Day 1: Arrival in São Paulo

Arrive today at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo. No activities are planned, giving you time to rest after your travels. A transfer to our nearby hotel is included (approx. 20 minutes). Optional early check-in can be arranged for those arriving before noon (extra charges apply).

This evening, we gather for a welcome dinner, meet your guides and fellow travelers, and enjoy an introduction to the adventure ahead. Don’t miss trying Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha — sugarcane liquor, lime, and sugar.

Accommodation: Hotel Hampton by Hilton(D)

Day 2: Flight to Campo Grande – Southern Pantanal

We take an early flight to Campo Grande, then drive through the Pantanal grasslands toward Aguapé Lodge (approx. 4 hours), stopping for wildlife along the way. After lunch and check-in, we explore the grounds, already alive with birdlife.

Possible sightings include Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, Blue-fronted Parrot, Nanday Parakeet, Lineated and White Woodpeckers, Greater Thornbird, Crested Oropendola, Plush-crested Jay, and more.

Dinner and an optional checklist session close the evening.

Accommodation: Aguapé Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 3: Safari Drives from Aguapé Lodge

With over 300 bird species recorded, Aguapé is superb for photography and wildlife viewing. Morning and afternoon safari drives bring chances for Southern Screamer, Blaze-winged Parakeet, Gilded Hummingbird, Pale-crested Woodpecker, Red-billed Scythebill, Helmeted Manakin, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, and more.

The lodge’s location also makes this one of the best spots in the region for Giant Anteater. Other mammals may include Marsh Deer, South American Coati, Capybara, Crab-eating Fox, River Otter, and Southern Tamandua. Night drives offer opportunities for Great Potoo, Pauraque, Scissor-tailed Nightjar, Striped Owl, and other nocturnal species.

Accommodation: Aguapé Lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Birding & River Excursion – Return to Campo Grande

After breakfast, we enjoy a final bird walk, with excellent chances for Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Blaze-winged Parakeet, Chestnut-eared Aracari, and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl.

A motorboat trip on the Aquidauana River provides chances for Giant Otter, as well as Black-collared Hawk, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Blue-throated Piping Guan, and multiple species of kingfisher. After lunch, we return to Campo Grande for the night, stopping en route at a nesting site for macaws and herons.

Accommodation: Mohave Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Campo Grande to Cuiabá – Northern Pantanal

A morning flight brings us to Cuiabá, gateway to the northern Pantanal. We drive south to Poconé, stopping for a traditional churrasco lunch. From here, we travel the legendary Transpantaneira Road, probably rivalled only by Africa’s Serengeti for wildlife viewing.

Our destination is Pousada Piuval, a family-run ranch lodge set on 7,000 hectares. After check-in, there’s time for a short walk or a swim in the pool before dinner.

Accommodation: Pousada Piuval. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Birding & Wildlife on the Transpantaneira

Today we explore the Transpantaneira and surrounding wetlands, where wildlife is abundant. Expect Marsh Deer, Crab-eating Fox, Greater Rhea, Bare-faced Curassow, Chestnut-bellied Guan, and a wide variety of waders, herons, and ibises.

Bridge crossings offer prime spots for viewing kingfishers, jacanas, Cocoi Heron, Green Ibis, and many others.

Accommodation: Pousada Piuval. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Drive to Porto Jofre – Jaguar Boat Excursion

After morning birding at Piuval, we continue south along the Transpantaneira, through palm woodlands, flooded grasslands, and marshes teeming with wildlife.

By afternoon, we arrive at Porto Jofre, where we transfer to our floating houseboat — our base for two days of Jaguar photography. With air-conditioned cabins and private baths, this “floating hotel” keeps us close to the action. After dinner, enjoy a briefing and (weather permitting) breathtaking stargazing under the Southern Cross.

Accommodation: Houseboat Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Jaguar & River Wildlife

Today is dedicated to searching for Jaguars, which thrive along the Cuiabá River. Using speedboats, we explore river channels where sightings are frequent. Jaguars often rest on the banks or swim across the waterways, offering outstanding photographic opportunities.

Other highlights may include Giant Otter, Black Skimmer, Pied Plover, Southern Screamer, and Pygmy Kingfisher in the back channels. After an exhilarating day, we return to the houseboat for dinner — and perhaps a celebratory caipirinha.

Accommodation: Houseboat Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Wildlife along the Pixaim River

We retrace our route north, exploring the Transpantaneira in greater detail. Look for Black-and-Gold Howler Monkeys, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Snail Kite, Great Antshrike, Cream-colored Woodpecker, and more.

By afternoon, we reach Mato Grosso Hotel on the banks of the Rio Pixaim. Feeders attract colorful species like Orange-backed Troupial, Silver-beaked and Palm Tanagers, Red-crested Cardinal, and others.

Accommodation: Mato Grosso Hotel, Pixaim River. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Exploring the Pixaim River

This morning we set out by boat to look for secretive species like Agami Heron and Zig-zag Heron, along with Green-and-rufous Kingfisher, Black-capped Donacobius, Band-tailed Antbird, and Helmeted Manakin.

The Pixaim is also excellent for Giant Otter and, with luck, Brazilian Tapir. After dinner, we sample authentic Pantanal cuisine, including local beef and the famous piranha.

Accommodation: Mato Grosso Hotel, Pixaim River. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Return to Cuiabá – Depart Brazil

After breakfast, we drive back to Cuiabá, arriving in time for afternoon flights. Plan departures after 4:00 PM, or extend with an overnight in Cuiabá or São Paulo – please make contact for more details of the extention. (B)