The Iconic Big Five
Brazil
August 8 to 25, 2026
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Embark on this Pantanal Big Five Safari, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure in the world’s largest tropical wetland, where you’ll track jaguars, giant otters, giant anteaters, ocelots, and South American tapirs in their natural habitats. This expertly guided expedition takes you deep into the northern and southern Pantanal, exploring remote regions by boat, safari vehicle, and on foot to maximize your chances of incredible wildlife encounters. Stay in top-rated eco-lodges, cruise the legendary Cuiabá River in search of jaguars, and work alongside renowned conservation researchers for exclusive insights into the Pantanal’s unique ecosystem. Perfect for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers, this immersive safari offers the best opportunity to witness rare and elusive species in their natural environment. Book your Pantanal safari tour today and experience the ultimate South American wildlife adventure!
WHY CHOOSE THIS TRIP?
- Jaguar Safaris on the Cuiabá River: Cruise through prime jaguar territory with the best chances of sightings.
- Exclusive Nocturnal Wildlife Viewing: Search for ocelots, tapirs, anteaters, and caimans after dark.
- Immersive Conservation Experience: Join researchers studying local wildlife and habitat preservation.
- Diverse Birdlife: Spot Hyacinth Macaws, Jabiru Storks, toucans, and more along the Transpantaneira Highway.
- Expert-Led Adventure: Led by seasoned naturalists and Pantanal specialists for unparalleled insights.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The Pantanal is an amazing area! We were able to view all of the big 5–jaguar, ocelot, tapir, giant anteater, giant otter—many of them multiple times. We saw other wonderful animals and hundreds of beautiful birds. Our guide, was the best guide I’ve ever had on a trip!” – Nancy Frank |
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Want to learn more? Check out our blog post from our 2023 trip!
Itinerary Updated: May 2025
FAQ
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 8 | Arrival in São Paulo. Land in Brazil and meet your group for a welcome dinner. | Hotel Panamby Guarulhos, Guarulhos | D |
| Aug 9 | Fly to Cuiabá & Drive the Transpantaneira. Travel to the northern Pantanal and settle into Araras Eco Lodge. | Araras Eco Lodge, Northern Pantanal | B, D |
| Aug 10 | Explore Araras Wetlands. Enjoy safaris and birdwatching in this wildlife-rich region | Araras Eco Lodge, Northern Pantanal | B, L, D |
| Aug 11 | Scenic Drive to Porto Jofre. Morning game drive at Araras, then travel deeper into the Pantanal, stopping for wildlife along the way. | Hotel Pantanal Norte, Porto Jofre | B, L, D |
| Aug 12-15 | Jaguar Tracking on the Cuiabá River. Boat safaris to observe jaguars, giant otters, monkeys, and birds. | Hotel Pantanal Norte, Porto Jofre | B, L, D |
| Aug 16 | Fly to Southern Pantanal. Morning boat ride then depart by charter flight to the secluded Pousada Aguapé. | Pousada Aguapé Lodge, Southern Pantanal | B, L, D |
| Aug 17 | Conservation & Wildlife Studies. Join local researchers and explore diverse habitats. | Pousada Aguapé Lodge, Southern Pantanal | B, L, D |
| Aug 18 | Travel to Fazenda San Francisco. Observe unique ecosystems on a scenic drive. | Fazenda San Francisco, Southern Pantanal | B, L, D |
| Aug 19 | Nocturnal Wildlife Safari. Spot anteaters, ocelots, and rare mammals on night drives. | Fazenda San Francisco, Southern Pantanal | B, L, D |
| Aug 20 | Travel to Caiman Lodge. Search for wildlife in the morning then transfer to one of the Pantanal’s premier wildlife lodges. | Caiman Lodge, Southern Pantanal | B, L, D |
| Aug 21-22 | Wildlife Safaris at Caiman Lodge. Explore pristine habitats and search for elusive predators and giant anteaters. | Caiman Lodge, Southern Pantanal | B, L, D |
| Aug 23 | Final Safari & Transfer to Campo Grande. Enjoy a last morning game drive before traveling to the city. | Hotel Deville Prime, Campo Grande | B, L, D |
| Aug 24 | Return to São Paulo & Depart. Fly back to São Paulo to connect with your international flights home. | B | |
| Aug 25 | Arrive Home. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Rafael Andrade
Rafael AndradeRafael studied Environmental Management, specializing in Tourism, the Environment, and Social Responsibility. He began his work as a naturalist guide in 2013 throughout the Amazon and Pantanal, later becoming the head of guides for the Pantanal’s Caiman Lodge. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for nature and wildlife with travelers while also integrating the local communities and the importance of respecting the environment.
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- FAQ
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Accommodations
- Transportation
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $15,500 |
| Single Supplement | Contact Us |
Share the Experience – Earn Travel Credit
Know someone who would love this trip? Refer a friend and you’ll both benefit—you get credit toward a future adventure, and they receive a discount on their first trip with us. See how our Referral Program works ›
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare (except for three internal flights), singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement. Single rooms cost extra and are subject to availability.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | March 1, 2026 | Remaining balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, and boat trips for all activities unless described as optional.
- Three internal flights.
- Accommodations for the nights of August 8 through August 23.
- Meals from dinner on August 8 through breakfast on August 24, except meals listed as Not Included section.
- Bottled water throughout the safari.
- Transfers on August 8 and August 9 via complimentary hotel airport shuttle between Hotel Panamby Guarulhos and the Sao Paulo Airport (GRU), plus transfers on August 24 between Hotel Deville Prime and the Campo Grande Airport.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Extra hotel nights.
- Lunch on August 9.
- Gratuities – tipping is always discretionary. However, it is culturally expected in Brazil to show appreciation for good service. A gratuity of $525 per participant (about $35 per participant per day) will be added to your final payment.
- Emergency evacuation insurance and trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
The Pantanal can be very hot, from 90 to 100+°F (32 to 38+°C), especially during midday and afternoons. The occasional cold snap may blow through, dropping the temperature to the 60s°F (~15 to 20°C), so layer clothes to manage these changing conditions!
Fitness Level
Most wildlife viewing is done from small boats and vehicles. Walks to search for wildlife are generally less than an hour over relatively flat trails or along gravel roads. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Flights you book
- Arrive in São Paulo, Brazil (GRU) by 4:00pm on August 8.
- Depart from São Paulo, Brazil (GRU) after 12:30pm on August 24.
Flights we book
- Three internal flights are included in the trip cost.
FAQ
Should I visit the Pantanal or the Amazon to see wildlife?
While the Amazon is much more famous, the Pantanal is the best place to see Brazil’s wildlife as it has much greater biodiversity and a higher density of that biodiversity. The Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland and therefore attracts many large mammals (the Big Five), smaller mammals such as monkeys and capybaras, and many beautiful birds
When is the best time to go to the Pantanal?
We visit in July through September during the dry season when wildlife tends to concentrate around the ponds left after the wet season’s floods. Fields are now dry, enabling us to hike and drive safari-style through them to look for wildlife. It is also warmer during these months, and the coolness of the river entices jaguars to the riverbanks to cool off. July through September are also good months to see plentiful birds.
Am I guaranteed to see the Pantanal’s Big Five – jaguar, giant anteater, giant otter, ocelot, and South American tapir?
Our goal is to see the Big Five, but we cannot guarantee that we will see them all as wildlife is wild and unpredictable! But to best meet our goal, we spend the maximum time in nature to greatly increase our chance of seeing the Big Five and lots more.
Why do you spend so much time on rivers in the Pantanal?
During days near the Cuiabá and other rivers, we spend a lot of time in boats, as it is the best way to see jaguars and other wildlife. Wildlife is accustomed to tourist boats and feels safe around them, generally allowing us to approach to watch and photograph them.
Should I worry about seasickness on the Pantanal’s rivers?
The rivers in this region are calm and we have never had problems with anyone getting seasick.
Accommodations
All lodges have private baths and air conditioning.
Motion Sickness
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! Even those who have experienced motion sickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to motion sickness from bumpy roads, small boat rides, or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding motion sickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
Transportation
You will travel by air-conditioned private bus, boat, and commercial air. Some remote roads in the Pantanal are unpaved, dusty, and bumpy. Some of the drives between regions are long, between one and five hours, but most of these are on paved, modern roads. The boats are comfortable (the seats have backrests) and are easy to get in and out of. Although the boats have limited space, you have room for your daypack and camera gear near your feet and on your lap.
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Ecotourism and Conservation for Brazil.
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.