brazil pantanal tour

A guide to visiting Brazil's Pantanal

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• a-guide-to-visiting-brazils-pantanal

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Madelaine Triebe

updated 29.11.2023

Stretching across the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul (also spilling into Bolivia and Paraguay) the Pantanal is the world's largest inland wetland area. While the Amazon gets more credit, the Pantanal's open spaces offer the best opportunities for spotting animals in their natural habitats in Brazil. Madelaine Triebe has the lowdown on everything you need to know about the country's top wildlife destination.

Which side should I visit: Mato Grosso or Mato Grosso do Sul?

When should i go, how do i get there, what animals can i expect to see, what can i do in the pantanal, what do i bring, where should i stay, what else can i do, something a bit cheaper, tailor-made travel itineraries for brazil, created by local experts.

9 days  / from 2042 USD

Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more

Begin at Foz do Iguaçu, where you will stand in awe of the huge Iguaçu Falls. Next up, we'll head to the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the legendary Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, and of course, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

10 days  / from 1700 USD

Blissful Brazil

Welcome to a lavish journey that marries adventure with style, featuring stays in carefully chosen four-star hotels. This reinvigorating trip will have you sightseeing in São Paulo, gazing at the spectacular Foz do Iguaçu falls and relaxing on Rio's finest beaches before you know it.

10 days  / from 2683 USD

Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls

Explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system; immerse yourself in cultural Salvador, the magnificent former capital of Portugal’s New World colony.

Both, if possible. Mato Grosso wins hands down on jaguar spotting. Along the Cuiabá River from July to September – when the water levels are low, and the big cats come out to hunt and relax on the river banks – it is not unusual to spot at least three jaguars a day.

Mato Grosso do Sul has good budget options, as well as cattle farms where you can see more of the traditional Pantaneiro culture. Watch the local cowboys ( peãos ) with their big straw hats sip on tereré (a drink prepared with yerba mate and ice-cold water), herd cattle on horseback or muleback or clear trails cutting off palm leaves and branches with the Pantaneiro knife, made from a short wooden handle and a roughly 50 centimetre-long blade.

Not sure how to visit Pantanal? Check out our Pure Wildlife trip , including a visit to Pantanal!

For wildlife-spotting, the best time is the dry winter season, roughly from June or July to the end of September. The water has receded, and the animals come out from the deeper and more inaccessible parts of the wetlands and cluster around the waterholes.

The peak of the rainy summer season (November to March) is still a great time to visit as it's quintessentially Pantaneiro in its lush landscape. This is when the rivers overflow and flood the lowlands, making most of Pantanal only accessible by aeroplane or boat.

Top image: Aerial view of the Pantanal © Lucas Leuzinger / Shutterstock

There are three main modes of transport depending on the water levels: aeroplane, boat or car. There is no public transport whatsoever within the area so make sure to get your travel sorted before heading off.

There are two main roads running through the Pantanal, the Transpantaneira in the north (Mato Grosso) and Estrada do Parque in the south (Mato Grosso do Sul). Both are dirt roads with numerous wooden bridges in various conditions, as well as pousadas, lodges and fazendas catering to tourists.

Colourful birds are in abundance here, including the iconic white jabiru stork with its black and red neck, as well as red, blue and hyacinth macaws. There are also plenty of square nosed capybaras and caimans around. For the rest of the wildlife, it's all about being at the right place at the right time.

Most visitors come hoping to see the jaguar and your best chance at glimpsing this elusive animal is either early in the morning or from dusk when they hunt, eat and drink. The same goes for the Brazilian tapir, the marsh deer and the giant anteater. Another popular animal on wildlife wish lists is the giant otter, which can reach 1.7m in length.

Jaguar © Madelaine Triebe

Related articles from the blog

There are plenty of things to do and it all depends on where you stay. Most pousadas and fazendas (ranches) offer kayaking, boat trips, piranha fishing (using beef bait), horse riding and night safaris.

A jaguar safari on the Cuiába River and its tributaries can entail watching a female jaguar hunting for lizards along the riverbank, a 130kg jaguar male catching a caiman or photographing a young feline resting in a tree as the sun sets over the Pantanal. Pantanal Jaguar Safaris and Biodiverse Brazil Tours, both run by biologists devoted to sustainable tourism, offer jaguar expeditions in the north of the Pantanal.

Try your hand at piranha fishing. Go up the river to find the sharp-toothed fish and moors in front of the pousada with caimans sunbathing on the riverbank a few metres away. Casting your rod, you might spot a cheeky one loitering, waiting for you to pull a piranha out of the river and claim it for himself. After an hour or so you should have enough (unless the caiman got the better of you) to have fried piranha, teeth and head intact, for lunch.

If not fried, the piranha is the main star in the caldo do piranha, a soup popular with locals for its aphrodisiac effect. Together with carreteiro (rice prepared with dried beef) and fried pacu (fish) ribs, it's part of traditional Pantaneiro food.

Caiman © Madelaine Triebe

If you're travelling solo or with just a few other people, your best bet to go sportfishing in the Pantanal is to book yourself into a pousada that offers specialised fishing packages. Populating these waters are catfish species like pintado and cachara that can measure up to one metre in length (the record is a whopping 100kg and 1.6 metres), as well as pacu (with its human looking teeth) and piranha.

At Hotel Barra Mansa you'll be taken out on 16-foot speed boats on Rio Negro fishing for (catching and releasing) dourado, pintado and pacu. There's also the option to go fly fishing if you have the knack for casting the almost weightless artificial fly used as a bait.

Additionally, a major highlight is the seven-day horse expedition with Brazil Nature Tours riding through lagoons getting your legs soaked, sport fishing or watching the white Nelore cows with their long legs graze in the water.

Corúmba, in the south of Pantanal, makes an excellent base for booking a yacht if you want to stay on the river. Along Rua Manoel Cavassa down at the port you find a range of travel agents, like Joice Pesca & Tur Pantanal , offering sportfishing packages on the luxurious houseboats with neat cabins, dining rooms, as well as communal spaces with sofas and TVs. Some even have a pool. To optimise your chances, do like the Brazilians and gather a group – most yachts require a minimum number of people, mostly ranging from 10-20 people. Then spend up to a week cruising the Pantanal sleeping in wooden cabins with crisp sheets and going out on smaller motorboats to fish during the day.

Bridge in the Pantanal © Hakat / Shutterstock

Light-coloured clothes, sunscreen, hat, a rain jacket, binoculars and lots of insect repellent. Locals and guides alike might tell you during the dry season that there are no mosquitos around – and by Pantanal standards there might not be – but the ones that are love visitors.

There are plenty of good options and it boils down to how much you want to spend.

The best way to explore Pantanal is to book a stay in Cuiabá. If you choose to go with us, we will pick you up and get you to Pantanal. Over the next two days, indulge in exciting daily activities, ranging from boat trips to horseback riding and hikes

Refúgio Ecológico Caiman – a 53,000 hectare working cattle ranch a 36km drive from Miranda in Mato Grosso Do Sul – offers eco-tourism at its finest. You stay in beautifully decorated rooms, (opt for Baiazinha Lodge where each room has a lake view and a private balcony with hammock) and you can spend a whole day tracking down jaguars together with Projecto Onçafari, a conservation project developed to protect the big cats in Pantanal.

Hotel Pantanal Norte in Mato Grosso is your best option if you want to spend your days on Cuiabá River looking for jaguars. The hotel is at the end of the Transpantaneira, just by the natural harbour in Porto Jofre. It offers – in true Brazilian style – air-conditioned rooms with a minibar, as well as a restaurant, swimming pool and games room.

The Rough Guides to Brazil and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Jacaré Barco Hotel is adventurous without making any concessions on comfort. Situated around 20 minutes by boat from Porto Jofre, the houseboat has air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms that are available to book from July to November. Staying on the river, you have an advantage on other visitors; with less travel time you can leave before the other speed boats depart from Porto Jofre, increasing your chances to have a jaguar sighting all to yourself.

Sunset over the water © FCG / Shutterstock

If you have the money make sure to fly over the wetland; the view from a private plane over the floodplains is striking. Staying at remote ranches like Hotel Barra Mansa entail a chartered flight most of the year and landing on grass on a private air strip squeezed in between cattle fences is a part of the Pantanal experience.

The sunsets in Pantanal are priceless (literally). Expect big bright red and orange skies.

Top image: © FCG / Shutterstock

• Inspiration

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for Brazil

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Brazil

• Eating and drinking in Brazil
• How to get to Brazil
• Getting around Brazil: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Brazil for planning and on the go

Find even more inspiration for 14 here

Ready to travel and discover brazil, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Itineraries
• Travel advice

THE 10 BEST Pantanal Tours & Excursions

Pantanal tours.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• City Center
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Pantanal Nature

2. Fazenda San Francisco

3. JOICETUR

4. Projeto Salobra Ecologia e Turismo

5. Spot Jaguar Pantanal South

6. why not pantanal sul jaguar tour ?

7. Explore Pantanal - Day Tours

8. Buriti Viagens

9. Argo - Ecoturismo no Pantanal Sul

10. Barco Perola do Pantanal

11. Pantanal Wilderness

12. Brazil Pantanal Tours

13. Aguapé Ecoturismo Pantaneiro

14. Roteiros De Cá

15. Boutique Travel Experts

16. TURPANBOL

17. Boutique Travel Experts

18. cruzeiro pantanal, 19. pantanal experiência, 20. consciência ecológica viagens e turismo, 21. consciência ecológica viagens e turismo, what travelers are saying.

• Pantanal Nature
• Fazenda San Francisco
• why not pantanal sul jaguar tour ?
• Barco Perola do Pantanal

• Amazon River
• Galápagos Islands
• Indonesian Archipelago
• Mekong River
• Irrawaddy River
• India Cruises
• Machu Picchu
• Iguazu Falls
• Bucket List

Pantanal Tours

Why Visit The Pantanal?

Step inside a living fairytale with a Pantanal tour, and visit a land of exceptional biodiversity where all colors and sounds compete for attention. Stretching across the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, the Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland – ten times the scale of Florida’s Everglades – and home to record-breaking gatherings of mammals, birds and reptiles and a huge variety of activities for lovers of nature and the outdoors.

With the highest concentration of crocodilians and jaguars in the world, over 650 bird species (including iconic jabiru, huge hyacinth macaws and the endangered chestnut-bellied guan), and giant otters, anteaters, anaconda, tapir and maned wolves, Pantanal tours offer world-class wildlife and birdwatching. Take the wildlife holiday of a lifetime and explore a shimmering waterworld of superlative species from the comforts of a unique flotel, or remote fazenda (ranch) for a true taste of Pantaneiro culture. Be sure to delve into the nearby crystalline waters of Bonito , a living aquarium that shouldn’t be missed.

Pantanal Tour Packages

Our custom Pantanal tours have been carefully crafted with enriching private excursions and thoughtful routes honed with years of in-destination experience. Browse our best-selling Pantanal vacation packages below and begin an unforgettable journey tailored uniquely to you.

Pantanal Experiences

Luxury Tours

Family Tours

Adventure Tours

Honeymoon Tours

Alternatively base your exploration from the luxurious comforts of a picturesque Pantanal pousada or rustic ranch retreat. Composed exclusively of the finest eco lodges in the Pantanal , our curated accommodation collection has been inspected first-hand by our local destination specialists to satisfy our strict criteria for authenticity, individuality and the highest of hospitality standards.

Southwild Jaguar Suites

Araras Eco Lodge

Travel guide.

Want to know more about how to visit the Pantanal? Our destination specialists have compiled the definitive Pantanal travel guide to help you plan your Pantanal trip. Find out when and where to go, what to see and do, where to eat and sleep, and more below.

Where Is the Pantanal? Location & How To Get There

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Pantanal?

Best Time Of Year To See Jaguars In Pantanal

Pantanal Wildlife: Jaguars To Jabirus

7 Best Things To Do In The Brazilian Pantanal

Where To Stay In The Pantanal

Do i need a visa to travel to the pantanal.

Depending on how you travel to the Pantanal, you may need a visa for the country you are in. Many visitors to the Brazilian Pantanal do not currently need a visa for stays in Brazil of less than 90 days, however starting October 1, 2023 citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and Japan will once again require an entry visa. Paraguay allows tourists to apply for a visitors’ visa upon entry. Most travelers do not need a visa to enter Bolivia; however, US citizens do.

Note all visitors will need to present a valid passport from your home country when entering any of the countries mentioned above, and will need to have at least six months remaining until the expiration.

Do I Need To Get Any Vaccinations Or Malaria Tablets Ahead Of Travel?

Make sure you are vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid. Some visitors to the Pantanal may need to be inoculated against rabies, hepatitis B, and yellow fever, though this depends on your wider travel plans. It is recommended to visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get any recommended or required vaccines and medicines you may need.

Your doctor will also be able to advise if anti-malaria medication is required for your destinations. More detailed information can be found on the CDC website.

What Is One Thing I Shouldn’t Miss In The Pantanal?

Of all the things to do in the Pantanal , local-guided jaguar safaris on the Cuiába River are a must. These give tourists the chance to see jaguars in their natural habitat, often sunning themselves or hunting lizards and caiman. These tours are part of the region’s sustainable tourism efforts and offer unmissable sights.

What Is The Local Cuisine Like?

In the Pantanal, you will be able to experience a mix of Paraguayan, Bolivian, and Brazilian cuisine. However, there are some regional dishes that you should be sure to try. These include many fish dishes, including spicy piranha soup and Pacu fish.

Is The Pantanal Safe?

For most tourists, the Pantanal is a safe destination. Just be aware that you should not swim unless you are with an experienced guide — remember there are piranhas, caiman, and anacondas. Also be sure not to drink the local water and opt for bottled water instead.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To The Pantanal?

The best time of year to visit the Pantanal is between July and October. At this time of year, rainfall is low, drawing animals to the low banks of the river. This offers tourists the chance to experience both pleasant weather and more wildlife.

Is The Pantanal a Good Family Destination?

Depending on your family’s interests, the Pantanal could be an excellent family destination . There are some natural dangers of which you should be aware, but if you practice caution, you can enjoy a safe vacation and see some amazing sights.

Is The Pantanal a Good Honeymoon Destination?

If you and your significant other are adventurers, there is no more perfect honeymoon destination than the Pantanal . This region offers the chance to have unforgettable experiences and spot some of the rarest animals in the world . It is ideal for couples who love unique cultural experiences.

• I'd like to be contacted via WhatsApp.
• I'd prefer not to be contacted by phone or SMS.

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Pantanal Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Pantanal. We've got 10 trips going to Pantanal, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 15 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most tour departures.

10 Pantanal tour packages with 7 reviews

4 Days North Pantanal - Unearthing exotic treasures in the Pantanal wetlands - New***

We were able to observe a large number of animals of different species, we were lucky to see some that are very difficult to find. They have to make this trip and bring a camera to save these incredible moments

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Pantanal Adventure 4D/3N

Tour itself is excellent (interesting varied activities), especially for young active people. The wet lodge in itself is great, food was good as well. But the thing is you can book through the lodge directly and pay 30% less.

Pantanal Wildlife Experience

• Coach / Bus

Pantanal, Bonito & Iguazu Adventure 9D/8N (from Campo Grande)

Pantanal, Bonito & Iguazu Adventure 9D/8N (from Foz do Iguacu)

Brilliant natural landmarks and wildlife with great guides. Accommodation and transfers organised effectively with somebody to contact for queries. Great catering and attentive, helpful and friendly staff.

Pantanal & Bonito Experience 6D/5N

• Sightseeing

Brazil's natural paradises

• Intl. Flights Included

In the Realm of the Jaguar

• Flights included

• Wildlife & Nature Photography

The Safari Paradise Intensively Experience - Photo Journey with Bernd Nill

Pantanal: Exploring the World's Largest Wetlands

We had an amazing time once we got there- but we were really unprepared for the journey to get to the Pantanal. We were greeted at the airport by our driver who informed us that we had a 4.5 hour ride then we were transferred to a truck to take us another 45 minutes on a bumpy dirt road and then a 45 minute boat ride in the pitch black. Had we been ready for that- no problem- but we were given no warning and we were not dressed for it. We also would have booked flights accordingly so we would have to arrive at midnight. We actually changed our return flights because we didn’t want to go through the river again in the dark. Once we arrived we had the best time and saw amazing wildlife and farm animals. We were well looked after and had delicious home cooked meals and an excellent tour guide.

• Family (10)
• Explorer (7)
• Partially Guided (6)
• Small Group (5)
• 7 Day Tours (4)
• Spring 2024 (7)
• Summer 2024 (7)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (9)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (5)
• Spring 2025 (1)
• Summer 2025 (1)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (1)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (1)
• April 2024 (7)
• May 2024 (7)
• June 2024 (7)
• July 2024 (7)
• August 2024 (7)
• September 2024 (9)
• October 2024 (8)
• November 2024 (6)
• December 2024 (5)
• January 2025 (2)
• February 2025 (1)
• March 2025 (1)
• April 2025 (1)
• May 2025 (1)
• June 2025 (1)
• July 2025 (1)
• August 2025 (1)
• September 2025 (1)
• October 2025 (1)
• November 2025 (1)

Other Regions in Brazil

• Mata Atlantica (59)
• Southeastern Brazil (53)
• Amazonas (39)
• Brazilian Highlands (38)
• Northern Brazil (24)
• Northeast Brazil (17)
• The Cerrado (11)
• Chapada Diamantina National Park (6)
• Southern Brazil (5)

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (9)
• For Couples (6)
• Seniors (6)

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

A school of fish and a hungry caiman in the waters of the Pantanal region

How to Explore the Pantanal

Explore the Pantanal from all corners with this guide to the beauty of this national park and UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland , pooling over 81,000 square miles (210,000 square kilometers)—an area nearly the size of Kansas—in the center of South America, mostly in central-western Brazil and straddling the borders of Paraguay and Bolivia. Often overshadowed by the Amazon to the north, the Pantanal quietly harbors the highest concentration of wildlife in South America . It’s part national park and part UNESCO World Heritage site , and it’s considered a critical region of the world by the World Wildlife Fund, which estimates that 325 species of fish, 159 species of mammals, 656 species of birds, 53 species of amphibians, and 98 species of reptiles live in this hotbed of biodiversity.

The Pantanal teems with life in every season. The dry season, July to October, is the best time to see mind-boggling concentrations of wildlife clustered around water holes. The flooded and receding waters from April to July showcase a special landscape that’s a favorite among photographers. Timing varies slightly from north to south as floodwaters flow downstream. Travel during the flooded season often requires boats and small airplanes.

Northern Pantanal

Fly into Cuiabá and drive 1.5 hours to Poconé to access the Transpantaneira , a thoroughfare that crosses more than 122 bridges as it traverses the northern Pantanal. Lodges dot the route, offering packages that can include jeep safaris, horseback rides, trekking, canoeing, and other activities. Good choices are the Araras Eco Lodge or the more basic Pouso Alegre . After 90 miles, the road dead-ends in Porto Jofre , which is the best place in the Pantanal to see jaguars (in the dry season). Hotel Porto Jofre is a pleasant spot to rest your head.

Southern Pantanal

To access the southern Pantanal, fly into Corumbá or Campo Grande. From Corumbá you can board a riverboat ( Joice will cruise you in style) or access simple lodges along the Estrada Parque, a dirt road that crosses the southern Pantanal. Passo do Lontra has basic rooms or hammocks for rent, offering a glimpse into life as a cowboy. The Pantanal Jungle Lodge is a notch higher on the comfort scale.

Midway between Corumbá and Campo Grande is Miranda, another good home base. The Caiman Lodge here is an excellent choice, located on a 131,000-acre (53,000-hectare) farm and ecological refuge. If you really want to get out in the sticks, hop a charter flight to Aquidauana to stay at a lodge in the Negro River region. Barranco Alto Eco-Lodge and Barra Mansa Pantanal Hotel are both right on the riverbank.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Bonito Bonus

Combine a visit to the southern Pantanal with Bonito , an ecotourism hub replete with wildlife, waterfalls, caves, and crystal clear rivers where you can snorkel amid hundreds of fish. Coupled with the Pantanal and a few days in Rio de Janeiro, you have all of the ingredients for an unforgettable 10-day adventure.

Avery Stonich is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado, who has traveled to more than 50 countries in search of adventure. Visit her website at averystonich.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram .

FREE BONUS ISSUE

Related topics.

• NATIONAL PARKS

You May Also Like

Off-grid adventures: explore the national parks of the pacific northwest.

How to experience Utah like a local

How to plan an epic summer trip to a national park

How to plan the ultimate campervanning adventure through Australia

How do you avoid the crowds in national parks? Visit during winter.

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet
• History & Culture

History & Culture

• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Weather conditions & Packing list

"Nature & Photography Tours in South America"

[email protected]

+55 65 9 99754406 | +55 65 996097994

Roseate Sponnbill - Birdwatching in Pantanal

PANTANAL JAGUAR SAFARIS is a Brazilian based company, specialized in Jaguar Safaris, Wildlife Tours, Birdwatching, Photography and Natural History Tours to the finest wildlife destinations of Brazil. Owned and operated by professional wildlife biologists, Leen Gillis & André Moratelli, Pantanal Jaguar Safaris takes you in comfort to the wilderness.​​​​​​

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON TOURISM E-VISA TO VISIT BRAZIL : [Official] Brazil Evisa | Tourist eVisa (vfsevisa.com)

THE PANTANAL ​​​​​​ is an ever changing celebrating of life! We bring you in COMFORT to this PRISTINE WILDERNESS and offer front row seats the the finest wildlife show on earth! Join us on one of our Private or small group Tours.

Jaguar  tours.

The best place to photograph jaguars in South America

 cuiabá river | state park.

05 TO 07 NIGHTS

Highlights: Jaguar, Giant Otter, Tapir, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, Anaconda

June to November

Porto jofre jaguar safari.

The seldom visited Taiamã Reserve

Paraguay river | taiamã​.

Highlights: Jaguar, Giant Otter, Tapir, Armadillo, Toco Toucan, Osprey, Anaconda

TAIAMÃ JAGUAR SAFARI

Pantanal wilderness, the two best locations to photograph jaguars in one tour, transpantaneira | p. jofre | taiamã.

Highlights: Jaguar, Giant Otter, Tapir, Giant Anteater, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, Anaconda

PANTANAL WILDERNESS 

Group  tours, small group tours & fixed departures.

Check out the scheduled Tour dates & Book now your wildlife holiday of 2023

 porto jofre | taiamã | wetlands & savanna s, june to october, puma´s of patagonia.

Check out the scheduled Tour dates for 6N Puma Tour in Patagonia, Chile PUNTA ARENAS | PUERTO NATALES | TORRES DEL PAIN June to Oc tober

Wildlife tours, jaguar safari included, birdwatching and photography in central brazil, pantanal &  savanna, all year round.

BIRDING TOUR

Photographing Jaguars, wildlife and a  fine selection of  neotropical birds

Transpantaneira & porto jofre, pantanal classic tour, overland safaris, boat trips, forest walks, scenery, wildlife photography, pantanal, chapada & nobres.

PANTANAL & SAVANNA

Videos of pantanal jaguar safaris, pantanal & family tours.

Pantanal is the aquatic heart of South America, it is an ever changing celebrating of life! Join us on one of our Private or small group Tours. Our Tours take you in comfort to one of the last trully wilderness in the world.

PJS offers you offer you front row seats to the finest wildlife show on earth.

PANTANAL, the aquatic heart of South America

We hope you love it as much as we do!  💚

Two males fight for supremacy

In July 2018, our guide André alongside his guests managed to capture this dispute between Juru and Scarface at close range from our speedboat. Scarface shows submission to the newcomer as he puts his tail between his legs. The newcomer Juru is quickly climbing his way to supremacy. The Meeting of the Waters State Park (Porto Jofre), located at the Northern Pantanal, in Mato Grosso, Brazil, is one of the hot spots of jaguar safaris in South America.

Jaguar takes down large caiman

This video was shot by our guest John Medlock & wildlife guide Leen Gillis in Porto Jofre in October 2016. We found ourselves marveled at this male jaguar power.

No other big cat is as active as Jaguars at day time. Our Safaris often produce amazing encounters with jaguars in action, which provides photographers great photo opportunities. Since 2013, all of our guests watched and photographed Jaguars on our Safaris (minimum of 03 nights at Porto Jofre or Taiamã Reserve).

Jaguar killing caiman in Pantanal

In the recent years, the Pantanal has emerged as one of the best places in the world, if not the best place in the world, to watch and photograph Jaguars in the wild. Pantanal Jaguar Safaris takes his travelers to the realm of the Jaguars, into the depths of Pantanal, in search of this elusive cat along the rivers.

This video was taken in September 2013 during one of our Jaguar Safaris in the Meeting of the Waters State Park, Northern Pantanal.

Jaguars mating in the wild

Since 2013 all of our guests watched and photographed Jaguars at close range for extended periods (Minimum three nights at Porto Jofre or Taiamã Reserve). We can observe their daily activities from comfortable motorboats making the most of the Pantanal's photographic potential. 

This video footage was taken by André Moratelli in 2013. Our guests watched and photographed these Jaguars mating on the riverbanks of the Piquiri river for two and half hours.

TESTIMONIALS

Steve Brandon, Chattanooga, USA - Pantanal North & South July 2019

"Unbelievable experience!" written on TripAdvisor

We booked our trip through Pantanal Jaguar Safaris. Leen was extremely helpful in designing our tirp and booking all of the details (including sending shampoo and conditioner with the bush plane pilot!) Andre was our guide. He has his own boat at Hotel Pantanal Norte - the only boat with a canopy -- up when needed against the sun and down when you need to be photographing jaguars and birds. Andre is very patient with nature staying with the jaguar to get some amazing shots. If you've been to Africa you know about "sundowners", we were not disappointed sitting on the boat in the middle of the river, sipping cocktails, watching the sun go down. Definitely recommend booking with Pantanal Jaguar Safaris.

Family Ley , Germany –  Pantanal Photography tour, September 2019

"incredible trip of returning guests" written on tripadvisor.

We have been returning guests to the Pantanal with Pantanal Jaguar Safaris for the second year in a row. It was again an overall fantastic trip to say the least. There are many reasons for why; however I would like to highlight a few: 1. Andre, who is one of the managers was our guide and boatman in the Pantanal. He is very experienced, knowledgeable and was able to position us in the perfect spot always. He is a keen photographer himself, which is a huge plus, as he understands light, composition and scenery. This allows for outstanding photographic opportunities. We are into birding as well and were amazed by Andre’s expertise.  

John & Janet Rochester, Great Britain - Wetlands and Savannas 2019. 

"Brilliant Personalised Safari" written on TripAdvisor.

This was an amazing trip. Second time visiting the pantanal, previous holiday with a different company's group tour of 12 which was OK but had significant frustrations. For this trip with Pantanal Jaguar Safaris we wanted to be able to see and do what we wanted but with the benefit of someone who knew how to do this. Our first 10 days in the Pantanal Andre took the time to find out exactly what we wanted, he was friendly, knowledgeable and clearly as passionate about the wildlife and ecosystem as we were. We saw a huge amount of wild life - animals and birds, with the opportunity to stop for photography at any time requested. The second part of our trip was in Chapada with, at our request, more emphasis on birds. Leen was equally as friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

BNT - Brazil Nature Tours

Packages in pantanal.

The Pantanal is divided into the Northern Pantanal, which is slightly higher, and the Southern Pantanal where the wetland environment is at its most intense. There are excellent wildlife lodges in both areas. To reach the Pantanal from anywhere else in Brazil you need to fly to Cuiabá, for the Northern Pantanal, and Campo Grande for the south.

Pantanal North

Pantanal south.

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

North & South Pantanal ultimate wildlife experience

This unique 10 days program will offer you the best wildlife viewing available in the whole Pantanal area. Combine the observation of the elusive jaguar in the North Pantanal with an unforgettable mammal and bird experience in the South Pantanal.

Jaguar Extreme Tour

Departure from Cuiabá to Pantanal. On the first night you will sleep at the South Wild Pantanal lodge. On the next day early morning the boat departs to Porto Jofre, where you will spend the remaining nights on the South Wild Flotel or Suites

Hotel Pantanal Norte Tours

The Hotel Pantanal Norte (formerly Hotel Porto Jofre), located directly on the Cuiaba River, is one of the best places in Brazil to see jaguar in the wild.

Pousada do Rio Mutum Tours

This pousada or lodge is located right on the banks of the Mutum River. Near the pousada you have access to the lakes of Sia Mariana and the Baia de Chacoraré, all connected by canals where you get to see birds and animals up close and personal.

Jaguar Eco Lodge Tours

The Jaguar Eco Lodge is located within the pristine nature of the north Pantanal. This wonderful and comfortable lodge offers guests an unmatched wildlife experience.

SouthWild Pantanal Lodge Tours

Discover Pantanal’s wilderness! SouthWild is an outstanding ecolodge located only 2.5 hours from Cuiabá and is known as one of the best lodges in the whole Pantanal, offering the comfort you need located near the banks of the wildlife-rich Rio Pixaim.

Araras Eco Lodge Tours

The Araras Eco Lodge, is known as birdwatching paradise. Here you are able to do first-class bird-watching, trekking in pristine forest, canoeing, horseback riding, photo-safaris, night tours, two tree top look outs with 12 and 25 m high and much more.

Mato Grosso 3 Ecosystems

This tour provides you with the opportunity to experience 3 different ecosystems: Amazon Rain Forest (290 km North of Cuiaba), the Savanna Tablelands (76 km towards Northeast) and the Pantanal (100 km South) comprising 1,050 km of true photo-safari.

Pousada Piuval Tours

The name Piuval means plantation of piuvas, which is a tall and robust tree with yellow flowers typical of the region. This lodge is the perfect place to admire the biodiversity of the Pantanal. The lodge also offers a wide variety of activities.

Araras Eco Lodge & Chapada dos Guimaraes

The Araras Eco Lodge will allow you to enjoy the majestic flora and fauna of the Pantanal followed by a visit the Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park to do some hiking, birdwatching and enjoy the view from the cliffs.

Pousada Pouso Alegre Tours

The Pousada Pouso Alegre is a great place to experience Pantanal’s wilderness. You will most likely be able to see anteaters, capybaras, marsh deer, armadillos, caymans, storks, toucans, hyacinth macaws, rheas, herons, monkeys, capybaras, among others.

North Pantanal Wildlife Tour

A wildlife tour including the best of north Pantanal, including the Transpantaneira road and the Cuiaba river. A unique and exciting adventure with chances to see the elusive jaguar as well as tapir, anaconda, giant river otter and many exotic birds.

Amazon & Pantanal

An incredible wildlife adventure that will give you an in-depth look at two wonderfully contrasting ecosystems - the virgin Amazonian rainforest and the Pantanal wetlands. Below you can find detailed information of our eco-tourism and vacation packages.

Paraguay River & Taiama Reserve Jaguar Programs

The Baiazinha Lodge is the perfect base for jaguar tracking on the Paraguay river and Taiama Reserve. The Taiama Reserve is a federally protected area; it is not open to the public and no tour operator is permitted to take tourists onto the reserve.

Jaguar Expedition Boat programs

An exciting new expedition boat that has just been launched in the Porto Jofre Region of the Northern Pantanal, with the highest concentration of jaguars in the world

Jaguar Houseboat Programs

Stay on one of the comfortable houseboats anchored in the middle of jaguar country and witness this magnificent feline in his natural habitat besides other amazing wildlife

North Pantanal Wildlife cruise

On this exclusive cruise you will navigate the Paraguay and Cuiaba river and visit the remote Taiamã Reserve, Amolar Mountain Range, Pantanal National Park & the Meeting of the Waters State Park in search for the elusive jaguar and other amazing wildlife.

South Pantanal & Bonito

Explore the best of the Southern Pantanal and Bonito in Mato Grosso do Sul, home to a diverse range of wildlife and natural wonders with caves and crystal clear rivers.

Pousada Aguape Tours

The Aguape Pousada is surrounded by the lush riverside forests of the Aquidauana River, allowing guests to experience up-close the natural beauty of the Pantanal region. Come and explore this stunning area and its abundant wildlife.

Pantanal Splendour

Wildlife trip combining two remote lodges; Baia das Pedras with its open savanna landscapes with the lush wet region of Fazenda Barranco Alto, offering a huge variety of different wildlife and sights. An unforgettable experience!

Fazenda Barranco Alto Tours

A stay at the Fazenda Barranco Alto is the ultimate remote wildlife experience in Brazil, located deep in the Pantanal wilderness on the edge of the Rio Negro this lodge is a mecca for wildlife.

South Pantanal, Bonito & Foz do Iguassu

Short but action-packed, this eight day accommodated tour will take you through the amazing Pantanal, the ecotastic Bonito and the magical Iguacu.

South Pantanal mammal & bird tour

A nature expedition to remote Pantanal lodges for an unique and exciting wildlife adventure allowing you to observe an extraordinary amount of wildlife and a richness of birdlife far greater and easier to see than in any other region in the world.

Pousada Refugio da Ilha Tours

Pousada Refúgio da Ilha is an ecological paradise on the banks of the clean waters of the Salobra River that here, divides itself in two arms forming an island. The ideal place to be in close contact with nature.

Pantanal in Depth

We will take you to the remote and small sized Fazenda Baía das Pedras, a charming lodge positioned on the edge of the Vazante do Castelo, an incredible natural open field area abounding with extraordinary wildlife and nature.

Fazenda San Francisco Tours

Walk the interpretive walks, take boat excursions and enjoy wildlife viewing in open jeeps, with good chance of seeing, marsh deer, capybaras, caimans, anteaters, tapirs and during their night safari your might get face to face with the elusive jaguar.

Caiman Ecological Refuge Tours

At the exclusive Caiman Ecological Refuge wildlife is spectacular incl. over 350 species of bird including the hyacinth macaw, jabiru stork and the king vulture, as well as anteaters, marsh deer, caiman, monkeys and jaguar also a possibility.

Horseback riding expedition

This is an 7 day horseback expedition in the remote Pantanal wilderness, the ultimate trail riding experience with authentic Pantaneiros to guide your way through this wildlife sanctuary of spectacular beauty.

An incredible safari in one of the most beautiful regions of the Pantanal.

• Pantanal North
• Pantanal South

Pousada Aguape is surrounded by the lush riverside forests of the Aquidauana River, allowing guests to experience up-close the natural beauty of the Pantanal region. Come and explore this stunning area and its abundant wildlife.

Hotel Porto Jofre, located deep into the North Pantanal, is one of the best places in the world to see jaguars in the wild.

Combining two remote, small sized lodges will offer you an unique wildlife viewing experience; Baia das Pedras with its open savanna landscapes with the lush wet region of Fazenda Barranco Alto. Wildlife satisfaction guaranteed.

Araras Eco Lodge offers a variety of activities that are low on environmental impact but high on adventure and excitement. Wildlife satisfaction guaranteed.

The affordable and guaranteed way to spot jaguars and giant otters in the heart of the Pantanal is on the Jaguar Safari tour.

A unique experience including the best of North Pantanal, Transpantaneira road and the Cuiabá river. As well as the opportunity to see a huge amount of wildlife, for instance the elusive jaguar, tapir, anaconda, many exotic birds and the giant river otter.

The perfect way to trace jaguars on the Paraguay river and Taiama Reserve is through the Baiazinha Lodge. Since the Taiama Reserve is a federally protected zone, it is not open to the public and no tour operator is allowed to take tourists to the reserve

An exciting new expedition boat that has just been launched in the Porto Jofre Region of the Northern Pantanal, with the highest concentration of jaguars in the world

The Jaguar Eco Lodge is located deep within the pristine nature of the north Pantanal. This basic lodge will offer an unmatched wildlife experience.

Horseback riding through the forests and wetlands, trails totally immersed in nature, flights of birds, Brazilian otters playing by the river, alligators enjoying the sun… will give you unique and unforgettable moments.

Pousada Piuval is the perfect place to admire the biodiversity of the Pantanal. The lodge also offers a wide variety of activities.

A nature expedition to remote Pantanal lodges for an unique and exciting wildlife adventure allowing you to observe an extraordinary amount of wildlife and a richness of birdlife far greater and easier to see than in any other region in the world.

“I am back in Campo Grande and getting ready to head to the airport for my trip back home via Sao Paulo and Toronto. I just want to let you know that the four days with the people from Fazenda Baia das Pedras was excellent. They showed how eco-tourism can be conducted, at least in areas that are not primitive.”

Pantanal Tours & Amazon Cruises

Top 4 pantanal tours for 2024-2025.

• Araras EcoLodge Adventure

Bonito Multisport

• Caiman Lodge

Rio de Janeiro and Bonito

4 best pantanal luxury tours for 2024-2025, pantanal travel guide, jungle packing tips, indigenous people, medicinal treasures of the rainforest, amazon activities and weather, our travel stories, rio de janeiro and santa catarina, brazil adventure, brazil travel guide.

• All Brazil Trips
• All Brazil Travel Stories
• Brazil Overview
• Florianapolis
• Foz do Iguacu
• Rio de Janeiro

Favorite Brazil All Trips

• Highlights of Rio
• Undiscovered Brazil
• Costa Verde of Brazil
• Cristalino Jungle Lodge
• Lençóis Maranhenses Trekking
• Iguazu Falls: Brazil and Argentina

Top Pantanal Travel Destinations

Pantanal trips by departure date.

• 2024 Pantanal trips (4)
• 2025 Pantanal trips (4)
• 2026 Pantanal trips (4)

Pantanal Trips by Activity

• Pantanal wildlife viewing (4)
• Pantanal rainforest exploration (4)
• Pantanal hiking (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

Brazil & Pantanal

Brazil: A land of superlatives. Home to the massive wetlands of the Pantanal, the labyrinth of the Amazon, stunning beaches, bustling cities, and so much more. Search for Jaguar lurking in the shadows, Brazilian Tapir, Maned Wolf, Giant Anteater, and Giant Otter; Harpy Eagle, Greater Rhea, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, and Helmeted Manakin. Wow! Naturalist Journeys is proud to offer Brazilian birding tours, Brazilian nature tours, and Brazil wildlife tours. We embark on a Pantanal wildlife safari annually, and also offer extensions to other locations in Brazil like the Atlantic forest and Iguazu Falls, which shares a border with Argentina, on our Northwest Argentina birding tour . Learn more about our other South American birding tours .

Guided Group Tours

Group travel is rewarding and fun! With more eyes you see more species. Travel Planners of Naturalist Journeys and Caligo Ventures have been creating memorable journeys for 40+ years. We offer you small-group birding and nature tours, limited to just 8-10 persons led by expert guides. Learn and explore with like-minded people, enjoy local food and culture, and immerse yourself in birding and nature.

Conservation Corner

We value conservation – it is at the heart of our work. All Naturalist Journeys’ tours support local conservation projects. Browse the links below to learn more about positive local work to save and conserve the wildlife and landscapes we visit.

Brazil's Pantanal About 2% of the vast waterways, varied habitats, and distinctive animals of the Pantanal comprise a World Heritage Site , designated the “Pantanal Conservation Area” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This vast wetland ecosystem is unique in the world. Additional Conservation Work The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Institute for Ecological Research (IPE), and Baia das Pedras support the Giant Armadillo Conservation Project , a multi-year study investigating the ecology, biology, and ecosystem services provided by this elusive species, resulting in significant grassroots conservation achievements. Private Reserves Private reserves are key to the region’s future.

Like what we do?

Sign up for our weekly enews to stay up to date, get to know our favorite destinations each week. we promise no spam..

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.

Extend Your Trip

Iguassu Falls from Brazil Extension

From $1,995

Other Trips You Might Like

Cruise Collection

Amazon River Expedition

From $11,025

Small Group Adventure

Galapagos Adventure aboard the Passion

From $8,995

Patagonia: Tracking Pumas and Cruising the Fjords

Argentina, Chile

From $13,295

• Ultimate Patagonia

Chile, Argentina

From $10,995

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!

Submit the form below to download itinerary

Trip Download Itin

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!

Home » Tours » Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, and the Pantanal

Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, and the Pantanal

11 Days/9 Nights

From $3,939 per person

(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)

Daily Departures Throughout the Year

Explore Brazil’s fascinating culture, natural attractions, and unique wildlife on this amazing tour. In Rio de Janeiro, capture views of the city and Botafogo Bay from the top of Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy Samba music and world-famous beaches. At the Iguazu Falls, appreciate the majesty of one of the most beautiful waterfalls on Earth. And, in the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland area, set out on photo and wildlife safaris and seek out the elusive jaguar.

Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 9 nights (3 nights in Rio de Janeiro, 2 nights in Puerto Iguazu, and 4 nights in the Pantanal), and 16 meals (9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners).

Best Time to Go: June-October.

Destinations: South America and Brazil .

Interests: Adventure , All-Inclusive Properties , Culture & History , Horseback Riding , Photography , Sun & Beach , and Wildlife Viewing .

Places Visited: Rio de Janeiro , Iguazu Falls , and the Pantanal .

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: rio de janeiro..

Depart to Rio de Janeiro via overnight flight.

Day 2: Rio de Janeiro-Ginga Tropical Show.

After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel.

In the evening, you will see the Ginga Tropical Show at the Teatro Fashion Mall. The show perfectly combines a variety of Brazilian dances that developed from African rhythms via the slave trade and from the natives that lived in Brazil before colonization. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.

Notes: 1.) Check-in time in Rio de Janeiro is typically 2:00 PM. We can request early check-in for you but cannot guarantee it. 2.) The Ginga Tropical Show is available on Saturday evenings. We can offer an alternative activity for other nights of the week.

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro-Christ the Redeemer Statue (Corcovado)-Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Depart from the hotel after breakfast to visit the two most famous landmarks of the city and see the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro from up above. After a scenic drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, you arrive at the bottom of Corcovado Hill. You then embark on a comfortable train that ascends the mountain, where the statue of Christ the Redeemer is located 2,300 ft. above sea level. The Christ statue, known as the “Wonder of Rio”, was recently voted one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Upon arrival at the top, you use the panoramic elevators or escalators to arrive at the foot of the statute. There, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and discover why it is called the “Marvelous City”. Afterwards, you descend the mountain and stop for a delicious Brazilian Barbecue lunch.

Over a million tourists each year visit the world-famous Sugar Loaf Mountain, which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of a concentrated, refined sugar loaf. The journey to the top is made in glass cable-cars. The first cable-car takes you to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay and its surrounding islands. From Urca Hill, you continue in a second cable-car to the top of Sugar Loaf which rises 395 meters above sea level and offers a 360-degree view of the entire city including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado Mountain, and downtown Rio de Janeiro. (Duration: approximately 8 hours. Lunch will be served at Estrela do Sul BBQ). Following the tour, you will be returned to your hotel. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro. (B,L)

Day 4: Rio de Janeiro.

Free day. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro. (B)

Day 5: Rio de Janeiro-Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side).

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, you will have a 1 and ½ hour tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Located in Iguazu National Park, these spectacular falls are comprised of 275 individual cascades, and are more than 1.90 miles wide and 260 ft. high. You will walk along the main trail (one mile) on a catwalk above the lower Iguazu River to the series of falls that comprise the Devil’s Throat. Then you will take an elevator to an observation deck for a spectacular panoramic view of the falls. At the end of this tour, you will be transferred to your hotel on the Argentinian side. Overnight in Puerto Iguazu. (B)

Day 6: Iguazu Falls (Argentinean Side)-Great Adventure Tour.

In the morning, you will return to Iguazu Falls to view the falls from the Argentinian side and for the Great Adventure Tour. On the Argentinian side of the falls, you will visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the biodiversity of the jungle and the culture and history of the surrounding area. You can also take the Ecological Forest Train to the Garganta del Diable (Devil’s Throat) Station and the Cataratas Station, which will take you to the upper and lower circuits, and other walking trails.

In the afternoon, you will have the Great Adventure Tour. First, you will ride semi-rigid zodiac boats to reach the bottom of San Martin, Bosetty, Tres Mosqueteros and Canon de Garganta del Diablo falls and down the river rapids up to Puerto Macuco (two miles from the falls). Then, you will ride in an open jeep along the rainforest, observing the local flora and fauna with the aid of specialized guides. Overnight in Puerto Iguazu. (B)

Day 7: Iguazu Falls-Cuiaba-Photo Safari through Transpantaneira Park Road and Introduction Walk.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuiaba. After a briefing on your trip, departure at 1:20pm or 5:00pm, depending on your flight schedule. This transfer is divided into two different stages. The first is a journey on a paved road along farms and cattle ranches. After reaching Poconé – we take the Transpantaneira Park Road at km “0” (108 km / 67.1 mi. from Cuiaba). This is a park road at its best, allowing us to drive above the water level, watching the flora and fauna of the Pantanal ecosystem – a photo safari along 146 km of dirt road with several stops along the way for photos and information. Welcome drink on arrival and accommodation.

Later, the guide will lead you into an introductory walk through the surroundings of the lodge, explaining our concepts and many conservation projects. Continue to the Great Egret Lookout, a 12 m / 39 ft. high observation tower. After dinner, night walk under the Southern Hemisphere sky. Overnight at the Lodge. (D)

Day 8: Pantanal Canoeing and Trekking.

After breakfast, take a photo safari through private dirt roads towards the Clarinho River. Reaching its banks, board a canoe and paddle down the river, exploring the forest that grows by the riverbanks and mangroves. Here lives a colony of “ariranhas” – giant river otters. With some luck, you may spot a family playing with their babies and teaching them how to swim and fish. Chance of fishing the elusive piranha, not an easy task, but fun. Enjoy a barbecue lunch under the shadow of the trees (*). Hammocks available to enjoy a “siesta”.

Return to the Lodge in time for the afternoon tea. Later, trek the Howler Monkey trail to the Howler Monkey Tower, our highest observation point – 25 m high -, for a magnificent view of the sunset. After dinner, join a night drive in search of nocturnal animals. Overnight at the Lodge. (B,L,D)

(*) If the Sentinela Camp is not accessible (depending on the weather and terrain conditions), this canoeing tour will take place on the Corixo River. In that case, we will return to the lodge for lunch.

Day 9: Horseback Riding and Trekking.

After breakfast, enjoy a horseback ride, which will allow you to explore the diversity of the Pantanal landscape including some flooded areas of the Pantanal plain. The Pantaneiro horses are docile and have adapted, through the centuries, to eat with its nose underwater. In this region, the horse is the Pantaneiros’ best friend, a daily companion during work and leisure. Return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, trek the Rondon Trail towards the 13 m high Jabiru Stork Tower, where you can watch a Jabiru Stork nest. Return to the lodge for dinner. Overnight at the Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Jaguar Boat Safari.

After breakfast, departure towards Cuiabá River at the end of Transpantaneira, 115km that will take approximately 2h30. Join one of our boats for a six hour safari looking for the elusive and admired Jaguar. We will be exploring Cuiabá river, Piquiri, Three brothers riverbanks, bays and channels. The jaguar is the 3rd largest feline in the world, and uniquely bite its pray in the skull, paralyzing it instantly. Our lunch will be a lunchbox with fruits and sandwiches prepared by the Lodge cuisine, in order not to miss a unique chance of meeting this magnificent predator. Return to Jofre region around 17h00. Board our safari vehicle back to the lodge, arriving for dinner. Overnight at the Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Departure from Araras to Cuiabá.

Early rising, to witness the awakening of the Pantanal at dawn. Breakfast and departure at 7:30am or 12:30pm to Cuiaba, with stops along the Transpantaneira Park Road for photos and a last glimpse of this unique ecosystem. (B)

Note: The order of the activities may be modified according to the program at the lodge and weather or terrain conditions. The Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge team commitment is for a full enjoyment of the Pantanal Flood Plains, making it an unforgettable stay.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's Included

Price includes.

• South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
• Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
• Hotel accommodations including taxes and service charges.
• Excursions as indicated on the itinerary including all applicable entrance fees.
• Meals as indicated on the itinerary.
• Local, English-speaking tour guides.

Price Does Not Include

• International airfare.
• Domestic airfare.
• Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
• Gratuities, gifts, and personal items.
• Travel insurance.

We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.

Accommodations

Rio de janeiro.

Copa Sul Hotel

Arena Copacabana Hotel

Miramar Hotel by Windsor

Copacabana Palace Hotel

Puerto iguazu.

La Cantera Jungle Lodge

Amerian Portal del Iguazu Hotel

Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel

Melia Iguazu Resort and Spa

The pantanal.

Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge

Additional details.

Group Private: All airport/hotel transfers are private. In Rio de Janeiro, the Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain excursion is a group tour for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations, and private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodation. In Iguazu Falls, the tours of the Brazilian and Argentinian side are group tours for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations and private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations. The Great Adventure Tour is a group tour. In the Pantanal, all services are operated on a group basis.

Elevations: N/a.

Passport/Visa : For Brazil , U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens require a valid passport (for the duration of their stay) and visa (effective October 1, 2023), sufficient funds, and a return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. EU Citizens are only required to have a valid passport (for the duration of their stay), sufficient funds, and a return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months of valid term beyond your departure date. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Brazilian embassy in their country before traveling. For Argentina , U.S., Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens require a valid passport (for the duration of their stay), sufficient funds, and a return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months of valid term beyond your departure date. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Argentina embassy in their country before traveling.

Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic Comprehensive and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.

To Book This Trip: We require a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person plus the cost of the international airfare (if we make the arrangements for you). The balance of the trip cost is due 60 days prior to departure.

• Personalized Tours
• Destination Expertise
• Reliability (A+ BBB Rating)
• 1000's of Happy Customers

Want Help Planning Your Trip?

• Tour Name (Required) *
• Hidden Last Name
• Email (Required) *
• Hidden Phone (Optional)
• How can we help you plan your trip?

Other Tours You May Like

Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls

The Amazon, Rio de Janeiro, and Iguazu Falls

Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, and Salvador da Bahia

Brazil Travel Info

Brazil FAQ Brazil Weather Brazil Accommodations

Brazil Tours

Brazil & Argentina Tours Brazil Amazon Tours Brazil Wildlife Tours Iguazu Falls Tours Machu Picchu & Iguazu Falls Tours Machu Picchu & Rio de Janeiro Tours Peru & Brazil Tours Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls Tours

Brazil Blog Posts and Travel Articles

The Best Places to Visit in Brazil Ten Things To Do In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil A Brief History Of Brazilian Samba The 6 Best Beaches In Rio De Janeiro Ten Interesting Facts About The Capybara, The World’s Largest Rodent Pantanal Wildlife: 8 Mammals That You Are Likely To See Pantanal Wildlife: 7 Reptiles That You Are Likely To See Iguazu: The Most Beautiful Waterfall On Earth Fusing Colonial And African Roots In Salvador Da Bahia, Brazil Manaus, Brazil: Unlikely Heart Of The Amazon Brazilian Bombshell: Pão De Queijo

Have Questions? Call 1-888-268-9753 to Speak to An Expert.

888-875-9453

[email protected]

BRAZIL: Pantanal Photography Adventure

Tour focus photography.

• Tour Name * If not already completed, please enter the tour name above.
• Your Name * First Last
• Questions *
• Yes, please add me to your email list!

Book My Tour

• BRAZIL: Pantanal Photography Adventure Quantity Deposit/Payment per Person:
• 2024 :: August 17 - August 28
• Name * First Last
• Address * Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Mobile Phone *
• Yes, please send me emails of Wildside news and updates!
• Number of People * 1 2 3 4 5 Please choose the number of people for whom you are registering. For more than 4 people, please contact us at 888-875-9453
• Traveler 2 Name * First Last
• Traveler 2 Email
• Traveler 2 Mobile Phone
• Traveler 3 Name * First Last
• Traveler 3 Email
• Traveler 3 Mobile Phone
• Traveler 4 Name * First Last
• Traveler 4 Email
• Traveler 4 Mobile Phone
• Traveler 5 Name * First Last
• Traveler 5 Email
• Traveler 5 Mobile Phone
• I will be traveling with my roommate who is registering separately
• I prefer a single room, where available, and will pay the single supplement. I understand that on some trips this option is not available.
• Please find a roommate for me... I do understand that if no roommate is available I may be charged the single room fee
• Total $0.00
• Credit Card American Express Discover MasterCard Visa Supported Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa Card Number Month 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Year 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 2041 2042 2043 Expiration Date   Security Code Cardholder Name
• My Roommate's Name Is * First Last
• Roommate's Email *
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

SCHEDULED TOURS

Trip leaders, kevin loughlin.

From: $8,250  (See details) Cost is per person, double occupancy from Cuiaba, Brazil (CGB)

4 - 8  Participants

AVAILABILITY

2024 – FULL

2025 – 6 Spaces Available (Dates Coming Soon)

PRIVATE TOUR OPTION

This tour is available as a private trip for any size group. The tour cost will vary with the number of people and any custom requests.

• How many people? *
• In what month(s) would you like to travel? *
• Questions or requests *

TESTIMONIALS

If you have been on this tour, please be the first to leave a review!

Highlights of BRAZIL: Pantanal Photography Adventure

• Vast wetlands teeming with birds, caiman, and capybaras
• Jaguars, Jabirus, and Jacamars
• Colorful Macaws, Toucans, and Aracaris
• Traversing the Transpantaneira

Description of BRAZIL: Pantanal Photography Adventure

The Pantanal, the world’s largest inland freshwater wetland, is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts,  and photographers alike. Situated in the heart of Brazil, in the state of Mato Grosso, this internationally-acclaimed ecosystem teems with wildlife, hosting a stunning variety of birds, mammals and reptiles within a diverse, lush landscape.

Our trip is timed for the dry season, when animals congregate around shrinking waters, providing excellent up-close experiences and photographic opportunities. Herons, ibis, and jabirus feed in shallow pools, just yards away from partially-submerged caiman too numerous to count.

Starting from Cuiaba, we’ll head south through cerrado scrub habitat, where colorful Hyacinth Macaws, Toco Toucans, and Chestnut-eared Aracaris captivate cameras. We’ll traverse the famed Transpantaneira highway at a relaxed pace, stopping to observe waders, raptors, capybara, and myriad creatures that attract attention. Multiple boat rides will bring us close to kingfishers, sunbitterns, and giant river otters diving for catfish.

Jaguar, the largest New World cat, is the highlight of the trip. We’ll spend ample time exploring rivers where these impressive beauties stalk riverbanks. Join us for a spectacular wildlife experience not to be missed.

Watch our webinar –   Pantanal: Realm of the Jaguar , –

Length of Tour

Brief itinerary.

Day 1 – Morning arrrival in Cuiaba. Transfer to the northern Pantanal and Piuval Lodge (3 nights)

Days 2 & 3 – Two full days around Puival including half day boat ride

Day 4 – Transfer along transpantaneira to the southern end and Porto Jofre

Days 5 through 8 – Five full days of boat rides on the Cuiaba River for Jaguar

Day 9 – Transfer to the central transpantaneira to the central.

Days 10 & 11 – Two full days around the gallery forest and savannah including half day boat ride on the Pixaim River

Day 12 – Transfer to Cuiaba for late afternoon flight

Detailed Itinerary

Days 1 – 3 –  northern transpantaneira – piuval.

Mid morning arrival at Cuiaba airport where we will meet our local guide and transfer to the Pantanal arriving early afternoon to settle into the Pousada Piuval for a 3-night stay.

There is plenty to see around the rich grounds of the Pousada Piuval in the northern section of the transpantaneira. Working our way through the savanna, species we will not encounter further south include Blue-crowned Trogon, Greater Rheas, Red-legged Seriemas, White-fronted Woodpecker and Black-bellied Antwren. In patches of dry forest we hope to find Chaco Chachalacas, Chestnut-bellied Guan and Bare-faced Curassow. This is also an excellent place to see Hyacinth Macaws which are often found feeding on buriti palm nuts.

Water levels permitting we take the first of our motorboat excursions in this vast wetland through the baia (large Piuval Bay). Along the way Ringed and Amazon Kingfishers are commonly seen and Black-collared and Great Black Hawks hunt from the edge of the waterway.  We’ll enjoy sweeping views of the vibrant wetland as numerous birds including Roseate Spoonbills and Wood Storks flying by.  Howler Monkeys and Black-tailed Marmoset are often found in nearby trees, which might hold Linneated Woodpecker, Red-billed Scythebill, Amazonian Motmot or a Bat Falcon, while amongst the shrubbery we should find Black-capped Donacobius and Gray-crested Cacholote. We will also look for Southern Screamer, and Gray (Common) Potoo on a daytime roost.  At night time we search for Mottled and Black-banded Owls, Pauraque, Great Potoo, and will likely come across Crab-eating Foxes, possibly Giant Anteater and the icing on the cake would be Azara’s Night Monkey.

Days 4 – 8 –  Southern Transpantaneira – Porto Jofre

We transfer from the Piuval to Porto Jofre at the southern end of the transpantaneira, for a 4-night stay and three full days of boat rides on the Cuiaba River in search of Jaguars.

At Porto Jofre, our lodge is set on the banks of the Cuiaba River giving us easy access to explore the river and its tributaries.   We take boat rides along the river to an area known as Tres Irmaos as well as on the Piquiri River, to search for the elusive Jaguar. This area is reputed to have the highest concentration of Jaguars in the world! Jaguars have become habituated to boats and wildlife observers, and with keen eyes we hope to find one of these exquisite cats on the banks, laying in the shade. With patience and luck we may even see one hunting caiman or capybara! Jaguars are the largest of South America’s cats and in the Pantanal these are up to 50% heavier than those found anywhere else, with males reaching 350 pounds!

While our primary focus will be locating Jaguars, there is so much more to see! We are always on the lookout for Brazilian Tapir, and will spend time with Giant River Otters watching them playing and fishing. These endangered and highly social mammals are known locally as “river wolves”.

At various open sand banks we’ll find Black Skimmers, Large-billed and Yellow-billed Terns, as well as Collared Plovers and photogenic Pied Plovers. Along gallery forest edges we often see Crane Hawks, Great Black Hawks, Boat-billed Herons, Greater Ani and Blue-throated Piping Guans. Kingfishers abound, along with Cocoi Heron, Capped Heron and eye-catching Sunbitterns. Sungrebes favour swimming in the shadows of overhanging vegetation. There will be no shortage of Yacare Caimans or Capybaras!  At dusk we keep an eye out for Band-tailed Nighthawks flying over the river.

On the grounds of our lodge there is a resident flock of Hyacinth Macaw, the largest of the parrot family, and noisy Yellow-rumped Caciques.  We’ll enjoy wonderful opportunities to photograph iconic Toco Toucans. The large lake is covered with giant water lilies, where Wattled Jacanas tread softly on the pads, while Cattle Tyrants and White-headed Marsh Tyrants flit about. Nacunda Nighthawks can be found roosting on the ground around the lake.

Days 9 – 11 – Central Transpantaneira – Pixaim

We begin our journey back north along the transpantaneira to the central region for a 3-night stay to explore the area around the Pixaim River. O/n: SouthWild Pantanal Lodge (BLD)

The lodge has a nice feeder set up, with Chestnut-eared Aracaris, Toco Toucans, Silver-beaked Tanagers, Saffron Finch, Orange-backed Troupials, Red-crested and Yellow-billed Cardinals regularly visiting. The trails in the gallery forests along the Rio Pixaim provide excellent birding with nearly all of the Pantanal’s speciality forest  birds present including Rusty-fronted Tody Flycatcher, Black-fronted Nunbird, Mato Grosso Antbird, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, Cream-colored Woodpecker, Flavescent Warbler, White-lored Spinetail, Buff-bellied Hermit and Helmeted Manakin all being possible. A stellar observation tower allows us to get eye level with nesting Jabiru’s. Black-striped Tufted Capuchins, South American Coati and Crab-eating Foxes are often seen around the grounds. We may also have opportunity to watch Ocelot at dusk.

A boat ride on the Pixaim River should produce excellent photographic opportunities since it is a narrow making it easy to reach both sides! Drifting slowly along we’ll encounter all five species of kingfishers including Green, Green-and-Rufous and Pygmy Kingfisher. Other birds could include the Sunbittern, Boat-billed Heron, the much sought after Agami Heron and the diminutive and secretive Zig-zag Heron.  We should also have another chance to see Giant River Otters.

Day 12 –  Transfer to the airport in Cuiaba

After breakfast we work our way out of transpantaneira to Cuiaba. Following lunch we will dropped off at the airport for our return flight to the US.

• Note: the itinerary and lodging may vary based upon availability of accommodations

Cost Details

Cost is $8,250 per person, based upon double occupancy, from Cuiaba, Brazil (Airport code CGB). This trip ends in same as arrival city (Airport code CGB).

Cost Includes

Included in the cost are all accommodations, meals, ground & boat transportation, entrance fees and service of the leader(s) and local guides, from Cuiaba.

Cost does not Include

Not included in the cost is the airfare to Cuiaba [CGB], travel insurance, drinks, tip to local leader, and items of a personal nature.

Minimum Number

If fewer than the minimum number of participants are registered the trip can still run with a small-group supplement fee per person determined by the number of participants.

Single Supplement

If a single room is preferred, or we are unable to find a suitable roommate for you, a single supplement fee of $800 will be assessed.

Deposit Requirements

A $1,000 deposit per person is required to hold each space on this tour. Deposit may be made online by clicking the "Book Your Trip Now" button and using any credit card. If you prefer, you may call us at 888-875-9453 to pay by phone. You may also mail us a check, however, remember that all space is held on a first come-first served basis as deposits are received.

If fewer than the minimum number of required participants are registered, we may still be able to run the trip by adding a small-group supplement fee, per person, determined by the number of participants registered.

How to Book

In order to hold your space, click the "Book Your Trip Now" button above and complete the deposit process, including payment of the deposit through our Paypal portal using ANY CREDIT CARD. Upon completion of deposit, please visit our secure, online CLIENT INFORMATION FORM to complete your registration.

Final Payment

For all land-based tours: full payment by check is due 120 days prior to the departure date.

For all boat-based adventure cruises of 7-days or longer: full payment by check is required 180 days prior to departure.

NOTE : If you prefer to use credit card for final payment, a 3% fee may be added to cover the credit card merchant fees we incur.

Accommodations

11 nights in 3 lodges. All ensuite.

Pousada Piuval is the first lodge along the Transpantaneira (10km from Pocone). It is situated on 7000 hectare cattle ranch. The air-conditioned rooms are ensuite.

SouthWild Pantanal Lodge is at 67km along the Transpantaneira. All rooms are ensuite and air-conditioned.

Hotel Pantanal Norte (Porto Jofre Hotel) situated at the end of the 145km Transpantaneira on the banks of the Cuiaba River is a comfortable lodge with spacious  air-conditioned en-suite rooms.

Note: Accommodations subject to change based upon availability.

Activity Level

Activity level rating:  2  (note: 1 is easy and 5 is difficult).

Mostly level terrain with some walking on sandy tracks. Numerous boat rides which entail sitting for long periods for photography.

Additional Information

A Field Guide to the Birds of Brazil

by  Ber van Perlo

(Oxford University Press, 2009)

2024 DATES WAITING TO BE CONFIRMED

This trip is for non-smokers only. Smoking is not permitted at any time during our wildlife safari.

As of June 18, 2019, US citizens do not need a Visa to enter Brazil.

Arrival and Departure: You will need to arrive in Cuiaba (CGB) on the morning of Day 1.  That would mean leaving the US a day earlier.  A return flight leaving Cuiaba would have to be late afternoon on Day 11. You would be back in the US the following day.

Purchasing Flights

Do not purchase your flights until the trip has been confirmed to go.

Detailed Trip Information

Upon notification that final payment is due (120 days prior to departure for land based tours / 180 days for boat based tours), you will receive a trip package of detailed information for your tour.

Any additional information about the trip, including lodgings, contacts, participants, meeting locations, etc., will sent about 2 weeks prior to the trip departure, or after final payment is received for late registrants.

Travel Insurance

As with all tours, we recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to help cover your investment, for covered reasons. Please see our section on Travel Insurance .

Passport & Visa

US Citizens may require a visa to enter certain foreign countries. See above for any required visa information.

Participants arriving to the USA from a foreign country may need to get a travel visa to enter the United States. Be sure to check the requirements for your country of origin.

Itinerary Changes

The trip itinerary is developed many months ahead of time. Occasionally, despite our best planning, changes may occur during the trip, or we may be forced to alter our plans. Changes may occur because of weather, road conditions, safety concerns or other circumstances. In these situations, it is the leader(s) responsibility to carefully consider and implement appropriate alternatives. Any additional costs incurred because of changes will be the responsibility of each individual participant. Refunds will not be issued as a result of itinerary changes.

Trip Reports

PANTANAL: Wildlife Safari 2019 TRIP REPORT

2018 Trip Report PANTANAL

2010-2018 Species Recorded PANTANAL

Image Gallery

Location Map

• Open Facebook in a new tab
• Open Twitter in a new tab
• Open Instagram in a new tab
• Open LinkedIn in a new tab
• Open Pinterest in a new tab
• Open YouTube in a new tab

Bonito Brazil Pantanal Tour

Located in the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, the Pantanal is considered the largest wetland on the planet. It concentrates a unique fauna observable during the dry season (July to October). There are nearly 650 species of birds and a number of mammals there that you can see during a canoe trip, or on horseback or on foot.

Discovery of the Pantanal region Bonito Brazil

pantanal brazil

pantanal bonito brazil

brazil pantanal travel

Pantanal Bonito Brazil

Lover of unspoiled landscapes and courageous adventurers, this trip to Brazil will be perfect for you.

Leave Campo Grande to discover the Fazendas, with extraordinary activities and unique encounters with nature. On the way to Bonito, the ideal place for contact with nature. Live the experience of being immersed in a giant aquarium! The silence and the beauty of the seabed offer a unique spectacle. Look up to see the monkeys gazing at you curiously and large, wild and colorful birds take flight. Swim in the clear, bluish waters of the Blue Grotto and gaze at the astonishing reflections of this hidden site.

But the journey doesn’t end there, set off further to the Pantanal, the largest marsh in the world. Discover anteaters, sloths, Boa constrictors or adorable capivaras.

pantanal bonito

Upon arrival, handing over your travel documents and logbook, then picking up your rental vehicle. Departure by road towards Bonito, a small town in Mato Grosso do Sul and a Mecca for Brazilian ecotourism. On arrival, Night in a pousada

Bonito - Rio sucuri bonito ms

Free day to explore the region and the many excursion possibilities offered by Bonito. We suggest two of the main attractions: the “Gruta do Lago Azul” or Cave of the Blue Lake and its intense color, and the descent of the Sucuri river in snorkeling (optional excursions), whose transparency of the water, due to a high concentration of carbonate, offers you a swim in the middle of a huge natural aquarium. Free meals and night at the Pousada.

Bonito Pantanal

After your breakfast, departure towards the southern area of the Pantanal which you will reach after a 2 hour drive. Along the way we suggest a stop in the private reserve of Boca da Onça where a 4 km path will allow you to discover no less than 11 waterfalls, the most impressive of which, the Boca de Onça culminates at 156 meters. Possibility of swimming in the natural swimming pools of the park. On your arrival in the Pantanal, installation at the Fazenda Baia Grande. Dinner and overnight.

Day 04 & 05:

During these two days, accompanied by a local expert guide in the region, you will have the opportunity to discover on foot, on horseback or by canoe, this unique ecosystem considered to be one of the main wildlife reserves on the planet. Meals and nights at the Fazenda Baia Grande.

Pantanal - Campo Grande

Breakfast at the fazenda then drive back to Campo Grande airport according to your flight schedule. Return of the vehicle before going to your next destination. the jorney takes 4 hours

weather in the pantanal brazil

Pantanal bonito map.

brazil pantanal

Voyage brésil, parc national des lençóis maranhenses, the pantanal brazil - brazil pantanal animals - pantanal brazil animals - pantanal brazil hotels.

request your free quote !!

Your Name Your Email Phone Your Message 

• Traveler Resources
• Daily Dose of Nature Webinars
• Watch Past Daily Dose of Nature Webinars

In Search of Jaguars in Brazil’s Pantanal

Get Weekly Updates

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more.

Request Your 2023 Catalog

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly a hundred nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.

Get Weekly Updatess

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add [email protected] to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Send Us a Message

Have a question or comment? Use the form to the right to get in touch with us.

We’ll be in touch soon with a response.

Refer a Friend

Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.

We've received your friend's information.

View Our 2023 Digital Catalog

View Our 2024/2025

Digital Catalog

Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. Click here to view it now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Polar Bear Tours

African Safaris

Galapagos Tours

Alaska Adventures

U.S. National Parks Tours

Canada & the North

Europe Adventures

Mexico & Central America Tours

South America Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Adventure Cruises

Photography Expeditions

Women's Adventures

Family Adventures

New Adventures

Questions? Call 800-543-8917

Have a question or comment? Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us. Hours Mountain Time

• 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
• 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday
• Closed on Sunday

ECP Brazil Open: Players to watch, tournament facts and more

A scenic view of Rio Olympic Golf Course.

Change Text Size

This week marks the third of 16 events during the inaugural PGA TOUR Americas season and the third of six events in the Latin America Swing.

Fortinet Cup Points: 500 (winner) Purse: $225,000 ($40,500 winner) Field Summary (as of April 16, 2024)

• 81 – United States
• 17 – Argentina
• 13 – Canada
• 10 – Brazil
• 2 – England
• 1 – Peru, Costa Rica, France, Finland, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Japan, Colombia, Scotland, China, Cuba

Players to Watch

• Matthew Anderson – Finished T3 at the Totalplay Championship at Atlas Country Club and tied the course record of 62 in the opening round.
• Clay Feagler – Won the first event in PGA TOUR Americas history, the Bupa Championship at Tulum; was his first victory as a professional and secured exempt membership for the remainder of the season.
• José de Jesús Rodríguez – Won the Totalplay Championship at Atlas Country Club, his third consecutive PGA TOUR-sanctioned win at the venue. Finished T2 at the 2017 ECP Brazil Open, which was held at the Rio Olympic Golf Course.
• Derek Hitchner – Finished T3 at the Totalplay Championship at Atlas Country Club.
• Alexandre Rocha – The Sao Paulo native defeated Keith Mitchell and Kent Bulle in a playoff to win the 2015 ECP Brazil Open.
• Stuart Macdonald – Finished T3 at the 2024 Totalplay Championship at Atlas Country Club, his best finish since his T2 finish at the 2023 Windsor Championship on PGA TOUR Canada.
• Austen Christiansen – The Houston, Texas, native carded an 8-under 63 to get into the field as a Monday Qualifier.

Tournament History

Organized by the Brazilian Golf Confederation in partnership with the Rio Olympic Golf Course, the ECP Brazil Open was founded in 1945 and has been a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event since 2012. The Brazil Open was played at the Rio Olympic Golf Course in 2016, 2017 and now 2024. The 72-hole scoring record and lowest round in a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event at the Rio Olympic Golf Course were set by Rodolfo Cazaubón on his way to his victory at the ECP Brazil Open in 2017 on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica.

Six players who finished in the top 10 of the 2023 Brazil Open are in the field this week: Chris Crawford (T3/16-under), Joey Savoie (T3/16-under), Macdonald (T6/14-under), Sandy Scott (T6/14-under), Conner Godsey (T8/12-under) and Brent Ito (T8/12-under).

Eighteen Monday Qualifiers are in the field: Christiansen , Ivan Ramirez , Maximiliano Godoy , Alejandro Madariaga , Garrett Barber , Eddy Lai , Juan Tomas Arozena , Mauro Baez , Carlos Ferreira , Aram Yenidjeian , Martin Contini , Diego Santolaya , Christopher White, Bernardo Willemsens, Nick Infanti, Igor Santana, Ivan Camilo Ramirez, Iorkys Cabrera and Otto Black.

Ten Brazilians are in the field this week. Rocha , Rafael Becker, Rodrigo Lee, Axell Balestre, Breno Domingos, Felipe Navarro, Daniel Ishii, Santana, Ferreira and Willemsens.

Fortinet Cup Overview

Seven of the top 10 players in the Fortinet Cup standings are in the field at the 69th ECP Brazil Open: Rodríguez (first/524), Feagler (second/510), Jesus Montenegro (third/380), Julián Etulain (fifth/190), Anderson (eighth/150), Joey Vrzich (9th/132) and Devon Bling (10th/129).

PGA TOUR Americas – 2024 Season Summary

Up to 15 Korn Ferry Tour cards are on the line during the 2024 PGA TOUR Americas season – five conditional memberships will go to the top players from the Latin America (two) and North America (three) Swings, and the top 10 players in the season-long Fortinet Cup points list will earn exempt membership.

Quick links