2025 Brazil Pantanal Jaguar Wildlife Photo Expedition

Travel Plan

Accommodations

Helpful Information

Explorer Testimonials

• 2025 Brazil Pantanal Jaguar Wildlife Photo Expedition Travel Plans

  Saturday, August 30

  Depart US/Canada

  Sunday, August 31 (D)

  Arrive at São Paulo (GRU) or Brasilia (BSB) and board your connecting flight to Cuiabá (CGB). There will be a local representative to greet you at the Cuiabá airport and transfer you to the hotel. We’ll gather for a group welcome dinner tonight. Overnight at the Amazon Hotel Aeroporto

  Monday, September 1 (B, L, D)

  After an early breakfast, we’ll 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 and 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 birds and wildlife along the way.

  Please Note: Other tour operators will use an open “military-style” vehicle for these transfers which is SO uncomfortable! It’s hard to get up and down the ladders to get on and off the vehicle, and the seats are very hard for such a long ride. The temperatures are HOT and the roads are VERY dusty. We prefer to transfer guests in an air-conditioned bus. It’s easy to get in and out of for photography stops, and you’ll welcome the refreshing air-conditioning.

  Explore wildlife all around the ranch-style lodge on trails or from unique wildlife observation towers. One of these towers is near a nest of habituated Jabiru Storks. Another easy-access tower may provide exclusive opportunities to photograph wild black-and-gold howler monkeys up close in their natural habitat. The lodge has reported daily sightings of these entertaining primates as of late. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Rio Pixaim River, a great source of photo opportunities for caimans, capybara, brown capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, anteaters, ocelot, and also birds including toucans, kingfishers, parakeets, and hawks. It’s also one of the best sites for predictable viewing of a 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. There may be opportunities to see jaguars too—Dan got one of his best shots here! However, jaguar sightings will be more prevalent when we stay at the Jaguar Flotel & Suites on the river.

  Tuesday, September 2 – Saturday, September 6 (B, L, D)

  Depart early after breakfast, and continue on the Transpantaneira Road en route to our second lodge, the Jaguar Flotel & Suites. We’ll travel to the end of the road (about 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.
  FIVE NIGHTS on the Jaguar Flotel & Suites —
  1-2 more nights than other tour operators!!

  To improve the jaguar-viewing experience, we’ll stay at a superb alternative to the tented camps or land lodge compounds that many other tour operators use. Located 30 minutes closer to the best area for sighting jaguars, the Jaguar Flotel & Suites is an air-conditioned floating hotel. This optimal location combined with administration by biologists, highly trained jaguar spotters, and a unique fleet of radio-equipped scout boats has enabled all guests visiting in past years to see jaguars multiple times.

  In the early days when tourism in this region was getting started, the flotel was mostly used by sport fishermen. The jaguars became accustomed to hearing their motorboats going up and down the rivers. For the flotel to accommodate tourists, it needed some updates and TLC. This will be our 9th year staying at the Jaguar Flotel & Suites, and we’ve seen outstanding improvements by the management team, including  “floating suites” with larger and more comfortable rooms, a better variety of quality food, and of course, a friendly accommodating staff. Lectures about animals and birds of the area occur nightly after dinner in the air-conditioned lounge.

  Other tour operators will stay in hotels in Porto Jofre at the end of the Transpantaneira Road. The Jaguar Flotel & Suites is located 30-40 minutes up the river from Porto Jofre. If staying at Porto Jofre, you have to travel up the Cuiabá River each day to get to where the majority of the jaguars live. Not only would you be traveling more by boat each day if staying at these land lodges, but you wouldn’t have a place to go for a bathroom break or a place to eat lunch between outings. Many people don’t realize how important it is to be at the right location to view wildlife in this area. We feel if you’re going to spend the money to do an expedition like this, you should be as close to the jaguars as possible!

  We’ll begin our full-day searches for jaguars along the riverbanks in the radio-equipped boats. Our boats are the most stable and fastest on the river. When we get the jaguar call on the radio, we have the boats to get us there! The Jaguar Flotel & Suites offers the highest probability of any Pantanal camp of seeing the Big Three South American rainforest mammals: the jaguar, giant river otter, and tapir.

  A number of the giant river 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 do our best to track jaguars for optimal viewing and photography. We’ll ride in comfortable motorboats connected by radio to search for the cats in the narrow and wild rivers. July through October, the driest months in the Pantanal, is the prime time to spot jaguars; many of them are at close range for extended periods. Often they can be seen on the riverbanks resting, drinking water, hunting prey, or swimming.

  All photographers will have two seats (with plenty of room!) in the Jaguar search boats for gear and the ability to photograph from both sides of the boat. Dan and guests will rotate between the boats. We usually have two large boats—depending on the group size—and may have a midsize boat too. The boats are built well, quick for jaguar calls, and sturdy to photograph from—you can even stand up in them with no issues. Other groups use smaller boats that are slower and less sturdy. Patience is always needed. Wildlife tracking can be hard, long days. This is not a zoo. On this trip, you’re venturing out to see jaguars in the wild, which can be challenging.

  Here is a wonderful video NE Explorer Donna Archer created from our 2018 Jaguar trip.

  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’re where the action is, 24/7. Since we’re staying where the cats live, we’ll be out searching one to two hours earlier and can stay longer in the field than competitors.
  2. Our camp keeps close track of which cats are active, where they are, and what they’re 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 jaguars are. 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 to the boat).
  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 viewing/photography.
  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 & Suites is right in prime jaguar country. The competing lodges have cement block houses 40 minutes 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.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Flotel Bar/Dining AreaFlotel Dining AreaFlotel Lounge AreaFlotel Outdoor BBQFlotel Wet BarFloating SuiteFlotel

  Sunday, September 7 (B, D)

  After an early breakfast, head back on the Transpantaneira Road to Cuiabá. We’ll check into the Amazon Hotel Aeroporto and gather for a group farewell dinner before we prepare for our flights home tomorrow.

  Monday, September 8 (B)

  Breakfast is provided at the hotel. Fly home today. Checkout from the hotel will be at around noon.

  Tuesday, September 9

  Arrive home.

  • Tour Extensions Available

    • 2025 Brazil Macaw Canyon and Giant Anteater Photography Tour

      August 26th - September 1st, 2025

  • Guest Limits

    6 Guests Minimum
    16 Guests Maximum

  • Trip Cost

    10,800 pp, DBL occupancy

    Single Sup: 1,195

    Upgrade to a floating suite!
    Beautiful large rooms with two double beds, a sitting area, and a private bathroom

    ADD 850 pp

    Pricing in US dollars

  • Deposit

    $1500 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 the deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.

  • Installments

    December 1, 2024: $4,000 pp first installment
    February 1, 2025: Final payment

    Check only for the first and final installments. Please make checks payable to Natural Exposures and mail them to our office:

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

  • Included

    • Private small group travel with professional photographer Daniel J. Cox
    • Local naturalist guide
    • Transfers in Cuiabá and to/from wildlife camps as noted in the itinerary
    • Accommodations in Cuiabá and at wildlife camps (8 nights total)
    • Meals where indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
    • Unlimited mineral water on jaguar safaris and at the lodges
    • Each photographer has two seats in the jaguar search boats for optimal space for gear and shooting
    • Entrance fees

  • Not Included

    • International airfare
    • Domestic airfare – 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
    • Gratuities for staff and guide
    • Travel Insurance
    • Emergency medical evacuation insurance (REQUIRED for this trip)

  • Flights to Book

    JAGUAR-ONLY GUESTS
    (no Macaw-Giant Anteater extension)
    August 30, 2025
    Depart US/Canada (usually an overnight flight to arrive the next day).

    August 31, 2025
    Arrive at São Paulo (GRU) or Brasilia (BSB) any time of day and connect with your flight to Cuiabá (CGB), OR continue from the 2025 Brazil Macaw Canyon and Giant Anteater Photography Tour (different flight itinerary, see below).

    September 8, 2025
    Depart Cuiabá (CGB) for your flight home via São Paulo (GRU) or Brasilia (BSB). Checkout from the hotel will be at around noon.

    It is probably best if you buy your CGB flights along with your international ticket. There are many flights daily to and from Cuiabá (CGB) on Azul (Star Alliance), LATAM (Sky Team), or GOL airlines (oneworld® Alliance).

    MACAW-GIANT ANTEEATER EXTENSION GUEST FLIGHTS:
    Please Note: Different arrival and departure airports for your international flights.

    August 27, 2025
    Arrive in Campo Grande at CGR at any time of the day. Group welcome dinner this evening
    

    August 31, 2025 (one-way ticket)
    SNORKELERS, please book this flight to remain with Dan and the rest of the group for transfers:
    Airline: Azul (United/Star Alliance Member Airline)
    Flight Number: AD 4148
    Depart Campo Grande (CGR) at 9:30 PM/21:30
    DIRECT FLIGHT/NO STOPOVER
    Arrive Cuiabá (CGB) at 10:40 PM/22:40

    NON-SNORKELERS can book the flight above, or depart earlier in the day with Tanya:
    Airline: Azul (United/Star Alliance Member Airline)
    Flight Number: AD 4728
    Depart Campo Grande (CGR) at 2:25 PM/14:25
    DIRECT FLIGHT/NO STOPOVER
    Arrive Cuiabá (CGB) at 3:35 PM/15:35
    Please note that if you choose this earlier flight option, you will depart from Vitória Hotel very early in the morning, so you won’t be able to take part in any activities planned for this day (August 31).

    September 8, 2025
    Depart Cuiabá (CGB) for your flight home.

  • Emergency Evacuation Insurance

    All guests MUST carry emergency medical evacuation insurance. It is required by our tour operators, and the information will be collected before the trip. This type of insurance is affordable and can be purchased for each trip or an entire year, and can even be bundled with your regular travel insurance! We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:

    Global Rescue
    (use code natexp)

    Allianz Global Assistance 
    (use Travel Agent ACCAM F203564)

    Insure My Trip

  • 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 2025 Brazil Pantanal Jaguar Wildlife Photo Expedition

  August 31 and September 7, 2 Nights
  Amazon Hotel Aeroporto
  Amazon Hotel Aeroporto offers first-class accommodations with breathtaking views and unparalleled comfort. Rooms are spacious and elegant, equipped with all modern amenities to ensure that your stay is pleasant and restful.

  September 1, 1 Night
  Transpantaneira Land Lodge
  One large fully-screened living/dining room with many overhead fans, outdoor sitting areas, and a library on Brazilian nature. Complimentary Wi-Fi. Screened guest rooms have private bathrooms with hot showers, overhead fans, and air conditioning.

  September 2-6, 5 Nights
  Jaguar Flotel & Suites
  If you want the BEST opportunity to see jaguars, the Jaguar Flotel & Suites is by far the place to stay! The Jaguar Flotel & Suites is anchored right in the center of the river sections that have produced the best jaguar sightings in recent seasons. It features 10 simple cabins and 12 spacious newer suites. Suites each have two double beds, an air conditioner, a private bathroom with a flush toilet and a never-ending, hot water shower, and a lot of plug outlets for charging batteries. There is also a lot of desk space for your computer and organizing camera gear.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  Flotel Bar/Dining AreaFlotel Dining AreaFlotel Lounge AreaFlotel Outdoor BBQFlotel Wet BarFloating SuiteFlotel

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

  Below is an example of a double cabin. Single rooms are very small but work well for one guest.

  

  

  

  

  Jaguar Floating Suites – New in 2013!
  Below is an example of a suite; suites 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 2025 Brazil Pantanal Jaguar Wildlife Photo Expedition

  General Info

  Patience is always needed for wildlife photography. This trip is considered low activity. You have to be able to get in and out of a boat and carry your 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 75-90 °F. If we are moving on the boats, the heat is not so bad with the breeze off the water. July, August, and September are hot months. 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. Cold fronts are possible, so morning safaris could be cool. Bring a fleece/jacket.

  Jaguars can be seen at ANY time of the day, which is unlike most large mammals. These cats can get up to 300 pounds and love to swim. We may see three jaguars or fifteen; each trip is different. Be prepared for long, hot days on the water while searching for jaguars. Sometimes the viewing is limited, but at other times we’ll be able to watch them while they hunt, swim, relax, mate, etc. Every day is different. On some days it’s easy to spot a jaguar, and then you may go a day without seeing one. Odds of sightings have been predictable over the years, even more than we originally expected.

  There are also a lot of birds and other animals to photograph while touring. Often you will stop to photograph a bird or caiman and then out of nowhere, a jaguar appears. They can be anywhere, so sometimes just stopping, listening, and observing the area can be rewarding. All of these animals and birds live in jaguar country too, so we encourage you to enjoy all the Pantanal has to offer.

  The Transpantaneira can be a BUMPY road; conditions vary from year to year. The standard bus size is 21-passenger. Please pack as light as possible and make sure all your bags have name tags on them. We know many will have big camera bags and understand this, but please do not bring hard-cased luggage—only duffel roller-type bags.

  Our group will have two large boats—either 12 or 14 seats with 6-7 guests per boat—with a possible third midsize boat. We will try to keep couples together on the same boat if this is their preference. Our goal is for each guest to have a full row in the boat to themselves and some outings with Dan in your boat. If a mechanical issue arises with a boat, we will do our best to fix the situation. We will have to work as a group to try to deal with circumstances that may arise. We’ll be in a remote area. Our local tour operator tries very hard to keep equipment working smoothly but things can happen. These boats are running full days every day for five months.

  As this area becomes more popular, more tourists come to the area. Sometimes sightings of the jaguars are private, and at other times there can be multiple boats. It can be busy with boats. This is not always pleasant. However, more boats on the water equals more eyes searching, giving everyone a better opportunity to see more jaguars. Try to be courteous to your fellow travelers and people in the other boats. The jaguars do not fear multiple boats, but it can get frustrating at times trying to photograph. Each trip is different but be prepared to not be alone most of the time while viewing the cats. Our boat drivers are experienced and great at maneuvering the boats. They are by far the best; they understand a photographer’s needs. It all depends on the cats, how long we’re out searching, and the weather.

  Trip rates typically rise each year due to increased overhead by our tour operator. It’s our goal to give you the best value possible. When working in any increasingly popular destination, we have little control over increasing overhead costs.

  If possible, we prefer to fill the Pantanal lodges with our guests rather than share with other groups. We would rather be around our peeps! If a couple requests to book the last space, we will add one additional guest to the group. We will often do this as a courtesy to guests who regularly travel with us. We appreciate your understanding on this matter.

  Passport and Visa

  US citizens must carry a valid US passport when traveling to Brazil for any purpose. One blank passport page is required for the entry stamp.

  On April 10, 2024, the Government of Brazil will reinstate its visa requirement for all US, Canadian, and Australian citizens visiting Brazil, with an option for an e-visa for qualified applicants.

  Please visit the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up-to-date entry, exit, and visa requirements.

  Vaccinations

  It is always best to make sure you’re up to date with routine vaccinations and to check in with your doctor or a medical professional ideally 4-6 weeks before travel. Please visit the CDC for the latest requirements/recommendations for travel to Brazil.

  Language

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

  Clothing

  Typical long and short-sleeved field clothes. Waterproof jacket. One sweater or fleece, in case a light cold front appears (it can happen!). No boots are needed—only sneakers and sandals. Good sun hat. A list will be sent to everyone closer to the trip time with additional details. Please pack light! No hard luggage—duffel bags are preferred. There is laundry service at the land lodge and the Jaguar Flotel & Suites for a small fee of approximately $2 per piece.

  Camera Gear

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

  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. All simple but hearty.

  Air Conditioning and Wi-Fi

  All accommodations in the Pantanal and the hotel in Cuiabá have air-conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi usually works quite well in the Pantanal, but it is never guaranteed.

  Have a question?

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

  • Your Name*
    First Last
  • Email Address*
  • What is your question?*

  Δ

• 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

  • "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, California

  • "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

  • "Hope they all have as much fun and good luck as I did. Thank you again for a great trip. The guys at my camera store thought the sunset with stork was a purchased postcard! Gosh, I must be getting good."

    Bonnie Wilsey, Wisconsin

  • "The adventure of seeing the Jaguars "up close and personal" was Fantastic!! But also, being able to see a Tapir and other exotic animals, reptiles & birds was like the icing on the cake!"

    Lani Dillon, California

  • "We were all adults, from diverse backgrounds, in our playful energized mode sharing experiences and love of photography in a world of wonderment. Thank you Dan and Tanya for making it happen!"

    Marty Salwen, North Carolina

  • "Thank you, Dan, Tanya and Fisher for making this glimpse into the nature in the wetlands of the Pantanal possible!"

    Meggi Reader, California

  • " I agree with the above! A wonderful experience, not to be forgotten."

    Carol Clark, Washington

  • "What a wonderful place. The Pantanal is spectacular and you guys (including Kike, who is a treasure!) took care of every detail. I hope to travel with you again soon."

    Freddy Gamble, New York

  • "Amazing experience. Jagaurs were promised and delivered!"

    Jane Norris, Virginia

  • "An incredible experience - I personally had 19 separate jaguar sightings in 4 1/2 days - 5 the last afternoon! Am definitely going to come again."

    Jeff Nadler, California

  • "Yes, what a super holiday indeed; one never to be forgotten with all the excitments, the hot sun and the river bath on the last stretch before the coach home to the airport, the Jaguars almost every day, and the splendid gathering of people. It really was great! Thank you both very much for organising everything so efficiently. Even to the Toucans calling us to arise, from outside our bedrooms.
    Alyson certainly knew his subject in ornithology, and many notes were taken for my future reference. Both of us were pleased to learn from you a little more about our respective cameras.
    Maybe you will not receive this e.mail until you are back in Cuiaba, but on behalf of both of us, thank you very much again for a tremendous expedition."

    Roger LIewellyn, England

Are you ready to start your next adventure?