OVERVIEW

Situated in the heart of South America, the Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland, it is 10 times larger than Everglades in Florida! At 42 million acres, the Pantanal covers an area slightly larger than nine U.S. states and sprawls across three countries—Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. While not as globally familiar as the Amazon to the north, the Pantanal is one of the most biologically rich environments on the planet with more than 4,700 plant and animal species. In fact, the Pantanal contains South America’s highest concentration of some iconic wildlife species, including the jaguar and caiman.

From October to March, floodwaters fill the Pantanal like a giant reservoir and drain out slowly between April and November, providing ideal aquatic habitat, nutrient renewal, and flood control for millions of people downstream. This flood pulse provides an array of irreplaceable benefits that help the region's economic development and environment, including river flow for boats to navigate, groundwater recharge, and regulation of floodwaters for millions of people. 

The Pantanal’s economic activity ranges from cattle ranching to soy production to tourism, boosting the local economies of each state within it by billions.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 - Meet your English-speaking SouthWild naturalist guide in Cuiabá at 12PM to lunch and meet the rest of your group. Depart from Cuiabá by no later than 2:00 pm for a 3.5-hour drive to Pantanal Lodge, the halfway point between civilization and the heart of Jaguarland. During your drive you will have plenty of opportunity to stop and admire the wildlife visible off the bridges and raised dirt park road known as the Transpantaneira. First stop will be by the flooded area near the gateway to the Pantanal, an area rich with waterbird species and storks. Your guide will ensure you are on-track to arrive on-time to attempt an Ocelot Experience in the evening.
Arrive at Pantanal Lodge between 5:00-5:45 pm, just in time to join our Ocelot Experience, located just 400 meters from the lodge. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at the lodge in our screened, fresh-air dining room, enjoying the night sounds of the Pantanal.

Day 2- Enjoy breakfast with your camera ready to go for the colorful birds who will be foraging for breakfast around the lodge grounds. After breakfast, embark on your land safari (either our open-air Safari Truck or a closed, air-conditioned vehicle) to Porto Jofre where your cozy retreat, Pousada Porto Jofre Pantanal, awaits. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the enchanting beauty of the Pantanal landscape. After lunch you'll embark on a thrilling 4-hour boat expedition in search of Jaguars and Giant Otters. As twilight settles over the wilderness, you'll find yourself in the perfect setting for a well-deserved night's rest, accompanied by a deliciously prepared dinner. Recharge, as the following day will kick off early with our exhilarating Jaguar and Giant Otter Search.

Days 3 - 5 - Rise to a hearty breakfast, fueling your anticipation for an action-packed day. Each day, you'll embark on a thrilling 8-hour boat expedition in search of Jaguars and Giant Otters. These journeys will take you through the scenic river channels like Three Brothers, Black Channel, Cuiabá, and Piquiri. Be camera-ready as you're about to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. After each adventure, savor Brazilian cuisine with lunch and dinner, a true reflection of local flavors. Retreat to the comfort of Pousada Porto Jofre Pantanal, where the wilderness symphony will accompany your dreams of  the nature that surrounds you. 

Day 6 - After checking out from Porto Jofre Pantanal, you'll embark on a scenic road transfer to Pantanal Lodge. Upon arriving, indulge in a delicious lunch. The afternoon is filled with exciting activities tailored to your preferences and the prevailing weather conditions:

1) Forest Walk: Immerse yourself in the heart of the Pantanal with a 1-2 hour morning or afternoon forest walk.

Explore the lush savannas and forests near the lodge, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Bird enthusiasts will find this location to be an essential location for spotting diverse avian species. You can also opt for a visit to the forest tower, where you might encounter playful Capuchin Monkeys.

2) Boat Ride: Spend 2 hours on a morning or afternoon boat tour of the Rio Pixaim, soaking in the breathtaking riverine landscapes and observing wildlife in their natural habitat.

3) Additionally, we will offers you complimentary access to the Jabiru tower: Located near the lodge, capture stunning photos of the abundant wildlife that frequents the feeders and gardens outside. Also during the heat of the day, you can relax and unwind by the pool.

4)  The Ocelot Experience: As the sun sets, prepare for a truly unique moment! It takes place nightly and is unparalleled in the world. Our Ocelot hide allows you to photograph one or two Ocelots from a distance of 8-13 meters, making it the world's foremost Ocelot Experience. After this captivating day, savor a delectable dinner at the lodge. Your night will be surrounded by the enchanting sounds of the wilderness.

Day 7 - On your final day in this natural wonderland, enjoy a leisurely breakfast from 6:30 to 8:00 AM. Take this time to observe the local fauna that surrounds the lodge, capturing those last memorable moments of your Pantanal journey. At the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to Cuiabá Airport in a comfortable, closed, air-conditioned vehicle.

As you bid farewell to the Pantanal, reflect on the incredible experiences and wildlife encounters that have left an indelible mark on your soul!