Join me Brazil’s Pantanal - Jaguar capital of the world!
Nowhere on Earth offers a better chance to photograph the jaguar in the wild than Brazil's Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland and the beating heart of South American wildlife. Here, along a labyrinth of rivers threading through gallery forest and open floodplain, the largest cat in the Americas hunts in daylight, in the open, often within good viewing distance from our boat. I've built this photo tour around giving you the best possible chance at that encounter, while also putting you in front of the full cast of characters that make this ecosystem so extraordinary.
The bulk of our time is spent with the Jaguar Flotel & Suites as our base camp, a floating lodge anchored on the Piquiri River, in the heart of Jaguarland. Each day we depart at sunrise, and return with the setting sun. The two dedicated boat outings, are broken up by a relaxed lunch and siesta, but you will likely be downloading images! Our boats provide real room to work, alongside guides who read this river for a living. As darkness falls, we come together for hearty meals and good company, toasting the day's best sightings with a caipirinha, Brazil's delicious local cocktail.
Jaguars are the stars of the show, but they're far from the only reason to be here. Noisy and curious Giant otters, can be seen hunting in family groups right alongside us. Yacaré caiman line the banks by the hundreds, and account for up to 90 percent of the jaguar diet in this region. Capybara, the world’s largest rodent, graze the shallows in herds, and the birdlife is staggering: jabiru storks, hyacinth macaws, kingfishers, herons, and more
From the Flotel, we make our way to the Bonito region for a different kind of finale: a famous limestone sinkhole where flocks of red-and-green macaws streak and scream at eye level as they return home to roost, and quiet mornings spent tracking giant anteaters across the open cerrado. This is one of the richest wildlife photography experiences on the planet, and I've arranged every detail to put you in the best possible position to capture it. I can't wait to share the Pantanal with you.
ITINERARY (subject to change)
September 5, 2027 – Arrive Cuiabá (CGB), Amazon Plaza Hotel
September 6, 2027 – Evening Photography, Pantanal Lodge (Santa Tereza)
September 7, 2027 - Morning/Afternoon Photography, Flotel & Jaguar Suites
September 8, 2027 - Morning/Afternoon Photography, Flotel & Jaguar Suites
September 9, 2027 - Morning/Afternoon Photography, Flotel & Jaguar Suites
September 10, 2027 - Morning/Afternoon Photography, Flotel & Jaguar Suites
September 11, 2027 - Morning/Afternoon Photography, Flotel & Jaguar Suites
September 12, 2027 - Morning/Afternoon Photography, Flotel & Jaguar Suites
September 13, 2027 - Travel Day/Arrive Campo Grande (CGR), Pousada Olho d´Agua
September 14, 2027 - Anteater & Macaw Photography, Pousada Olho d´Agua
September 15, 2027 - Anteater Photography, Campo Grande Departures (CGR)
September 16, 2027 - Optional Late Departure + (Snorkeling Afternoon of 15th)*
*If you’re interested in adding one more night to your trip and the optional snorkeling excursion at Rio da Prata, please let me know. (Pricing dependent on numbers).
*The Rio da Prata is some of the clearest freshwater on Earth, filtered through limestone revealing clear views to the riverbed meters below. The current carries you down the Olho D'Água, through dense schools of glinting fish, silver flashes of dourado, curious piraputanga trailing close alongside. Pristine and untouched, it's regarded as one of Brazil's great natural wonders, once named the country's best tourist attraction.