I've been shopping for tours to the Pantanal. I've narrowed it down to these. I was wondering if someone could offer advice on the following:

Pantanal Eco Explorer
5 days / 4 nights - TRANSPANTANEIRA WILDLIFE TOUR
Lodge based safari for USD 2000 for 1 person


Viator USD 2700
7-Night Tour of Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Bonito and the Pantanal
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/brazil/t...#ixzz3anZFMpJ1

Lonely Planet USD 1270
DAY 1 Join Cuiaba, to Pantanal
DAYS 2/3 Experience the Pantanal through a variety of activities
DAY 4 To Cuiaba airport where trip concludes

There's not enough info to really evaluate any of them. Mostly they seem like ripoff rates for a lot of hand holding and moving between places, not seeing of sights.

Here's one for USD 1260:

Tour description provided by World Expeditions

The Pantanal is a vast wetland area with an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. We will explore this spectacular region on foot, horse back, 4WD, boat or canoe. Many consider this is a far better wildlife viewing trip than the jungles of the Amazon, given the Pantanal's open landscape, compared with the jungle's dense forests. The wildlife viewing is usually very rewarding with possible sightings of alligators, capybaras, otters, monkeys, macaws, cormorants, ibis, parrots and toucans.
What's included

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
Experienced local english speaking guides
Accommodation comfortable eco-lodge
Non private vehicles for transfers
Excursions, activities and park fees

Itinerary

Day 1 Join at the airport in Cuiaba
Join at the airport in Cuiaba for the 130 km drive to the Pantanal. The drive takes place on tarred roads for around 50 km, the other 80 km is unsealed. Our journey will take around 3 hours during drought periods; during flood periods it can take longer, depending on the road conditions. Since the road is trans-Pantanal, we'll enjoy the beautiful landscape and the various species of birds and small animals during the journey. The transfer is non exclusive and we are joined by travellers from around the world. There are two transfers a day, departing from the airport at 13.00 and 17.30, so you should arrive in good time to rendezvous.
Day 2 to 3 Experience the Pantanal through a variety of activities
Few places on earth offer such an abundance of wildlife and our lodge in the North Pantanal in Mato Grosso state is perfectly located to explore. The days are spent enjoying jungle walks to find capybaras, spotting the many bird species, looking for the elusive jaguar and taking canoes out on to some of the jungle lagoons in the area. Participants should be aware there is no guarantee of seeing specific animals or birds - but you will have a good chance to experience true Pantanal first hand with the knowledge of an expert local guide with you. There are many means to explore (included in the trip cost) so we will use a combination of motorboat outings, canoe excursions, forest walks, tower experiences and night spotlighting outings to gain an intimate understanding of this magical part of the world.
Day 4 To Cuiaba airport where trip concludes
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport (non private) where the trip concludes. There are two transfers a day, departing at 0700 and 1100. The return journey will take around 3 hours depending on road conditions, so outgoing flights should be arranged with this in mind.

It's still basically a two day trip (with the other two travel--you can see videos of the Transpantaneira road on YouTube). It does not say where you will be staying (what comfort level, food level, how far into the Pantanal (130 km does not sound like very far from Cuiaba, a city), and who the guides are (what training they have in biology and guiding, grew up in the area or not), success in spotting jaguar (what you choose the northern Pantanal for over the southern), exactly what excursions. Ask a lot of questions before you commit.
Did you get a reply from either of the guides I mentioned in the other post?