jaguar tour brazil

Welcome to the Pantanal and Amazon | Contact: +55 65 99996-8328

Do you want to know the beauty of the Amazon and Pantanal?

but also, the  jaguar safari begin in Cuiabá. Meanwhile, our guides will be waiting for you.  However, you can spend a night in a hotel in the city. then, our guides will pick you up on the next day. The way to Pocone takes an hour, after that, you reach the Transpantaneira. Poconé is the end of the civilization, consequently, it is the begin of the Transpantaneira. Undoubtedly, jaguar tours are the most exciting trips, visitors can make in Brazil. With the hope that, this activity saves this creatures, from the rage of the beef farmers. In the meantime, we invite you to do the tour Pantanal. As a matter of fact, tourism is the only hope for locals to maintain a sustainable activity. In light of, keeping a healthy relationship between humans and nature, Pantanal safari we contribute to tourism with resposability.

Pantanal tour

Indeed, the drive will be a hundread and fifty kilometers on the Transpantaneira dirt road until Porto Jofre. Generally, it lasts 3 hours. Certaninly, it is very interesting. In other words, a simple drive turns into a lovely photo afari. Certainly, you will see big part of the wildlife. As soon as, you drive in the road the animals start showing off. Further, you will pass over Pantanal safari bridges, where you may see many birds. For exemple, like, Woodstorks, Cormorants, Wood Rails, Herons and Ibis. Also, some Caimans and many others. Moreover, all this excitement happens right at the beginning of your trip.

but also, the  jaguar safari begin in Cuiabá. Meanwhile, our guides will be waiting for you.  However, you can spend a night in a hotel in the city. then, our guides will pick you up on the next day. The way to Pocone takes an hour, after that, you reach the jaguar tour Transpantaneira. Poconé is the end of the civilization, Pantanal safari consequently, it is the begin of the Transpantaneira. Undoubtedly, jaguar tours are the most exciting trips, visitors can make in Brazil. With the hope that, this activity saves this creatures, from the rage of the beef farmers. In the meantime, we invite you to do the tour Pantanal. As a matter of fact, tourism is the only hope for locals to maintain a sustainable activity. In light of, keeping a healthy relationship between humans and nature, we contribute to tourism with resposability. 

Indeed, the drive will be a hundread and fifty kilometers on the Transpantaneira dirt road until Porto Jofre.

jaguar tour 

Generally, it lasts 3 hours. Certaninly, it is very interesting. In other words, a simple drive turns into a lovely photo afari. Certainly, you will see big part of the wildlife. As soon as, you drive in the road the animals start showing off. Further, you will pass over bridges, where you may see many birds. For exemple, like, Woodstorks, Cormorants, Wood Rails, Herons and Ibis. Also, some Caimans and many others. Moreover, all this jaguar tour excitement happens right at the beginning of your trip.

Discover our tour packages

Choose the ideal package for your trip, find out below all the packages we offer. If you need an exclusive package, contact us and we will assemble your package.

Tour package 1 - 5 days

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PAC Tour 1: 3 days/2 nights in/out Cuiabá

PAC -Tour 2: 4 days/3 nights in/out Cuiabá

PAC -Tour 3: 5days/4 nights in/out Cuiabá

PAC -Tour 4: Pantanal from / to Cuiabá – 5 days / 4 nights

Tour package 4 - 6 days

PAC Tour 5: Pantanal from / to Cuiabá – 4 Days / 3 Nights – Juni to November

PAC – Tour 6: 5 days/4 nights in/out Cuiabá – All year round

PAC – Tour 7: 5 days / 4 nights from / to Cuiabá – All year round

PAC -Tour 8: 6 days/5 nights in/out Cuiabá – All year round

Tour package 7 - 8 days

PAC – Tour 9: 7 days / 6 nights from / to Cuiabá – All year round

PAC – Tour 10: 8 days / 7 nights from / to Cuiabá – Juni to November

PAC -Tour 11: 8 days/7 nights in/out Cuiabá incl. Jaguar Safari – Full Day Tour – Juni to November

Tour 12: Day Trip Jaguar Safari (one full day tour) from – June to November

Tour package

PAC – Tour 13: Footing Hotel -Jaguar-Safari, 4 Days/3 Nigths from/to Cuiabá – Juni to November

PAC – Tour 14 Adventure Tours – 3 Ecosystems in a tour from / to Cuiabá, 12 Days/11 Nigths – Juni to November

Come and do the Pantanal Tours

We start at the airport or hotel in Cuiabá. In fact, on the Pantanal tour, we organize transfers, guides, accommodation and meals. In addition, activities are sunrise walks, boat trips, hikes, pedal boats, horseback riding, as well as photo safaris. Second, guides can show many types of birds, reptiles and mammals. Obviously, the animals that stand out in this ecosystem are the jaguars, Brazilian tapirs, giant anteaters, anacondas and giant otters. We offer exclusives and private tours through the Pantanal. In order to be flexible to customers. As I said, we do the activities with flexibility. moreover, there will be no one else joining the tour. Eventually, we can search for a specific animal and spend more time registering it. More importantly, we are delighted to organize a tour for our customers in the Pantanal.

Opening hours

Monday to Friday: 08:00 - 18:00 Saturday: 08:00 - 12:00 Sunday and Holiday: Closed Whatsapp 24h

55 (65) 99996-8328   55 (65) 3686 9307  [email protected]

Pantanal & Amazon Connection

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Jaguar Tour

The Brazilian Pantanal, one of the best travel spots in South America, offers the finest wildlife viewing in the Americas, exceeding even the wildlife experience of the Galápagos. That last statement may seem like hyperbole, but consider that the Pantanal offers the New World’s greatest diversity and abundance of large, charismatic mammals such as Jaguars, Giant Otters, Brazilian Tapirs, Capybaras, and Giant Anteaters, and spectacular birds such as Jabiru Storks, Hyacinth Macaws, and Toco Toucans. The first is the largest cat in the New World, while the other seven species are the largest in their taxonomic families in South America. The Pantanal South America is truly a land of giants.

This flat-as-a-pancake, 350-km-by-550-km floodplain, the world’s largest freshwater wetland, also harbors four million Paraguayan Caimans, the world’s largest concentration of crocodilians. Of the 404 species of birds of the Pantanal, 82 weigh more than a pound, the world’s widest variety of large birds.

In 1967, Brazil surprised the world by being the only large country on Earth to outlaw all kinds of hunting. Fast forward 53 years, and the wildlife of Brazil has thrived and become astonishingly accustomed to photographers, creating what we call “the Brazilian Ecological Miracle”. In 2021, the wildlife in the Pantanal is more abundant and visible than it has been for 12,000 years, since before the advent of the first humans. It is truly a “peaceable kingdom” on Earth.

South America’s Pantanal harbors 5,000 Jaguars, the world’s greatest stronghold of the species. A 2.5-million-acre chunk of the north-central Pantanal contains no cattle, no humans, and no hunting. Therefore, Jaguars and their prey all thrive at their maximum possible densities.

Ten percent of that Jaguar paradise, namely 250,000 acres, represents a mere one half of one percent of the Pantanal National Park. In that “small” part of the Pantanal, which is twice as large as the largest national park of Costa Rica, international travelers enjoy spectacular, daily viewing of Jaguars and Giant Otters that are as relaxed as the protected Lions and Leopards of famous African parks. In 2005, SouthWild was the first international tour company to guarantee viewing of Jaguars and Giant Otters in this best Jaguar location. In 2006, we named this area “Jaguarland” in honor of the 80 astonishingly relaxed in the presence of humans, individual Jaguars that our delighted guests observe each year there.

Jaguarland is without doubt the richest location in the world for Jaguars, and the SouthWild group of companies owns and protects the “filet mignon” of Jaguarland, namely the 7,475 acres of central Jaguarland, representing most of the lower Three Brothers River and all of the Black Channel. Most of the annual sightings of Jaguars in Jaguarland take place on the rivers of SouthWild’s Private Jaguar Reserve.

SouthWild Pantanal Lodge and Jaguar Suites floating lodge locations are strategically-sited at the very best locations in the entire Pantanal to have a tour and see Ocelots, Brazilian Tapirs, Giant Otters, and Jaguars. We guarantee sightings of all four species, and we are the only company to guarantee any of these species. In a feat worthy of Fitzcarraldo, SouthWild has created air-conditioned, stateroom-sized Jaguar Suites floating on a more private part of Jaguarland, on the Piquiri River, creating the best possible base to view Jaguars whenever they reveal themselves. Let us design a flexible program for you with safety and comfort in this amazing South America destination.

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JAGUARS OF THE PANTANAL PHOTO TOUR

Photograph america's biggest cat, ethical jaguar photo tour, photograph jaguars from the river and the land.

PHOTOGRAPH JAGUARS ALONG THE RIVERS OF THE NORTHERN PANTANAL

Why we love this jaguar safari

We have created a jaguar photo tour for you that is unique, while still putting you into the best position to encounter jaguars and make award-winning images. This is why we came up with our two location approach. The northern and southern Pantanal both have different opportunities for jaguars.

In the northern Pantanal, one of the highest density of jaguars in the world, we will utilize one large boat to find jaguars as they rest along the colder Cuiaba River. This is also where we have our best chances of seeing jaguars hunting caimans or capybara. Since 2021 jaguar cubs have even been seen.

In the southern Pantanal, your encounters with the cats will be from safari style vehicles. Compared to the northern Pantanal, these encounters will be more intimate as we will have the cats to ourselves most of the time. This means you will get unique photographs as we can follow the jaguars on land, and will remember those encounters with great fondness.

Our accommodations are the highest end options available in both locations. In the southern Pantanal, we will in fact have the entire beautiful Baiazinha Lodge at the Caiman Ecological Refuge to ourselves. It is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon where jaguars can sometimes even be seen.

Jaguars of the Pantanal photo tour testimonials

" Cat Expeditions provides superior big and small cat viewing travel opportunities, with excellent travel logistics and guiding, and superb wildlife viewing and photography moments. Sebastian (and Rachel!) are outstanding people, friends, conservationists, guides and conversationalists with high ethics and great personalities! "

- Lisa Antell

Other wildlife you can see on this tour

Target wild cats during our jaguar photo tour.

JAGUAR ( Panthera onca )

The Jaguar is the main target wild cat species for our Jaguar photo tour. Despite their very large distribution, being found from southern Arizona to northern Argentina, these cats are very elusive and seldom seen. The exception to this is in the world’s largest wetland, the Pantanal of Brazil. During the span of our tour we have seen as many as twenty-one different individual jaguars, including cubs.

Other possible wild cats during our safari

PUMA ( Puma concolor )

Though there are mountain lions in the area of our jaguar photo tour, they are incredibly shy and elusive due to the fact that their bigger cousins can out-muscle them. Neither of our guides have ever seen a puma in this part of Brazil. If you want to reliably see pumas, please check out our pumas of Patagonia tour where their rating is easy!

OCELOT ( Leopardus pardalis )

MARGAY ( Leopardus wiedii )

SOUTHERN ONCILLA ( Leopardus guttulus )

PAMPAS CAT ( Leopardus colocola )

The pampas cat is another small cat found in the Pantanal. It is currently undergoing scientific re-classification and the subspecies found in the Pantanal, which looks very different from the other six subspecies may very well be classified as its own species soon, the Pantanal cat ( Leopardus braccatus ). Our best, though very low, chances of seeing this cat is in the southern Pantanal.

GEOFFROY'S CAT ( Leopardus geoffroyi )

Geoffroy’s cats are often associated with water, where they hunt frogs and small passerine birds. They are found in the Pantanal, being more present in the southern Pantanal, but they remain very elusive there. This is one of the few species in South America that shows melanism, a gene expression that makes the cat appear all black. Your guide has seen one of these individuals before.

JAGUARUNDI ( Herpailurus yagouaroundi )

Despite sharing much of its common name with our target wild cat species for this trip, this small cat is not closely related to the jaguar. Jaguarundi’s instead are most closely related to the puma. They are one of the most unique looking cats with their long, weasel-like body. It is also unique in its fur, being uniform in color, rather than many of the other spotted cats in the area.

You are in good hands, we are Jaguar experts

Our jaguar photo tour has been organized to both maximize your opportunities to see jaguars while enjoying intimate encounters with America’s largest cat. The Pantanal of Brazil is by far the best place in the world to see jaguars and we do so reliably on our trips. To create encounters that are meaningful and informative we have selected specific local guides and international guide and wild cat expert Sebastian Kennerknecht.

Sebastian has traveled to the Pantanal extensively having spent over three thousand hours in jaguar habitat. He knows the individual jaguars of both the northern and southern Pantanal well, including their habits. Sebastian is a multi-award-winning photographer and will help you with your photography needs. He also has a degree in behavioral ecology which allows him to predict what the animals will do next.

In the southern Pantanal we are partnering with Onçasafari to combine our guiding expertise. Onçasafari has been studying the jaguars, including doing telemetry tracking, with the cats of Refugio Caiman for over a decade. They know the home ranges and hunting patterns of the cats well, increasing our chances of having fantastic land-based encounters with the jaguars.

As we always strive for the most ethical standards, our boat driver in the northern Pantanal belongs to, a group of guides that have committed themselves to maintaining certain ethical standards, like keeping a minimum distance from the jaguars.

Day 1 Fly into Cuiabá in the northern Pantanal of Brazil. You will be met by a cat expeditions representative at the airport. From there we will board a 45 minute charter flight to Porto Jofre. We settle into the hotel and for those interested, we will go on our first boat excursion to look for jaguars. Dinner back at the hotel.

Day 2-5 Extensive morning and evening boat excursions to look for jaguars on the Cuiabá and Piquirí Rivers. We will be utilizing one large boat, with an entire row per participant. Cold drinks are served on the boat as well. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner back at the hotel.

Day 6 Morning boat ride to look for jaguars. Early lunch at the hotel. Board an eighty minute charter flight to the southern Pantanal. Settle into our private lodge. Afternoon jaguar excursion from safari vehicle. Dinner back at the lodge.

Day 7-9 Morning and afternoon safari car excursions to search for and photograph jaguars on the private Refúgio Ecológico Caiman ranch. We will utilize two cars, so each participant can get a row to themselves. Sightings here are extremely intimate. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are back at the lodge.

Itinerary at a glance

Jaguars in the vast pantanal itinerary.

This jaguar photo tour itinerary was designed to give you the best opportunity to experience wild jaguars in the beautiful wetland Pantanal of western Brazil. Unlike other jaguar safaris, you get to experience these top predators from both a boat, as well as a safari-style car.

To maximize our time on the ground, we have opted for chartering in-country flights between our international arrival airport of Cuiabá, Refúgio Ecológico Caiman, and Campo Grande. This saves us a total of thirty-two hours of driving, while getting to visit two very different parts of the Pantanal.

This itinerary is unique in us utilizing vehicles, on top of boats, to encounter jaguars. This leads to more unique photography opportunities since we aren’t just constricted to staying on the river. By being able to move around freely by car, we are able to get unique angles and behaviors of the jaguars, not seen on other itineraries.

Besides providing you the opportunity to see and photograph wild cats, we at Cat Expeditions make your travel experience hassle free. Upon booking, you will be sent a full itinerary that includes what to bring and how to prepare. Once you land in Cuiabá, you can focus on enjoying yourself as all the travel logistics are not only taken care off, but optimized to give you the most time to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the jaguars of the Pantanal.

Hotel Pantanal Norte

Located in the heart of jaguar country, Hotel Pantanal Norte is perfectly situated to launch our jaguar boat excursions. The boat ramps are just a few meters away from the front door of our rooms.

The rooms are simple, favoring tiles to keep the room cold during the Pantanal’s hot summers. Additionally, each room has air-conditioning to make sure you stay comfortable during the nights. Their pool is the perfect way to refresh during our middle of the day breaks.

The fresh meals at Hotel Pantanal Norte reflect the local cuisine. Fish that has been caught from the adjoining Cuiabá River is often served. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.

Hotel Pantanal Norte has high-speed internet. Laundry service is available at cost to the client.

Baiazinha Lodge, Refúgio Ecológico Caiman

Inspired by the classic ranches of the region, Baiazinha occupies a magical setting at Refúgio Ecológico Caiman. With a deck and a delightful pool, its whole structure is designed to face a beautiful bay that birds and capybaras often visit.

Travelers can also enjoy the scenery from hammocks on the balconies of their rooms or from the glass-walled room. Cozy nights are guaranteed, with air conditioning, heated showers, pure cotton sheets and luxurious pillows.

Baiazinha has high-speed internet, and laundry service is available at a cost to the client.

Conservation impact of our jaguar photo tour

Our jaguar photo tour, like all Cat Expeditions, has conservation impact built into it. In most of the jaguar’s range, including in the Pantanal, the biggest threat to jaguars is being killed by cattle ranchers.

As part of our expedition we will learn about how Panthera, the world’s leading wild cat conservation organization, has come up with a simple corralling method that allows jaguars and cattle ranchers to co-exist.  Our expedition takes place right next to their demonstration ranch, where we will see the strategy in action.

In the southern Pantanal we will learn about the re-wilding strategies of Onçasafari, who have successfully reintroduced jaguars on their land. Since our expedition is on a private ranch here, we are ensuring the protection of the jaguars since the farmer now earns more money through jaguar ecotourism compared to cattle ranching.

Finally, a percentage of the tour proceeds are donated to Panthera and Onçasafari.

Conservation at a glance

Jaguars of the pantanal photo tour dates.

July 22nd - 31st, 2025 (1 spot available)

July 31st - August 9th, 2025 (6 spots available)

Jaguars of the Pantanal Photo Tour Pricing

Price per person: $15,800

Single room supplement: $600

The price includes: - all transportation starting in Cuiabá - high-end lodging - meals (excluding alcohol) - jaguar excursions, using vehicles & boats - guide services of Sebastian Kennerknecht - English speaking local guide - boat driver - conservation donation to Panthera - conservation donation to Onçasafari

The price does not include: - flights to Cuiabá - flights from Campo Grande - tips - laundry - insurance

Book Jaguars of the Pantanal Photography Tour

• Choose Big Cats of Africa Tour Dates * January 16th - 26th, 2026 (6 spots available)
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Exploring the World's Largest Wetland

Brazil: jaguars and wildlife of the pantanal.

From $7,195

Easy to Moderate

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

In the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, wildly colorful avian species nest, caiman and capybara roam the river banks, and the top predator is the majestic jaguar, the largest native cat in the New World. With luck, we may also see giant anteater and giant otter here. On this safari-style adventure, we explore by boat, with a day trip to the Porto Jofre area, where jaguar sightings are well known, and safari by 4WD vehicle and canoe in a riverine forest where birdlife includes macaws and huge jabiru storks. We finish with hikes in the stunning ecosystem of Chapada Dos Guimarães National Park. Join us for a phenomenal wildlife adventure!

Arrive: Cuiabá, Brazil

Depart: Cuiabá, Brazil

• Search for the elusive jaguar along the Pantanal's rivers
• Witness spectacular birdlife, from hyacinth macaws to roseate spoonbills
• Meet with a researcher from the Jaguar Identification Project
• Look for giant anteater, capybara, caiman, and giant river otter
• Hike in the stunning landscape of Chapada dos Guimarães National Park
• Enjoy overnights in cozy wildlife lodges

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

$600 due at time of reservation 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in hotels and wildlife lodges
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Hotel Deville

Cuiabá, Brazil

Day 1 (1 night)

Aymara Lodge

Poconé, Brazil

Days 2-4 (3 nights)

Hotel Baiazinha

Caceres, Brazil

Days 5-7 (3 nights)

Pousada do Parque

Chapada Dos Guimarães National Park, Brazil

Days 8-9 (2 nights)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Sergio Freitas

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated  Level 2+, Easy to Moderate,  according to our trip grading system. Our explorations are timed with wildlife activity, so dawn, dusk, and nighttime excursions are a highlight of the trip, but you will need to be prepared for long days. Travel in Brazil is always an adventure; expect the unexpected! Schedules can change and our logistics are well-planned but subject to local conditions. Our team will do all they can to be sure that the trip runs as smoothly as possible, but this is Brazil, not Switzerland. A spirit of adventure and flexibility will help you get the most out of the trip.

For your own enjoyment, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. This is an active expedition, with nature walks and light hikes in a hot and humid climate, covering a variety of terrain including forest trails.

Our trip is timed for the “dry season” (June to September), although afternoon showers can occur year-round. Because there is less rainfall during this time, animals tend to cluster around the smaller stretches of water, leading to greater opportunities for jaguar sightings. Temperatures in the dry season range from the low 60s to the mid-80s. Layers are advisable for cooler evenings. Some rainfall is still likely in the dry season, so be prepared for sunshine as well as moisture.

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

BNT - Brazil Nature Tours

Jaguar safari tour.

The Jaguar Safari tour is the guaranteed and affordable way to observe Jaguars and Giant Otters in the wild heart of the fabulous Pantanal

• Number of people

Below you can find detailed information of our eco-tourism and wildlife tours.

7 Days/6 Nights

Day 1: Cuiaba – Araras Eco Lodge (135 km/2,5 hrs) At the Cuiabá airport you will be welcomed and assisted by a bilingual guide and transfer that will take you to the Pantanal. While crossing the area it is possible to observe and appreciate the local flora & fauna. Late afternoon, you will be able to hike through the surrounding area to a 12 m observation tower with a spectacular view of the sunset. After dinner, night walk to observe the South Hemisphere sky, hear and feel the nocturnal environment of the pantanal Overnight. (D) Day 2: Araras Eco Lodge After breakfast travel down private dirt roads, to Sentinela Camp on the edge of the Rio Clarinho. Canoe tour to spot aquatic wildlife, birds and flora; possibility of piranha fishing. Brazilian churrasco style picnic lunch along the banks of the river. Return to the lodge. Enjoy sunset from our 25m high outlook. Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) Day 3: Araras Eco Lodge – Hotel Pantanal Norte (110 km/2,5 hrs) Early morning hike for sunrise. Breakfast at poolside. Morning at leisure. After lunch we drive deeper into the Pantanal, with wildlife stops underway, to reach Hotel Pantanal Norte (former Hotel Porto Jofre) by the end of the afternoon. Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 4, 5 & 6: Hotel Pantanal Norte Full day boat rides on the Cuiaba, Piquiri and Tres Irmãos river. Boat trips provide an excellent opportunity to view jaguars and giant river otters up-close. This is often a highlight of visitors’ trips to Brazil. In the dry season, we frequently see jaguars on the exposed beaches of the rivers – a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Other wildlife commonly seen on the river are capybara and caiman. Birds frequently encountered include kingfishers, egrets, storks, herons and terns. End of the afternoon return to the lodge. Overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Hotel Pantanal Norte - Cuiaba  After breakfast transfer back to Cuiaba Airport in time for your domestic flight out. (B)

Package prices per person in US$ for 2024 based on a min. of 02 participants: Shared departures

• Overnight in double/triple rooms in pousada/hotel mentioned in the program;
• Transfers mentioned in itinerary in air-conditioned vehicle with driver;
• Meals as mentioned in itinerary (B=breakfast / L=lunch / D=diner, excl. drinks);
• Excursions as mentioned in itinerary;
• English speaking guide during excursion mentioned in the itinerary. 

Not included

• International flights
• Domestic flights
• Airport taxes
• Araras Eco Lodge Wildlife Preservation Fee: US$ 52 per person per package (This amount will be added to the package in order to cover the environmental maintenance of the 2.760 hectares Araras Eco Lodge private reserve)
• Travel insurance
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses.

Observation

NOTE: TOUR CAN BE CUSTOMIZED ACCORDING TO YOUR WISHES, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION.

What to bring: Light weight pants, jeans, T-shirts, long sleeved shirts, shorts, bathing suit, extra socks and underwear, sandals, good walking and/or old tennis shoes, windbreaker/light rainjacket, sun hat, flash light, sun screen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera, film, extra batteries. Sweatshirt or sweater recommended from June to September.

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Brazil’s Pantanal: Jaguars! And More…

July 3 - 13, 2024, w/Atlantic Forest extension

• Full Itinerary
• Photo Gallery

Travel Details

• Trip Reports
• Know Before You Go
• Other Trips You May Like

Brazil’s Pantanal: A place of superlatives. Home to the world’s largest fresh-water wetlands, the Pantanal is ten-times the size of the Everglades, draining into a single channel: the Paraguay River. We venture deep into this world-class wildlife hotspot on a long road that bisects the Transpantaneira wilderness, in search of an adventure that can’t be missed. In this famed region, we discover wildlife thriving in a mix of savanna, forest, and wetland habitats. Even a relaxed day can yield more than 100 species of birds and dozens of mammals — Capybara are everywhere! Brazilian Tapir, Capybara, Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, and yes, Jaguar (we saw seven on our 2017 trip!), are five of many incredible mammals we seek, while Greater Rhea, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, and Helmeted Manakin top the list of impressive bird sightings. Rare Green Anaconda, the world’s largest snake, may be a lucky find, while the small crocodilian Yacaré can be seen by the thousands. For many, it is the sheer number and variety of species that leaves the most lasting impression. Charming (and working) cattle ranches serve as our accommodations, each with its own impressive and distinctive wildlife community. Lazy afternoons invite photographers to wander between shade circles of the ranch trees for rare time with Hyacinth Macaw and other species. Don’t miss the pre-tour extension to Itatiaia National Park, one of South America’s most beautiful birding sites and Brazil’s oldest national park.

• “AWESOME, FANTASTIC. A trip of a lifetime! (Guides) Wes and Marco were as good as it gets.” — Charles Henderson, 2023 Traveler
• “I’ve already told family and friends that it may have been the very best trip I’ve ever taken. Oh, the jaguars! Watching three different ones for extended periods of time surpassed my expectations. And I got such wonderful photos and videos.” — Laura Jelemensky, 2023 Traveler
• “Excellent opportunity to view Brazil's southern (Panatal) wildlife. Remarkable birding…for me the most new species ever on a trip. Four different jaguars in three different locations; loved the Giant Anteaters…We were fortunate to see 20 within a two-day period; and Giant River Otters!” — Joyce Kelly, 2023 Traveler
• “Great opportunity to see lots of iconic wildlife up close…Capybaras were the reason I went to the Pantanal. Great to see other mammals like Giant Anteater too.” — Andrew Kimmel, 2023 Traveler
• “Amazing! Like a safari in the Land Before Time.” — Heather Warm, 2023 Traveler
• “If you want to see the birds and wildlife of the Atlantic forest and the interior of Brazil take this trip! It is a bit rugged and you are constantly on the move to see more species but it is well worth the effort. We saw over 300 species of birds, from flightless Greater Rhea, many colorful Macaws including the largest, Blue Hyacinth, my favorite Southern Lapwing, and little Eared Pygmy Tyrant, Piculets, and Pygmy Kingfisher. The greatest excitements were given the Giant Anteaters, the river bank Jaguars, and our one night roaming Cougar.” — James Cheevers 2023 Traveler
• “Amazing, exhausting, and exotic. As an amateur photographer the Pantanal was a wonderful location to see birds and wildlife out in the open, not too afraid of humans. Field trips were great as were the guides. I loved all the boat trips. Wes Larson was the American guide and was very patient and kind. He was organized and made sure everything ran as smoothly as possible. Benedetto was the Brazilian guide and was knowledgeable about birds and his English was excellent.” — Deborah Ellinger, 2023 Traveler
• “We saw many beautiful birds, great views of jaguars hunting along shorelines, a diversity of other mammals such as anteaters, armadillos, capybaras, deer, giant otters, peccaries, and monkeys, and, of course, plenty of caimans. The trip was well-guided, the accommodations were comfortable, the staff at the posadas and other places were friendly, and the drivers and boatmen were friendly.” — Gayle Garman, 2023 Traveler

Tour Highlights

• Watch for South America’s “Big Five” of mammals: Jaguar, Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, Brazilian Tapir, and Capybara
• Scout for the “Big Five” of birds: Harpy Eagle, Greater Rhea, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, and Helmeted Manakin. Add Southern Screamer, Sunbittern, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, and so many more!
• Experience the Transpantaneira wilderness road on safari-like excursions
• Look for five species of kingfisher
• Enjoy delicious local cuisine and exceptional hospitality at fazendas (working cattle ranches) at several stages along the road
• Cruise the Cuiabá River for our best chance at a Jaguar sighting
• See water birds in mass congregation — like those of the Everglades, but magnified!
• Watch for at least four species of monkeys and several hundred species of birds
• Discover night birds under intense southern sky constellations
• Come early for the pre-tour extension to birder's paradise Itatiaia National Park, which climbs in elevation from less than 1000 to 9,200 feet, creating an incredible diversity of habitats that is reflected in its many endemic birds, monkeys and other wildlife!

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Wed., July 3 : Arrival to São Paulo, Brazil

Arrive today in São Paulo, Brazil, at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Since many flights arrive in the early hours of the morning, we have rooms booked for you to access immediately on arrival. Mid-day we have a casual bird outing to a local park followed by a welcome dinner. Those on our highly-recommended pre-trip to the Atlantic Forest are returning to join you this evening. We invite you to sample Brazil's national cocktail, the caipirinha, made with cachaça (sugarcane liquor), sugar, and lime. We predict this may be the first of many. Accommodations at a convenient airport hotel (D)

Thurs., July 4 : Early Flight to Campo Grande Airport | Explore the South Side of the Pantanal

We should arrive to Campo Grande about 9:00 AM and are met by our local guides. We drive by van or mini-bus to our lodge (around four hours drivetime) with stops for mammals and birding on the way there. We are motivated to get there, since this is where we have lunch! After checking into our rooms, we spend time birding around the lodge until the end of the day, looking for birds like the Chaco Chachalaca, Hyacinth Macaw, Blue-fronted Parrot, Nanday Parakeet, Toco Toucan, Lineated and White Woodpeckers, Narrow-Billed Woodcreeper, Greater Thornbird, Giant Cowbird, Crested Oropendola, Purplish and Plush-crested Jays, Red-crested Cardinal, and many others. We then gather with friends for dinner and for those that wish, the daily checklist. Accommodations at Aguapé Lodge or similar (B,L,D)

Fri., July 5 & Sat., July 6: Pantanal Safari

Our lodge is an excellent environment for birdwatching, a place where over 300 bird species have been recorded. The lodge is located 195 kilometers from Campo Grande city, which has an international airport, and 60 kilometers from Aquidauana city, which is known as the gateway to the Pantanal. We have two full days to explore from the lodge, plus our pathway coming and going. Optional fishing with local guides and boats can be arranged while you are at this lodge. Interesting bird species are Southern Screamer, Blaze winged Parakeet, Gilded Hummingbird, Toco Toucan, Pale crested and White fronted Woodpecker, Red billed Scythebill, Helmeted Manakin, and the Scarlet headed Blackbird. After an early breakfast, we embark on a safari drive with good chances to see the Undulated Tinamou, Capped Heron, Jabiru, Savanna Hawk, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Buff-necked and Plumbeous Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Hyacinth and Yellow-collared Macaw, Red-billed Scythebill, Orange-backed Troupial, and many others. After lunch we are back at the lodge and make time to enjoy a siesta in the hot part of the day, and then we make another safari drive until the end of the day, returning in the dark with chances to see mammals like the Crab-eating Fox, South American Coati, Capybara, Marsh Deer, Southern Tamandua, Crab-eating Raccoon, River Otter, and night birds such as Common and Great Potoo, Spectacled and Striped Owl, Pauraque and Scissor-tailed Nightjar. We find this area to be the best place to spot Giant Anteater in the whole region and we make the effort to find them, so keep your fingers crossed! We have dinner upon return, and for those that wish again, the checklist. Accommodations at Aguapé Lodge or similar (B,L,D)

Sun., July 7 : Birding from Aguapé to Campo Grande

After an early breakfast we take a bird walk for excellent chances to see Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Blaze-winged Parakeet, Black-crowned Tityra, Chestnut-eared Aracari, and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, and many more. This morning we also enjoy a motorboat excursion at Aquidauana River. This river is full of life with good chances to see a family of Giant River Otter and special birds like Black-collared Hawk, five species of kingfisher, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Blue-throated Piping Guan, and many others. After an early lunch at the lodge we drive back to Campo Grande, check in to the hotel, and then enjoy a short visit to the “nesterar,” a place where a nice concentration of macaws and herons nest near the city. Accommodations at Hotel Mohave or similar (B,L,D)

Mon., July 8 : Early Flight: Campo Grande to Cuiaba | Northern Transpantaneira Adventure Begins

After an early domestic flight to Cuiabá we begin the second (northern) half of our Pantanal adventure! Driving south, we reach the famed Pantanal via a paved road to Poconé. En route we have lunch in a typical churrasqueria, and enjoy simple Brazilian-style cuisine. From here, we travel the dirt Transpantaneira Road, perhaps only rivaled by Tanzania’s Serengeti road for spotting wildlife. Along the way to our lodge, we might see Ringed Kingfisher, Red-crested Cardinal, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Toco Toucan, Jabiru, Limpkin, our Capybaras (of course!), Yacaré Caiman, and more. Our lodge is located just 10km from Poconé. After check in, we can stretch our legs on a short walk. There is a lovely pool if anyone wants to cool off with a swim. Accommodations at Pousada Piuval or similar (B,L,D)

Tues., July 9 : Birding & Wildlife Spotting on the Transpantaneira | Drive to Porto Jofre | Jaguar Boat Excursion

After some morning wildlife viewing at the ranch, we depart down the Transpantaneira, keeping an eye out for Red Brocket Deer, Marsh Deer, Crab-eating Fox, Greater Rhea, Chestnut-bellied Guan, Bare-faced Curassow, and a mix of wading birds. Bridges are hotspots from which we can view the presence of a huge food supply; Green Kingfisher, Great Egret, Cocoi Heron, both Bare-faced and Green Ibises, and White-lored Spinetail are just a few species we may see. We pass through scattered palm woodlands, cerrado scrub, and seasonally-flooded grasslands reminiscent of the Everglades. Roadside ponds and canals are filled with waders: Roseate Spoonbill, Plumbeous Ibis, Limpkin, cormorants, herons, kingfishers, and their predator, Yacaré Caiman. August water conditions concentrate the fish for foraging waders like Jabiru and Maguari Stork. At Porto Joffe, the “end of the road,” palms attract several resident pairs of Hyacinth Macaw. From this little town on the Cuiabá River, we board a small boat to reach our lodgings—two days on a lovely houseboat. Rooms are air-conditioned, with private bath. This “floating hotel” allows us to stay close to where the wildlife has been spotted; we explore from the houseboat each day on smaller boats. We check into our boat cabins, have dinner, then have a briefing on safety and wildlife we hope to see. If skies are clear, star viewing is impressive?you can see the Southern Cross! Optional fishing is available while you are on the houseboat portion of the tour. Accommodations in private cabins on a floating houseboat hotel! (B,L,D)

Wed., July 10 : Full Day Looking for Jaguar, Jabiru & More | Jaguar Boat Excursion

Awake on the river to a host of sounds and the sight of macaws and more flying overhead. We use smaller speedboats to spend the day searching for the iconic Jaguar, known for their affinity to water. They are good swimmers, and often lay down along the shore after a swim. Chances are good that we see at least one individual, male or female?perhaps even together! We lunch on board, take a short siesta (yes, love that AC … ) and try for Jaguar again in the afternoon. Wildlife is plentiful in this remote part of the Pantanal, so once we accomplish the main task (a Jaguar, of course) we have time to admire other species like Giant Otter, Black Skimmer, Pied Plover, Southern Screamer, and Yacaré Caiman. We also visit little streams for skulkers like Pygmy Kingfisher and Sungrebe. By late afternoon we return to the boat. We celebrate our sightings with caipirinhas before dinner! Accommodations in private cabins on a floating houseboat hotel! (B,L,D)

Thurs., July 11 : Wildlife & Birding on the Lower Transpantaneira

After two days immersed in the wildest part of the Pantanal, we return north, retracing our route. We are not in a hurry though, and work some of the areas we previously traveled in more detail. Perhaps we find a troop of Black-and-Gold Howler Monkey, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Snail Kite, Rusty-backed Antwren, Common Tody Flycatcher, White-browed Blackbird, and others species as we drive to our next lodge. We watch for Cream-colored Woodpecker, Ashy-headed Greenlet, Short-crested Flycatcher, Mato Grosso Antbird, Great Antshrike, and Purple-throated Euphonia. Near water we find Whistling and Capped Herons, Pygmy and Ringed Kingfishers, Sunbittern, Black-collared and Great Black Hawks, and Rusty-backed Spinetail. Once we arrive at the hotel on the Rio Pixium, we settle in and check the feeders for brilliant-colored troupials, Palm, Silver, and Sayaca Tanagers, and Red-crested Cardinal. At this point in our journey we have seen numerous mammals and birds, and we can base our efforts on finding anything missing from our list. Accommodations at Mato Grosso or similar (B,L,D)

Fri., July 12 : Pixaim River Area Wildlife & Birding

It’s another morning for gazing at the sunrise while sipping good Brazilian coffee. This morning, pending what we still need to see, we can do a safari drive, or we can take a small boat ride on the Pixaim River to spot secretive species like Agami and Zig-Zag Herons. This is a good spot for Giant Otter and, with luck, a Tapir. Driving back to Cuiabá, the landscapes are iconic and make for great pictures. We look for Black-capped Donacobious, Green-and-rufous Kingfisher, Little Blue Heron, and other species like some very impressive iguanas. We can break up our drive with a walk in Gallery Forest habitat looking for special birds like Helmeted Manakin, Mato Grosso Antbird, Band-tailed Antbird, Black-hooded Tanager, Blue-crowned Trogon, and more. Dinner finds us sampling authentic Grosso cuisine, including legendary piranha and local beef. Accommodations at the Mato Grosso or similar (B,L,D)

Sat., July 13 : Wildlife Viewing | Return Drive to Cuiabá | Departures

Today, we make our way back to Cuiabá; the paved road is perhaps a welcome sight as we bid adieu to the marvelous but often dusty Pantanal. Our plan is to arrive in Cuiabá in time for connections to São Paolo for evening flights out. Plan on flights after 4:00 PM. For those not finding a good flight match up, you can return to GRU and overnight, or simply overnight in Cuiabá at the Odara Hotel, close to the city’s botanic gardens, and start fresh the following day. If you plan to overnight in Cuiabá and would like to add an outing at the botanic gardens, we are happy to offer that (added charge). (B,L)

Atlantic Forest Pre-Tour Extension

Birding itatiaia national park.

Don’t miss this extension to Itatiaia National Park, one of South America’s most beautiful birding sites and Brazil’s oldest national park. The park climbs dramatically from humid Atlantic Forest at 984 feet to nearly 9200 feet at the “campos de altitude”, creating a wide variety of habitats. An incredible variety of birds live here, including many exciting regional endemics, monkeys, and other wildlife. We bird our way from stream-laced grasslands to cloud forest studded with salvias bromeliads and orchids, to unique Araucaria conifer forest, to tundra-like shrublands at the top of the park.

Sat., June 29 : Arrival in São Paulo

One of the most beautiful birding sites in the Atlantic Forest is Itatiaia National Park, located just 250 kilometers from São Paulo and home to one of the largest altitudinal differences of any birding site in Brazil, ranging from humid Atlantic Forest at 300 meters, up to the “campos de altitude” at 2,800 meters. Itatiaia was Brazil’s first National Park and shelters an incredible variety of birds, including Black Hawk-Eagle, Dusky-legged Guan, Slaty-breasted Wood-Rail, Giant Snipe, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Frilled Coquette, Black-breasted Plover-Crest, Saffron Toucanet, Yellow-fronted and Robust Woodpeckers, Wing-banded Hornero, White-browed Foliage-gleaner, Itatiaia Thistletail, Speckle-breasted Antpitta, Giant and Large-tailed Antshrikes, White-bibbed and Rufous-tailed Antbirds, Fork-tailed Pygmy-tyrant, Southern Antpipit, Velvety Black-tyrant, Pin-tailed Manakin, Eastern Slaty Thrush, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Black-and-Gold Cotinga, Brassy-breasted and Gilt-edged Tanagers, and Sharpbill. This extension is a feast for the eyes for birders, an extraordinary array of species, many endemic to the region. __________ Arrive today in São Paulo for our Atlantic Forest pre-tour extension. Since many flights arrive in the early hours of the morning, we have rooms booked for you to access immediately on arrival. Mid-day we have a casual bird outing to a local park followed by a welcome dinner. Accommodations in at a convenient airport hotel (D)

Sun., June 30 : Itatiaia National Park—Atlantic Forest

We want an early departure after breakfast so we can arrive at Itatiaia National Park (170 miles) before noon. Along the highway we look for Southern Crested Caracara and both White-tailed and Crane Hawks. Our stop at the park’s entrance station provides us with our first opportunity to bird the Atlantic Forest. White-eyed Parakeet put on a show as they jet overhead, while we look for Curl-crested Jay, Chalk-browed Mockingbird, Campo Flicker, Savannah Hawk, Ruby-crowned Tanager, Grey Monjita, and Crested Black-Tyrant. We have lunch, check into our rooms and then enjoy the stunning vista with an array of feeders and birds in the foreground. For birders and photographers alike, this is just such a treat to see so many of the colorful birds of this park, and so close: Red-breasted Toucan, Dusky-legged Guan, Green Honeycreeper, White-throated Hummingbird, Brazilian Ruby, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Green-headed and other tanagers, Crested Oropendola, and Red-rumped Cacique. This is a fine introduction to some of the species of the Atlantic Forest. Accommodations at Hotel do Ype or similar (B,L,D)

Mon., July 1 & Tues., July 2: Midlevel & High-Altitude Exploration of Itatiaia National Park

These two days are dedicated to exploring the trails and roads of the central part of the park. We stop for flocks as we climb the road to the higher elevations of the park where we should find Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Planalto Hermit, Surucua Trogon, Black-throated Trogon, Rufous-capped Motmot, Tufted Antshrike, White-bearded Antshrike, Variable Antshrike, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Plain Antvireo, Star-throated Antwren, White-shouldered Fire-eye, Ferruginous Antbird, Ochre-rumped Antbird, White-bibbed Antbird, Rufous Gnateater, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Blue-backed Manakin, Gray-capped Tyrannulet, Bay-chested Warbling-Finch, Buff-throated Warbling-Finch, Diademed Tanager, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, White-throated Woodcreeper, and Scaled Woodcreeper. We drive through the area, making “specialty stops” to areas that have Violet-capped Woodnymph, Black Hawk-Eagle, and Collared Forest-Falcon. Higher elevation stops allow us to look for Araucaria Tit-Spinetail, Itatiaia Spinetail, and Rufous-capped Antshrike. A number of different species occur along the transition zones of the various elevation-dependent habitats as we climb the road to the top. These include a long list: White-barred Piculet, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Plain-winged Woodcreeper, Black-billed Scythebill, Rufous-capped Spinetail, Pallid Spinetail, White-collared Foliage-gleaner, Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaner, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, White-browed Foliage-gleaner, Yellow Tyrannulet, Gray-hooded Flycatcher, Cliff Flycatcher, Black-tailed Flycatcher, White-throated Spadebill, Velvety Black-Tyrant, Long-tailed Tyrant, White-browed Warbler, Golden-crowned Warbler, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, Golden-winged Cacique, Black-goggled Tanager, Rufous-headed Tanager, Golden-chevroned Tanager, and Ruby-crowned Tanager. We should also find monkeys: Black Capuchin along with Black-striped Capuchin. One of the fascinating aspects of climbing this road is the different plant communities and species. We bird in Araucaria forest, a unique, high-elevation conifer of the park; the tundra-like plants found in the shrubby lands at the top of the park; and lower elevation cloud forest, complete with salvias, bromeliads, and orchids. Lower elevations have intermittent forests embedded with grasslands and streams. All of these habitats provide ample opportunity to experience this well-known and diversity-rich part of Brazil. Accommodations at Hotel do Ype or similar (B,L,D)

Wed., July 3: Morning in Itatiaia National Park | Return to São Paulo

This morning we enjoy an early breakfast, and then drive to the Agulhas Negras road into the highlands on the far side of the park. This road gives us access to higher elevation habitat where some specialty birds are found. Notable among these are White-rumped Hawk, Rufous-thighed Hawk, Araucaria Tit-Spinetail, Itatiaia Thistletail, Buff-browed Foliage-gleaner, Rufous-tailed Antbird, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Black-capped Piprites, Brown-breasted Bamboo Tyrant, Shear-tailed Gray Tyrant, Diademed Tanager, Gray-throated Warbling-Finch, and Bay-chested Warbling-Finch. After we finish birding here, we drive back to São Paulo where we meet up with our companions, overnight before the start of our main trip (and in-country flight) to the Pantanal! Accommodations at an airport hotel (B,L,D)

Jaguar by Wes Larson

Lettered Aracari by Wes Larson

Birding by Boat by Jessie Hallstrom

Yellow-billed Cardinal by Wes Larson

Yellow-rumped Cacique

Red-shouldered Macaw by Wes Larson

Howler Monkey by Wes Larson

Greater Rhea by Wes Larson

Jaguar Print by Wes Larson

Tropical Screech Owl by Wes Larson

Afternoon Drive by Wes Larson

Macaw Soaring Through Waterfall by Wes Larson

Capybara & Friend by Wes Larson

Morning Drive by Wes Larson

Caiman by Wes Larson

Houseboat by Wes Larson

Chapada Scenic by Wes Larson

Blue-and-yellow Macaw by Wes Larson

Naturalist Journeys' & Local Guides by Wes Larson

Scoping Jaguars by Wes Larson

Little Blue Heron by Wes Larson

Chapada Extension Group by Wes Larson

Local Stay Grounds by Jessie Hallstrom

Ocelot by Wes Larson

Capybara Family by Wes Larson

Helmeted Manakin by Wes Larson

Giant Anteater with Young by Wes Larson

Crested Caracara by Wes Larson

Giant River Otter by Wes Larson

Crab-eating Fox by Wes Larson

Lesser Anteater by Wes Larson

Burrowing Owl by Wes Larson

Tapir by Wes Larson

Welcome to Pantanal Sign by Jessie Hallstrom

Roadside Hawk by Wes Larson

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the 11-day main tour is $6690 DBL / $7370 SGL. Tour price includes 10 nights’ accommodations, all meals as noted in the itinerary, airport transfers, land and boat transportation during the journey, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. It includes two flight segments within country. The tour cost does not include airfare to São Paulo and from Cuiaba, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, and gratuities. Cost of the pre-tour Atlantic Forest extension is $1690 DBL / $1970 SGL. Extension costs are based on a group of four persons minimum and includes all lodgings, meals, transportation, guiding and park and reserve entrance fees.

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival Airport: Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo

Arrival Details: Please plan flights  to arrive July 3, 2024 at your leisure. There is an optional birding outing at 2:30 PM on July 3.

Departure Airport: Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB) in Cuiaba

Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart July 13, 2024 after 4:00 PM.

Pre-tour Extension Arrival Airport : Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo

Pre-tour Extension Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive June 29, at your leisure.

Travel Tips: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels, you can book an early night at our first night tour hotel, the Sao Paulo Airport Marriott Hotel . You can book online and send us the confirmation number with the goal being you won’t have to switch rooms. If you would like a day tour in Sao Paulo, they can arrange that at the hotel.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

• Species List
• Trip Report

Greg spent over 20 years working as an ecologist managing sensitive bird species for California State Parks along the Central coast. His decision to promote to the Park Superintendent series allowed him to work directly with partners in conserving lands for the benefit of birds, people, and resources. And then he retired! Three days later he started his now eleven-year career with Naturalist Journeys by leading his first of over sixty tours. He had already traveled to all seven continents, and now has a Master Bird Banding permit, both of which made him a great fit to work with Peg and to lead natural history and birding tours to her exceptional array of tour locations. His relaxed style and breadth of knowledge makes his tours both educational and fun, all while exploring Naturalist Journeys' diverse locations and viewing the areas' distinctive birds, wildlife, and plant species. Two of his favorite past times are good food and photography, so take a peek at his Flickr site to see some of what he shares with those that join him on his tours.

Other trips with Greg Smith, Guide Emeritus

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

• Make sure your passport is in good condition and at minimum is valid from the date of entry through your scheduled return to the U.S.   See "Passports, Visas, & Documents" section below for further important details and recommendations.
• Travelers to Brazil must obtain an E-visa. Apply online at https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/ .
• Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Brazil and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.
• Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through  Allianz Travel Insurance .
• Plan your flight reservations arriving into Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) with return from Cuiaba (CGB) to best match up to your international departure or extension.
• Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Arrival to São Paulo, Brazil (GRU)

Your arrival airport is at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo, Brazil. For the main tour, plan to arrive at a time convenient for you the first day of the tour. Please take the free shuttle to our convenient and comfortable airport hotel. Remember, you have at least 1.5 hours to get luggage and clear immigration and customs; there are comfortable public areas in the hotel where you can relax if you don’t want to pay an early room fee.

Please note: If you are delayed in travel, please refer to your emergency contact list, and contact your ground operator AND our office.   You may also phone or text your guide.  Quite a few of your guides will set up a WhatsApp connection so you can reach your guide(s) by phone. 

Many flights get in during the morning hours. Rooms are not generally available until 2:00 PM, but as they are ready, they will let you check in, hopefully by Noon or 1:00 PM. An early morning check-in can be requested for about $40 but not until the day of arrival. Or you certainly can book the room (additional cost) for the night previous if this wait is of concern. There are public areas and a restaurant for you to use while you wait. We can recommend a good travel agent familiar with the routes to you upon request.

Please check the Travel Details section of this tour for additional information and updates.

Pre-Tour Atlantic Forest Extension: If you participate in the pre-tour Atlantic forest extension, plan to arrive at a time convenient for you the first day of the extension. You arrive in São Paulo. After gathering your bags and going through customs please take the convenient shuttle to the airport hotel.

Internal Flights

We include and coordinate two flight segments within the country so that the group can travel together. Once you register, our local operator will book the group flights. To do so, he needs your name as on passport, and date of birth. They will be morning flights.

Departure from Cuiabá (CGB) to Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)

Please plan departures on the last day of your tour from Cuiaba’s Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB), with a flight 4:00 PM or after, timed to connect with your own international flight. We do not include the segment from Cuiabá (CBG) back to São Paolo (GRU), as those going on to other parts of Brazil can take international flights back from other sites such as Belo Horizontes or Iguazu, and do not need the segment. And, it is worth checking to see if you can get a better price if combined with your international return. You should be able to book your flight into GRU and out from CBG to GRU and onward going back if only on the main tour. Our travel agent, Pam Davis, can assist you with ticketing if requested.

Your final night is in Cuiabá. For departure day, you may arrange air to best match up to your international flights. Some may want to go out that night if just around midnight, just be sure it’s the correct date if one of the just post-midnight flights! If you find you do not go out until the afternoon or evening the following day, our company can organize an outing to the local botanical garden, a very good site for birding. Please request this when you send in your flights.

Passports, Visas & Documents

Guidelines and regulations can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s documentation requirements 60-90 days ahead of traveling. Information for U.S. citizens can be found at  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Brazil.html . If you are from another country, please contact the tour destination’s embassy website for guidelines.

Passport: At the time of writing, U.S. citizens must have a passport that is in good condition and at minimum is valid at the time of entry through your scheduled return to the U.S. We suggest at least 3 months validity beyond the end of the tour to allow for unexpected delays in return travel. Please check that expiration date! You should have at least two blank visa pages free. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top. Pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted. 

Visa: Brazil has delayed implementation of the visa program until April 10, 2025.

We advise that you bring your eContact list of hotels for use at immigration as well. It is always smart to check for possible changes to visa requirements 60-90 days prior to your tour departure.

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include, but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.  

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency. 

Vaccinations: Bring copies of your current vaccination records with you. Although a t the time of writing, there are no required vaccinations to enter Brazil, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that "most travelers" to Brazil and most South American countries in general be up-to-date with routine and basic travel vaccines, including Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip.   He or she may recommend other preventative immunizations like DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis), which is recommended every 10 years. 

Yellow fever: It is highly recommended that you do get a yellow fever (YF) vaccine. If Brazil has to change their vaccination requirements before your trip, you will be covered.  If you do choose to get the vaccine, be sure to include the certification record with your other vaccination records you bring. If you cannot get a vaccine due to your age as cautioned by your physician, then bring a physician's letter saying you are in good health, but they do not recommend that you get the vaccine due to your age.

Other mosquito-carrying diseases: Although you are traveling in the dry season, which is a lower risk time of year, it is still important to protect yourself from the risk. The best prevention of infection from mosquito-carried diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever and Zika is protective clothing and insect repellent. Be prepared with insect repellent that contains DEET. You may wish to bring two strengths, using the most potent if and when mosquitos are encountered. It will be your decision on whether you wish to take anti-malarials as the Pantanal is not a high-risk area. If you are going to take them, be aware that some travelers experience dizziness and stomach upset from some of the medications, so please ask your doctor what the best recommendation for you is.

Check the CDC recommendations for travel to Brazil  for other helpful information or reach them by phone at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

Prescriptions and Allergies: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.   Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad.  You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers.   It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health. If you have severe allergies, talk to your doctor about carrying an EPIPEN and notify your guides.

Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for common ailments (such as upset stomach, headache, motion sickness, diahhrea, minor scrapes, bug bites, etc.).  

Daily Itinerary

We generally follow the published itinerary but do network with other guides and may make changes if we hear of great bird sightings or a new opportunity. The joy of our travel is tremendous flexibility, and we make every effort to do the things you particularly want to do. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of the trip is moderate, with some early morning departures, extensive field time and now some options for hikes. It is also easy to take it at a vacation pace! You can pace yourself within our typically active schedule.

Weather & Climate

July and August travelers can expect at least some light rain. These are generally the driest months and temperatures average in the mid-60s to low 90s ° F, with moderate humidity of about 60%.

September and October travelers can also expect at least some light rain with average temperatures from the mid-70s to low 90s ° F, with moderate humidity averaging about 60%.

You may want to bring a gel bandana for helping you to keep cool. Dust is an issue and it's the reason we travel by a bus that has closing windows.  A microfiber cloth (query microfiber towel and choose size) that can be quickly draped over optics, and a smaller one for your nose, is super helpful!

Pre-Tour Atlantic Forest Extension : If you are joining the Atlantic Forest Extension, temperatures will be comfortable during the day, but even the locals would say that their nights are chilly. Temperatures average with highs in the mid-to-high 70s and lows in the mid-50s/low 60s. You’ll want that extra layer of warmer clothing.

Annoyances & Hazards

Mosquitoes can occur in the forests; therefore, a supply of insect repellent containing DEET is essential. At grassland or farm locations you may encounter chiggers. If so, it really helps to spray your shoes with repellent, and tuck your pants into your socks. Upon return, be sure to shower and air out your clothing. Chiggers are a part of lowland and mid-elevation habitats throughout Central and South America. Your guide should have a good read on whether it has been wet enough that they are active. There can also be poisonous snakes and insects, though encountering them is rare. Do listen carefully to any advice given by your local guide. And remember, the sun is strong so be prepared with proper protection.

Food & Drinks

You will need to drink bottled water, and while we supply that for our tour outings, please be prepared to refill your water from the purified jug when at your lodges at night. The logistics of hauling water across the remote Pantanal Road will be improved if we depend on lodges for some of our supply. We recommend buying a Steri Pen so you can treat water in a few seconds or consider one of the new water bottles that include filters, like LifeStraw. Whenever possible, we want to AVOID the use of excessive plastics!

Meals are generally enjoyable and well-prepared at your lodges and restaurants.  Menus are varied, sustainably based on the wonderful local ingredients available, and delightfully prepared in a sanitary environment. However, as in any case when traveling, we urge you to consider what your body is used to before you eat something. Trust your common sense when consuming food and beverages. This is the best way to avoid any unwanted problems. Ask for recommendations from your hotel or refer to a guidebook such as Frommers.  Meals reflect the culinary contributions from American, European, Spanish, and local cuisines.  Beer and wine are readily available for purchase at hotels, and we can stop to purchase liquor or snacks if needed, mainly at Cuiabá. Once out on the Transpantaniera there are no real facilities other than lodges.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your suitcase. Wear your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!). And please do not pack any essential medications, or your vital optics, in your checked luggage !

Please, pack light. Dress is very informal. You may wish to change for dinners, but casual dress is suitable at all locations.  We strongly recommend neutral or dark-colored clothing for every area that we will visit on the tour, though we do not recommend camouflage. We advise that clothing colors should be unobtrusive, i.e. no bright yellows, reds or white, as this can make us very conspicuous and disturb wildlife.

Laundry services are generally available, but easiest if we have several days in one location. The boat we use for our Jaguar spotting is moored, it is not moving, so it is a stable environment and very comfortable, requiring no special gear.

Find a way to keep cool. Many bring a gel bandana that can be made wet and is very cooling. A spray mister is helpful as well as dressing in layers that are loose fitting.

Spending Money

The Real is the official currency in Brazil. For the current exchange rate, please refer to online converter tool like www.xe.com , or your bank. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as the cash, an ATM card, and a credit card.

There are shops that accept the U.S. dollar in Brazil. It’s always a good idea to ask before you make a purchase. You can always carry U.S. dollars and exchange while in Brazil. Some hotels, large post offices, and money exchange offices can exchange cash. You’ll need your passport and your money must be new (2004 or newer) and in good condition (no rips or tears). Each exchange method will involve a fee, so it’s a good idea to ask beforehand. 

The easiest way to withdraw Reals is from a local ATM. ATMs will give you a better rate on changing money. Brazil ATMs are quite common in larger cities, but many are not as available in smaller towns. The ATM will give you local money and your bank will convert that into US Dollars. Many banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank before departure. You must become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey.

Credit cards are accepted, but not as widely as in the USA. Your lodges should take them, but in rural areas where you may buy handicrafts, you will need cash. We suggest you have more than one card available. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (one Visa, and one MasterCard), if possible. Not every shop will accept every card. Some machines are set up for both, while some will only service one or the other. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling to Brazil to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges. If you have a choice of cards, bring one with no foreign exchange fees.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you use them.

Many people ask how much money to plan to bring for spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Typical items people purchase include: local souvenirs and T-shirts, carvings, beads, textiles, artworks, drinks before or with dinner, maps and natural history books. Cash is also handy for your drinks from the bar.

Tipping is optional and completely at your discretion. If you would like to show our appreciation to your guides, lodge and hotel staff or anyone associated with this tour, it is entirely appropriate. Know that they appreciate anything you care to give and of course you can do more if you wish! Lodges normally have a box for tips that the staff share, and hotels you would just tip the maids as you do at home. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services.

People wish to know how best to plan tips, the total is about $250-$300 per person, and our estimate of how they are split up will be (based on 10 days of service excluding departure day):

• Main guide ($100)
• Brazilian guide with you for the trip ($50+)
• Bus driver ($30+)
• Boat driver on Jaguar safaris, 3 days ($15-$20)
• Four Lodges (shared tip pool) listed on your eContact. Consider the boat, a lodge. Total of ($5-$10 per day depending on amount and quality for service)
• In São Paulo or Cuiabá, a simple maid gratuity will do.
• Porterage - $1 USD equivalent per bag as you use this service at city hotels, at nature lodges will be in your shared tip pool.

All tips are at your discrepancy, you may choose to do more or less according to service.

Local guides from lodges will be tipped by your Naturalist Journeys host. Questions, ask your tour host. Tipping is extensive in this culture, please note there is no expectation of an added tip for your Naturalist Journeys host.

You may tip your guides in USD, but for lodge staff and drivers, it is best to have local currency.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Your guide is well connected and can help if any urgent communication need arises. However, it is highly recommended that you travel with a CELL PHONE, if only as a precaution for the unfortunate occurrence of a medical emergency during an outing and needing swift accessibility to critical personal or medical contacts. 

Cell phone service is widely available in Brazil. Wi-Fi is available at our hotels and several of our lodges.  Some available Wi-Fi services there may have fees, and these are determined by how much data you use, so be aware of that if people are sending you photos, etc. There are free apps available on smart phones (WhatsApp, Viber, Skype) that offer free international calls and texts, and you may want to research this ahead of time. Make sure when you do not want to use your cell phone that you turn off your cellular data, or you could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi.

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless it appears to be an emergency. This disrupts other guests, plan on cell phone call use on your own time.

Electricity

Outlets in Brazil generally accept 1 type of plug, Type N. Make sure you do not confuse this with a similar looking European plug and adapter –  it is not the same! Most USA electronic devices work in Brazil, where voltage is normally 110V to 127V. Occasionally you will find 220V. Check your devices, most now have a converter that can handle both voltages. Many modern electronics have a converter in the cord – that is the little box you see. A universal converter/adapter can be found online or at most electronics stores or online. Please make sure you have the Type N adapter as part of the unit you buy. More information can be found at www.power-plugs-sockets.com .

Brazil covers four time zones, and we will cross several during this trip. São Paolo is on Brazil Time, and Cuiabá is an hour earlier, on Amazon Time. In summer months, when the US observes Daylight Savings Time and Brazil is on Standard Time, São Paulo will be in the same time zone as Eastern Daylight Savings time during your trip, while Cuiabá will be an hour earlier. A great website if you want to tell someone to check ahead of calling you is www.timeanddate.com .

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at [email protected] or telephone us toll free at (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

Pace & Protocols +

Pace of the tour & what to expect.

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain.  It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as  Allianz , for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue ,  World Nomads , Medjet , Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at [email protected] or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

Packing List +

Please pack light.

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage.   Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle.   It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds.   Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation.   But if you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts.   Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy.

The climate is tropical, with hot, rainy summers and dry, sunny winters that are characterized by warm days, cool nights and moderate humidity averaging about 60%. July and August will range primarily in the 60-80s  ° F (cooler if you are joining the Atlantic Forest Extension), and wind blowing in from the south, especially in August, can bring a chill. September and October will be warmer with temperatures in the 70s to 90s ° F. October is a transitional month and is more likely to have some rain.

Note on clothing colors and insect repellent: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors. Camouflage clothing is not recommended and in some countries, it is not legal to wear.  It is possible to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield Clothing  collection . Another approach is to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure.

Please travel with a CELL PHONE, if only as a precaution for the unfortunate occurrence of a medical emergency during an outing and needing swift accessibility to critical contacts.

Clothing & Gear

• Lightweight long pants, 2-3 pair
• Shorts (optional)
• Lightweight long sleeve shirts, 2-3 (loose fitting keeps you cool and are great to layer over T-shirts or sleeveless shirts for staying cool)
• T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts or equivalent (1 per day – remember you may buy some as souvenirs along the way)
• Comfortable evening clothes (clean field clothes are appropriate, but feel free to go dressier if you wish)
• Personal underclothing and pajamas
• Socks – lightweight and easy to hand wash and dry
• Comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes, etc.)
• Lightweight hiking boots – preferably waterproof
• Sandals or light shoes for evenings, travel days (optional)
• Shower thongs
• Lightweight jacket (fleece is ideal, but a sweater or sweatshirt will do)
• Raincoat or poncho (great if this doubles as a windbreaker)
• Bathing suit (optional)
• Hat with broad brim
• Bandana (optional, ones with gel inserts are great for cooling off when you are hot and sweaty)
• Warm hat and gloves – for cool mornings and evenings
• Field vest (optional) a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment & Miscellaneous

• PHOTO IDENTIFICATION
• Airline Tickets or e-ticket verification
• Passport, visa, travel insurance info, money & credit cards.
• A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
• As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. For passport, copy of the  ID and entry stamp pages.
• Small daypack to carry your field gear while hiking
• Small flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
• Alarm clock (if you use your phone, be sure to turn off data roaming)
• Walking stick (optional, but recommended if you have one)
• Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored
• Sunscreen/lip balm
• Sunglasses with neck strap
• Insect repellent (something containing DEET)
• Toiletry articles
• Kleenex or tissues
• Zip-lock bags are great for gear, and the 2-gallon size is useful to protect optics from dust
• Spotting scope and tripod (optional)
• Camera and extra batteries/battery chargers, film or digital memory cards, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
• Tablet or laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos and charger (optional)
• USB cord for transferring photos from camera to tablet/laptop (optional)
• Portable external hard drive if you intend to take many photos (optional)
• Cell phone and charger
• Water bottle (or plan to refill one of ours to save on use of plastic)
• Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
• Field guides (optional)
• Laundry soap if you plan to do hand washing; consider laundry soap "sheets" instead of packing liquid
• Earplugs (optional – if hotel noise or roommates snoring may bother you)
• Rechargeable power bank (optional)
• Steri-Pen or other UV water treatment device to treat local water where not filtered to help cut down on the use of plastic bottles (optional but a great thing for world travelers to have!)

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

• Health insurance information
• Vaccination Records
• Personal medication (with copy of vital prescriptions, including glasses) and any medical alerts
• Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
• Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments and stomach ailments (Imodium or Lomotil, antihistamine cream or tablets, eye drops, etc.)
• Foot powder, lotions, general “comfort” items
• Hydrocortisone cream to ease itching from insect bites
• Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
• Antibacterial hand soap/hand sanitizer in small bottle, and cleansing wipes
• Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Brazil and the Pantanal; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

A Field Guide to the Birds of Brazil

Merlin App – Brazil Pack. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Before departing the U.S., download the app for free , then from within the app, download the “pack” for Brazil: All.

Field Guides

Wildlife Conservation Society Birds of Brazil: The Pantanal and Cerrado of Central Brazil

Pantanal Wildlife: A Visitor’s Guide to Brazil’s Great Wetland

Brazil Amazon and Pantanal

History & Culture

Lonely Planet Brazil

Brazil - Culture Smart!

Pantanal: South America’s Wetland Jewel

An Indomitable Beast: The Remarkable Journey of the Jaguar

Pantanal: Understanding and Preserving the World’s Largest Wetland

Pantanal Tales of a Tour Guide

Bodoquena: An Odyssey of the Brazilian Pantanal

Brazilian Portuguese Phrasebook & Dictionary  

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

Useful Links +

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantanal

São Paulo

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Paulo

Campo Grande

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campo_Grande

Cuiabá

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuiab%C3%A1

Porto Jofre

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porto_Jofre

A Colorful, Free and Indepth Travel Guide for Pantanal – Pantanal Escapes.com

• https://pantanalescapes.com/about/about.html

5 Interesting Facts About The Pantanal

• https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/5-interesting-facts-about-the-pantanal-the-world-s-largest-tropical-wetland

Spot Luck ? A witty and colorfully written article about the Pantanal

• https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/americas/spot-luck-great-wildlife-encounters-in-brazil-1904370.html

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Species of Pantanal – iNaturalist.org

• https://www.inaturalist.org/places/pantanal

Pantanal Wildlife Center - Jaguar Research Center (YouTube video)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzDUsGW5OHI

Encyclopedic Bird List with Links to Pictures

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Birds_of_the_Pantanal

Hyacinth Macaw

• https://www.pantanalescapes.com/wildlife/birds/hyacinthmacaw.html

Ema or American (Greater) Rhea

• https://www.pantanalescapes.com/wildlife/birds/ema.html

Amazonian Tapir

• https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/species/amazonian-tapir

Giant Otter

• https://www.houstonzoo.org/blog/giant-otters/

Giant Anteater

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_anteater
• https://a-z-animals.com/animals/maned-wolf/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn9Hj23ggjA

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

The Nature Conservancy

• https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/pantanal/

Pantanal Conservation Area (UNESCO)

• https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/999/

World Wildlife Fund

• https://www.worldwildlife.org/projects/the-pantanal-saving-the-world-s-largest-tropical-wetland

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Brazil

• https://brasil.wcs.org/en-us/Wild-Places/Pantanal.aspx

Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

• https://nationalzoo.si.edu/conservation-ecology-center/conserving-worlds-largest-working-wetland

Natural World Heritage Site

• https://www.naturalworldheritagesites.org/sites/pantanal-conservation-area/

Geology & Geography

A Good Overview

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantanal#Geography_and_geology

Understanding Sedimentary Processes in Pantanal’s Modern Wetlands

• https://speakingofgeoscience.org/2021/06/02/sediment-provenance-understanding-sedimentary-processes-from-modern-river-sediment-in-the-tropical-lowlands-pantanal-brazil/
• https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/central-and-south-america/brazil/history-and-culture

History, plus links to Pantanal wildlife and ecology

• https://pantanalescapes.com/history/

Brazilian Culture

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Brazil

Brazilian Cuisine

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_cuisine
• https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/travel/global/top-10-foods-try-brazil

Basic Portuguese Travel Phrases (9-minute video)

• youtu.be/-B6QqKXQELE

Atlantic Forest Tour Extension

Itatiaia National Park

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itatiaia_National_Park

Atlantic Forest Conservation – WWF Article

• https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/what-is-the-atlantic-forest-and-why-do-we-need-to-save-it

Conserving the Atlantic Forest in Brazil – Regua.org

• https://regua.org/biodiversity/birds/

Atlantic Forest Species

• https://www.cepf.net/our-work/biodiversity-hotspots/atlantic-forest/species

Helpful Travel Websites

Arrival: Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), São Paulo

• https://www.aeroportoguarulhos.net/en/

Departure: Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB), Cuiabá

• https://centroeste-airports.com.br/

National Passport Information Center

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information - Brazil

• travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Brazil.html

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

• https://www.cbp.gov/travel

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• https://www.tsa.gov

Center for Disease Control (CDC) - Brazil

• wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/brazil

Canada Travel Advice and Advisories - Brazil

• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/brazil

Travel Health Pro (UK) - Brazil

• https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/34/brazil

Foreign Exchange Rates

• https://www.xe.com/

Electricity and Plugs - Brazil

• https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/brazil/

ATM Locator

• https://wise.com/gb/blog/atms-in-brazil
• https://www.visa.com/atmlocator/
• https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/find-nearest-atm.html

Date, Time, and Holidays - Brazil

• https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/brazil
• https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/brazil/

Photo credits: Banners: Toco Toucan (NJ Stock), Jaguar (Wes Larson), Hummingbird (Wes Larson), Macaws in Flight (Wes Larson), Hyacinth Macaws (Wes Larson), Jabiru & Hyacinth Macaws Flying (Wes Larson) Thumbnails: Jabiru Stork (Wes Larson), Howler Monkey (Wes Larson), Giant River Otter (Wes Larson), Hyacinth Macaw (Wes Larson), Yellow-billed Cardinal (Wes Larson), Jaguar (Wes Larson), Toco Toucan (Peg Abbott), Tiger Heron (Wes Larson)

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PORTO JOFRE JAGUAR SAFARI 6N

Photo: Pantanal Jaguar Safaris

CUIABÁ RIVER & MEETING OF THE WATERS STATE PARK

On this Tour we cover the entire Transpantaneira Road . In the heart of this wild land winds a labyrinth of rivers, the Meeting of the Waters State Park , also known as the Jaguar zone.  

Our experience acquired during years tracking Jaguars in the Pantanal allows us to take you to the best areas of this huge Reserve to watch and photograph these elusive cats .  

 This Tour also produces close encounters with highlights including Ocelots, Tapirs, Hyacinth Macaws, Jabiru Storks, Anteaters, Giant Otters & Jaguars to mention but a few.  

Tailor-made Tours to meet your requirements.  

We recommend at least 3 nights in the area of Porto Jofre.  

Option of land-based or floating/ boat-hotel accommodation.

Day 1. Cuiabá airport to  a traditional Pantanal ranch.

Arrival at Cuiabá airport in the morning, where you will meet your guide and transfer to the Pantanal. After driving about one and a half hour we arrive in Poconé. From there our wildlife adventure starts as we hit the Transpantaneira road, a dirt road that transects the Northern Pantanal. We will stop to photograph all kind of wildlife concentrated in the water pounds along the Transpantaneira road. We will arrive at our lodge just before lunch time. After our midday break we go on a forest walk in search for dry land mammals and birds. At night we go on a night safari in search for night animals like Ocelot, Puma, Giant Anteaters, Tamandua, Crab-eating Raccoon, Potoos and Owls. Dinner and Overnight. (L,D)

Full day at Pantanal ranch

We will have a full day to explore the many wildlife oppurtunities on this 10,000 hectares private reserve. Our activities are a combination of overland safaris, forest walks, and nights safaris. (B,L,D).

Pantanal ranch and transfer to Porto Jofre.

Early breakfast and checkout. This morning we drive further into the Pantanal all the way to the end of the Transpantaneira road, to Porto Jofre. We will stop to photograph widlife along the road. Ceck-in at our lodge situated on the riverbank of the mighty Cuiabá river. Lunch and break. In the afternoon we go on our first boat safari in search for Jaguars and other Wildlife concentrated along the riverbanks. Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Days 4, 5 & 6.* Boat safaris for Jaguars and other wildlife in the State Park.

We will have three full days devoted to the boat safaris on the Cuiabá River and its tributaries, in order to maximize our chances of watching and photographing Jaguars, Giant River Otters and a realm of wildlife in the Meeting of the Waters State Park. Our outings will always be during the day, from sunrise to 11.30am and after a short lunch break in the afternoon until sunset. . Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 7. Porto Jofre and back to Cuiabá airport. 

Breakfast and check-out. Transfer back to Cuiabá airport. (B,L)  

*this schedule can be extended  extra nights in the Jaguar area , closing at the last day as described above. Please ask for your desired period in   CONTACT&QUOTATION .

**lodging subject to availability.

SAFARI FACTS

Availability : June to  November Gateway city:  Cuiabá (CGB airport) Duration:  05  to 07 nights Departure:  Daily Accommodation:  02 lodges Included:

All transfers

English-speaking wildlife guide

Accommodation

Three meals per day

Excursions (boat safaris, overland safaris, walking safaris, night safaris)

Wi-fi where present

Not Included:

Extra accommodation and meals

Travel insurance

Beverage, Phone calls, Laundry

Pouso Alegre Lodge  

Traditional Pantanal ranch in a 8.000ha farm presenting many vegetation sets of Pantanal biome .

Good chances to see wildlife as Tapir, Anteater, Coati, Toucan, Hyacinth Macaw and more.

AC, wifi, laundry, hot shower.

Hotel Pantanal Norte

3 stars hotel at Porto Jofre, with comfort and excellent food.

Radio station support  to boats in search for Jaguars into the State Park and its vicinities.

Safari in Your Time Zone

In the brazilian wetlands, we track jaguars and hyacinth macaws on a wildlife conservation tour in the same time zone as new york city..

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Jaguar rewilding in Caiman Ecological Refuge, in Brazil’s Pantanal.

Lucas Lahargoue

We’re barely an hour into our adventure in the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetlands contained mostly to the western edge of Brazil, when our safari guide gets the call from a nearby colleague in the bush: jaguars. Two of them, a mother and a cub. We have five minutes to gather our binoculars and our courage before clambering into the jeep, its three-tiered seats stacked high like a theater on wheels—we don’t want to miss our first sighting of the region’s apex predator.

Truth be told, I’d already had a wildlife fix that day: We had seen capybaras at the entrance to our ecotourism lodge and reserve, Caiman . Just beyond the fence—there to keep jaguars out—a lackadaisical welcoming party of oversized rodents, like guinea pigs the size of Labradors, grazed on grass and barely noted our arrival. (The closest I had ever been to capybaras before was behind a foggy glass at the San Diego Zoo, so I naturally squealed.)

Then there were the pairs of hyacinth macaws—a cousin of a parrot, stunning in their size (more than three feet long, tip of beak to tip of tail) and cobalt-blueness—in the trees above the lodge’s aquamarine pool. These striking birds of paradise often fall victim to an illegal bird trade and destruction of habitat, with an estimated 10,000 “removed from nature” by the 1980s, according to the nonprofit Instituto Arara Azul (Hyacinth Macaw Institute). But Caiman, committed to conservation, has helped to rehabilitate the species by partnering with the institute and creating an ecological refuge—part of the reason I’m here.

Casa Caiman is the childhood home of owner Roberto Klabin.

Photo by Laura Dannen Redman

My home away from home on this May safari is Casa Caiman , the actual childhood home of reserve owner Roberto Klabin. His family has ranched in the Pantanal since 1952, though they made their wealth in the pulp and paper industry. Klabin, now an entrepreneur and environmentalist, has fond memories of being at this sprawling terra-cotta estancia as far back as age 10. He doesn’t recall seeing a jaguar then, but who would, given how solitary and rare the big cat is. Rewilding efforts started in earnest in 2016, but wildfires and droughts still challenge the region’s biodiversity.

Numbers vary but the International Union for Conservation of Nature puts the total number of jaguars in the tens of thousands, making it a “near-threatened” species. More than half of the jaguars are in Brazil, and for the past 10 years, the nonprofit Onçafari has also partnered with Klabin and his Caiman Ecological Refuge to monitor and rehabilitate the mammals so they can live and breed in the natural habitat. Since 2016, three female jaguars have birthed 15 cubs, including the pair we’re tracking.

When you live in an urban jungle—say, New York City, where the wildlife is verminous and drags pizza slices into the sewers—it can be jarring at first to see so many species of mammal, bird, fish, and reptile hanging about so casually, so close to home. Caiman is within the same time zone as New York, a straight shot south across hemispheres and seasons. It takes about 11 hours and three flights on progressively smaller planes—international jet, domestic carrier, and prop plane—to arrive in the wetlands. By comparison, an African safari for an American could require a day and a half of travel just to get to your welcome cocktail. But here I was, jet-lag free, in a jeep racing along a hard-packed cattle road to find a baby jaguar.

“We don’t usually go this fast,” our guide Raphael shouts, his smile widening with the anticipation of discovery. “Hang onto something!” Hands on heads to hold baseball caps in place, we motor across bridges and through the bush, trying to sneak shaky videos with our cameras as we get our first glimpse of the 1.3 million-acre reserve. The first thing I notice: cows. So many cows. An important part of the Caiman Ecological Refuge is the coexistence of three activities: raising livestock, ecotourism, and conservation. So jowly chalk-white cows live alongside jaguars—the ranch loses about 1.5 to 2 percent of the herd each year, a Mafia-esque price to pay to keep the cat population growing. We know we’re close to those nimble predators (the third-largest in the big cat world after tigers and lions) when we see dozens of cattle frozen in place on the side of the road, heads all swung in the same direction like a crowd of onlookers watching a fight. There, across the path and down to the watering hole, three capybaras squeak bloody murder as two jaguars swim nearby. Are the cats stalking prey? Cooling off in the noon-day sun? Both?

Our guide suggests these two jaguars we’ve been pursuing—the mother and cub, likely four months old—aren’t hunting, since jaguars typically ambush prey rather than doggie-paddle on over for a bite to eat at the capybara buffet. Still, there’s something in the air, an unease that makes us watch with shallow breaths as nature takes its course.

Watch your back, capybara.

Given my affinity for those cuddly overgrown rodents, I’m relieved I don’t have to watch a jaguar take down a capybara. (I might be the only one in our group who doesn’t openly hope to see the circle of life play out.) The mom and cub slink off into the bush and we follow slowly in the jeep, parallel to the soft padding of their footsteps. Ever curious, the cub keeps poking out its head to look at us, then runs back into clusters of trees. Mom, possibly hungry or maybe just worn out from looking after a toddler all day, flops down in the sun and rolls onto her back. That’s a universal mom signal for: I need a nap. The cub, undeterred, launches itself onto mom’s belly and so begins a tumble and play, with gentle swatting of faces and nuzzling that so closely mimics what parents and young children do, I start to get a little teary. Mother’s Day is tomorrow, after all, and my own children, ages five and three, are probably rough and tumbling 4,400 miles north.

Visitors have a 99 percent chance of spotting a cat on the reserve with Onçafari, our guide Bruno proudly tells us. But they can also see tapirs, toucans, ostrich-like birds called rheas, capuchin monkeys, blue-claw foxes, parakeets, snakes and spiders (shudder). Jabiru storks—the bird of the Pantanal—drink from a pond in the early morning sun. And the region’s near-namesake cayman (a type of alligator) makes its presence known, eyes glowing red at night by the hundreds, like a zombie invasion.

Better still, visitors can take part in conservation drives, like we did with Onçafari and Instituto Arara Azul , actively participating in their efforts and creating a more lasting connection to the destination. I intend to bring my family back to the Pantanal someday; I planted a tree to house future macaws and I need to check on its progress.

Know before you go

• Getting there: Multiple airlines (LATAM, American, Delta, United) fly nonstop New York-JFK to São Paulo. From there, it’s a short domestic flight via Brazilian low-cost carrier Gol to Campo Grande. Caiman runs transfer flights from Campo Grande to the lodge.
• Where to stay : Caiman; book now
• Guides in the field: Onçafari ; Instituto Arara Azul

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Brazil Pantanal wild tours

Pantanal brazil.

Pantanal Jaguar

Horse Ride tour

Bird watching

Brazil ecotour, your travel agency in brazil.

If the rainy season in the Pantanal makes the area difficult to access, it stops in April and only starts again in December. However, the best time to go to the Pantanal is between September and October when the sun has had time to warm the wetlands. You can witness the rebirth of the lush vegetation and the awakening of the wildlife that inhabits the Pantanal. It’s an amazing spectacle with a real explosion of colours and sounds.

Going to the Pantanal is to discover a place where nature reigns supreme over man, it imposes itself and dominates in this still very preserved part of Brazil. You like wild animals and authenticity? Go to Brazil!

Cuiabá Pantanal – Fazenda Caranda

At your arrival to the airport of Cuiaba airport your guide with a private car will be waiting for you to drive you to your Fazenda Caranda the starting point of your tour.

The farm is located 157km from Cuiaba with 57km off road. You will have many stops the all way long to observer the biodiversity of the regions. Dinner included • Night in pantanal lodge

Pantanal Excursion in to the wild

Early in the morning your English guide will take your for a walk around the farm the objective of this walk is to get a better feeling with the location , after the breakfast you go with your guide by private 4×4 to visit the main attraction of the farm so you can make great shoots . You come back to your pousada for around noon for lunch.

In the afternoon you will have a private tour by small boat.  you will go down the river who cross the farm, and you will have the opportunity to observe the riches bio diversity of the pantanal  ecosystem and assist to the wonder full sunset. One your way back to the pousada. With some luck you will have the chance to observe the night life in the Farm with some savage animals, and reptiles. Meals included Night in pantanal lodge

Horse expedition in to the wild

Early in the morning, you will go with your guide for a observing tour on the river to observe the animals who lives in the area. you come back to the farm for lunch. In the afternoon you go for a horse ride with your guide. On the farm you will have the chance to observe the biodiversity of the farm and also to share the live of the local cowboys for a day.

Pantanal – Cuiaba

Early in the morning, you go for your last observation tour around the farm to observe the birds. You come back to your pousada for lunch. In the afternoon, a private car will be waiting for you to drive you to the city of Cuiaba .

pantanal brazil map

Brazil Pantanal

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Jaguar Spotting in Brazil

Pantanal & garden of the amazon.

Seeing a Jaguar in the wild is a rare and magical experience, but the chance of spotting one is usually slim and searching for them often means no birding. Well, not on this tour to Brazil!

Our tour begins as we head north to the Garden of the Amazon, a delightful little family-run lodge that sits at the ecotone between the Cerrado and Amazon, to search for the ultra-rare and only recently rediscovered Cone-billed Tanager (yes, we have its address!), as well as a great variety of Amazonian specialties such as Gould's Toucanet,, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Black-girdled Barbet, Blue-cheeked Jacamar, Tooth-billed and Scaly-breasted wrens, six species of manakins, and much more! We'll then muster our group and tear ourselves from our little idyllic lodge and head south to the fabled Pantanal.

We'll hit the Pantanal just as water levels are receding and hundreds of Jabirus, Wood Storks, Limpkins, Roseate Spoonbills, and literally thousands of other waders, Paraguayan Caiman ('gators), and Capybaras congregate around the shrinking ponds--and the few remaining bodies of water become popular hangouts for Jaguars stalking their prey. We will keep our eyes peeled for these massive cats on relaxing boat trips packed with curassows, Agami Herons, Sungrebes, and Sunbitterns, and take walks through the forest to show you everything from Hyacinth Macaws to woodcreepers, antbirds, and spinetails. On drives along the famous Transpantaneira park road, which we will cover from beginning to end, we'll have the birding time of our lives as we immerse ourselves in one of the richest places for wildlife on Earth.

Select the KEY INFO tab or click here for our itinerary plus space requests, status, fees, limits, and guides for any departure.

Client comment "This was one of the best led trips I have ever been on. Marcelo Padua is not only a great bird guide he is a truly fun guy to have on a trip. He made everything more enjoyable. He found great birds, guided us all on to difficult-to-see species and made everyone laugh. The Field Guides office staff was outstanding. When I was stranded in Atlanta [due to an airline issue], Karen Turner took care of everything." L.S., JAGUAR SPOTTING 2019

Other Tours in BRAZIL

Itineraries • tour status • details • space requests.

• 2025 (PDF expected Oct 2024)

DEPARTURES • We have 4 departures currently scheduled through 2026, with details including limits, guides, fees, and space available listed below.

Jul 6-17, 2024 Guided by: Marcelo Barreiros Tour Manager: Christine Boilard Tour Limit: 8 Status: Provisionally full; waitlist available - This tour is full, and all those booked have made deposits. Click below to be waitlisted for this tour with no obligation; if you are waitlisted, we will also notify you in case of an added departure of this tour. Tour Fee: $5350 Deposit: $550 REQUEST WAITLIST OR MORE INFO

Jul 20-31, 2024 Guided by: Marcelo Padua Tour Manager: Christine Boilard Tour Limit: 8 Status: Provisionally full; waitlist available - This tour is full, and all those booked have made deposits. Click below to be waitlisted for this tour with no obligation; if you are waitlisted, we will also notify you in case of an added departure of this tour. Tour Fee: $5350 Deposit: $550 REQUEST WAITLIST OR MORE INFO

Jul 5-16, 2025 Guided by: Marcelo Padua Tour Manager: Christine Boilard Tour Limit: 8 Status: One space available - Space is still available on this tour, and we are accepting provisional bookings. No deposit is required until you receive the itinerary. Click below to book space. Tour Fee: Fee TBD / 2024=$5350 REQUEST SPACE OR MORE INFO

Jul 4-15, 2026 Guide: TBA Tour Manager: TBA Tour Limit: 8 Status: Open - Space is still available on this tour, and we are accepting provisional bookings. No deposit is required until you receive the itinerary. Click below to book space. Tour Fee: Fee TBD / 2024=$5350 REQUEST SPACE OR MORE INFO

Enjoy looking through the 7 most recent Field Guides triplists for this tour linked below!

• 2023 (Jul departure guided by Marcelo Barreiros)
• 2023 (Jul departure guided by Marcelo Padua)
• 2022 (Jul departure guided by Marcelo Padua)
• 2019 (Jul departure guided by Marcelo Padua)
• 2019 (Jun departure guided by Marcelo Barreiros)
• 2018 (Jul departure guided by Marcelo Padua & John Coons)
• 2017 (Jul departure guided by Marcelo Padua & Marcelo Barreiros)

Come on a Pantanal tour in Brazil.

Pantanal tour.

• Silva Tour Pantanal is a Tour Agency in Cuiabá, Brazil. Basically, we operate Pantanal tour in nature, specifically, focused in jaguar tour, in the Brazilian swamps of The Pantanal. All in all, our agency offers our services with specialists. In order, to reach excellence. Furthermore, our tem chooses the best lodges and the best naturalistic tour guides. Consequently, we have gained lots of experience during the years, because, we have been working in the Pantanal since 1998.  Our team is very flexible, because, each of our tours are exclusive and they are developed to each client needs. We operate tours for birdwatchers, photographers, similarly, for naturalistic travellers. They can be families, couples, friends, and solo travellers.

Pantanal safari 2 nights/3 days

Most economic Pantanal safari including; 01 paddle boat ride, 01 horse back ride, 01 night safari, hike in the forest.

Pantanal safari 3 nights/4 days

Basic Pantanal tour including 01 paddle boat ride, 01 horse back ride, 01 night safari, 01 photo safari, hike in the forest.

Pantanal Tour 4 nights/5 days

Intermidiate Pantanal tour in two different lodges. different areas and habitats. Including different activities.

Pantanal Safaris 5 nights/6 days

Intermidiate Pantanal safaris, in two different lodges. different areas and habitats. Moreover, different activities. Plus!

Pantanal Safaris 6 nights/7 days

Intermidiate Pantanal safaris, in three different lodges. different areas and habitats. Moreover, different activities.

Pantanal Tour 7 nights/8 days

Intermidiate Pantanal trip, in three different lodges. different areas and habitats. Moreover, different activities. Plus!

JAGUAR TOUR

Jaguar tour 4 nights / 5 days

It includes one night Pantanal trip in a lodge in the Transpantaneira plus three nights in Porto Jofre. 20 hours jaguar safari.

Jaguar safari 6 nights / 7 days

It includes two nights Pantanal trip in a lodge in the Transpantaneira plus four nights in Porto Jofre. 30 hours jaguar safari.

Jaguar tour 7 nights / 8 days

It includes two nights Pantanal trip in a lodge in the Transpantaneira plus five nights in Porto Jofre. 40 hours jaguar safari.

Pantanal Tour

Firstly, all our Pantanal tour begins from Cuiabá airport or hotel. In fact, in the tour pantanal, we arrange transfers, guides, accommodations, and meals. Furthermore, the activities are, sunrise walks, boat drives, hiking, paddle boat, horseback riding, as well as, photo safaris. Secondly, the guides are able to show you many kinds of birds, reptiles and mammals. Obviously, the highlight animals in this ecosystem are the Jaguars, Brazilian Tapirs,  Giant Anteaters, Anacondas and the Giant Otters. 

Pantanal safari and Jaguar safari flexibility.

Thirdly, we arrange you exclusive private Pantanal safari. For the purpose of, being flexible to the clients. As I have said, we make the activities with flexibility. furthermore, there will be no one else joining the tour. Eventually, we can look for an specific animal and spend more time to registrate it. Most important, we are very pleased to organize a tour for our customers in the Pantanal.

Jaguar tour photography.

Not only wildlife tours, but also, the jaguar tour begin in Cuiabá. Meanwhile, our guides will be waiting for you.  However, you can spend a night in a hotel in the city. then, our guides will pick you up on the next day. The way to Pocone takes an hour, after that, you reach the Transpantaneira. Poconé is the end of the civilization, consequently, it is the begin of the Transpantaneira. Undoubtedly, jaguar tours are the most exciting trips, visitors can make in Brazil. With the hope that, this activity saves this creatures, from the rage of the beef farmers. In the meantime, we invite you to do the tour Pantanal. As a matter of fact, tourism is the only hope for locals to maintain a sustainable activity. In light of, keeping a healthy relationship between humans and nature, we contribute to tourism with resposability.

Indeed, the drive will be a hundread and fifty kilometers on the Transpantaneira dirt road until Porto Jofre. Generally, it lasts 3 hours. Certaninly, it is very interesting. In other words, a simple drive turns into a lovely photo safari. Certainly, you will see big part of the wildlife. As soon as, you drive in the road the animals start showing off. Further, you will pass over bridges, where you may see many birds. For exemple, like, Woodstorks, Cormorants, Wood Rails, Herons and Ibis. Also, some Caimans and many others. Moreover, all this excitement happens right at the beginning of your trip.

Jaguar tour.

The Jaguar is one of the most elusive and difficult of South American mammals to find, but on these highly successful tours we narrow the odds by taking boat excursions deep into their riverbank forest territories in this unique section of the Brazilian Pantanal that boasts habituated Jaguars and Giant Otters.

Pantanal Tour.

On our Pantanal safari we do a variety of activities. For instance, hiking, boat drives, horseback riding, paddle boat, and  photo safaris. The tours begins always early morning after breakfast, moreover, some days we start it before breakfast and it ends with a night safari. On the Jaguar tour. We do two outings per day, each outing likewise, lasts four hours. After breakfast, from 07:00 to 11:00 am, subsequently, after Siesta, from 02:00 to 06:00 pm. However, If the clients preffer to make a full day on the river, spotting jaguars, we make a picknick on the river. Starting at 07:00 am and consequently, finishing at 15:00 pm.In short, you can be sure you will enjoy it. The jaguar tour leads to the most exciting experience visitors can make in Brazil, in other words, it´s just awesome!

Pantanal tour. What to bring?

In general, you should bring to the tour pantanal, light quick dry clothes, hats, hiking boots, sun cream. it´s importantant to realize, that it is very hot and sunny here. Most important, you should bring Insect repellent. We are in a tropical area, for this reason, there are mosquitoes in the jungle.  Despite the humidity, don´t forget to drink lots of water, during, your adventure. Above all, your health is important, only feeling good, you can take the most of this experience. Surelly, you will have a wonderful time Pantanal.

Testimonials

We are a registered tour agency, certificated by the brazilian ministery of tourism. You can also check our reviews and photos on tripadvisor under

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Opening hours.

Monday to Friday: 08:00 - 18:00 Saturday: 08:00 - 12:00 Sunday and Holiday: Closed

55 (65) 99922-3295 [email protected]

Silva Tour Pantanal

CNPJ: 54.699.300/0001-30 Cadastur: 13.046489.10.0001-2 Rua Papagaio, 01 Recanto dos Pássaros I, Quadra 25 Cep 78.074-138 Cuiabá-MT | Brasil

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WILDLIFE PANTANAL TOURS

Our company is run by Fisher Sousa, a certified naturalist guide for wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, naturalists, jaguar spotters and families. Experienced in Northern Pantanal along Transpantaneira Road for more than 20 years.

Wildlife Pantanal Tours offers a variety of activities and exciting adventures for professional photographers, birdwatchers, nature lovers and more. Don´t hesitate in making your request and we will have the right activity for you.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP

We´re able to help our clients planning a private, customized trip, built on our knowledge, expertise and connections, as we work with you to design your trip of a lifetime.

We´re looking forward to hear from you! Please send us your questions or trip inquiries using the form. Thank you!

3days/2nights PANTANAL WILDLIFE EXPLORER TOUR 

For those who can't stay longer in the Pantanal, this tour is perfect. The boat trip give us an idea of how extraordinary this biome is.

5days/4nights JAGUAR SPOTTING DYNAMIC TOUR 

Jaguar (Panthera Onca), the third largest cat in the world with the most powerful bite.

4days/3nights  PANTANAL WILDLIFE ECOLOGICAL TOUR 

Different types of landscape give us a good chance to see different types of animals. Combine two different areas make our trip much more excited.

6days/5nights JAGUAR SPOTTING EXTREME TOUR 

One more day in the Jaguar Zone makes much difference. Jaguars can give us a show when we least expect.

5days/4nights  PANTANAL WILDLIFE EXTREME TOUR 

Excellent for those who can spend more time in a relaxing way. Is incredible how lanscapes can change from one lodge to another.

7days/6nights JAGUAR SPOTTING HIGHLIGHT TOUR 

Not only Jaguars can surprise us. Giant Otters also can be seen quite often on the area.

VIDEO: JAGUAR ATTACKS CAIMAN

     Watch this powerful feline take its prey by surprise rising from the water. 

VISIT OUR CHANNEL

AT YOUTUBE  

to see other videos.

(+504) 9563-9689

Brazilian Pantanal

Pantanal jaguar tour - the ultimate brazilian pantanal tour experience.

Embark on a thrilling 12-day adventure into the heart of the Pantanal, South America's wildlife paradise. Our Pantanal jaguar tour promises an unforgettable journey through one of the world's largest and most diverse wetland ecosystems. As we traverse the vast expanses of this pristine region, get ready to encounter an astounding array of wildlife.

12-Day Pantanal Jaguar, Wildlife & Photography Tour Highlights:

The Brazilian Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland at over 60,000 square miles in area. It is also home to the densest and most accessible populations of Jaguar (Panthera onca) on earth. The acute spotting skills of our tour leader and local guide will help ensure goals of capturing stunning imagery of the magnificent Jaguars, Giant River Otters, Blue Hyacinth Macaws, Toco Toucans, Ocelots, Red Brocket Deer, Marsh Deer, Yacare Caiman, Capybara and myriad other wildlife and bird species that inhabit the Pantanal. Lodging will be land-based (first and last 2 nights) and the rest of the time on a floating hotel in the center of maximum Jaguar activity. On the water, our guides and boat captains will be among the best wildlife spotters Brazil has to offer.

Join us on this immersive experience , where you’ll create cherished memories and forge a profound connection with the untamed wonders of Brazil on our Pantanal jaguar and wildlife tour Book today!

Tour Details

Price: $8,045 per-person double occupancy.

Single Supplement: $1,200 per person.

Included: Lodging, meals, in-country transportation, guide, park entrance fees.

Not Included: Passport Fees, Visa Fees, International Airfare, alcoholic beverages, personal items, tips, travel insurance.

From: Cuiaba

Minimum Participants : 7

Participant Limit: 10

Activity Level:  Easy

*Download Full Itinerary

Registration

Deposit: $1,000 per person is required to hold your spot on this tour (with your registration form)

*Download Registration Form

To book your space on the tour, please contact us at  [email protected]

Tour Leaders

James Adams and local guide

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South America Adventures

• Jaguars & Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal

Trip Highlights

World's Best Chance to View Jaguars

See More of the Pantanal's Biodiversity

Stay at a Renowned Ecolodge

Photo Expeditions Available

No One Shows You the Pantanal in This Much Depth

• The Very Best Locations for Wildlife Viewing In the Pantanal, wildlife is even more abundant than in the Amazon. We may see Brazilian tapir, capybara, giant armadillo, giant river otter, maned wolf, caiman and the top prize for most wildlife watchers, the elusive jaguar. But you can't stay just anywhere in this massive marsh and expect those rewards. An itinerary must be strategically based around the best wildlife-viewing locations, and this one won't let you down. 
• More Time in the Pantanal from Multiple Perspectives We spend seven full days  at three different locations in both the north and south Pantanal to fully immerse you in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. We explore this vast mosaic of flooded marshlands, dry islands and savanna via multiple means, from nature walks and 4x4 drives to boat rides and canoe safaris—each mode revealing a new vantage point on the varied landscapes and their wild inhabitants.
• Private Chartered Flight from North to South—a Nat Hab Exclusive! Getting from the northern part of the Pantanal to the south can be a challenge. But rather than subject you to what most travelers must endure—a 10-hour drive over rough roads, plus two short commercial flights in between—we charter private planes to fly directly to Caiman Ecological Refuge. It's not only a far more comfortable and efficient option, but you'll get a 360-degree aerial view that reveals the vastness of the Pantanal—a perspective few visitors get to see.
• Our Lodgings—Including Caiman Ecological Refuge—Immerse You in Nature We choose accommodations for their superb locations where wildlife viewing is best. We spend three nights in the remote Porto Jofre region, where more jaguars are seen than anywhere else. Another highlight is Caiman Ecological Refuge, part of an acclaimed private research, conservation and ecotourism initiative. Unlike more-touristed Pantanal accommodations, this exclusive ecolodge enjoys a remote, private setting, with ever-increasing jaguar sightings.
• A Very Small Group (11 Travelers Max) Ensures Intimate Wildlife Encounters To foster the most meaningful nature encounters, we limit our group to no more than 11 travelers. A small group also ensures that your needs and expectations are attentively met with personalized care from our Expedition Leader.
• Your Expedition Leader is a Top Professional Naturalist Nat Hab has a well-deserved international reputation for the highest-quality Expedition Leaders. Our Brazil naturalist guides average 10 years of experience, with additional training and resources from WWF scientists. In the Pantanal, we are also joined by local guides from each lodge who are resident experts in their region's flora and fauna. See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
• Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Exceptional Brazil Adventure With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee that clearly states that we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
• Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

Read what travelers are saying about our Jaguars & Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal tour:

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