Exploring The Jaguar Safari in North Pantanal

Upon your arrival into Cuiabá you will be met at the airport by your private driver, who will transfer you south (with a stop at a local restaurant for lunch) to Poconé, the start of the Transpantaneira Highway. This 145km dirt road leads south through the heart of the Pantanal, with its terminus at the town of Porto Jofre on the Cuiabá River. As you begin your journey on the Transpantaneira you’ll start to see families of capybaras, pools of caiman and flocks of birds; this is where your wildlife safari truly begins! While travelling to your first lodge – a journey of about three hours – you’ll have the chance to stop and enjoy the many lakes and streams which are packed full of animals here, including tapirs and giant river otters. On your first evening, settle down for a hearty meal and head out with a guide to the ocelot hide, just a mile away.

Overnight: Southwild Pantanal(L, D)

After breakfast at the SouthWild Pantanal, you’ll re-join the Transpantaneira and continue south to Porto Jofre. As with your first day’s journey, you’ll again have the chance to stop and enjoy the views while looking out for the Pantanal’s wildlife. This journey will take two to three hours depending on how often you stop, and really is a safari in itself. Jaguars are often spotted along the final 35 kilometres of the road before reaching Porto Jofre, so keep a keen eye glued to the road for possible sightings. On arrival, you’ll transfer to a boat and head upstream into the heart of the jaguar viewing area here. After lunch, head out by speedboat in search of these majestic cats as they come down to the water’s edge to drink and hunt. This is the first of your private jaguar tracking excursions!

Overnight: Southwild Jaguar Flotel(B, L, D)

The next three days of your safari will be spent exploring this area of the Pantanal and searching for the jaguars and other wildlife that live in and around the Three Brothers, Cuiabá and Piquiri Rivers. You’ll be able to enjoy two private boat outings per day, returning to the lodge for lunch in between. Photographers will be especially pleased with the boats’ pivoting chairs that offer 180° views of the riverbanks. This is the best place in the world to see these elusive cats in the wild, and our clients have reported an average of two jaguar sightings a day here during the dry season! Following each day’s excursions, you’ll head back to your floating hotel to relax and reflect on your sightings.

Overnight: Southwild Jaguar Flotel(B, L, D)

This morning you’ll be transferred back downriver to Porto Jofre. Upon reaching your destination, it’s time to head north on the Transpantaneira to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge, with more possible wildlife sightings during the journey. Keep on the lookout for caiman, families of capybara and various species of waterbirds. After lunch at the lodge you’ll have time for an activity in the afternoon with the other guests, as well as a night drive if time and weather allow.

Overnight: Southwild Pantanal(B, L, D)

Take in the beautiful flora and fauna around you while you enjoy your last breakfast in Brazil. An early departure in a private air-conditioned vehicle will ensure you arrive at Cuiabá’s airport around noon, in time for your return flight home.