A Beginner's Guide to Visiting the Pantanal

It has to be a jaguar. The riverbank was alive with the tension that only a top predator could impart. I can vividly remember the feeling that instantly hit me upon seeing my first wild jaguar. Exhilaration, delight and awe. Yet, just 25 years ago, jaguars were simply ghosts of the forest that only revealed themselves to a handful of field biologists.

Today, we’re delighted and fortunate enough to be able to offer seven different holidays to Brazil that all feature jaguars. While these majestic big cats are undoubtably a highlight, there’s wildlife everywhere in the Pantanal. If you’re considering a wildlife holiday to South America, then the Pantanal is pretty unbeatable. It’s the size of England and packed full of charismatic wildlife, but it can be difficult to know where to start.

Firstly, if it’s a jaguar extravaganza you’re seeking, then our ever popular Wildlife of the Pantanal is a fantastic option. Not only having a 100% success in seeing jaguars, these groups also regularly observe thrilling behaviour too.

Jaguar tourism in the Northern Pantanal has increased, therefore to avoid the busyness of some areas, we base ourselves at a friendly lodge well away from any other settlements, where we regularly encounter jaguars and giant otters just downstream without the gathering of other boats.

If photography is your focus, then we have two exciting tours where you can travel in the company of like-minded individuals and expert photographic guides. Our Brazil’s Big Five Photo Safari led by Ben Sutcliffe takes you to both the North and South Pantanal in search of five of Brazil’s most sought-after species, providing excellent photographic opportunities with jaguar, giant otter, giant anteater, tapir and hyacinth macaw.

For an even more comprehensive photo itinerary that combines outstanding jaguar sightings with the drier Savannah habitats and some unique species in the south, then look to our Pantanal Wildlife Photo Safari with Nick Garbutt.

Brazil as a whole is among the most biodiverse countries on Earth, and if you’re looking to experience more of this biodiversity, then our Best of Brazil takes you on a journey through three of its contrasting biomes.

Travelling in the company of tour leader Helen Bryon and staying in high comfort lodges, discover Brazil’s forgotten Savannah and maned wolf in the Cerrado. Then, prepare to be blown away by the volume of life in the Amazon basin, with more bird, insect and plant species per square kilometre than anywhere else on Earth, before finishing in the wilds of the Pantanal.

For an all-round wildlife experience, our Wildlife of the North and South Pantanal is a great option. Guided by seasoned Tour Leader Miguel Castelino, this tour also features an optional guided extension to the spectacular Iguazú Falls, providing a taste of the Atlantic rainforest too.

Finally, we’re pleased to introduce our latest Pantanal experience, perfect for second-time visitors or those that prefer a slower pace and the thrill of finding wildlife exclusively. Our Best of the South Pantanal tour delves deep into the heart of this region. On this special tour we take over two comfortable remote lodges that offer us a chance to encounter a superb range of wildlife with the possibility of encountering some rare species too.

If Ian has inspired you to find out more about any of our Brazilian Pantanal trips, head to our Brazil destination page! For further guidance and expert advice, contact our team today.