Pantanal or rurrenbaque?
 

Hi everyone,

We are trying to decide whether to cut out Rurrenbaque or Pantanal from our 2 month trip starting next week, as it seems quite expensive and time consuming to do both. Finding it difficult to decide and wondered if anyone could help please?

Thank you!

I've not ben to Rurrenbaque so I'm afraid I can't do a compare and contrast for you. I have been to the Pantanal twice now and can thoroughly recommend it for wildlife, birds and a very relaxing safari. My trip report of the 2013 trip is here, http://safaritalk.net/topic/11322-ma...and-polynesia/

I've only seen jaguars in the north, best sightings of giant anteaters was in the south. I can thoroughly recommend Fazenda Baia das Pedras.

Pantanal, hands down. Much easier to see wildlife there than in the forest, if you mean to visit the tropical forest out of Rurrenabaque. And much better wildlife than in the pampas tours out of Rurrenabaque.
I've been on the 4 day pampas/jungle tour out of Rurrenabaque as well as several trips to the Amazon, and to the Pantanal out of both the north (out of Cuiaba) and south (out of Campo Grande). I would say that the Rurrenabaque trip was the least good of the lot (I won't say bad, because it was still fun and we saw huge anacondas), and the Pantanal was excellent.

Treepol, your report and pictures were amazing. What would you suggest? We have 4-5 days in the Pantanal, arriving in mid September. Which region and lodging? Thank you

Just saw your post after answering your question on another thread.

If you are going in September this year you may find it difficult to access guides and the more popular accommodation - still its worth try, especially if you are still planning to self-drive.

I'm not sure what you call expensive, but with 4-5 days and if you want to see jaguar I'd head straight to the Jaguar Ecolodge (allow all day for the drive) as there are amazing things to see along the way. Do one or 2 days on the river searching for jaguar with Eduardo and then overnight at Piuval where they have some fantastic walks. This would be a good mix with the time spent on the river.


Happy planning,


Pol

Treepol. Thank you for your response. Now thinking if it is possible to rent a car in Cuiaba and start driving, finding lodging along the way. This might be a cheaper alternative but I don't know if it is realistic and worthwhile. What do you think? Thank you, Bill

Hi Bill,

speaking for myself, I wouldn't rent a car and just rock up expecting accommodation, but then I plan 12 months in advance to ensure I get the trip (and the guide) I expect - many people are happy with a less structured itinerary.

I don't know if you would be lucky with last minute accommodation at places such as Piuval and Rio Clara. I have driven by some other places and seen accommodation that looked like dorms, heard reports of bad/cold food and I've heard that some places don't have English speaking guides.

You may find my planning thread useful, http://safaritalk.net/topic/9907-pan...and-peru-2013/ I would also add that Fabricio Dorileo has started his own guiding business, http://pantanalwildlifeexplorer.com/the-guide.php and has been highly recommended to me by a couple of his peers.

Happy planning,


Pol