Short North Pantanal Safari
Jaguars are perhaps the most elusive of all the big cats, with most favouring dense jungle as their habitat. But in the Pantanal – the world’s largest wetland – these majestic felines depend on the waterways for survival, just as the rest of the wildlife does here. This is what makes the Pantanal the best place to see jaguars in the wild, as the cats can often be seen on riverbanks hunting for prey, taking a drink or resting in the shade. Swimming jaguars are also not an uncommon sight here! On this safari you’ll go where the jaguar goes, travelling and even sleeping on the rivers as you search for sign of the largest cat in the Americas. Along the way you’ll receive first-hand knowledge from guides who are experts in the flora and fauna of the region, embark on night drives looking for nocturnal creatures, and get to know the other colourful creatures that share this land with the jaguar.
What to expect
Upon your arrival into Cuiabá you will be met at the airport by your private driver, who will transfer you south 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. 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, giant river otters, families of capybara, pools of caiman and flocks of birds.
Continue south to Porto Jofre, jaguars are often spotted along the final 35 kilometres of the road before reaching Porto Jofre. Transfer to a boat and head upstream into the heart of the jaguar viewing area here. Head out by speedboat in search of these majestic cats as they come down to the water’s edge to drink and hunt, the first of your private jaguar tracking excursions. You’ll be able to enjoy two private boat outings per day as you explore this area of the Pantanal and search for jaguars and other wildlife that live in and around the Three Brothers, Cuiabá and Piquiri Rivers. Other possible sightings include tapirs, giant river otters, caiman, ocelots and even elusive pumas who are known to share this habitat with the jaguars.
On your last day, you will be transferred back downriver to Porto Jofre and arrive back in Cuiabá in time for a late afternoon flight.
Why book this trip?
Jaguar Viewing in the Northern Pantanal
- Ply the rivers of the Pantanal to see jaguars stalking their prey.
- Watch caiman and jaguars as they struggle to establish who occupies top spot on the local food chain.
- Look out for passing wildlife as you travel down the Transpantaneira Highway.
- Make sightings of the Pantanal’s other wildlife, including eagles, macaws, jabiru storks, howler monkeys, tapirs, capybaras and giant river otters.
- Learn from expert guides who can teach you all about the creatures that call this region home.
Accommodation Highlights
SouthWild Pantanal
Set deep in Brazil's northern Pantanal, on the banks of the Pixaim River, the SouthWild Pantanal is a wonderfully hospitable lodge. With an emphasis on the local wildlife, expert guides lead daily excursions to view giant river otters, tapirs, macaws, howler monkeys and much more.
Southwild Jaguar Flotel
The Southwild Jaguar Flotel, is a floating hotel based in the Northern Pantanal. Due to the nomadic style of the accommodation the chances of seeing the famous Jaguar are increased dramatically. During the daytime cats can be as close as 3-5 metres from the boat itself.
What to expect from a trip to Brazil
Client Reviews
- —Gabrielle Esperdy who travelled on Brazil Pantanal Safari in May 2023
Super helpful via email and on the phone! Wildlife sights--especially birds, jaguars, capybaras, caimans--were all spectacular.