Pousada Araras

Pousada Araras sits in the biogeographic mixing bowl that is northern Pantanal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the centre of the continent.

Guestrooms are designed in a rustic regional style typical of a working ranch, which are linked by sunny communal terraces with hammocks and rocking chairs. The rooms feature dark timber furniture, air conditioning, screened windows, ceiling fans and private bathrooms.

The restaurant offers wholesome, home cooked fare with a Brazilian twist. Most dishes are made with tasty meats and fish from Pantanal, as well as organic salads, vegetables and seasonal fruits.  The buffet breakfasts can be taken by the pool surrounded by feeding birds, and snacks and drinks can be enjoyed at the bar.

With the guestrooms gathered around a shady central courtyard, almost like a little hamlet, you can flop into a hammock on the thatched veranda: listening to distinctive birdcalls, and perhaps joined by a capybara. There’s also a large pool, reading room and gift shop for lazy afternoons and two canopy towers, one 12m high and one 25m high, just perfect for early morning bird viewings.

Accompanied by Araras’ eagle-eyed naturalist guides, you’ll set out to explore the wildlife-teeming Pantanal: bush-whacking your way through the jungle and learning about the endangered blue macaws, gliding along waterways in Canadian canoes, or riding amongst giant lily pads in the sprawling wetlands. During your stay, you’ll likely see caiman, capybara, coatimundi, parrots and other water-loving birds but if you are really lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of something special, like a tapir, anteater, peccary (skunk pig) or ocelot (dwarf leopard). As for getting those once in a lifetime snaps, the best way to do it is on a jeep safari.