Pantanal - Land of the Jaguar

4.7Based on

Carbon neutral

9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

14 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Cuiaba, Brazil

Ends

Cuiaba, Brazil

Highlights

Explore lesser-visited areas of the Pantanal wetlands for a jaguar-spotting safari

Take seven different boat trips to maximise your chances of spotting jaguars

Observe unusual species: capybaras, giant anteaters and jabiru storks

Stay in two rustic lodges, chosen for their wildlife-rich locations away from the tourist trail

Itinerary

The Pantanal straddles the borders of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia and is the largest wetland region in the world. Its plains and low scrubby forests are home to more than 1,000 bird species and 300 different mammals, including tapirs, anteaters, jabiru storks and the striking hyacinth macaw. Concentrating on the incredibly rich northern Pantanal in the southwest of Brazil, we divide our time between two lodges, journeying deep into the wetlands in search of jaguars, the largest feline in the Americas. These solitary, elusive predators, as well as being formidable opponents on land, are strong swimmers and are known to frequent the waterways we explore.

day 1 - Adventure begins in Cuiabá

Welcome to Cuiabá, the capital of the Mato Grosso state and the gateway to the Pantanal wetlands. After arriving at the hotel, you have the rest of the day free to relax.

Around 6pm, say oi to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want more time in Brazil? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals:Dinner

Others:Deville Prime Cuiabá (or similar)

day 2 - To Hotel Baiazinha on the Paraguay River

Head towards the remote Paraguay River in the Pantanal this morning. We start by driving 127mi (205km) towards the town of Cáceres before continuing a further 62mi (100km) on dirt roads to our lodge on the banks of the Paraguay River, where we spend the next four days exploring the region for jaguars and other wildlife.

This off-the-beaten-path area is the ideal place for jaguar spotting and, with fewer visitors than other areas of the Pantanal, is also much quieter.

This afternoon, we board our small motorboats to go on our first jaguar safari, exploring the river and its tributaries for the elusive big cat plus tapirs, monkeys, macaws, anacondas, capybaras, giant otters and any other wildlife we can find. While no guarantees can be made when it comes to wildlife, there is a 90 percent chance of seeing jaguars.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Baiazinha (or similar)

day 3 - 5 - Morning and afternoon boat safaris on the Paraguay River searching for jaguar and other wildlife

We spend the next three days on morning and afternoon boat safaris looking for jaguars and other local wildlife and learning about the delicate ecosystem of the area. The exact lengths of the outings will vary depending on the sightings and you should be prepared to be flexible with the timetable. Make sure to bring all you’ll need including sun protection, insect protection, rain protection, water and your cameras and/or binoculars.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Baiazinha (or similar)

day 6 - To Araras Lodge

This morning, retrace our steps towards Cáceres and onto Poconé and finally Araras Lodge. Surrounded by pristine forest, the lodge offers a range of activities designed to showcase the flora and fauna of the Pantanal, including jeep safaris, trail walks, nocturnal safaris, canoeing and horse riding. Naturalist guides from the lodge accompany us on all excursions to truly enhance our wildlife viewing. The programme changes per trip, dependant on the weather.

This afternoon, head out on our first activity before returning and enjoying our first lodge dinner.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Araras Lodge (or similar)

day 7 - 8 - Discover wildlife and embark on adventures around the lodge

Enjoy a full programme of activities around the lodge. Typically, we have one activity in the morning and another in the afternoon.

There are hundreds of bird species and dozens of mammals and reptiles to spot in the immediate surroundings; if we are lucky, we will catch sight of the striking hyacinth macaw (or arara jacinta in Portuguese) after which the lodge is named. The largest of the macaws, its dark blue plumage and the bright yellow skin around its eyes and beak make it instantly recognisable.

Depending on the weather, it may be possible to take night-spotting tours after dinner to observe nocturnal animals.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Araras Lodge (or similar)

day 9 - Adventure ends in Cuiabá

If you're keen to make the most out of the jungle, it is possible to wake early and include a final pre-breakfast activity.

After breakfast, head back to Cuiabá where the trip ends. We bid farewell and begin our return journey home. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

All accommodation

Meals

All breakfasts, seven lunches, eight dinners

Transport

All transport and listed activitiesGroup arrival and departure transfers available

Guide

Tour leader throughout

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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4.7

based on 22 reviews

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Booking was simple and intuitive. Customer Service contacted us upon our initial inquiry and offered their assistance with any additional travel arrangements we may require.

6 days ago

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