Brazil

Explore Araras

Sept 27

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Araras Eco Lodge, spanning an impressive 7,413 hectares of diverse habitats, including wetland, forest, and savannah. Explore the lodge grounds and elevated boardwalks to spot incredible birdlife, such as Cinereous-breasted Spinetails and Mato Grosso Antbirds, thriving in the lush woodlands. Venture east of the Transpantaneira Highway into the expansive dry grasslands, where you’ll have exceptional opportunities to observe both lesser and giant anteaters in their natural environment. After a delicious dinner, embark on an exhilarating night drive – the optimal time to encounter the elusive tamandua (lesser anteater) and, with some luck, a South American tapir.

Morning safari then drive to Porto Jofre

Sept 28

Kickstart your day with an exhilarating early morning safari at Araras Eco Lodge before journeying south along the Transpantaneira Highway to the Cuiabá River in Porto Jofre. Along this legendary route, water accumulates beside the highway, attracting an impressive array of wildlife. Take advantage of scenic stops to stretch your legs, capture breathtaking photographs, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Pantanal.

Spot the majestic Jabiru Stork, a towering five-foot-tall emblem of the Pantanal, and the stunning Hyacinth Macaw, the world's largest parrot, often seen around lodges as they feast on palm seeds. As you traverse the lush landscapes, keep an eye out for two species of brocket deer, along with pampas and marsh deer, roaming the tall grasslands.

Search the Rio Cuiabá surroundings by boat

Sept 29 - Oct 2

The Rio Cuiabá offers some of the best opportunities to spot jaguars in the wild. Protected in this region, these magnificent jaguars have grown accustomed to the presence of boats filled with eager wildlife photographers. You'll travel in nimble boats, perfectly suited to navigate the river’s winding tributaries, where jaguars may be resting along the banks or stealthily hunting. 

Each day, enjoy private boat excursions in the cooler hours of the morning and late afternoon when wildlife is most active. Beyond the stunning birdlife, keep watch for fascinating mammals like black-striped tufted capuchins, crab-eating foxes, South American tapirs, and the elusive ocelot. The Pantanal’s waterways are also home to an incredible array of reptiles, from hundreds of Yacaré caimans to green iguanas, and if luck is on your side, the rarely seen yellow anaconda.

Fly from Porto Jofre to Pousada Aguapé

Oct 3

Take a final morning boat excursion before your charter flight to Pousada Aguapé, a remote eco-ranch rich in biodiversity.

Search for wildlife at Pousada Aguapé

Oct 4

Located near Pousada Aguapé, the Peccary Project (Projeto Queixada) is a groundbreaking conservation initiative dedicated to protecting the rich biodiversity of the Pantanal. Through strong partnerships with the local rural community, this project promotes sustainable practices that have significantly contributed to the area’s remarkable wildlife diversity. During your visit, you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet passionate local researchers who will guide you through their ongoing conservation efforts. Learn firsthand about their vital work to protect the critically endangered, white-lipped peccary and discover how sustainable ranching practices help maintain the balance of this unique ecosystem.

Morning search for wildlife, then drive to Fazenda San Francisco

Oct 5

Continue your wildlife search before heading to Fazenda San Francisco, a renowned conservation-focused ranch and eco-lodge in the Southern Pantanal.

Explore the Pantanal around Fazenda San Francisco

Oct 6

At Fazenda San Francisco, your chances of spotting iconic wildlife like giant anteaters and ocelots are unparalleled, with thrilling game drives and night spotting excursions offering prime opportunities. With a bit of luck, you may even encounter jaguar, maned wolf, or South American tapir. This remarkable destination spans extensive native forest, wetlands, and grasslands, while also functioning as a working ranch with cattle pastures and expansive rice fields. The dedicated owner and staff are committed to preserving wildlife, with a special focus on protecting rare mammals. Right around the lodge, you'll find an abundance of Blue-and-yellow Macaws, parrots, parakeets, toucans, and toucanets, all well-habituated and perfect for up-close encounters. Enjoy evening and dawn game drives for the most exciting wildlife action, while taking relaxing breaks on the lodge grounds during the warmer parts of the day.

Fazenda San Francisco game drive, then travel to Caiman Lodge

Oct 7

Enjoy an early morning game drive before traveling to the famous Caiman Lodge.

Explore wildlife around Caiman Lodge Caiman Lodge

Oct 8-9

Caiman Lodge, the best of the best of nature lodges in South America, has charming accommodations, a very experienced friendly staff, delicious food, and very high-quality service. Most importantly, Caiman Lodge is a wildlife lover’s paradise, making it our absolute favorite spot in the entire region. You have good chances for locating jaguars, but the overall wildlife experience while immersed in this beautiful native habitat is the highlight here at Caiman, named for the plethora of Yacaré caimans whose glowing eyes dot the landscape after dark. Caiman Lodge offers exceptional opportunities to encounter rare and fascinating wildlife, including mother giant anteaters carrying their young, graceful gray brocket deer, pampas deer, two species of armadillos, the elusive tapeti (Brazilian rabbit), and curious crab-eating raccoons. You’ll also experience night drives to spot nocturnal wildlife in action. Capturing elusive wildlife on camera can be challenging, but with ample time spent in nature and the expert guidance of the lodge staff, you’ll maximize your chances of taking home spectacular images from your unforgettable journey

Morning at Caiman Lodge, then depart to Campo Grande

Oct 10

Spend your final morning at Caiman Lodge, capturing stunning images of resident macaws and other wildlife before departing for Campo Grande.

Travel homeward

Oct 11

Fly from Campo Grande to São Paulo, where you’ll connect with your international flight home.

Arrive Home

Oct 12

Arrive home with unforgettable memories and spectacular wildlife photographs from the ultimate Pantanal safari adventure.