2014 Brazil Pantanal Jaguar Wildlife Photo Expedition

Travel Plan

Accommodations

Helpful Information

Explorer Testimonials

• 2014 Brazil Pantanal Jaguar Wildlife Photo Expedition Travel Plans

  Wednesday, July 30

  Depart U.S./Canada

  Thursday, July 31 (D)

  Arrive São Paulo (GRU) or Brasilia (BSB) and board your connecting flight to Cuiabá. Welcome dinner this evening. Overnight Hotel Taina

  Friday, August 1 – Saturday, August 2, 2 Nights (B, L, D)

  After breakfast, depart from Cuiabá for the elevated Transpantaneira Road, one of the best wildlife-viewing areas in the world. The road is unpaved with over 136 little wooden bridges. There may be encounters with capybara, coatimundis, crab-eating foxes, caiman, or neo-tropical otters. Anaconda, the world’s largest constrictor, can sometimes be seen along with other elusive mammals including the giant anteater or tapir. This area harbors a world record 82 species of large birds. This time of the year the Transpantaneira is typically quite dry, so we’ll stop periodically to photograph any wetland areas along the way with birds and wildlife.

  Explore wildlife all around the ranch-style lodge on trails or from unique wildlife observation towers, one near a nest of habituated Jabiru Storks. In morning or mid-afternoon, take a boat ride on the Rio Pixaim River, a great source of photo opportunities for caimans, capybara, brown capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys and also birds including toucans, kingfishers, parakeets and hawks. It is also one of the best sites for predictable viewing of a wild family of giant otters from a distance of only 3 to 16 feet away. Often they will come close to the boat, craning their necks, and snorting loudly. The group will split up and alternate between boat and truck safaris.

  Sunday, August 3 – Thursday, August 7, 5 Nights (B, L, D)

  Depart early after breakfast, continue on the Transpantaneira Road en route to our second lodge. We’ll travel to the end of this road (about two to three hours with stops) and then boat on the Cuiabá River to our remote camp in the Meeting of the Waters State Park.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  We’ll be staying in the heart of jaguar country.

  To improve the Jaguar viewing experience, we have switched accommodations from the tented camp used in previous years to a new superb alternative located 40 minutes closer to the best area for sighting jaguars. This alternative is the Jaguar Flotel, an air-conditioned, floating hotel.

  This optimal location combined with administration by biologists and its unique fleet of radio-equipped scout boats and highly-trained jaguar spotters have enabled all guests visiting in past years to see Jaguars multiple times.

  Here we’ll begin our full day searches for jaguars along the riverbanks in our radio-equipped boats. The Jaguar Flotel offers the highest probabilities of any Pantanal camp of seeing the Big Three South American rainforest mammals – the Jaguar, the Giant River Otters and Tapir.

  A number of the giant otter groups that live nearby are quite habituated, permitting superb photo opportunities of these hyperactive, entertaining “river wolves”. Monkeys and numerous species of birds can also be seen.

  We’ll use comfortable motorboats connected by radio to search for jaguars in the narrow and wild rivers. The driest months in the Pantanal are the prime time for spotting jaguars – many of them are at close range for extended periods of time. Often they can be seen on the riverbanks resting, drinking water, hunting prey or swimming. All photographers will have their own row of seats in the jaguar search boats for gear and shooting from both sides of the boat. Dan and the guide will rotate between the boats. We’ll do our best to track these cats for optimal viewing and photography. Boat sizes will vary. Patience is always needed – wildlife tracking can be hard, long days. This is not a zoo – on this trip you are venturing out to see jaguars in the wild which can be challenging.

  All camps in the Pantanal are NOT EQUAL
  10 reasons this is the BEST jaguar camp

  1. We’ll wake up and go to sleep in the middle of jaguar country (and have lunch there with a snooze after lunch). We are where the action is, 24/7. Since we are staying where the cats live, we’ll be out searching one to two hours before and can stay one to two hours later than competitors.
  2.  Our camp keeps close track of which cats are active, where they are and what they are doing.
  3. We have the only camp with a systematic radio network linking all boats, and there is a central control tower that coordinates how and where our boats should go to see any cats that one of our boats finds.
  4. Scout boats with radios help us to find more cats.
  5. Meals are eaten where the Jaguar are, no problem. We’ll never take you from a sitting Jaguar unless you vote to leave (we WILL take people away one by one for a bathroom break and then return them).
  6. No other tour operator has information with maps of where the cats live.
  7. Our tour operators have tested all speeds and distances from the riverbank and know which speeds and distances produce the best results for jaguar sighting. Some of the competitors go much too fast and miss a lot of cats and also erode the riverbanks with their big waves.
  8. Our tour operators carry out scientific research on the cats by building up a profile of their use of time (a so-called “ethogram”).
  9. The Jaguar Flotel is right in prime jaguar country. The competing lodges have cement block houses 40 minutes to two hours away from the central Jaguar Zone.
  10. We work with the only operation that has a full-time biologist on staff to help coordinate data collection and give lectures.

  Friday, August 8 – Saturday, August 9, 2 Nights (B, L, D)

  After breakfast, take one last boat ride and head back to our first lodge via the Transpantaneira Road. We’ll work the road and photograph along the morning return and have an afternoon truck safari/boat ride up the Rio Pixaim River in search of mammals, birds and possibly jaguar. There is also an abundance of wildlife to photograph right at the lodge!

  Sunday, August 10 (B)

  Eat early breakfast and return on the Transpantaneira Road to Cuiabá. We’ll arrive in Cuiabá by 11:30am for your flight to São Paulo or Brasilia. Please try to get a flight out of Cuiabá after 1:00pm. Evening flight home from São Paulo or Brasilia.

  Monday, August 11

  Arrive home

  “Thanks for putting together an amazing wildlife viewing and photographic experience. The entire trip was fabulous from beginning to end. Jaguars galore, birds, cayman and adorable capybara! I was in heven and I will be back. Thank you Tanya and Dan! “ Alison McClure

  “An incredible experience – I personally had 19 jaguar sightings in 4.5 days – 5 in one afternoon! On definitely going to come again.” Jeff Nadler

  “Amazing experience. Jaguars were promised and delivered!” Jane Norris

  ” I agree with the above! A wonderful experience, not to be forgotten.” Carol Clark

  • Guest Limits

    15 Guests Maximum
    

  • Trip Cost

    $7550 per person based on double occupancy

    Single Supplement: $880

    Upgrade to a new floating suite! Rooms are large with two double beds, sitting area and private bathroom. Built in August 2013, six suites available.
    Add $735 per person based on double occupancy
    Add $1025 for single occupancy in suite

  • Deposit

    $1000 Per person due at time of booking
    Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check accepted

    Deposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.

  • Installments

    January 15, 2014: $3500 First Installment
    May 15, 2014: Final Payment

    Check only for first installment and final payment. Please make check payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:

    Natural Exposures
    810 N. Wallace, Suite E
    Bozeman, MT 59715

  • Included

    • Private small group travel with Daniel J. Cox
    • Naturalist guide
    • Transfers in Cuiabá and to/from wildlife camps
    • Pre-lodging in Cuiaba & wildlife camps, 10 nights
    • Meals where indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
    • Unlimited mineral water on jaguar safaris and at the lodges
    • Each photographer has their own two seats (side by side or row across) in the jaguar search boats for optimal space for gear and shooting
    • Entrance fees

  • Not Included

    • International airfares
    • Domestic airfares – connecting flights from São Paulo (GRU) or Brasilia (BSB) to Cuiabá (CGB) and Cuiabá (CGB) to São Paulo (GRU) or Brasilia (BSB)
    • Laundry, miscellaneous expenses, beverages including alcohol are not included
    • Any vaccinations
    • Tourist visas
    • Gratuities for staff and guide
    • Travel insurance
    • Emergency Evacuation Insurance – REQUIRED for this trip

  • Flights to Book

    Thursday, July 31
    Arrive São Paulo (GRU) or Brasila (BSB) any time of day and connect with your flight to Cuiabá (CGB).

    Sunday, August 10
    Depart Cuiabá (CGB) after 1:00pm for evening flight home from São Paulo (GRU) or Brasila (BSB).

    It is probably best if you buy your GRU-CGB-GRU or BSB-CGB-BSB flights along with your international ticket. There are many flights to and from Cuiabá (CGB) daily on TAM (Star Alliance) or GOL (Sky Team) airlines.

  • Emergency Evacuation Insurance

    All guests MUST carry emergency medical evacuation insurance. It is required by our tour operators and the information will be collected prior to trip time. We recommend InsureMyTrip.com and/or Global Rescue (use code natexp).

  • Terms & Conditions

    Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.

    By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY

• Accommodations for 2014 Brazil Pantanal Jaguar Wildlife Photo Expedition

  July 31, 1 Night
  Hotel Taina
  Hotel Taina features rooms with air-conditioning, minibar, cable TV, hairdryer and WiFi. Close to the airport.

  August 1, 2, 8 and 9, 4 Nights
  Transpantaneira Land Lodge
  One large, fully-screened living room/dining room with many overhead fans, outdoor sitting areas, and a library on Brazilian nature. Screened guest rooms have private bathroom with hot showers, overhead fans, and air conditioning.

  August 3-7, 5 Nights
  Jaguar Flotel
  The Jaguar Flotel features ten cabins, each of which has two beds, a silent air conditioner and private bathroom with flush toilet and a never-ending, hot water shower. Accommodations are very small and basic but comfortable. The flotel is anchored right in the center of the river sections that have produced the best Jaguar sightings in recent seasons. To be honest, it is not the Ritz by any standard but a place to sleep with air-conditioning (which is so needed), private bathrooms, good food and cold beverages. There are six newer floating suites (built in 2013) which are roomier. If you want the BEST opportunity to see jaguars the flotel is by far the place to stay!

  

  Jaguar Flotel – Main Accommodation
  8 cabins measure 3m x 3m (9 sq m = 97 sq ft). These cabins have two single beds (doubles).
  2 cabins measure 3m x 4m (12 sq m = 129 sq ft). These cabins have one double bed and one single bed (singles).

  Jaguar Floating Suites – New in 2013!
  Below is a 3D rendering of what the suites will look like when built. Actual suites may vary. All suites measure 4.5m x 6m (27 sq m = 291 sq ft). Please note that there is an additional cost if you book this option.

  

   

• Helpful Information for 2014 Brazil Pantanal Jaguar Wildlife Photo Expedition

  Patience is always needed with wildlife photography. This trip is considered low activity. You have to be able to get in and out of a boat and carry your own camera gear. You have to be able to get along with others! We stay at the best hotels and lodging available in the areas we’ll be visiting but all are very basic. Average temperatures range from 85-90 °F so it can be very hot. If we are moving on the boats, the heat is not so bad with the breeze off the water. July and August are hot months, however, it is quite dry and not as humid and stuffy as it is in the Amazon. Bring a good hat that covers your neck and a lot of sunscreen. Jaguars can be seen ANY time of day which is unlike most large mammals. These cats can get up to 300 pounds and love to swim.

  VISAS

  All passports must be valid for at least six months after your entry into Brazil, so please be sure to renew your passport accordingly. Also, visas may be needed for entry into Brazil depending on what country your passport has been issued from. Get them early! When filling out your application, make sure your mailing address on your driver’s license matches your application – no P.O. Boxes! It can take two to three weeks to get a visa if everything is acceptable on the first application. We are not responsible if you have been declined or are too late in obtaining your visa.

  Guests with passports issued from certain countries do NOT need a visa to enter Brazil. Please see link below to check if you will need a tourist visa to enter Brazil:
  Tourist Visa Exemptions

  BRAZILIAN CONSULATES IN THE U.S.

  LANGUAGE

  Almost everyone in Brazil speaks Portuguese, however, our guide will speak English. Less than 5% of Brazilians speak English!

  CLOTHING

  Typical long and short-sleeved field clothes. Waterproof jacket. One sweater, in case a light cold front appears. No boots needed – only sneakers and sandals. Good sun hat. A list will be sent to everyone closer to trip time with additional details.

  CAMERA GEAR

  Dan will phone each guest to discuss camera gear needs and we’ll also send a list of suggested items to bring. Tripod or monopod can be used on the boats. Many handhold most of the time, including Dan.

  TYPICAL FOOD

  Chicken, beef, catfish, in various manners. Beans (vegetarian) and rice at every lunch and dinner. A lot of fresh fruit, vegetables and salads. Potatoes, pasta. Desserts like passion fruit mousse. All simple but hearty.

  AIR CONDITIONING

  Both locations along with our hotel in Cuiabá have air-conditioning.

  SUGGESTIONS FOR TIPPING

  $10 per person per day for guide
  $10 to $20 per person per day for additional staff – boat drivers, hotel staff, camp staff, etc.

  Have a question?

  Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.

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• Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers

  • "Brazil is my favorite photographic trip so far. I could not have asked for a better bunch of fellow travelers, and I loved being out on the water enjoying the weather. The wildlife was spectacular and the photographic opportunities limitless. Dan and Tanya did a fantastic job coordinating everything, and the guide was very informative about The Pantanal and its wildlife."

    Sue Roehl, Florida

  • "Prepare to be amazed and overwhelmed with the natural beauty of the Pantanal and the incredible diversity of the wildlife. The food is great, the people are great and all of the logistics were executed without a hitch. Dan and Tanya have this trip dialed in!"

    Ken Longley, Washington

  • "Dan and Tanya put on an awesome photo tour, and this one is among their very best! I expected them to be wonderful hosts and to have thought of every detail (they did!), but I was completely taken aback by the depth and breadth of the photo opportunities. Great Jaguar sitings, adorable Capybara, Caiman galore, Giant River Otters, monkeys, Coatimundi, fox, Anaconda, and every kind of bird you can imagine (Toucan, Hyacinth Macaws, Jabiru Storks, etc. etc.). This is a must-do trip for photographers. Get there before it is spoiled!"

    Dane Jaques, Virginia

  • "Fantastic!!! Saw and photographed all I hoped for and more...well organized..and very compatible group with which to travel."

    Jesse Salwen, North Carolina

  • "The best of four photography trips (with different companies) I have been on."

    Marie Llewellyn, Staffordshire, UK

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