When photographers and naturalists think of the New World tropics, they usually imagine the Amazon rainforest. But nearby, just outside of the Amazon drainage is the largest freshwater wetland in the world, and one of the best places in the world for tropical wildlife photography. The Pantanal at over 75,000 square miles is an enormous mosaic of lakes, rivers, woodland, marshes, and grassland, stretching across 3 countries (Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia). And this diversity of habitats results in an abundance of wildlife. Hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians call the Pantanal home. And one of those denizens, the Jaguar, will be of particular interest to our trip.
Dates
10 - 20 October 2025
Trip Overview
We will meet in Cuiabá, Brazil for the first night of our adventure to the Pantanal. We’ll get together for a group dinner at the hotel restaurant where we can get to know one another and answer questions about the upcoming adventure.
The following morning, we will be picked up by a vehicle and shuttled down the Transpantaneira highway, through the gateway town of Poconé, and on into the heart of the northern Pantanal. Along the way, we will make numerous stops for wildlife, and arrive at the Aymara Lodge for lunch. After the meal, we will head out for our first explorations. The lodge grounds are exceptional for bird photography, and we will get our cameras working as we wander the local trail network looking for the local ocelots and other species.
We will stick around for a full day at the Aymara Lodge, photographing the many species that occur in this part of the Pantanal. We will have access to an open safari vehicle, allowing us to explore more widely.
The following day, we will continue our journey along the Transpantaneira to the frontier town of Porto Jofre where the road ends. Our lodge, the Hotel Porto Jofre, lies near the Meeting of the Waters State Park, which protects a large area of the Pantanal ecosystem. We will have 5 nights here with morning and evening boat trips to look for wildlife, with a focus on Jaguars!
From Port Jofre, we will turn our wheels back down the Transpantaneira and on to the Pousada Piuval, our final lodge, where we will spend 2 nights. This more upland area allows us access to species like Giant Anteater which we are unlikely to encounter elsewhere on our journeys. Species like Ocelots, Jaguars, and Hyacinth Macaws are also regularly seen near the lodge.
On the final day, we will transfer back to Cuiaba in time to catch afternoon flights back to Sao Paulo and home, or head off for independent adventures in South America.
- All lodging after arrival in Cuiabá
- Local transportation to and between all workshop destinations
- All meals
- Photography Guidance and Instruction
- Post-processing lessons
- One on one photo discussions and image critiques
- Local naturalist guides
- On-sight support
- Assistance with travel arrangements, if needed
- Travel to and from your home to Cuiabá, Brazil
- Gratuity for local guides and lodge staff
- Travel, medical, and evacuation insurance (required)
- Guide tips
- Alcoholic drinks
Day 1 – Arrive Cuiabá, Brazil. Night in a local hotel.
Day 2 – Travel to the Pantanal, Aymara Lodge. Local photography and exploration.
Day 3 – Aymara Lodge Area.
Day 4 – Northern Pantanal near Porto Jofre.
Day 5 – Northern Pantanal
Day 6 – Northern Pantanal
Day 7 – Northern Pantanal
Day 8 – Northern Pantanal
Day 9 – Transfer from Northern Pantanal to Pousada Piuval near Pocone.
Day 10 – Pousada Piuval
Day 11 – Transfer to Cuiba in time for afternoon flights home.
2025 Rates
Double Room: $7800/person
Single Room: $8450/person
A deposit of $500/person will be required to secure your spot on the trip. The remainder will be due over two additional payments.
Travel insurance which covers you for medical evacuation and trip cancellation is required. I encourage you to purchase insurance soon after booking in case of a medical or family issue that prevents you from traveling. (Insurance Recommendations)
FAQs
Is Brazil Safe?
The parts of Brazil we will be visiting are extremely safe. The Pantanal is remote, and the people are exceedingly friendly and welcoming.
Are there tropical illnesses?
The Pantanal does not currently have malaria, but other mosquito-born illnesses do occur in Brazil. It’s best to cover up, and wear insect repellent on any exposed skin. That said, our trip during October (the end of the dry season) has very few mosquitoes, and even seeing one is uncommon.
What do I need to bring?
After you sign up, I’ll send you a comprehensive packing list.
What’s the weather like that time of year?
The Pantanal is seasonally wet, and tropical, and the trip falls at the very end of the dry season. Peak temperatures may be quite warm with highs in the upper 90s. (Don’t worry, all the lodges have air conditioning!) And we may see occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Is the wildlife dangerous?
No. The jaguars in this part of the Pantanal have been habituated to humans and boats are not interested in us. But all of our viewing of the big cats will occur from boats or vehicles. We will also give you a safety briefing our first night in the lodges.
Will it be crowded?
Yes and no. Some sightings of jaguars can draw up to a dozen boats when there is particularly exciting activity happening, but most often there are fewer. There are many jaguars in this part of the Pantanal and usually there are several cats visible and active at a time, so boats are dispersed. We will have some sightings entirely to ourselves and others we will share with other boats.
What are the lodges like?
All of the lodges are comfortable but not luxurious. The Aymara lodge is the smallest, and has the feel of a true jungle lodge with birds wherever you look. Hotel Porto Jofre got its start as a fishing lodge, and the rooms reflect that. They are basic, but clean and tidy. Pousada Piuval caters to photographers but also wealthy residents of Cuiaba. It’s situated on a large working ranch and there are a variety of activities. All of the lodges are equipped with air conditioning.
What about the food?
All meals are served buffet style with a wide array of options including salads, fish, meat, vegetables, starches, and deserts. If you have dietary restrictions, please let me know, we can almost certainly accommodate you.
Brazil's Pantanal
