overview
Jaguars
The jaguar needs no introduction. It is the only extant Panthera species native to
the Americas and it is the third-largest feline after the tiger and lion. The jaguar's
present range extends from Southwestern United States and Mexico across much
of Central America and south to Paraguay and northern Argentina. Brazil is a
stronghold and the Pantanal is the best place in the world to see these otherwise
elusive big cats.
This spotted cat most closely resembles the leopard physically, although it is usually
larger and of sturdier build and it’s behavioral and habitat characteristics are closer
to those of the tiger. While dense rainforest is its preferred habitat, the jaguar will
range across a variety of forested and open terrains. Its preferred habitats are
usually swamps and wooded regions, but jaguars also live in scrublands and deserts.
The jaguar is notable, along with the tiger, as a feline that enjoys swimming.
The jaguar is a near threatened species and its numbers are declining. Threats
include loss and fragmentation of habitat. While international trade in jaguars or
their parts is prohibited, the cat is still frequently killed by humans, particularly in
conflicts with ranchers and farmers in South America.
In Pantanal the Jaguar is safe and easily viewable in and around the Ciuaba River. It
is here that we will spend 4 nights doing river safaris for the best chance of not just
viewing the Jaguar but also witnessing and photographing some rare behavior.
The Pantanal
The Pantanal encompasses the world's largest tropical wetland area. It is located
mostly within the Brazilian state of Moto Grosso do Sul. It sprawls over an area
estimated at between 140,000 and 195,000 square kilometers.
The Pantanal is home to one of the largest and healthiest Jaguar populations
anywhere on Earth. Among the rarest animals to inhabit the wetland of the
Pantanal are the Marsh Deer and the Giant River Otters. Parts of the Pantanal are
also home to the following endangered or threatened species: the Hycanth Macaw,
the Crowned Solitary Eagle, the Maned Wolf, the Bush Dog, the South American
Tapir and the Giant Anteater. Common species in the Pantanal include the
Capybara and the Yacare Caiman. With over 10 million Caiman the Pantanal is the
place with the highest crocodilian density anywhere in the world.
In Total the Pantanal ecosystem is thought to be home to 1,000 bird species, 400
fish species, 300 mammalian species, 480 reptile species and over 9000 different
subspecies of invertebrates making it one of the most bio-diverse wildlife habitats
in the world. We will spend 9 nights in this magical wilderness and will attempt to
see its rare and elusive wildlife.
accommodation amidst action
Duration – 10 days (From Cuiaba to Cuiaba)
Places of stay – Amazon Aeroporto Hotel or Slaviero Slim Cuiaba, Pousada Piuval,
Jaguar Flotel or Jaguar Suite, South Wild Pantanal Lodge
itinerary
11 - 20 September 2026Arrival in Cuiaba airport and private transfer to the hotel (Our service includes a private transfer for each passenger from airport to the Amazon Aeroporto Hotel or Slaviero Slim, done by a Portuguese-speaking driver using a closed, air- conditioned vehicle. This transfer does not include an English-speaking guide).
Overnight at Amazon Aeroporto Hotel or Slaviero Slim, Cuiaba
After breakfast, transfer from Cuiabá to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge, passing through Poconé, the gateway to the Pantanal. Enjoy lunch upon arrival, followed by afternoon wildlife activities on the lodge’s grounds. Explore the rich biodiversity of the region. Dinner and overnight stay at the SouthWild Pantanal Lodge.
Overnight at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge
Spend the morning exploring the surrounding area with guided wildlife activities at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge. Return to the lodge for lunch, followed by more afternoon excursions focused on the region’s unique flora and fauna. Enjoy dinner in the evening and overnight stay at the SouthWild Pantanal Lodge.
Overnight at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge.
After breakfast, transfer from SouthWild Pantanal Lodge to Porto Jofre in a closed vehicle, enjoying scenic views along the Transpantaneira. Upon arrival in Porto Jofre, continue by boat to reach Jaguarland. Settle in and enjoy lunch onboard. In the afternoon, head out on a boat safari in search of jaguars along the riverbanks. Return in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay at the Jaguar Flotel.
Breakfast followed by morning and afternoon boat outingsdaily to search for Jaguars and Giant Otters on the various river channels of “Jaguarland”. These channels include the Three Brothers, the Black Channel, the Cuiaba and the Piquiri. Lunch and dinner included will be at the lodge. Lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Jaguarland (Jaguar Flotel) Upgrade to Jaguar Suites on request.
Transfer from Jaguarland to Porto Jofre by boat, followed by a road transfer in a closed vehicle to Pousada Piuval. Lunch will be served upon arrival. Afternoon activities are scheduled, followed by dinner. Overnight stay at Pousada Piuval.
Enjoy morning activities at the lodge, immersing in the natural surroundings and wildlife. Return for a freshly prepared lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, continue with scheduled activities designed to enhance your experience of the region’s unique ecosystem. Dinner will be served in the evening, offering local flavors and hospitality. Overnight accommodation at Pousada Piuval.
Depart from Pousada Piuval and proceed with a comfortable transfer to Cuiabá Airport. The journey offers a final glimpse of the region's landscapes as you conclude your stay. All necessary arrangements will be made to ensure a smooth and timely arrival at the airport, in accordance with your flight schedule.
Expedition on a map
Gallery
Duration – 10 days (From Cuiaba to Cuiaba)
Places of stay – Amazon Aeroporto Hotel or Slaviero Slim Cuiaba, Pousada Piuval,
Jaguar Flotel or Jaguar Suite, South Wild Pantanal
-Tour leader from Just Nature Expeditions
-English-speaking naturalist guide
-Accommodation based on double in the hotel as described in the itinerary.
-Transfer from/to hotel as noted.
-Meals and excursions as noted
-Free WIFI internet at all hotels. Being a remote area, it operates about 95% of the
time—not 100% and is not guaranteed.
-Unlimited free drinking water from large coolers at all hotels. Please bring your own
Nalgene or metal water bottles to refill for free.
-Flights and visas
-Meals not mentioned
-Extra expenses
-Tips
-Soft drinks, small bottles of water, beer, wines, mixed drinks.
-Laundry
-Insurance
-Early or late check out
1. Accommodation:
Accommodation and facilities along this tour are well
appointed with all basic comforts in place. While comfort level is good,
please do not expect very high-end facilities. The lodges have been hand-
picked by our team based on the availability of wildlife that is present around
the locations where the group will stay. We have left the best for last – South
Wild Pantanal Lodge at Santa Terressa is a place where you can see the
elusive Ocelot and end your trip comfortably after hopefully seeing several
jaguars.
2. Flights:
From India, the best flight option to take is via Dubai to Sao Paolo by
Emirates. From Sao Paolo, there is an internal flight to Cuiaba city located on
the Northern side of the Pantanal. We would recommend that we assist with
the flights so that we can select the best connections and the recommended
time of arrival on day 1. Should you choose to book your light yourself, please
ensure that your departure flight out of Cuiaba is after 17:00 on 20 September
2026. This will give the group enough time to leave from the Pantanal and
reach the airport well in time.
3. Chiggers
please treat a couple of trousers, socks and a pair of shoes with
PERMETHRIN spray. These repellents are easily available in the UK, USA and
on Amazon. Please remember that this can not be applied directly to your
skin, but only to the clothes. If you have not got this, please don’t worry, deet
based repellents will also work, and you can avoid walking on grasses or in
the forest. There are no real walks planned on the trip, so the chances of
chiggers is not too high.
4. Cold Fronts:
Although quite rare, cold fronts can occur at any time and
temperatures can go down to single digit Celsius. Please carry a good winter
jacket and a woolly hat. You most probably will not need this, and may curse
us for making you carry this, but it may come in handy, so be prepared.
5. Drinking Water:
Please carry a refillable metal / plastic bottle so you can
refill. Clean filter drinking water is available at all hotels and destinations.
Please avoid using SINGLE USE plastic. This is a good practice for the
environment and it will also save you cost from buying bottles of water
everywhere.
6. Drinks:
All accommodations have bars with a basic range of alcohol
available. At Pousada Piuval, they have a rather limited selection and only
accept cash. For any preferred wines or spirits, please feel free to carry your
own.
7. Laundry:
Laundry facility is only available at South Wild Pantanal Lodge,
where you will stay towards the end of the trip. Please carry enough safari
apparel and gear.
8. Cash:
You will require cash only for drinks and gratuity. As USD may not be
accepted everywhere, please withdraw or change to Brazilian currency,
preferably at your point of entry to Brazil. For Gratuity, an amount between
USD 125 and 150 can be handed over to your tour leader for the common
kitty.
9. Malaria
There is no noteworthy danger of Malaria in the area of travel. But
we still recommend that you meet a physician to take professional advice to
help you decide if you need to take a preventative course of medication.
We wish you a very happy and safe journey and hope you see lots of Jaguars and
other wildlife. In the unlikely situation of an emergency please note below the
emergency contact numbers in Brazil....
Aly Rashid
Expedition Leader
Wildlife and the wilderness has been a passion for Aly ever
since childhood. This passion for wildlife inspired him to work
with his family to set up and run Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, one
of the finest wilderness camps in India. At Reni Pani Aly has
been heading the naturalist team for over 7 years and in this
time his passion for wildlife has been instilled in the ethos of
the lodge atmosphere. A trained naturalist and ornithologist,
he has travelled across the country and has been involved with wildlife in various
localities. His deep involvement with Satpura since his childhood has been a
motivation to protect and conserve wildlife in this landscape. Aly inspired Reni
Pani’s camera trap studies in the reserve forest area outside the park that revealed
breeding population of several large carnivores like leopards, wild dogs and sloth
bear and also the presence of a young male tiger. His passion for research and
conservation has also taken him to Panna National Park where he worked with
renowned small cat expert and scientist Shekhar Kolipaka for the Caracal Research
and Conservation Project in 2014. Aly is also involved in leading wildlife expeditions
both within India and abroad.
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Have Any Question?
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.