DOCUMENTATION

Brazil has visa waiver agreements with several countries. Before applying, check the visa chart in the PDF to confirm whether you need a visa for Brazil. If you are exempt, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and check if you need any vaccinations.

 

FITNESS, SAFETY AND MONEY

Fitness: We will do light contemplation hikes on off road terrain, usually only a few kilometers. Our jaguar safaris are done by speedboat, so most of the day will be spent seated. We normally return to the hotel for a midday break.

Safety: All destinations on this trip are very safe. Still, use normal caution at airports and in big cities, just as you would anywhere else.

Diseases: The Pantanal has no malaria. Unless you are also visiting the Amazon on this trip, malaria medication is not needed.

Vaccination: Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Brazil.

Money and tipping: The local currency is the Brazilian Real. You may only need Reais for small expenses such as taxi rides outside the itinerary. Most hotels and many shops accept credit cards, especially Mastercard and Visa. Bring some US dollar cash because a few lodges do not accept cards (Hotel Pantanal Norte, Baiazinha Hotel and Pousada do Parque). Cash is also useful for tipping local guides and staff.

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WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK FOR YOUR SAFARI WITH PANTANAL JAGUAR SAFARIS

Weather conditions: This region sits close to the Equator, so we only have two seasons: the dry season from April to October and the rainy season from December to March. In both seasons, temperatures usually sit around 35°C (95°F). Weather patterns have been shifting worldwide and Brazil is no exception, so before you pack, check the five day forecast for the area you will visit using sources like the Weather Channel or CNN.

June until beginning August : unexpected cold weather at any time, please  bring extra layer of warm clothes.

Packing list
Travellers have their own preferences, but please keep the following suggestions in mind:

• Necktubes or a face protector for dust and sun

• Khaki or natural coloured clothing for safaris

• One or two pairs of lightweight trousers that dry quickly

• One pair of shorts

• One or two long sleeved shirts, preferably quick drying

• Two or three short sleeved T shirts

• One lightweight waterproof, windproof, breathable jacket (Goretex or similar)

• Casual clothes for evenings

• One fleece, sweater or sweatshirt

• Sturdy, lightweight waterproof walking boots. Tuck trousers into your socks and boots during forest hikes

• One pair of shoes for evenings

• One pair of sports sandals such as Teva or Keen

• Swimsuit and a plastic bag for packing it

• A bush hat with a brim for sun protection

• Underwear and lightweight wool socks

• Sunscreen and moisturizing cream

• Sunglasses with a neck strap

• Insect repellent with DEET

• Daypack or small rucksack

• Torch or flashlight. LED models are light and have long battery life

• Binoculars

• Alarm clock, though your guide will wake you

• Earplugs

• Camera and extra lenses (see photo gear notes if provided)

• Camera charger and spare batteries

• Plenty of spare memory cards or film

• Personal toiletries

• Prescription medicines and a copy of the prescription

• Wet wipes or tissues

• Backup glasses if you use contact lenses

• Ziplocs, dry bags and other plastic bags for keeping valuables dry or storing wet clothes

• Small sewing kit with needle, thread and safety pins

• Small notebook

• First aid kit with anti diarrhoea medicine, rehydration sachets, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and any personal medication

• Photocopies of your passport, visas, credit cards and airline tickets. Keep two sets in separate places

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***PHOTO GEAR: Lens ranges are considering the use of full frame cameras.  - Two camera bodies, one with a telephoto lens the other ready with a wide-angle zoom. - Telephoto lens in the 500 to 600mm range. Alternatively you can opt for a lighter/smaller lens, like a 200-400mm or 300mm f/2.8 and work with teleconverters when more reach is needed. The lighter lens are much easier to work in the field. The Jaguar sightings vary from 30m to literally just 5 meters away. There’s no average distance, it depends on how the cat is behaving and where it is located. - “Normal” to short telephoto lens in the 35 to 200mm range, for wildlife and landscape. - Wide-angle in the 16 to 24mm range for big landscape. - Polarizer filters, especially for the wide-angles, but consider them for the longer lenses too. - TTL flash (optional, limited use). - Tripod and monopod. The monopod is useful when walking out.

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Electricity: Either 110V or 220V, check before if necessary. 

 

RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

1. Pantanal Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide to Brazil's Great Wetland (Bradt Wildlife Explorer) 

2. Brazil: Amazon And Pantanal (Travellers' Wildlife Guides) by David L. Pearson

3. Birds: Wildlife Conservation Society Birds of Brazil: The Pantanal and Cerrado of Central Brazil (A Field Guide) Paperback by John A. Gwynne (Author), Robert S. Ridgely (Author), Guy Tudor (Author), Martha Argel (Author)

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PHOTO GEAR
Lens ranges below refer to full frame cameras.

• Two camera bodies. Keep one set up with a telephoto lens and the other with a wide angle zoom

• Telephoto lens in the 500 to 600 mm range. A lighter option like a 200 400 mm or a 300 mm f/2.8 with teleconverters also works well. Lighter lenses are easier to handle in the field

• Jaguar sightings can range from 30 meters to as close as 5 meters. There is no average distance. It depends on the cat’s behavior and location

• A normal to short telephoto lens in the 35 to 200 mm range for wildlife and landscape shots

• A wide angle in the 16 to 24 mm range for larger landscapes

• Polarizer filters, especially for wide angles, but consider them for longer lenses as well

• TTL flash (optional with limited use)

• Tripod and monopod. The monopod is handy when walking

Electricity: Both 110 V and 220 V are used. Check before plugging in your gear.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

1. Pantanal Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide to Brazil's Great Wetland (Bradt Wildlife Explorer)

2. Brazil: Amazon and Pantanal (Travellers' Wildlife Guides) by David L. Pearson

3. Wildlife Conservation Society Birds of Brazil: The Pantanal and Cerrado of Central Brazil by John A.