Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel

Arrive at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport in the evening, where you’ll be greeted by your tour guide. You’ll then be transferred to our conveniently located hotel near the airport for check-in and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel

This morning, we’ll depart São Paulo on a flight to Cuiabá, the main access point for both the Northern Pantanal and Chapada dos Guimarães. Upon arrival, we’ll drive towards the Northern Transpantaneira, where we’ll spend the next two nights immersed in the region’s rich biodiversity.

Our journey begins on paved roads until we reach the small village of Poconé—the final town before entering the Transpantaneira, the iconic dirt road that winds through the heart of the northern Pantanal. From there, we’ll continue a short distance to our lodge, where we’ll spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding area, birdwatching, and enjoying encounters with local wildlife.

Overnight stay at Northern Transpantaneira

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel

Today will be dedicated to exploring the northern stretch of the Transpantaneira, a drier region with more open, savanna-like landscapes that support a distinctly different array of wildlife than the wetter southern areas near the Cuiabá River.

In this unique habitat, we’ll have the opportunity to seek out several localized bird species that are challenging or unlikely to encounter further south, such as Red-legged Seriema, Chestnut-bellied Guan, Sunbittern, Long-tailed Ground-Dove, and Red-winged Tinamou. Mammal sightings are also promising here—Brazilian Tapir, White-lipped Peccary, and Marsh Deer tend to be more visible in these open environments. Additionally, we may encounter South American Coati, Brown Capuchin, Crab-eating Fox, Bare-eared Marmoset, and Crab-eating Raccoon throughout the day.

Overnight stay at Northern Transpantaneira

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel

We’ll begin the day early, waking to a chorus of birds and the distant calls of Black-and-gold Howler Monkeys, followed by a peaceful pre-breakfast birding walk around the lodge grounds.

After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey south along the iconic Transpantaneira to Porto Jofre, where we’ll settle in for a three-night stay. The drive offers numerous opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography, with frequent stops to observe the rich fauna of the Pantanal. Along the way, we’ll keep an eye out for colorful and charismatic birds such as Orange-backed Troupial, Blue-fronted Parrot, White Woodpecker, Greater Thornbird, Grey-crested Cacholote, Pygmy Kingfisher, Ashy-headed Greenlet, and Buff-bellied Hermit. The striking Hyacinth Macaw, one of the Pantanal’s most iconic birds, is often seen perched or in flight along this stretch.

As we descend into the lower reaches of the Transpantaneira, the landscape becomes more lush and biodiverse. Capybaras are frequently spotted in herds, and Pantanal Caimans are a common sight in the roadside ponds and streams. Mammals such as South American Coati, Brown Capuchin, Crab-eating Fox, Bare-eared Marmoset, and Crab-eating Raccoon may also appear, along with the impressive Yellow Anaconda among the reptiles.

We anticipate arriving at our lodge in Porto Jofre by early evening, ready for the exciting days ahead.

Overnight stay at Porto Jofre

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel

We will dedicate two full days to exploring the wildlife-rich region of Porto Jofre and the southern stretch of the Transpantaneira. This area offers some of the best opportunities in the world to observe Jaguars in the wild—our primary focus during this part of the tour. Thanks to increased conservation efforts by the Brazilian government, Jaguar sightings have become significantly more frequent in recent years.

From our comfortable base in Porto Jofre, we’ll embark on at least three half-day boat excursions along the Cuiabá River, navigating into remote stretches where Jaguars are often spotted lounging along the riverbanks or prowling the edges of the forest. Most sightings are made from the boat and often allow for superb photographic opportunities.

While searching for Jaguars, we’ll also enjoy encounters with other remarkable wildlife. Giant Otters—playful and social—are regularly seen in family groups, and the ever-present Capybaras dot the shores. These boat outings also offer excellent birding, with a variety of colourful and charismatic species frequently seen along the river, making this a truly memorable wildlife experience.

We will stay for two nights in Porto Jofre.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel

We will dedicate two full days to exploring the wildlife-rich region of Porto Jofre and the southern stretch of the Transpantaneira. This area offers some of the best opportunities in the world to observe Jaguars in the wild—our primary focus during this part of the tour. Thanks to increased conservation efforts by the Brazilian government, Jaguar sightings have become significantly more frequent in recent years.

From our comfortable base in Porto Jofre, we’ll embark on at least three half-day boat excursions along the Cuiabá River, navigating into remote stretches where Jaguars are often spotted lounging along the riverbanks or prowling the edges of the forest. Most sightings are made from the boat and often allow for superb photographic opportunities.

While searching for Jaguars, we’ll also enjoy encounters with other remarkable wildlife. Giant Otters—playful and social—are regularly seen in family groups, and the ever-present Capybaras dot the shores. These boat outings also offer excellent birding, with a variety of colourful and charismatic species frequently seen along the river, making this a truly memorable wildlife experience.

We will stay for two nights in Porto Jofre.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel

After lunch, we will depart from Porto Jofre and make our way north along the Transpantaneira to our lodge in the central Pantanal, where we will spend our final night in this remarkable region. The drive offers more chances to spot wildlife and stop for any bird species we may have missed earlier in the tour.

Later in the evening, we’ll have the opportunity to go on a night drive—an exciting experience that offers the chance to encounter the Pantanal’s nocturnal wildlife, including owls, nightjars, armadillos, and possibly even Ocelots or other elusive mammals.

Overnight stay at Central Transpantaneira

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel

After breakfast, we will depart our lodge and head toward Chapada dos Guimarães, a scenic region known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and mosaic of seasonally dry woodland and savanna. The journey itself is excellent for birdwatching, with plenty of chances to spot wildlife and capture striking landscapes en route.

Over the next two days, we’ll explore the surrounding forests and trails in search of key species such as Band-tailed and Fiery-capped Manakins, Southern Antpipit, Tataupa Tinamou, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper—often detected by its distinctive call—Streaked Xenops, Sepia-capped Flycatcher, and Pectoral Sparrow.

We will be based in Chapada dos Guimarães for two nights, offering ample time to immerse ourselves in the region’s rich birdlife and natural beauty.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel

We will dedicate the day to exploring the diverse habitats of Chapada dos Guimarães, beginning with a visit to the scenic Véu de Noiva Waterfall. Here, the calls of Blue-winged Macaws and Blue-headed Parrots may echo through the cliffs, and we’ll look out for species such as Swallow Tanager, Blue Finch, and Bat Falcon.

In nearby forested areas, we will search for specialties like Euler’s Flycatcher, White-backed Fire-eye, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, and the elusive Russet-crowned Crake. There may also be chances to spot Pheasant and Pavonine Cuckoos.

As we explore more open, thorn-scrub habitats, we’ll look for regional highlights including Chapada Flycatcher, Collared Crescentchest, Rufous-sided Pygmy Tyrant, Rufous-winged Antshrike, Shrike-like and White-rumped Tanagers, Small-billed Tinamou, Sooty-fronted Spinetail, Coal-crested and Red Pileated Finches, Black-throated Saltator, and—with some luck—the stunning Horned Sungem.

Overnight stay at Chapada dos Guimarães.

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we’ll depart for Cuiabá City Airport, where your onward journey awaits. As we leave behind the spectacular wildlife of the Pantanal and the stunning landscapes of Chapada dos Guimarães, we’ll reflect on the unforgettable experiences and incredible sights we’ve encountered throughout this adventure. With memories of vibrant birdlife, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking scenery, this journey will remain a highlight of your travels.