume that many isolated lodges are full board) would be welcome too.

MAIN FOCUS - Wildlife. I've been going to to Costa Rica with my daughter (13) for several years in a row and are considering Brazil next year for a bit of diversity. I'm in the very beginning stages of research and currently pondering either Brazil or a Belize/Guatemala combo. We can have anywhere from 7 to 17 days depending on the cost.

Thanks in advance for you help!

Forgot to mention, in addition to wildlife we love hiking, kayaking, horseback, waterfalls, swimming in natural pools...

http://www.manaus-hotels.travel/Amaz...a_Jungle_Lodge

my fav in Manaus

www.brazilnuts.com other good options

also perhaps

www.otorongoexpeditions.com

many nice lodges around Iquitos Peru

can be cheaper to get to no Visa cost like Brazil.

Happy Hunting,



Iquitos P

Thanks qwo good to know. If wildlife is our primary reason would you still recommend Peru and also in Brazil would you agree that Northern Pantanal is the best area to be for wildlife?

I will check out your rec's.

Thanks.

The two most popular areas in Brazil for wildlife are the Pantanal or the Amazon.

We went to the huge reserve in the Amazon, Mamirauá and stayed at Uakari Floating lodge which I would highly recommend. If you click on my name my trip report will come up with a more detailed description.

http://www.mamiraua.org.br/

I went to the Pantanal (north and south) two years ago and I would have to advise that it is not a budget destination. Brazil, in general, is not a budget destination. The Brazilian economy and currency are strong.
If you are considering the Northern Pantanal (Mato Grosso) you would have to fly to Cuiaba. Domestic flights are expensive. Then, most likely, you would have to overnight in Cuiaba before leaving for the wildlife-rich areas of the Panatanal the next day.
Plus, there is that issue of the Brazilian visa.
It all adds up.
The Pantanal is an incredible place--to be sure, but I am sure the Peruvian portion of the Amazon is also impressive in terms of wildlife.

If you do Peru you can combine a wildlife week with Machu Picchu. Most of the Peruvian Amazon lodges are on the rustic side, if that is an issue.

Thanks everyone for your advice.

For Diamantina - I do understand that Brazil (especially areas I want to go) are not "budget". I should have been clearer. What I'm really asking for is rec's for the lowest cost possible due to most lodge prices being so high.

But thank you! What I'm discovering is that Brazil might have to be put off for 2-3 years and I will probably stick to my original plan of Guatemala/Belize for next year. But still gathering info as it's never to early to plan! :-)

for mlgb -- I don't mind rustic at all. I'm comfortable sleeping in a tent. :-)