- Duration 11 days
- Difficulty 2/5
- Group Size 14 max
Pantanal
17 – 27 August, 2024
Join us in South America’s greatest wildlife spectacle, Brazil’s tropical wetland region the Pantanal. Escape the urban life and enter the home of one of the continent’s most elusive predators: the mighty jaguar. In a region that boasts perhaps the world’s highest density of jaguars we offer you the opportunity to look into the eyes of this majestic cat. When not in pursuit of jaguars you may find yourself in the company of endangered giant river otters and tapirs, the once-endangered hyacinth macaw, or a plethora of capybara, spectacled caiman and birds of all descriptions.
Participants will be housed in riverboats and land accommodations. Once on the river travelers will spend upwards of 3 hours, both mornings and afternoons in a speedboat, the best way to spot jaguars. Finding and photographing wildlife takes extended time and dedication, but can be astoundingly rewarding. You will be situated in the best locations for seeing the region’s birds, mammals, reptiles and of course jaguars. Your leaders were among the first people to photograph wild jaguars in the region (the photos adorned National Geographic, including the cover). Though jaguars are the expedition’s focus, the region also boasts some 350 species of birds plus much more to appease your naturalist and photographic desires. We will also enjoy seeing a host of other animals – some of them endangered, like the giant river otter. If you desperately long to see rare elusive animals and observe unique behaviors this expedition is perfect for you! Why not end the trip with an extension to one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls – Iguaçu Falls.
The map is a visual representation of the locations included in this trip. Click over the image to zoom into the map. For more information, please refer to the itinerary for this expedition.
Trip Details
General Information
USD $10,280.00 Per person sharing
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT USD $1,600.00 Maximum 2
Arrival: Cuiaba Airport, Brazil
Departure: Cuiaba Airport, Brazil
Arrival Time: Afternoon of 17 August, 2024 for Pantanal.
INCLUDED
- One Pete Oxford Expeditions trip leader.
- Lodging at all hotels during the expedition.
- All ground transportation.
- Meals and bottled water.
- Local guide services in English.
- Tips to guides and drivers.
NOT INCLUDED
- Round trip International airfare to Cuiaba.
- International airfare to Cuiaba return.
- Entry visa for Brazil if required. Check with the Brazilian consulate.
- Compulsory yellow fever inoculation.
- Personal expenses.
- Any COVID 19 related costs.
VIEW ITINERARY
A Day 1, August 17th, 2024: Arrive to Cuiabá
The expedition begins at the gateway to Brazil’s Pantanal: the city of Cuiabá. After arrival we will transfer to the Slaviero Varzea Grande Hotel. Dinner will be in a local restaurant followed by a briefing about the trip.
B Day 2, August 18th, 2024: SouthWild Pantanal Lodge
Today begins with breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards we will commence our journey into the Pantanal on the Transpantaneira road, enjoying the benefits of the raised earthen road to view many native Pantanal animals. We will arrive at this birders’ paradise in time for lunch followed by a relaxed boat ride on the river for the afternoon activity. In the evening we will look for another elusive cat, the ocelot.
B Day 3, August 19th, 2024: SouthWild Pantanal Lodge
Another full day stay at the naturalist’s paradise. We will have the opportunity to walk, drive or spend more time on the river. One of the day’s highlights may well be a glimpse of the elusive agami heron. There is also a good chance of seeing tapir.
C Day 4, August 20th, 2024: Pantanal Jaguar Expedition
After breakfast at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge we will continue to Porto Joffre where speedboats will be waiting to transport us to SouthWild Jaguar Flotel & Suites: our live-aboard river hotel that will serve as our ‘home base’ for the next days while we search the rivers for jaguars. This afternoon we have our first river excursion in search of jaguars.
D Days 5-9, August 21st – 25th, 2024: Pantanal Jaguar Expedition
For the next five days we will invest our time heavily in pursuit of Panthera onca the jaguar. Expect to find this elusive feline patrolling the banks of the many rivers and to be able to photograph it from our private speedboats. The days will be filled with the exciting expectation of seeing jaguars, followed by the adrenaline of coming face to face with one. Between jaguar sightings you will be able to enjoy watching or photographing many animals which live in or around the river. These could include giant river otters, tapirs, toco toucans, caiman, capybara, monkeys a plethora of birds and many more species.
E Day 10, August 26th: Fazenda Pouso Alegre
Today we retrace our steps part way back up the Transpantaneira for an overnight stay at a naturalist’s paradise Fazenda Pouso Alegre. Apart from a wealth of birds including hyacinth macaws and many other tropical species that we will see during our explorations, on foot this will also be our best chance for giant anteaters. Jacaré caiman and capybaras will also be present around the lodge.
A Day 11, August 27th: Return to Cuiabá
After our final breakfast together we will say our goodbyes and head for the Cuiabá airport for flights back home. Here the trip ends.
