North Pantanal Porto Jofre Jaguar Safari Expedition Cruise

Get up close and personal with South America’s largest land predator – the elusive jaguar! This itinerary takes you into the remote depths of the Brazilian Pantanal and combines a stay at the Araras Ecolodge with a cruise from Porto Jofre up the Cuiaba River aboard the Mutum Expeditions Boat. Explore the “Meeting of the Waters” State Park a wild and remote area of forest, rivers and savannah that boasts the highest concentration of jaguar within all South America.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Stay at a wildlife lodge deep in Brazil’s northern Pantanal
  • Enjoy a unique Jaguar cruise aboard the Mutum Expeditions Boat
  • Explore the “Meetings of the Waters” State Park
  • Experience close-up encounters with the resident jaguar
  • Observe a dizzying array of native flora & fauna

What’s included

  • Private tours for most included activities
  • Meet & greet airport service
  • Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
  • Expert guides in each destination

flexibility

This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.

6

Nights

Price Guide

from $8150 pp

Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more

Arrive

Brazil

plan line
Day 1-2

The Pantanal – Unique Wildlife Ecounters

On arrival at Cuiabá, you will head out to a wildlife lodge surrounded by the breathtaking wilds of Brazil’s northern Pantanal. Pantanal boasts close to 1000 species of birds and 300 species of mammals and there is every chance of observing giant anteaters, hyacinth macaws, giant river otters, tapirs, capybara and marsh dear. Each day, you will head out with your naturalist guide by truck, horse, canoe or foot (depending on the conditions) to explore the surrounding rivers, wetlands and gallery forest. One of Araras’ highlights is the 25m high Monkey`s Tower, an ideal vantage point for spotting the resident bird-life.

Day 3

Porto Jofre & Mutum expeditions Boat

After a sunrise walk to appreciate the dawn chorus, you will be driven on into the depths of the Pantanal to reach Porto Jofre, starting point for your jaguar cruise. From here, you will continue by a small launch up the Cuiaba River to reach the Mutum Expeditions Boat. After an introduction to the staff and guides, you will set off into the state park in search of Brazil’s great predator as well as other species including giant otters, capybaras, tapirs and countless species of birds.

Day 4-6

In Search of the Pantanal’s Jaguar

During the cruise, you will spend your days scouring the banks of the Pantanal basin and the labyrinthine channels of the Cuiabá, Piquiri and Three Brothers rivers. This “Meetings of the Waters” State Park holds the highest concentration of jaguar in all South America as well as a dizzying array of other flora and fauna. The resident wildlife has long been accustomed to the fishing boats that have plied the waterways for generations which allows for incredible wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities – there is every chance of spotting jaguar lying unperturbed along the shoreline or even crossing the river directly in front of you!

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Day 7

Return to Porto Jofre & Transfer to the airport

A note on price

The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.

Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).

Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.

Price Guide from $8150 per person

When to travel

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec

Brazil is a year-round destination and no matter what month you visit, you can find a golden, sun-kissed beach if you are prepared to travel. The tropical north straddles the equator and is warmer – up to 40° at the height of summer – and wetter around the Amazon basin. Heading south, temperatures cool off especially towards the south dropping as low as 15° in winter with even snow falling on the mountains of the Serra Geral close to the border of Argentina. Between November and April, Rio and the south provide ideal beach conditions and are hot and steamy with tempestuous downpours particularly in January through to March. During this period, Iguassu Falls are at their most impressive – though at times the spray can obscure the views – while the Pantanal is oppressive and worth avoiding. Outside these months, head to the north-east coast for sun, hottest (and wettest) on the Bahian coast between April and July.

Add on’s

This itinerary focuses on the northern edge of Brazil’s Pantanal and for the ultimate Pantanal experience, why not combine it with a stay at lodge within the southern wetlands such as the Caiman Ecological Refuge or Pousada Aguape. From here it is then easy to head into the crystal clear waters and limestone caves of Bonito within Brazil’s Serra do Bodoquena, a wonderful area for walking, rafting and river snorkelling.

Alternatively, head north from Cuiaba and you can explore the impressive canyons, waterfalls and caves of the Chapada dos Guimaraes before continuing to the southern extremes of the Amazon to stay at a lodge such as Cristalino. Throw in the Atlantic Rainforest of Iguassu Falls, a short flight away, and you have a wonderful 4 centre trip – Pantanal / Chapada dos Guimaraes / Amazon / Iguassu – which offers a breathtaking range of landscape, wildlife and activities.

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