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Pantanal - Land of the Jaguar

Rating: 4.6
Rating: 4.6/5 Read 19 reviews

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.

Comfort Level

Classic

Activity

Wildlife

Overview

Search the Pantanal wetlands for the largest big cat in the Americas

The Pantanal straddles the borders of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia and is the largest wetland region in the world. Its plains and low scrubby forests are home to more than 1,000 bird species and 300 different mammals, including tapirs, anteaters, jabiru storks and the striking hyacinth macaw. Concentrating on the incredibly rich northern Pantanal in the southwest of Brazil, we divide our time between two lodges, journeying deep into the wetlands in search of jaguars, the largest feline in the Americas. These solitary, elusive predators, as well as being formidable opponents on land, are strong swimmers and are known to frequent the waterways we explore.

Pantanal – Land of the Jaguar

Key Information

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, seven lunches, eight dinners
  • All accommodation
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout
  • Group arrival and departure transfers available

Highlights

  • Explore lesser-visited areas of the Pantanal wetlands for a jaguar-spotting safari
  • Take seven different boat trips to maximise your chances of spotting jaguars
  • Observe unusual species: capybaras, giant anteaters and jabiru storks
  • Stay in two rustic lodges, chosen for their wildlife-rich locations away from the tourist trail

Itinerary

Pantanal – Land of the Jaguar
  • First Destination: Cuiabá
  • Next Destination: Cuiabá
  • Meals included:Dinner
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  • Meals included:Breakfast
  • First Destination: Cuiabá
  • Next Destination: Cuiabá

Welcome to Cuiabá, the capital of the Mato Grosso state and the gateway to the Pantanal wetlands. After arriving at the hotel, you have the rest of the day free to relax.

Around 6pm, say oi to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Want more time in Brazil? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Deville Prime Cuiabá (or similar)

  • Meals included:Dinner

Head towards the remote Paraguay River in the Pantanal this morning. We start by driving 127mi (205km) towards the town of Cáceres before continuing a further 62mi (100km) on dirt roads to our lodge on the banks of the Paraguay River, where we spend the next four days exploring the region for jaguars and other wildlife.

This off-the-beaten-path area is the ideal place for jaguar spotting and, with fewer visitors than other areas of the Pantanal, is also much quieter.

This afternoon, we board our small motorboats to go on our first jaguar safari, exploring the river and its tributaries for the elusive big cat plus tapirs, monkeys, macaws, anacondas, capybaras, giant otters and any other wildlife we can find. While no guarantees can be made when it comes to wildlife, there is a 90 percent chance of seeing jaguars.

Accommodation: Hotel Baiazinha (or similar)

  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pantanal – Land of the Jaguar

We spend the next three days on morning and afternoon boat safaris looking for jaguars and other local wildlife and learning about the delicate ecosystem of the area. The exact lengths of the outings will vary depending on the sightings and you should be prepared to be flexible with the timetable. Make sure to bring all you’ll need including sun protection, insect protection, rain protection, water and your cameras and/or binoculars.

Accommodation: Hotel Baiazinha (or similar)

  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jaguar, Pantanal Brazil

This morning, retrace our steps towards Cáceres and onto Poconé and finally Araras Lodge. Surrounded by pristine forest, the lodge offers a range of activities designed to showcase the flora and fauna of the Pantanal, including jeep safaris, trail walks, nocturnal safaris, canoeing and horse riding. Naturalist guides from the lodge accompany us on all excursions to truly enhance our wildlife viewing. The programme changes per trip, dependant on the weather.

This afternoon, head out on our first activity before returning and enjoying our first lodge dinner.

Accommodation: Araras Lodge (or similar)

  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pantanal – Land of the Jaguar

Enjoy a full programme of activities around the lodge. Typically, we have one activity in the morning and another in the afternoon.

There are hundreds of bird species and dozens of mammals and reptiles to spot in the immediate surroundings; if we are lucky, we will catch sight of the striking hyacinth macaw (or arara jacinta in Portuguese) after which the lodge is named. The largest of the macaws, its dark blue plumage and the bright yellow skin around its eyes and beak make it instantly recognisable.

Depending on the weather, it may be possible to take night-spotting tours after dinner to observe nocturnal animals.

Accommodation: Araras Lodge (or similar)

  • Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pantanal – Land of the Jaguar

If you’re keen to make the most out of the jungle, it is possible to wake early and include a final pre-breakfast activity.

After breakfast, head back to Cuiabá where the trip ends. We bid farewell and begin our return journey home. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

  • Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Pantanal – Land of the Jaguar

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Read more about our flights
  • Thursday 09 Jul 2026 to Friday 17 Jul 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 1388

    USD 10500 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 2625 deposit

  • Friday 25 Sep 2026 to Saturday 03 Oct 2026

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Only 5 spaces left!
    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 1388

    USD 10500 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 2625 deposit

  • Thursday 08 Jul 2027 to Friday 16 Jul 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 1455

    USD 10650 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 2662 deposit

  • Friday 24 Sep 2027 to Saturday 02 Oct 2027

    Availability
    Guaranteed (Available)

    This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

    Optional Single Supplement
    +USD 1455

    USD 10650 (excl. flights)

    Book with USD 2662 deposit

Book Your Flights With Us

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Accommodation

Modern Cuiabá hotel and well-located lodges

Venturing into the Pantanal, the land of the jaguar, we split our time between two lodges, both well located for our wildlife-watching adventures, while the trip begins at a contemporary hotel in Cuiabá.

Cuiabá: Deville Prime Cuiabá (night 1)

Pantanal – Land of the Jaguar

Begin the adventure at Deville Prime, a modern hotel in the heart of Cuiabá. After your flight, you may wish to make use of the outdoor pool and sun loungers, plus there’s a gym with free weights and machines. In the evening, head to the atrium bar with the group and raise a glass to your trip – a good chance to get to know each other a little better.

Paraguay River: Hotel Baiazinha (nights 2-5)

Pantanal – Land of the Jaguar

On the banks of the Paraguay River, in an area visited less often by other tourists, this family-run 15-room lodge hotel is ideally located for our jaguar-spotting adventures. When we’re not out scouring the landscape for wildlife, make use of the pool or unwind in your air-conditioned room. There’s also a restaurant serving typical local food cooked by chef Isaias. Try the flagship dish: mojica, a fish broth with cassava, which they call the pride of their kitchen.

Poconé: Araras Lodge (nights 6-8)

Pantanal – Land of the Jaguar

Spend our final three nights at Araras Lodge, which is designed in a rustic regional style and has 19 air-conditioned rooms. The property also has a restaurant-bar, which serves local cuisine and plenty of good drinks, plus a swimming pool and gift shop. There are also three observation towers, the tallest of which is 82ft (25m) high, allowing you to gaze over the landscape in search of birds and other wildlife.

Essential Information

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Five. Visit our our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Accommodation: Although the accommodation is of a good standard, you should note that we are in a remote area with limited access to luxuries.

Travelling: The trip involves several long drives on dirt roads. These roads are generally in good condition (although sometimes bumpy) during the dry season when this trip operates; however, journeys may be significantly delayed in heavy rain.

Boats: We spend much of the trip in boats (five hours in the morning, four in the afternoon) without the chance to get off for bathroom breaks; if you suffer from seasickness, please note that these small vessels have a relatively shallow draft, which means any movement is more noticeable than in larger vessels, though the likelihood of feeling nausea is much lower on rivers than open water.

Wildlife: The rich wildlife here also includes lots of insects, including mosquitoes, so good repellent is a must as are tops with long sleeves.

Deposit terms: At the time of booking, we will ask you for the standard Exodus deposit plus an extra 10% of the trip cost to secure your space on the departure. If for any reason we are unable to secure the space and we have to cancel the trip, you receive a full refund.

Cancellation terms: Due to the nature of this trip, it has slightly different cancellation charges to those listed in the standard Exodus Booking Conditions. After booking, if cancelling your travel arrangements, you have to pay cancellation charges as follows:

  • Up to 61 days before departure: loss of deposit
  • 60 days or less (or failure to join the trip): loss of 100% of the trip cost

­­­Key information

Start hotel: Deville Prime Cuiabá, Avenida Isaac Póvoas, 1000 -Centro Cuiabá – MT, CEP: 78.032-015
Phone: +55 65 3319-3000
WhatsApp: +55 41 3219-4004
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm this evening.
Airport: Cuiabá International Airport (CGB)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Cuiabá airport ( CGB). Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Brazil

Travellers from the UK and EU do not normally need a visa to enter Brazil.

From 10 April 2025, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders require an e-visa. It is recommended to apply for your e-visa two months before travel to Brazil. Information on visas can be found here: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-miami/information-about-visas-in-english. The e-visa application site is here: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/.

All meals are included in Hotel Baiazinha and Araras Lodge. Food is likely to be a mix of dishes using a lot of local produce. The local fruit is normally very good. Meat is a staple part of the Brazilian diet, but vegetarians can be catered for throughout the trip. Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements, especially since the remote nature of the places we stay means special supplies can be difficult to obtain without prior arrangement.

Camomile tea and fruit infusions are available at the lodges, however traditional tea is not available, so you may wish to take teabags with you.

The Pantanal has two clearly defined seasons. The dry season lasts from May to October, and the region experiences little rainfall at this time of year. This is generally considered to be the best time for viewing animals and birds. The wet season runs from November to May, and much of the annual rainfall occurs during these months. Temperatures are generally around 25C (77F), but there can be large seasonal variations. Humidity levels during the wet season tend to be much higher than during the dry.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

sophie moran

Rating: 5

Wildlife Paradise for mammals, birds and Reptiles. what an Adventure to a remote and beautiful place

Unlike the dense Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal is more open and flat, making wildlife easier to spot. Over 650 bird species, including hyacinth macaws, Toco Toucans, Greater Rhea, jabiru storks. Jaguars (we saw Three!) We also saw Capybaras, giant river otters, caimans, tapirs, Coati, Howler and Capuchin Monkeys, Azara's agouti,...

Most Inspirational Moment

We were lucky enough to see three jaguars on our departure. the first was lying on the banks in a cooler spot under a tree and sleepy at first like an oversized kitten, she then saw something she fancied eating in the water below and completely changed into the elusive hunter we know her to be. they can keep still for hours and move so slowly and with much precision it was exceptional to witness this behaviour and the respect these creatures demand.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony who is originally from the Amazon region has been leading in the Pantanal for over 20 years. His love of the wildlife here transcends through the groups. while we were all using the merlin app to identify the birds Tony was calling to them before they were even seen, Brazil's answer to Dr Dolittle.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Dry season is June to November. there are less biting bugs during this season but they are still there. they can be avoided by using Deet, long sleeves, long trousers loose fitting and light colours. bringing a warm windproof jacket for the early morning starts is a must when flying down the paraguay river ready for your first wildlife spot of the day

Kevin Burt

Rating: 5

An amazing wildlife experience

This trip delivered in bucket loads. There was wildlife everywhere we looked. Copious capybara and caiman. Three fantastic sightings of jaguar (a mother and two cubs and two solitary jaguar) and three amazing sightings of giant otter groups. Birds everywhere including imperious jabiru storks, kingfishers, herons, hawks and jacana. And...

Most Inspirational Moment

Our first jaguar sighting of a mother and two cubs and watching them interact. And seeing a southern tamandua on our final night and watching as it stood on its hind legs to sniff the air.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was fantastic and looked after all of us very well. His ability to spot wildlife is amazing. Including a jaguar tucked away in the shade of a tree.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go. The Pantanal is wildlife heaven. We had 2 hours 40 minutes between our scheduled landing at Sao Paolo and departure to Cuiaba. We were a bit worried this wouldn't be enough time to collect our bags and catch the next flight, but in the end we had plenty of time and it wasn't a rush. Once we'd gone through passport control, collected our bags and gone through customs, we turned left and followed the signs to section E where the Latam desks are located. They checked the labelling on our bags was correct and put them through. Going through security for the second flight took a couple of minutes. We bought specific Brazil plug adaptors (type N) which also had two USB outlets. They worked very well at all the accommodation. Everywhere we went accepted credit cards. We took US dollars and used them for tips. But is handy to have some local currency, just in case. We took £60 worth of reias for smaller purchases.

Michael Brooks

Rating: 4

Excellent Trip, Pity about the Airport

This was my first time taking a holiday with Exodus, perhaps it will not be my last. However, I must complain about the horrible 7 hour stopover at Sau Paulo airport. This is just far to long, and I think Exodus should think about using a different airline for the...

Most Inspirational Moment

The first sighting of the Jaguar in the golden hour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was a fabulous guide, eagle eyed as far as spotting the wildlife went, but as I had a disability he showed myself a lot of kindness and help as well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Perhaps look at booking the flights yourself and not having such a long stopover.

Ivan Pinto

Rating: 5

Excellent wildlife viewing but poor UK booking experience.

On a positive note we had a great wildlife experience seeing five jaguar, giant otters, tapirs, ocelot and hyacinth macaws amongst many others. Tony, our guide, was one of the very best guides I have had. He spotted just about everything going and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the birds...

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing our first jaguar at the very end of our third boat trip when we were just about to go back to the lodge in the evening and had given up hope for seeing one that day. The burrowing owls won the cute prize while the Hyacinth macaws won the glamour prize!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We could not have wished for a better guide than Tony, always helpful, eagled eyed for wildlife and and an encyclopaedic knowledge of all Pantanal life, Exodus are lucky to have him. Also a mention for my fellow travellers, a small but great group of people coupled with a great guide in Tony ensured this was a trip to remember.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The dirt roads are very dusty so protection against inhaling dust could be important for some. We also had a cold Antarctic front come in the last couple of days so while temperatures were comfortable during the day it was cool at night so pack a warm fleece just in case. Also see the summary section.

ian mcclure

Rating: 3

missed connection

just like Emily I too missed my connecting flight at Sao Paulo . this was because there was not enough time to collect my luggage go through customs and passport control etc and then do the whole thing again in reverse . you really need more than just over 2...

Most Inspirational Moment

the amount of wildlife and habitat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

be prepared for a long wait at sao Paulo airport.

Suggestions

to get your connection you may have to either que jump vigouressley or get the help of latam staff to by pass the que.

Emily Rae

Rating: 3

Land of the Jaguar Sept 2023

Please note you will be told, by Exodus, that your luggage will be put through at San Paulo and this is absolutely not the case. You will need to recheck your luggage. This caused people to miss their connections/sprint to catch their connection. I asked for a longer connection time...

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the jaguar.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was worth his weight in gold!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would not recommend this trip.

Suggestions

This is the first Exodus where I felt it was jot good value for money or well thought out.

Phillip Dixon

Rating: 5

Incredible journey to see jaguars

A wonderful trip to see these elusive jaguars by riverboat. The accommodation was comfortable and allowed a great base for jaguar boat trips or at Araras Eco Lodge a series of nature walks and night safaris in search of birds and ocelots. Juan the guide was excellent throughout, well organised,...

Most Inspirational Moment

We had several jaguar encounters but the most special was a female jaguar walking along a beach in the last 15 mins of our final boat trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was exceptional, he was bubbling with enthusiasm and organised as many nature excursions as time allowed, running multiple nature walks each day as well as night safaris. His knowledge of the wildlife was second to none and he was an integral part of our success rate with both jaguars and other wildlife.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The airport at Sao Paolo can be confusing so ensure you check bags in on the ground floor when booking on for Cuiaba. Not all EU or US adapters fit and so check your adapter has pins like a shaver not a large circle connecting the two pins as some airport sold ones have. You can buy an adapter at the airport in Cuiaba The hotel and both lodges are happy to take Credit Cards for payment and prefer it to cash. Long trousers and long sleeves are a good idea due to horseflies during the day / sandflies or mosquitos at night. The boat rides are often in full sun as using covers restricts viewing. There are no UK style black tea bags so take your own as hot water is provided.

Suggestions

If I could have spent 6-7 days at Baiazinha doing boat trips and 5 nights at Araras Lodge and paid a little more for the longer trip I would have jumped at the chance. An optional extension to Iguazu Falls would be another great option.

Christopher Witt

Rating: 5

Amazing Brazil

Long journey to get to the Pantanal but worth it! Three jaguar sightings on the first trip made everyone very happy for the forthcoming adventure. Hotel Baiazinha is the perfect location for trips into the wetlands. Accommodation and food excellent and staff very friendly. Plus around the hotel so many...

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing my first hyacinth macaws on the drive in to Hotel Baiazinha and then in the afternoon seeing jaguars!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader was knowledgeable on the wildlife and environment but poor on keeping us updated on plans for the trip.

Sally Chewter

Rating: 5

Brilliant

Fantastic trip - brilliant guide - great accommodation - superb wildlife sightings. Be prepared for very high temperatures but so worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing our first jaguar

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony Rodriguez was superb. So knowledgeable, professional and a great sense of humour. He was great company and made sure everything ran smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for high temperatures - it's hot out there!

Suggestions

Great trip - wonderful jaguar, giant otters sightings

James Treharne

Rating: 5

Land of the Jaguar report

This trip exceeded all my expectations.Seeing a Jaguar in its natural habitat was wonderful. As usual Paul worked hard with the guides to get the results that we all longed for.The accommodation was good, though the food in Porte Joffre could have been much better. I was a little disappointed...

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing my first Jaguar and being able to follow her for some while, whilst not causing her any concern. Seeing the other animals and birds was also wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on trips with Paul before, so I know what to expect(mostly!). As I have said before,but it is worth repeating, no one works harder , or is more committed to his clients than Paul. An excellent leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure that you have checked the medical advice available on line both for vaccinations and prescription drugs. and take the appropriate medicines.On photographic trips be totally prepared to put in hours.

Suggestions

I am very satisfied with Exodus Holidays. They have provide me with some spectacular moments at very reasonable cost. Through them , I have met some lovely people..

USD 10500
9 Days Excluding Flights

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Pantanal – Land of the Jaguar