Pantanal Wilderness Tour | The Two Best Places for Jaguars in One Trip

OVERVIEW

This tour takes you to the Meeting of the Waters State Park in Porto Jofre and the seldom visited Taiamã Reserve, widely regarded as two of the finest areas for jaguar safaris in the Pantanal. Travelling by speedboat through remote river channels and quiet backwaters, we search for Jaguars, Giant River Otters and an exceptional diversity of wildlife in one of South America’s most remarkable wetland ecosystems.

In addition, we stay at carefully selected lodges along the Transpantaneira Road, an area known for rewarding wildlife encounters. Highlights may include Ocelots, Tapirs, Hyacinth Macaws, Jabiru Storks, Giant Anteaters, Giant River Otters and Pumas, among others.

A diverse and engaging programme of activities featuring boat safaris, overland drives, horseback riding, guided forest walks and night safaris in search of land mammals and birdlife.

This unrushed tour allows generous time to observe and photograph a wide range of jaguar behaviours, from hunting and territorial displays to relaxed moments along the riverbanks, while increasing the likelihood of encountering multiple jaguar individuals .

Tours led by the region’s most acclaimed wildlife guides.

Option of land-based or floating/ boat-hotel accommodation.

REGION MAP

Photo: Wildlife Ley - Pantanal Jaguar Safaris

SAFARI FACTS

Availability: June to November
Gateway city: Cuiabá (CGB airport)
Duration: 10 nights
Departure: Daily
Accommodation: 03 lodges

Included:

All transfers
English-speaking wildlife guide
Accommodation
Three meals per day
Excursions (boat safaris, overland safaris, walking safaris, night safaris)
Wi-fi where present

Not Included:

Flights
Extra accommodation and meals
Travel insurance
Beverage, Phone calls, Laundry

TAIAMÃ, PORTO JOFRE & TRANSPANTANEIRA COMBINED

Day 1.

Cuiabá airport > Hotel Baiazinha, Paraguay river

Pickup from your hotel in Cuiabá at 7:30 am to meet your guide and transfer to the Pantanal. After approximately two and a half hours’ drive, near the city of Cáceres, we leave the main road and follow a dirt track to Baiazinha Hotel, situated on the banks of the Paraguay River. Arrival is around midday, followed by check-in and lunch.

In the afternoon, we embark on a boat safari along the river, searching for the abundant wildlife that inhabits the riverbanks. We return to the lodge around sunset.

Dinner and overnight. (L, D)

Days 2 & 3 Paraguay river, near Taiamã Reserve

Two full days are devoted to boat safaris along the Paraguay River and its many bays, designed to maximise opportunities to observe and photograph Jaguars, Giant River Otters and a rich variety of wildlife.

Outings take place in the morning and afternoon, cruising the rivers in search of Jaguars, which often visit the riverbanks in search of food, water, or simply to cool off.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 4

Hotel Baiazinha > Piuval Lodge

Breakfast and check-out. We then drive approximately three hours to Poconé, where we join the Transpantaneira, the dirt road that crosses the Northern Pantanal. Along the way, we will make stops to photograph the abundant wildlife.

Arrival at the lodge in time for lunch and check-in. After a short break, we head out on a forest walk in search of terrestrial mammals and birdlife. At dusk, we embark on a night safari in pursuit of nocturnal species such as Ocelot, Puma, Giant Anteater, Tamandua, Crab-eating Fox, Potoos and Owls.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 5, 6

Piuval Lodge

Two full days are devoted to exploring the rich photographic opportunities of this private reserve. We will spend time capturing the hundreds of caimans in the small lakes and photographing Jabirus at their nests along the lodge’s private road.

Activities include a mix of overland safaris, guided forest walks and night safaris, taking us into the more remote areas of this vast ranch — one of the best locations in the Northern Pantanal for photographing Tapirs and Anteaters.

After dinner, we head out for a night safari in search of nocturnal wildlife, including Great Horned Owls, Nightjars, Potoos and many other species. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 7

Piuval Lodge > Porto Jofre

Early morning safari at sunrise, followed by breakfast and check-out. We then continue deeper into the Pantanal, travelling along the Transpantaneira to reach Porto Jofre and check in at our lodge, located on the banks of the Cuiabá River.

In the afternoon, we set out on a boat safari in search of Jaguars, Giant River Otters, and other wildlife, returning to the lodge at sunset.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (B, L, D)

Days 8, 9, 10

Porto Jofre & Meeting of the Waters State Park

Three full days (minimum 8 hours per day) are devoted to boat safaris on the Cuiabá River and its tributaries, maximising opportunities to observe and photograph Jaguars, Giant River Otters, and other wildlife within the Meeting of the Waters State Park.

Outings take place in the morning and afternoon, cruising the rivers in search of Jaguars, which often visit the riverbanks in search of food, water, or simply to cool off.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Porto Jofre. (B, L, D)

Day 11

Porto Jofre > Cuiabá

Breakfast and check-out, followed by an overland transfer to Cuiabá, arriving around midday. Lunch in Cuiabá, followed by drop-off at the airport or your hotel. (B, L)

Please ask for your desired period in CONTACT&QUOTATION.

*lodging subject to availability.