Brazil

Jaguar's Trail: Pantanal to Amazon 12-Day

Tour:
12 Days
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SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Single travelers staying in a room by themselves will be charged this additional single supplement fee, as all of our regular prices are otherwise based on double occupancy.

SINGLE SHARE OPTIONS (if available)
If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender, in which case you will not have to pay the single supplement fee. The single supplement will be charged until we are able to confirm a roommate for you. If we are able to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be refunded. In the event that we cannot find a share for you, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee.

New: Click the Singles Find a Share' icon below or check our "Community" page to connect with other single travelers looking to share.

Rating:
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Brazil

Jaguar's Trail: Pantanal to Amazon 12-Day

NEW IN 2024 - we are pleased to offer a new Amazon lodge option (Uakari Lodge). As a result, you can now choose from 2 itineraries - option A (using Uakari Lodge for the Amazon portion of your trip) or option B (Cristalino Lodge). The Pantanal segment is the same for both options, however Itinerary A is one day longer (12 Days) because of different travel logistics. See below & the Itinerary tab for more details.

Destinations

  • Manaus (Itinerary A) or Cuiaba (Itinerary B)
  • Amazon

  • - Uakari Lodge - Itinerary A (12 Days) OR
    - Cristalino Private Rainforest Preserve - Itinerary B (11 Days)

  • Pantanal
  • Piuval Reserve
  • Alegre Private Reserve
  • Porto Jofre

Highlights

  • Amazon Rainforest - Award-winning lodges & private rainforest reserves
  • Exclusive Amazon Rainforest excursions to seek out local endemic species, such as the White-whiskered Spider Monkey or Spix's Red-handed Howler Monkey
  • Local Naturalist and Biologist Guides
  • Option for Amazon River Cruise
  • Amazon-to-Pantanal Transition - From the world's largest rainforest to the world's largest wetlands
  • Pantanal - Explore 2 different regions of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
  • Jaguar Safaris - We average 1.5 jaguars per day, far away from the crowds!
  • Safaris by Jeep, Boat, Foot, & Horseback
  • 200 species of mammals including the highest density of jaguars on earth
  • 700 bird species: hyacinth macaws, jabaru stork, toco tucan and more
  • Anaconda Tracking - low-impact boat safari in wetlands habitat
  • Stay at authentic "Fazienda" Ranches in the Pantanal

Itinerary A at a Glance 

  • DAY 1 Manaus
  • DAY 2 Manaus / Tefe / Uakari Lodge Introductory Amazon rainforest hike
  • DAY 3-5 Amazon - Uakari Lodge Uakari Monkey tracking, Wildlife boat trips, nocturnal safaris
  • DAY 6 Tefe / Manaus / Cuiaba Transition from the world's largest rainforest to its largest wetlands
  • DAY 7-8 Piuval Reserve or Alegre or Ayamara Lodge Walking Safari, Giant Otter Safari, & Nocturnal Safari
  • DAY 9 Pantanal Ranch to Porto Jofre, Jaguar Safari Rio Cuiabá
  • DAY 10-11 Jaguar Safari Rio Cuiabá – 2 Full Days The highest concentration of jaguars on earth!
  • DAY 12 Porto Jofre / Cuiaba / Home Morning Wildlife Hike

Itinerary B at a Glance 

  • DAY 1 Cuiaba (Pantanal)
  • DAY 2 Pantanal to the Amazon Transition from the world's largest wetlands to its largest rainforest
  • DAY 3-5 Amazon - Cristalino Jungle Lodge Hikes to view monkeys, bird, tapirs, flowers. Canoeing on the Cristalino River.
  • DAY 6 Amazon to Pantanal / Piuval Reserve Wildlife safaris by jeep, foot, horseback, and by night
  • DAY 7 Piuval Reserve or Alegre or Ayamara Lodge Walking Safari, Giant Otter Safari, & Nocturnal Safari
  • DAY 8 Pantanal Ranch to Porto Jofre, Jaguar Safari Rio Cuiabá
  • DAY 9-10 Jaguar Safaris Rio Cuiabá – 2 Full Days The highest concentration of jaguars on earth!
  • DAY 11 Porto Jofre / Cuiaba / Home Morning Wildlife Hike

Extension: Maned Wolves of Emas

Visit Emas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to track beautiful, long-legged maned wolves, with luck as they hunt. Join us in Sept & Oct, just after a rain shower, to witness hundreds of termite mounds come alive with bioluminescence, turning the Cerrado into an otherworldly, glowing spectacle of nature.

Extension: Iguassu Falls

See one of the most spectacular waterfalls on earth from parks on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Enjoy the Macuco safari by boat, and close up views of Devil's Throat and the main and upper cataracts.

Extension: Amazon River Cruises

Our fleet of Amazon cruises allows you to immerse yourself in the Amazon, surrounded by the rainforest as you explore "Meeting of the Waters", Anavilhanas National Park and more. See pink dolphins, meet natives and explore the world's greatest river and rainforest.

Jaguar's Trail: Pantanal to Amazon 12-Day

A shorter version of our most value-packed Brazil wildlife eco-tour featuring wildlife safaris by jeep, boat and foot in 2 different regions of the Pantanal and a remote area of the Amazon. Special excursions to see jaguars (averaging 1.5 jaguars/day), anacondas, hyacinth macaws, giant otters and giant anteater in the Pantanal, coupled with a stay at one of the world's best eco-lodges in the Amazon, make for a wildlife experience like no other:
. More value than any other professional wildlife tour.
. Expert Local Naturalist Guides Even biologists in some places.
. Authentic "Fazenda" Pantanal Ranches & Amazon Rainforest Lodges Including lodges named "Best in Brazil" by National Geographic Traveler.
. Specifically designed to optimize the chances of seeing more wildlife by visiting a variety of different eco-systems, with no commercial "filler" activities.

Detailed Itinerary A - 12 Days with Uakari Lodge (Amazon Segment)

Day 1 USA / Manaus

Arrive Manaus, transfer to your hotel and overnight.

Day 2 Manaus / Tefe / Uakari Lodge, Amazon

Depart Manaus early morning on a flight to Tefe. Transfer to Uakari Lodge. This Afternoon enjoy an introductory wildlife hike.
Meals and overnight: Uakari Lodge.

Day 3 Uakari Lodge

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Uakari Monkey Tracking

In advance of your arrival, Uakari Lodge’s best guides and wildlife experts will scout the area and attempt to locate rare Uakari monkeys -- for which Uakari Lodge has been named -- in preparation for the arrival of Wild Planet’s wildlife enthusiast clients. Today we will see if their labors bear fruit! Even if they did not find any while pre-scouting, their efforts will still be valuable to us by eliminating a few areas in advance which gives us better odds to locate these extraordinarily unique primates during your stay. Our day will start early and include some nocturnal tracking as well, and we will also enjoy encounters other primates as well as other wildlife along the way as we search for the elusive Uakari. Even if the Uakari remain elusive, our efforts will still serve to maximize sightings of other primates, sloth and wildlife. We will utilize a combination of hiking and boats depending on where we believe the Uakari might be, and also try to access some areas not commonly visited by other travelers.
Meals and overnight: Uakari Lodge.

Day 4 Wildlife Boat trip, Nocturnal Animal Excursion

Our target species for today will be Pink dolphin, Black headed squirrel monkey, Uakari monkey, Lesser Anteater, and if we are lucky Porcupine, Margay or Jaguar. Special birds sighted may include Wattled curassow, White eared jacamar, the gorgeous Agami Heron, famous Hoatzin (which still have claws on their wings to climb the palms of the flooded forests), Umbrellabird, Plumbeous antbird, Zigzag Heron, King vulture, Harpy Eagle, Plum throated cotinga, Yellow hooded blackbirds, Oriole blackbird.

We will leave the lodge before daylight, at 5:30 am one of the local guides will be waiting for us by boat to see the sunrise on the Japurá River! The golden lights invading the entire landscape of river and forest, can be enjoyed having a delicious breakfast on the boat wherever we are. This is also a great opportunity to spot botos and tucuxis, graceful mammals that show off to people floating on the water. We return a little earlier to the lodge, with time to rest before lunch and enjoy the floating facilities. Following our routine at 3:30 pm, we set out to explore another beautiful area of the special ecotourism zone, heading for a new trail or the Araçá lake, one of the many wonderful places known by local guides. After dinner, there is the possibility of a more intimate experience with the forest, staying overnight in our house in the woods, a house approximately 6 meters high, mixing almost with the treetops, sleeping in hammocks and waking up to the sounds of the forest will surely mark you forever.
Meals and overnight: Uakari Lodge.

Day 5 Wildlife Spotting by Foot & Canoe, Afternoon Porpoise Spotting by Boat.

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Late Night Nocturnal Safari

After breakfast, before dawn if you like so we can enjoy the golden light, we’ll depart on a trail in search of the most photographable animals and trees in the floodplain. In the afternoon we will go to the reserve entrance to photograph the agile and friendly botos (Inia geoffrensis) and the tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis). On the way, pay attention to the edges of the forest as we can sometimes see the emblematic uakaris (Cacajao calvus calvus) and birds like the white-throated toucans (Ramphastos tucanus). After dinner, a boat trip or a trail hike for the sighting of birds and other nocturnal animals is scheduled, with emphasis on snakes and insects. Late night tour - (trail or more likely boat, possibly starting around 10:00pm - 12:00) for nocturnal animals, visiting an area that is less commonly traveled by humans (locals or travelers) for a better chance of seeing some of the Amazon’s more shy creatures.
Meals and overnight: Uakari Lodge.

Day 6 Tefe/Manaus/Cuiaba

Return from Manaus to Cuiaba. Transfer to your hotel and overnight.

Day 7 Pantanal Private Reserve (Piuval, Alegre or Aymara)

Drive south to one of these private reserves (based on availability at time of booking - these are all close to each other). The transfer itself is a wildlife safari, and we will stop on our way to photograph all kinds of wildlife. Check in. Time permitting this afternoon we will explore the terrain of this private reserve by forest walks and overland safarisuntil sunset. At night we’ll enjoy a night drive with the spotlight in search for nocturnal animals. (B,L,D).

Day 8 Pantanal Private Reserve (Piuval, Alegre or Aymara)

We have a full day to explore the many wildlife opportunities of these enormous natural reserves. Our activities start before sunrise and go until 11am and then resume at 3.30pm after a midday break (when it is too hot for wildlife to be active) and continue until sunset. Enjoy morning safaris through the forests and grasslands looking for rheas, marsh deer, armadillos, storks, coatis, howler monkeys, black-tailed marmoset and more. Afternoon journey deep into the Pantanal through several ecosystems, looking for endangered marsh deer, coati, anaconda, giant anteater, toco toucans, tapirs, armadillos, hyacinth macaws and more. Night safari for pumas, tapirs, anteaters and other night creatures. (B,L,D).

Wildlife: Giant anteater! Hyacinth macaws! Tapirs, coati, toucans, armadillos, rheas, jabaru stork, capybara, anaconda, howler monkeys, black-tailed marmoset.

Day 9 Pantanal Ranch to Porto Jofre, Jaguar Safari Rio Cuiabá

Wildlife hike at sunrise followed by breakfast and checkout. Transfer to Porto Jofre with stops to photograph wildlife enroute and arrive in time for lunch. This afternoon we’ll enjoy our first boat safari on the Cuiabá river in search for jaguars, giant river otters and other wildlife. Unlike Taiama, Porto Jofre has the highest concentration of jaguars in the Pantanal, but also the highest concentration of other boats searching for them. This will require us to be more strategic in our approach and access lesser-known habitat farther away from the crowds. It is strongly recommended that we also turn our radio off here and resist the urge to follow reports of jaguar sightings by other boats, and instead look for our own jaguars in the less-traveled areas around Porto Jofre. This will give us the best chance to avoid the crowds. You will appreciate the wisdom of combining both Porto Jofre and Taiama for the best overall jaguar experience, as each area has its merits. Return to the lodge around sunset. (B,L,D).

Day 10 & 11 Jaguar Safari Rio Cuiabá – 2 Full Days

Jaguar tracking in and around the Meeting of the Waters State Park. We have 2 full days of boat safaris on the Cuiabá river and its tributaries in order to maximize our chances of watching and photographing Jaguars, Giant river otters and other wildlife concentrated along the riverbanks. Our outings will be during the day, cruising the rivers in search of Jaguars which often come to the river banks in search of food, water, or just to cool off.

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Hidden Secrets of the Rio Cuiabá

We will explore the more remote areas of the State Park, away from the crowds!

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Anaconda Tracking

We will take some time to search for Anaconda snakes along the holes in the Cuiabá riverbanks. (B,L,D).

Day 12 Morning Wildlife Hike / Cuiabá / USA

Early sunrise walk to photograph toucans, Macaws and other birds around the hotel. Breakfast and check-out in time for your flight, or overnight at additional cost. (B).


Detailed Itinerary B - 11 Days with Cristalino Lodge (Amazon Segment)

Day 1 USA / Cuiaba

Arrive Cuiaba and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Slaviero Slim or similar (B).

Day 2 Cuiaba / Amazon Rainforest – Cristalino Lodge

This morning transfer to airport in time for your flight to Alta Floresta, then continue deep into the Amazon to Cristalino Jungle Lodge for night. Option for activities upon arrival, depending on timing and conditions.
Overnight: Cristalino Jungle Lodge – Superior Room. (B,D).

Day 3 Amazon: Cristalino Jungle Lodge

Hike with expert naturalist guides to a canopy tower where you can see the rainforest canopy from above, and look for monkeys, macaws and other birds. Later choose to explore the Teles Pires Island, where colorful parakeets, parrots, macaws and wood storks roost. Or hike to a rustic tree house and nearby clay lick frequented by large mammals such as Brazilian tapir, collared & white-lipped peccaries, giant anteater, and tamandua. Or boat upriver and hike amongst enormous Brazil nut trees.

Wildlife viewing in the Amazon differs from what you will experience in the Pantanal as the thicker cover, combined with less habituated animals, creates a true expeditionary atmosphere where your guides will help you to discover the hidden diversity of plants and animals for which the Amazon is famed.
Overnight: Cristalino Jungle Lodge – Superior Room. (B,L,D).

Day 4 Amazon: Cristalino Jungle Lodge

Today and tomorrow enjoy excursions to explore the Amazon rainforest and hopefully see some of the region's many primates and endemic species. Hike Caja Trail for primates who feed on the caja fruit, and Scenery Trail, one of the most beautiful in the reserve with amazing views and many bromeliads, heliconias, and orchids.
Overnight: Cristalino Jungle Lodge – Superior Room. (B,L,D).

Day 5 Amazon: Cristalino Jungle Lodge

Embark for magnificent canoeing on the Cristalino River through the Amazon rainforest. The crystalline river water is the life-blood for many birds and animals. Enjoy hiking throughout native cocoa trees, which attract many birds as well as anteaters, primates, and armadillos. Night hike to try to see the fascinating feline night monkey, also called "owl monkey."
Overnight: Cristalino Jungle Lodge – Superior Room. (B,L,D).

Day 6 Cristalino Lodge / Alta Floresta / Cuiaba / Pantanal Ranch

Late afternoon transfer from Cuiaba to our first Pantanal lodge in time for eve activities. Drive south to one of these private reserves (based on availability at time of booking - these are all close to each other). The transfer itself is a wildlife safari, and we will stop on our way to photograph all kinds of wildlife. Check in. At night we’ll enjoy a night drive with the spotlight in search for nocturnal animals. (B,L,D).

Day 7 Pantanal Private Reserve (Piuval, Alegre or Aymara)

We have a full day to explore the many wildlife opportunities of these enormous natural reserves. Our activities start before sunrise and go until 11am and then resume at 3.30pm after a midday break (when it is too hot for wildlife to be active) and continue until sunset. Enjoy morning safaris through the forests and grasslands looking for rheas, marsh deer, armadillos, storks, coatis, howler monkeys, black-tailed marmoset and more. Afternoon journey deep into the Pantanal through several ecosystems, looking or endangered marsh deer, coati, anaconda, giant anteater, toco toucans, tapirs, armadillos, hyacinth macaws and more. Night safari for pumas, tapirs, anteaters and other night creatures. (B,L,D).

Wildlife: Giant anteater! Hyacinth macaws! Tapirs, coati, toucans, armadillos, rheas, jabaru stork, capybara, anaconda, howler monkeys, black-tailed marmoset.

Day 8 Pantanal Ranch to Porto Jofre, Jaguar Safari Rio Cuiabá

Wildlife hike at sunrise followed by breakfast and checkout. Transfer to Porto Jofre with stops to photograph wildlife enroute and arrive in time for lunch. This afternoon we’ll enjoy our first boat safari on the Cuiabá river in search for jaguars, giant river otters and other wildlife. Unlike Taiama, Porto Jofre has the highest concentration of jaguars in the Pantanal, but also the highest concentration of other boats searching for them. This will require us to be more strategic in our approach and access lesser-known habitat farther away from the crowds. It is strongly recommended that we also turn our radio off here and resist the urge to follow reports of jaguar sightings by other boats, and instead look for our own jaguars in the less-traveled areas around Porto Jofre. This will give us the best chance to avoid the crowds. You will appreciate the wisdom of combining both Porto Jofre and Taiama for the best overall jaguar experience, as each area has its merits. Return to the lodge around sunset. (B,L,D).

Day 9 & 10 Jaguar Safaris Rio Cuiabá – 2 Full Days

Jaguar tracking in and around the Meeting of the Waters State Park. We have 2 full days of boat safaris on the Cuiabá river and its tributaries in order to maximize our chances of watching and photographing Jaguars, Giant river otters and other wildlife concentrated along the riverbanks. Our outings will be during the day, cruising the rivers in search of Jaguars which often come to the river banks in search of food, water, or just to cool off.

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Hidden Secrets of the Rio Cuiabá

We will explore the more remote areas of the State Park, away from the crowds!

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Anaconda Tracking

We will take some time to search for Anaconda snakes along the holes in the Cuiabá riverbanks. (B,L,D).

Day 11 Morning Wildlife Hike / Cuiabá / USA

Early sunrise walk to photograph toucans, Macaws and other birds around the hotel. Breakfast and check-out in time for your flight, or overnight at additional cost. (B).

 

EXTENSIONS

Maned Wolves of Emas

Visit Emas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to track beautiful, long-legged maned wolves, with luck as they hunt. Join us in Sept & Oct, just after a rain shower, to witness hundreds of termite mounds come alive with bioluminescence, turning the Cerrado into an otherworldly, glowing spectacle of nature.

Iguassu Falls

See one of the most spectacular waterfalls on earth from parks on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Enjoy the Macuco safari by boat, and close up views of Devil's Throat and the main and upper cataracts.

Amazon River Cruises

Our fleet of Amazon cruises allows you to emerse yourself in the Amazon, surrounded by the rainforest as you explore "Meeting of the Waters", Anavilhanas National Park and more. See pink dolphins, meet natives and explore the world's greatest river and rainforest.

 

Brazil Lodging

Authentic Brazilian Fazendas & Amazon Rainforest Lodge

Our "On the Jaguar's Trail; Pantanal to the Amazon" wildlife safari specializes in authentic Brazilian "Fazendas" in the Pantanal, and award-winning, one-of-a-kind rainforest and jungle lodges in the Amazon. The fazendas in the Pantanal are operating cattle ranches who have turned to eco-tourism as their vast properties offer exclusive access to a wide variety of wildlife habitat. In the Amazon we feature a choice of a lodge named "Best in Brazil" by National Geographic Traveler, or a variety of Amazon cruises to meet your budget. Great care has gone into our selection of lodging partners, with particular emphasis on quality accommodations that offer outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. These authentic lodges offer all the comforts of home, including hot & cold water, flush toilets, comfortable beds and delicious home cooked meals.

MANAUS

Juma Opera Hotel

With the exclusivity of a high standard boutique hotel and occupying historic mansions in front of the imposing Amazonas Opera House, Juma Opera offers 41 spacious accommodations, a restaurant mixing regional and international cuisine, gym and rooftop pool.

CUIABA

Slaviero Slim Hotel

The Slim Cuiabá Airport is an economical and practical hotel, perfect for business trips. It is located in the center of Várzea Grande, the metropolitan region of Cuiabá, just 7 km from the capital. It is close to the Várzea Grande Shopping and 900m from the Marechal Rondon International Airport.

Among the amenities offered are complimentary breakfast service, shuttle from the airport to the hotel and back, parking, restaurant, and bar.

Gran Odara

A rooftop pool, restaurant, spa services and modern gym are featured at the luxurious Gran Odara. It is 0.6 miles from Goiabeiras Shopping Mall and Mãe Bonifácia Park. Wi-Fi is free. With fine wooden fittings, rooms are all equipped with air conditioning, an LCD TV with satellite channels, safe and minibar. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

Avec Restaurant serves French and regional cuisine, as well as a rich buffet breakfast with fresh fruits, hot and cold items. Fine cocktails can be ordered from the elegant bar.

Guests at the 5-star Hotel Gran Odara may also enjoy massages, sauna sessions or beauty treatments.

Hotel InterCity Premium Cuiaba

There is no better hotel to stay at in Cuiaba. Located in the sophisticated Goiabeiras neighborhood, home to the city's best bars and restaurants, the Cuiaba InterCity Premium Hotel is the perfect place to rest upon arriving in Brazil.

Amazon Aeroporto Hotel

A new concept in high standard accommodation near Cuiaba airport. Take a break from the routine and a moment of rest. Enjoy comfort, convenience and excellent services.

MAMIRAUA RESERVE (Itinerary A)

Uakari Lodge

Uakari Lodge is a pioneer initiative in Community Based Tourism in Brazil and seeks to be the best example of ecotourism in the Amazon.

In addition to discovering and being enchanted by the preserved nature of the Mamirauá Reserve, our guests experience the culture of traditional communities and contribute to the conservation of local biodiversity.

CRISTALINO PRIVATE RESERVE (Itinerary B)

Cristalino Jungle Lodge

Cristalino Lodge was named one of the "Best Hotels in Brazil" by National Geographic Traveler, combining authentic experiences, sustainability ethic, and a strong community involvement. The lodge has a Private Reserve with more than 29,652 acres (46 square miles), an area two times larger than Manhattan island. This pristine forest reserve is home to a large variety of habitats and natural communities, allowing you to see wildlife in its natural state of being. The pristine Cristalino River, with clean and beautiful water, lies just in front of the lodge.

 

This region is recognized as an important area of the Amazon in terms of biodiversity. The exceptional number of species, even for the Amazonian standards, makes this one of the richest places in the Amazon for observing birds, mammals, butterflies and orchids in a Primary Forest environment. There is a great variety of endemic species (i.e. that only inhabit this particular region). The lodge forest reserve is located just beyond the borders of the Cristalino State Park, an extremely important conservation area with 456,800 acres. The park is connected to other protected areas forming a huge conservation corridor in the Southern Amazon.

 

Cristalino Lodge is at the forefront of sustainable eco-lodge practices including composting of all organic disposal; recycling of all non-organic material; solar water heating for all rooms; effluent grey-water treatment with organic system; effluent black-water treatment with filters and evapo-transpiration system; hydro-kinetic energy generator, which provides a small amount of power from the river; smart architecture buildings with wide windows and roof air-escapes, providing a better air circulation inside the rooms; use of biodegradable cleaning products; staff training programs related to the rational use of resources; use of canoes instead of motor boats when possible; use of organic fruits and vegetables when available; trail limits with a maximum of 8 people per guide; low impact of only 20 rooms.

PANTANAL

Pousada Piuval

Pousada Piuval allows its visitors to experience all the different aspects of the Pantanal. The surrounding waterways, grasslands and forests makes it ideal for wildlife spotting. The lodge is situated on a 7000-hectare cattle ranch with one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Pantanal. Here guests can observe the abundance and diversity of flora and fauna.

The lodge has 20 guest rooms with air conditioning and ceiling fans, private bathrooms, TV, wi-fi and screened-in windows providing fresh air. The fully screened restaurant serves typical Pantanal cuisine. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, volleyball court and playground, also Souvenir shop.

Pousada Rio Claro Ranch

Pousada Rio Claro offers rooms with air-conditioning, a pool, and a restaurant. It is located in the beautiful Pantanal region, surrounded by rainforest.

MID-PANTANAL

Aymara Lodge

An Ecological Refuge. At Aymara Lodge, all rooms have a porch with a pool view, separate Air Conditioners units and a private bathroom. With a rustic style and details manually applied in ipê wood, common to the region, the suites allow the visitor to discover the Pantaneiro lifestyle.

Fazenda Pouso Alegre

A traditional Pantanal cattle farm with 11,000 hectares and great diversity of preserved Pantanal landscapes without introduced species. Pousada Alegre is the perfect base for our land safaris, with large fields of native grass that flood seasonally, several kinds of forest, and both permanent and temporary water bodies. This ecosystem is visited by hyacinth macaws, tapirs, anteaters, and more. While this lodge offers simple accommodations and amenities, it does offer some of the best wildlife viewing in all the Pantanal.

PORTO JOFRE

Hotel Pantanal Norte

Located at the end of the Transpantaneira on the banks for the Cuiaba river, Hotel Pantanal Norte is a superb location from which to explore the Cuiaba River and the 3 Brothers State Park, one of the best locations in South America to see jaguars.

 

Brazil Activities

At a Glance

We know you've chosen to travel with us for our wildlife emphasis, so we've included a wide variety of adventure activities designed to educate, inspire, and bring out the wonder in you. All of our activities are flexibly designed to accommodate different skill levels and interests, while exposing you to a variety of unique eco-systems in order to see the most amount of wildlife. And did we mention fun?

Adventure activities in 2 distinct regions of the Pantanal and a remote area of the Amazon expose you to more natural wonder, more ecosystems - and more wildlife - than any other conventional tour.

  • Exclusive Jaguar Photo Safari
  • Special expedition to search for Anacondas in the Pantanal Wetlands
  • Safari by horseback, jeep, foot and boat in 2 different regions of the Pantanal
  • Hike the Amazon Rainforest for endemic species
  • View the Amazon from atop a canopy tower
  • Kayak or canoe the Cristalino River in the Amazon
  • Option to interact with natives in the Amazon

Exclusive Wildlife Activities

Jaguar Photo Safari

Photograph jaguars as they hunt caiman by the riverside - a Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Search for Anacondas in the Pantanal Wetlands

Track anacondas on the wetlands between Taiama Ecological Preserve and our lodge, an area also frequented by hyacinth macaws - a Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Hike the Amazon Rainforest for Endemic Species

Special excursions to see endemic species, including the endemic White-whiskered Spider Monkey, the Spix's Red-handed Howler Monkey monkey, and nocturnal hike for a chance to see the very rare and elusive owl-faced Feline Night-monkey.

Other Activities

Safari by Horseback, Jeep, Foot & Boat

In three distinct regions to for up-close wildlife encounters with jaguars, giant otters, tapirs and more.

View the Amazon from Atop a Canopy Tower

Hike with expert naturalist guides to a canopy tower where you can see the rainforest canopy from above, and look for monkeys, macaws and other birds.

Kayak or Canoe the Cristalino River in the Amazon

Magnificent boating through the Amazon rainforest. The crystalline river water is the life-blood for many birds and animals.

Cultural Interaction

Option to interact with natives in the Amazon

 

Brazil Wildlife

Prolific Sightings

Wild Planet's wildlife eco-tours and safaris are designed for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. We take care to seek out wildlife that is rare, off the beaten path, and in greater numbers than you will see on conventional tours. Our expert naturalist and biologist guides will educate you in the field so your experience is intimate and unparalleled. Still, wildlife viewing can unpredictable and requires patience and sensory awareness.

Primates: Brown Capuchin Monkey, Black Howler Monkey, Duski Titi Monkey, White-Whiskered Spider Monkey
Other Animals: Giant Otter, Neotropical Otter, Black Caiman, Spectacled Caiman, Collared Peccary, White-Lipped Peccary, Marsh Deer, Red Brocket Deer, Brown Brocket Deer, Brazilian Rabbit, Brazilian Porcupine, Short-Tailed Possum

Likely Sightings

Primates: Gold & Black Howler Monkey, Black-Tailed Marmoset, Silvery marmoset, Emilia's Marmoset, Red-Handed Howler Monkey, Duski Titi, Brown Capuchin, White-whiskered spider monkey
Other Animals: Jaguar, Brazilian Tapir, South American Coati, Capybara Paca, Giant Anteater, Southern Tamandua (lesser anteater), Crab-Eating Fox, Pantanal Cat, Crab-Eating Raccoon, Tayra, Margay, Oncilla, Pampas Deer, Nine-Banded Long-Nosed Armadillo, Six-Banded Armadillo, Giant Armadillo, Hyacinth Macaw

Rare or Endangered Possible Sightings

Primates: Bare Ear Marmoset, Feline Night Monkey, Red-Nosed Bearded Saki Monkey, Emilae's marmoset
Other Animals: Harpy Eagle, Ocelot, Puma, Azara's Agouti, Punare, Colocolo

 

Brazil Guides

Stephen Boddington

Stephen Boddington started watching the birds in his parents' garden at the age of 5 and hasn't stopped since! Originally from England, he lived in France, Germany, and the Netherlands before settling in Belgium, where he regularly guides visiting birdwatchers, and has also led birdwalks in California, Lapland, and Costa Rica.He has traveled extensively throughout Europe, with a European list of 400 species, and has taken part in raptor migration surveys in both Israel and Mexico. He is also interested in butterflies and dragonflies, and has recently taken up digital photography. Stephen speaks five languages and is no happier than when he is able to share his passion and knowledge with others, helping them to enjoy birds and the natural world in general.

Joelson Toledo

Naturalist Guide
Joelson has extensive experience guiding in the Peruvian Amazon and the Pantanal in Brazil, including many important conservation projects. While in Peru, he worked as a field assistant for Project Guacamayo Tambopata National Reserve, where he led groups monitoring macaw nests. There he observed the behavior between mothers and pups with micro cameras inside the nest.

As the leading field guide for the Caiman Ecological Refuge, Joelson was responsible for groups of up to 16 people specializing in birdwatching and horses. During this time he also used traps to capture herpetofauna with identification chips, made a chemical analysis of the water supply, and monitored the fish species in the Pantanal Rio Negro area.

Mota

Jaguar Tracker
Mota was born in Caceres, a small city along the Paraguay River about 220 km from Cuiaba. He grew up in the surrounding Pantanal region and learned much of the Pantanal water ways and its wildlife from his father. Because of his experience on the water he is an expert jaguar spotter. His specialty is guiding for wildlife photographers as he knows the best spots and angles for beautiful photos. Mota is an expert at handling the boats and approaching jaguars with minimal disturbance. He takes excellent care of all our travelers on our expeditions and contributes greatly to the quality of the tour.

Douglas Braga Rocha

Biologist & Pantanal Tour Guide
Douglas is a Brazilian naturalist with a degree in Biology from the State University in Rio de Janeiro, and a Masters Degree in Ecology and Conservation at Federal University of Mato Grosso. He started guiding nature trips in the Chapada dos Guimaraes before guiding nature & wildlife tours throughout the diverse Pantanal eco-systems. He is an expert in the Pantanal's many biodiversity hot spots. As a guide he enjoys sharing with our guests his knowledge of Pantanal's natural history, ecology, wildlife and culture. His detailed knowledge of Brazil economics, politics and history are remarkable and he speaks excellent English.

Karen Arine Souza

Ecologist & Pantanal Tour Guide
Karen is native of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and has a degree in Ecology at the UNI BH (Centro Universitario de Belo Horizonte). She is a naturalist tour guide, and enjoys sharing with our guests her knowledge of the Pantanal's natural history, ecology, wildlife and culture. Karen studied English for two years in London and has excellent English. When not guiding, Karen participates in scouting trips & expeditions to expand her knowledge of the Pantanal.

 

Brazil FAQ

Brazil Facts for Visitors

Location

Brazil is located in Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

Size

Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, with a total of 8,514,877 sq km

Language

The official and most widely spoken language in Brazil is Portuguese. Other languages include Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages.

Religion

Roman Catholic 73.6%, Protestant 15.4%, Other 11%

Currency

The currency of Brazil is the Brazilian Real.

This Trip's Exclusive Wildlife Features:

Choose Your Brazil Travel Style! Any of our wildlife adventures are also available as fully customizable private trips, honeymoons or family wildlife adventures.
CONTACT US | EMAIL US | CHAT NOW | RESERVE A TRIP | 1-800-990-4376
We're Wild for Wildlife...
  • Remote & Non-Commercial Destinations - Porto Jofre: we average 1.5 jaguar sightings per day here.
  • Sustainable & Responsible Jaguar Safaris - Our expert biologist & naturalist guides use strict protocols: we limit jaguar sightings to one small boat, for a limited time, using authentic radio-free tracking, and have access to a crowd-free habitat that requires special logistics to access.
  • Exclusive Wildlife Activities - track jaguar, anaconda & giant otters.
We're Wild for Wildlife...
  • Remote & Non-Commercial Destinations - Porto Jofre: we average 1.5 jaguar sightings per day here.
  • Sustainable & Responsible Jaguar Safaris - Our expert biologist & naturalist guides use strict protocols: we limit jaguar sightings to one small boat, for a limited time, using authentic radio-free tracking, and have access to a crowd-free habitat that requires special logistics to access.
  • Exclusive Wildlife Activities - track jaguar, anaconda & giant otters.
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