Northern PantanalPorto Jofre Southern Pantanal

Immerse yourself in the great seasonal wetlands of the Brazilian Pantanal on a unique wildlife journey! The Pantanal is South America’s wildlife capital, 140,000 km² of savannah, gallery forest and wetlands that harbours an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna including tapir, giant river otters and marsh deer. This itinerary focuses on three distinct areas – the northern Pantanal, Porte Jofre and southern Pantanal – and includes daily wildlife safaris by vehicle, boat and even horseback led by expert local guides. Among the highlights is a guided boat-trip up the Cuiaba River where there is every chance of spotting the continent’s apex land predator – the jaguar.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Experience the remarkable landscapes & colours of the Pantanal
  • Join daily excursions led by expert naturalist guides
  • Spot a wealth of species from Anteaters to Hyacinth Macaws
  • Enjoy Jaguar safaris up the Cuiaba River
  • Stay at a traditional Fazenda cattle ranch

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.

9

Nights

Price Guide

from $TBA pp

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

Arrive

Brazil

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Day 1-3

Welcome to the Pantanal!

On arrival at Cuiabá, you will be met and driven out to a remote wildlife lodge set amidst by the breathtaking landscapes of the northern Pantanal. Pantanal boasts close to 300 species of mammals and 1000 species of birds, an extraordinary range of flora and fauna from anteaters, giant river otters and hyacinth macaws to tapirs, capybara, caiman and marsh dear. Each day, you will join your naturalist guide on wildlife safaris either by vehicle, boat, horse, canoe or even on foot (subject the conditions) to explore the surrounding gallery forest, rivers and wetlands.

Day 4-6

Porto Jofre – Jaguar Central

An early start for a final sunrise walk before you are driven deeper into the Pantanal to reach Porto Jofre, the jaguar centre of South America. Here amidst the “Meetings of the Waters” State Park and the labyrinthine channels of the Piquiri, Cuiaba and Three Brothers rivers, you find the highest concentration of jaguar in all South America. Based at a waterfront lodge, you will join daily boat excursions which scour the shores of the waterways in search of the elusive predator. Alternatively, you may prefer to join a dedicated jaguar cruise such as Mutum Expeditions.

Day 7-9

Southern Pantanal – Cowboys & Caiman

Take a small private charter flight to your lodge on the southern fringes of the Pantanal, the perfect way to appreciate the scope and breathtaking diversity of the Pantanal. Stay at a traditional “fazenda” ranch and enjoy guided wildlife tours into the Pantanal. The Pantanal is also cattle country, famed for its ranching heritage where weather beaten “pantaneiro” cowboys lead annual drives across the wetlands to lead the cattle to market. Wildlife aside, you may like to ride with the cowboys on the farm and experience the traditional heritage of the Pantanal.

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Day 10

Return to the airport for onward connections

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 $TBA 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

Close by, the cystal clear-waters, caves and eco-adventures of Bonito combine beautifully with the Pantanal, while a short distance north takes you to the southern fringes of the Amazon and Cristalino Lodge. For something completely different, head to the remarkable landscapes of Lençóis Maranhenses or simply relax on the golden beaches of Bahia close to Salvador.

For more wildlife, look to the Atlantic Rainforest of Iguassu or for the ultimate nature-focused journey, fly across the border to Ecuador and combine the famous Mindo Cloud-forest with a breathtaking Galapagos cruise, the highlight of any journey to South America.

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