From: £5,408
From: $7,200
Our Brazil Pantanal adventure begins. Arrive at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Our transfer reps will meet you and take you to your hotel to relax after your journey.
We can arrange an early check-in (available from noon with an additional fee) for early arrivals. Normal check-in is at 2pm.
Enjoy a welcome dinner with your guides and fellow travellers in the evening. You’ll also have the chance to sample a classic caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça (sugarcane liquor), sugar, and lime.
Accommodation at Hotel Hampton by Hilton.
Note: This trip’s arrival airport is Guarulhos International (GRU), and the departure airport is Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB) in Cuiaba.
We transfer you to the airport for an early flight to Campo Grande. On arrival, around 9am, we meet our local guides and head off to our accommodation at Aguapé Lodge.
The four-hour drive by van or mini-bus to Aguapé Lodge offers birdwatching and wildlife-spotting stops en route.
After lunch at the lodge, we embark on an afternoon of birding, seeking out species like the Hyacinth Macaw, Blue-fronted Parrot, and Toco Toucan. Others include:
Dinner and a daily checklist review conclude the day.
Today, we explore Aguapé’s extensive birdwatching opportunities, with over 300 recorded bird species. Morning and evening safaris increase our chances of seeing the Giant Anteater and many nocturnal species. Optional fishing is available.
After an early breakfast, we embark on a safari drive, returning to the lodge for lunch and maybe even a siesta. In the afternoon, we head out again.
We usually return to the lodge at night, bringing chances to see mammals like the crab-eating fox, South American coati, capybara, marsh deer, southern tamandua, crab-eating raccoon, river otter, and night birds such as Common and Great Potoo, Spectacled and Striped Owl, Pauraque and Scissor-tailed Nightjar.
The area around Aguapé Lodge is particularly rich in giant anteaters. We make an effort to find them, so keep your fingers crossed.
There are good chances to see the following bird species:
After an early breakfast, we start the day with a bird walk and then explore the Aquidauana River by boat, with chances to see giant river otters and Black-collared Hawks.
Other birds include Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Black-crowned Tityra, Blaze-winged Parakeet, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, and Chestnut-eared Aracari, among many more.
After an early lunch, we return to Campo Grande and visit local nesting sites called ‘nesterars’ for macaws and herons, close to the city.
Stay at the Mohave Hotel.
We transfer you to the airport for an early morning flight to Cuiabá for the northern Brazil Pantanal.
After arrival, we drive south towards Poconé. En route, we have lunch in a typical churrascaria and enjoy Brazilian-style cuisine.
For the journey to Transpantaneira Road, we swap from a paved road to a dirt road, observing wading birds and wildlife wherever possible. Only Tanzania’s Serengeti road rivals this stretch for spotting wildlife. Capybaras and cayman are often seen along this stretch.
The Transpantaneira highway is unpaved and 90 miles / 145km long, with 120 bridges, and it passes through the North Pantanal, one of the region’s wildest regions. This highway grants access to highlights from Poconé, in Mato Grosso, to the region of Porto Jofre, on the banks of the Cuiabá River and on the border with the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. This is a true safari.
Our lodge, Pousada Piuval, has just twenty rooms and is a family-run ranch with a pool. After our arrival, we’ll take a wildlife-spotting walk.
Start your day with a hearty early morning breakfast before embarking on a full day of wildlife exploration along the Transpantaneira.
This second day offers ample opportunities to discover the incredible diversity of the region, both near the lodge and along the pathways to and from our base.
Keep an eye out for fascinating wildlife, including red brocket deer, marsh deer, crab-eating fox, Greater Rhea, Chestnut-bellied Guan, Bare-faced Curassow, and an array of wading birds.
The bridges along the way are prime observation spots, teeming with activity from the abundant food sources. Species we may encounter include Green Kingfisher, Great Egret, Cocoi Heron, Bare-faced and Green Ibises, and White-lored Spinetail, among others.
Overnight at Pousada Piuval.
We’ll start the day observing the wildlife around the ranch. Next, explore the Transpantaneira further, observing deer, macaws, and a rich variety of wading birds and mammals.
The bridges on the road are hotspots for species like Green Kingfisher, Great Egret, Cocoi Heron, both Bare-faced and Green Ibises, and White-lored Spinetail.
The landscape is scattered palm woodlands, cerrado scrub, and seasonally flooded grasslands reminiscent of the Everglades. Wading birds fill the roadside ponds and canals. Yacaré cayman live here, feeding on Roseate Spoonbills, Plumbeous Ibis, Limpkin, cormorants, and herons.
Note: In July, Jabiru and Maguari Stork visit this area.
Our destination is Porto Joffe, a small town on the Cuiabá River. Here, a small boat takes us to our accommodations—a lovely floating houseboat hotel where we’ll stay close to the wildlife.
Clear skies here offer wonderful stargazing opportunities, with optional fishing available, too.
You may awaken to the sound of macaws flying overhead on what could be a special day. We dedicate our time to looking for the iconic jaguar, known for its affinity for water and strong swimming.
The hope is to spot one lazing by the shore after such a swim. We’ll use small speedboats for agility and to avoid disturbing them. Other wildlife is plentiful and delightful here, with giant otters living in the area.
We stay out all day, with lunch aboard the boat, and try to find jaguars in the afternoon. We may see a Black Skimmer, Pied Plover, Southern Screamer, and Yacaré Caiman. Little streams may offer skulkers like Pygmy Kingfisher and Sungrebe.
We return to our floating houseboat for dinner and, hopefully, a celebratory caipirinha!
We slowly retrace our route as we head to our next lodge, taking our time to avoid missing possible sightings of black-and-gold howler monkeys, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Snail Kite, Rusty-backed Antwren, Common Tody-Flycatcher, White-browed Blackbird, and other species.
Our destination is Rio Pixum and the Mato Grosso hotel. Birds we may see en route include the following.
Brilliant-coloured Troupials, Palm, Silver, Sayaca tanagers, and Red-crested Cardinals often visit the hotel’s feeders. Anything missing from our wildlife list forms the basis of our search priorities for the following days.
Gaze at the sunrise with good Brazilian coffee while we decide if to head out in boats for wildlife spotting or a safari drive. Tapirs, giant otters, herons and other birds may line our route.
We then drive back to Cuiabá. Have your camera ready because the landscapes are iconic. There’s still time to collect sightings, from iguanas to Black-capped Donacobious, green-and-rufous Kingfishers, Little Blue Herons, and other species.
There is a Gallery Forest habitat along the way to break up the drive.
Tonight, we dine on traditional Grosso dishes, which could include legendary piranha and local beef (vegetarian and vegan options available).
It’s a fond farewell to the Brazil Pantanal today, driving to Cuiabá, where the trip ends.
At Cuiabá, you can choose to overnight and fly onwards the next day to Iguazu, Belo Horizontes, or Rio Cristalino (hotel and flights not included).
You could also fly to São Paulo on a flight after 4pm (not included).
| Departure | Return | Duration (days) | Price from ($) | |
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| 1 Nov 2026 | 11 Nov 2026 | 11 | $7250 | Check availability |
| Departure | Return | Duration (days) | Price from ($) | |
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| 20 May 2027 | 30 May 2027 | 11 | $7610 | Check availability |
| Departure | Return | Duration (days) | Price from ($) | |
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| 10 Jun 2027 | 20 Jun 2027 | 11 | $7610 | Check availability |
| Departure | Return | Duration (days) | Price from ($) | |
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| 8 Jul 2027 | 18 Jul 2027 | 11 | $7610 | Check availability |
| Departure | Return | Duration (days) | Price from ($) | |
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| 5 Aug 2027 | 15 Aug 2027 | 11 | $7610 | Check availability |
| Departure | Return | Duration (days) | Price from ($) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Sep 2027 | 19 Sep 2027 | 11 | $7610 | Check availability |
| Departure | Return | Duration (days) | Price from ($) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Oct 2027 | 17 Oct 2027 | 11 | $7610 | Check availability |
| Departure | Return | Duration (days) | Price from ($) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Nov 2027 | 14 Nov 2027 | 11 | $7610 | Check availability |
We use high-quality hotels and lodges throughout the tour, chosen for their location and comfort, subject to availability.
Double and single rooms, 24m², have flat-screen TVs, digital safes, kettles, mini-bars and irons/ironing boards. The hotel also has a gym, spa, and free Wi-Fi.
The Aguape Inn has been owned by the same family for over 150 years. More than 300 bird species live in the nearby vegetation, bays (lakes), low tides, streams, and the Aquidauana River.
The accommodation has air conditioning, a mini-bar, a ceiling fan, a private bathroom with hot and cold showers, Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a bar.
Hotel Mohave is in a quiet neighbourhood, three minutes by car from the centre of Campo Grande.
The hotel features TVs, air conditioning, a hairdryer, a mini-bar, a safe, Wi-Fi, a bar, and a restaurant.
Located in the city of Poconé, Pousada Piuval offers typical Pantanal cuisine, a swimming pool, a games room, a lake with pedal boats, and more, all within a sustainable ethos.
Showers are solar heated, rainwater is collected for reuse, automatic locks on sink taps, LED lighting, a water treatment plant, and cooking oil is recycled.
Rooms have a safe, Wi-Fi, screened windows, split air conditioning, locks, and LED TVs.
Aymara Lodge features 18 suites made of ipê wood from the region.
The apartments have balconies and hammocks with pool views, a swimming pool, air conditioning, fans, and a terrace, all designed to promote wellness and immersion in nature.
This floating hotel can accommodate up to 36 people in 12 triple cabins, each featuring box beds, an air conditioner and a private bathroom.
The common areas include a restaurant, bar, and living room, as well as jacuzzi pools, sunbathing areas, and occasional Wi-Fi.
Located on the banks of the São Lourenço River, Santa Rosa blends modern architecture with incredible views of the Pantanal.
The 23 exclusive suites have access to the outdoor swimming pool, garden, restaurant, and bar. They also have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and free parking.
The boat-hotel Jaguar do Pantanal offers a unique experience aboard. Up to 30 people can stay in its ten air-conditioned rooms, all equipped with a mini fridge, TV, luggage compartment and private bathroom.
The Pantanal Mato Grosso Hotel is located in the heart of the Pantanal on the banks of the Pixaim River towards Porto Jofre.
There are swimming pools, games, trails, fishing grounds, and viewpoints. All rooms have air conditioning, a minibar, and a private bathroom, and Wi-Fi is available in common areas.
Pousada Rio Claro prides itself on harmonising with the forests and the water cycle. The rustic and comfortable rooms (18 standard and 10 premium) have air conditioning, screened windows, ceiling fans, and king-sized beds. Communal facilities include a swimming pool, TV room, fishing deck, souvenir shop, and Wi-Fi.
Hotel Amazon Airport, in Várzea Grande, is strategically located across from Marechal Rondon International Airport.
Rooms have hairdryers, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and safes. On-site, there is a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and laundry service (not included).
Activities are designed to be accessible to most. Time is spent searching for wildlife, requiring periods in boats, and the ability to get in an out of said boats.
Wildlife depends on the season. Check the weather for your visiting time, or contact us for more.
The arrival airport is Guarulhos International (GRU), and the departure airport is Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB) in Cuiaba.
Many meals are included as we move around. Chefs prepare local dishes based on seasonally available ingredients to give you a taste of the Pantanal. We can cater for many dietary requirements, from vegan to pescatarian, and more. Please ask and let us know in advance.
Specialist, English-speaking wildlife, and birding guides accompany you throughout the tour. They may be joined by local guides en route to ensure you enjoy the best wildlife and birding opportunities, depending on the season and local weather conditions.
An unforgettable visit to Iguazu Falls, where breathtaking beauty and expert guidance created a truly awe-inspiring experience.
A flawlessly organized South American adventure combining Patagonia’s wild beauty, rich culture, and the vibrant energy of Rio.
The Brazil Pantanal is renowned for its vastness and biodiversity.
It is home to South America’s big five animals— Brazilian tapir, maned wolf, giant anteater, giant otter, and, of course, the jaguar—and much more.
Brazil’s Pantanal is the world’s largest freshwater wetlands, an ecosystem ten times the size of the Everglades, all draining into the Paraguay River.
Within this iconic Brazil Pantanal region, wildlife thrives across varied savanna, forest, and wetland landscapes.
Birding is exceptional, with the chance to see the Pantanal’s big five birds: Red-Legged Seriema, Greater Rhea, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, and Helmeted Manakin.
Runs with a maximum 10 people.
Brazil is the largest country in South America with a huge offer for the adventurous traveller: Rainforest and wildlife, culture and gastronomy, beach and sport, mountains and rivers.
Rio de Janeiro, to many, is the gateway to Brazil. It is a vibrant city, located in a spectacular geographical setting. This is the ultimate place to finish off a holiday, chilling on its world famous beaches, taking in the sights, sounds and sunshine.
Choose to extend your stay in the area combining Rio with Paraty, a quaint, well preserved colonial coastal village; or Buzios a charming, buzzing and fun coastal town; or Ilha Grande, an island with no roads where you can really enjoy the wonders of nature.
Further afield, the state of Bahia in the north east of the country is another strong draw. The colonial capital, Salvador, with its colourful architecture, history and fiery culture is a great place to explore. Inland, Chapada Diamantina is ideal for trekkers, who head to with its plains, table-topped mountains, rivers, waterfalls and natural pools. Remote, with palm lined beaches lapped by turquoise waters, Praia do Forte is an idyllic place in which to to put up your feet and relax.
The mighty Iguazu Falls on the shared border with Argentina are another massive draw.
The Pantanal – wetlands in the West of the country are an animal lover’s paradise. The World’s largest wetlands is teeming with wildlife including giant anacondas, capybaras, caimans and jaguars.
The mighty Amazon River is another attraction and can be explored by boat or from a comfortable eco friendly lodge.
Not only does Brazil offer stunning sights but it also has a cultural vibrancy unmatched anywhere else. Music and dance are part of the Brazilian DNA. A varied gastronomy and a warm welcome will make any visitor immediately at ease.
Brazil shares a border with every country in South America except for Ecuador and Chile – ten in total and has great transportation links so can easily be combined with one or more other countries.
As the cabins on the flotel are not very large, we kindly request that you restrict your total luggage of all kinds to no more than 37 kilos (80 pounds) per person.
This weight allotment includes all checked luggage, hand luggage, camera equipment, and tripods. For guests using charter planes, please use soft duffles for all check-in pieces, as they fit better in the luggage compartments of small planes.
The trip has year-round departures.
The Pantanal has a tropical wet and dry climate with an average yearly temperature of 21.5 °C (70.7 °F). Daily highs typically range from 30 °C to 32 °C (86 °F to 90 °F), keeping the days consistently warm.
While temperatures drop slightly during the dry season from May to September, the weather remains hot overall.
In the rainy season, from October to April, temperatures stay high, and the climate can feel especially humid, particularly in North Pantanal.
From May to September, please remember to bring cold-weather clothes. Cold fronts can strike during those months, bringing the daytime high temperature down to 9° C (50° F).
An unforgettable visit to Iguazu Falls, where breathtaking beauty and expert guidance created a truly awe-inspiring experience.
A flawlessly organized South American adventure combining Patagonia’s wild beauty, rich culture, and the vibrant energy of Rio.
