Jaguars of Pantanal - 2026

Jaguars of Pantanal – 2026 Departure 11 - 20 September 2026

Jaguars of Pantanal – 2026Cuiaba, South Wild Pantanal

10 Days

Photography

6-10 People

English

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.

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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 2026

11 September - Arrival in CuiabaBREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

Arrival 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).

12 September - Cuiaba to Southwind PantanalBREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

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.

13 September - Southwild PantanalBREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

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.

14 September - Southwild Pantanal to JaguarlandBREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

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.

15-18 September - Jaguar FlotelBREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

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.

18 September - Jaguar Flotel to Piuval LodgeBREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

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.

19 September - Piuval LodgeBREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

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.

20 September - Piuval Lodge - CuiabaBREAKFAST

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

Expedition Summary

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

Inclusions

-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.

Exclusions

-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

Travel Tips

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
3. This will give the group enough time to leave from the Pantanal and reach the airport well in time.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 RashidExpedition LeaderWildlife 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.

Itinerary HighlightsEmbark on an unforgettable journey to the Pantanal, where nature’s wonders await at every turn. Immerse yourself in the heart of South America’s largest tropical wetland and uncover its hidden gems on an exclusive safari experience. From vibrant wildlife sightings to captivating landscapes, each moment in the Pantanal is a new adventure waiting to be lived. Let the rhythm of nature guide you as you traverse this unique ecosystem, filled with rich biodiversity and unparalleled beauty. Join us on this extraordinary escapade and create memories to last a lifetime in the captivating wilderness of the Pantanal.

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