- On horseback through the Pantanal floodplain
- Spotted more hyacinth macaws in the trees above us
- Return to Cuiaba
- With a rental car on to Chapada dos Guimaraes
Already is ours last day in the Pantanal started. Today is a conclusion Riding excursion on the program, which Niki can hardly wait. Together with Fabricio and a guide from the farm, our horses trot out into the swamp. Sometimes even the horses sink in to their belly, the water is that deep and it will rise another meter by the end of April, Fabricio tells us. On my somewhat stubborn horse, I progress a little more leisurely. On the way we meet two well camouflaged caimans in the water, as well as herons and a group of emus.
Our path continues through a piece of adjacent forest. We climb one there Observation tower with a view over the canopy. A little further on we hear the typical croaking of macaws. And indeed we do discover two pairs of hyacinth macaws in the treetops. It's just a shame that I only have the compact camera with me.
Our Pantanal tour was supposed to last until tomorrow, but it was only one Transfer back to Cuiaba would involve. So we're getting into the deal that we're going there this afternoon and with one Rental car further to Chapada dos Guimaraes drive. This means we have a full day there tomorrow.
The six days in the Pantanal are one of the absolute highlights of our trip, even if we unfortunately didn't see a jaguar, tapir, giant otter or maned wolf. It was simply the wrong time of year. During the extreme dry season you should be able to wait for the animals with the little remaining water. In any case, one thing is certain: We will come back here!
With a modern but minimalist equipped VW Golf drive in the dense but relatively orderly traffic of the modern city with its numerous skyscrapers towards the northeast. Niki drives while I navigate, after small difficulties we are on the right arterial road. The route leads through the well worth seeing Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park lined with rock formations reminiscent of the Australian kimberlies.
After a good hour we reach the cozy little town Chapada dos Guimaraes. Here we find in the Pousada Riois a nice place to stay for the next two nights. You won't get anywhere with English either. As a Swiss, I consider myself lucky to be familiar with Latin languages, which is of great benefit. The meanwhile acquired chunks of Portuguese work wonders. In a nearby restaurant we eat soup and gratinated potatoes.
