About
PANTANAL PATHFINDER
The River Cruise on Águapé Hotel Boat is happening since 2013.
MEET THE TEAM
Our specialists are at the heart of Pantanal. They have all travelled extensively and documented it perfectly so you can enjoy your adventures.
Douglas Rocha
Nature lover, Nature Guide, Biologist, Master of Biodiversity’s Ecology and Conservation, Pantanal Pathfinder CEO and founder. Douglas’ love for nature is a quality which was born with him. To be outdoor always was frequent and a big pleasure to him mainly if it involve camping activities independent of the landscape: country zones, forests or beach. Born and raised at São Paulo state when turned 18 he moved to the state of Rio de Janeiro where joined the State University of North Rio (UENF) to study Biological Sciences during 4 years. His science activities always were around ecology, his passion. During the college, he studied plant ecology distribution at Atlantic Rain Forest area, was an Assistant Professor of general ecology subject during the last 2 years and also a volunteer botany teacher for 3 years at social programs. On his 21 he moved to the Mato Grosso State where joined the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) for 2 years and graduate as a Master in Biodiversity’s Ecology and Conservation. While at the master program his main subject of research was ethnobotany. During this period he published researches on national and international congress, wrote a book chapter, was an Assistant Professor of Anthropology and general biology at the Indigenous university os Mato Grosso and assistant Professor of vegetal morphology and physiology. After his post-grad, he worked with researches projects (climate change), as an English teacher and environmental consulter until his first trip as a naturalist guide in 2013. That trip changed all to him when he discovered for sure what he wanted to do for his entire life, Pathfinder the Pantanal and share that experience. As a guide, he loves to challenge himself in the search for animals as well always study more and more about their ecology, life history, and physiology. The pleasure of share information and knowledge is also something present since his teacher time. Patience, positive feelings and always carry a smile on his face are remarkable in this guide
Marcos Ardevino
Marcos Ardevino was born and raised in Cáceres, a small town on the Paraguay River banks, in the Northern Pantanal of Brazil. He spends all his spare time surrounded by nature, and whether it was horse riding, hunting or fishing, his interest in wildlife was ignited. Influenced by a childhood immersed in nature, Marcos made a natural progression to a degree in biology at the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT). He also had the opportunity to conclude, in his final essay, a project about the biodiversity of reptiles and amphibians in the Northern Pantanal. His interest in herpetology and understanding of natural systems was ever increasing until in 2010 he entered the post-graduate Management and Environmental Expertise Course, which allowed him to work with mitigation of impacts in a riparian vegetation area. In 2011, Marcos was able to register for a Master’s degree in Ecology and Biodiversity’s Conservation, where he worked with environmental variables influencing the biodiversity of amphibians. His gentle nature and exceptional knowledge of The Pantanal ecosystems make him a perfect guide to the region. He speaks English and Portuguese. He’s also a Naturalist tour guide and nature photographer in his spare time. Marcos is based in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso.
Flávio ‘Arraia’
Flávio is a local fisherman’s son who grew up exploring the Paraguay River and its tributaries. During his childhood, his favorite activity was to follow his father and learn about all the river life tricks, like fishing skills, camping skills, how to pilot a boat (he is captain licensed) and even how to read the signals of nature. Arráia (a nickname that means stingray) has always lived from the fishing activity until his first contact with ecotourism about 8 years ago when he fell in love for this kind of activity. In addition to all of it, he is blessed with very sharpened eyes!
CPL Motta
Motta was born in Cáceres, a small town on the Paraguay River left margin. Always passionate by boats and navigation, when he turned 18 he engaged to the local Army HQ that patrol our frontier with Paraguay and Bolivia. In the army, he was the main boat pilot for 22 years, all his service time. After retired from the army, he knew the ecotourism which is now his main activity. He loves to be in nature. Patience, boat control and a fantastic jaguar spotter are remarkable points of Motta.