Day 1 – Cuiaba to the Pantanal
On arrival at Cuiaba airport you’ll be picked up by your guide and transferred by 4WD truck to the Pantanal. A large part of the journey takes you along the Transpantaneira, the ‘highway’ through the wild west of Brazil, and along the way you’ll drive through villages that resemble something out of a country and western movie. The journey then passes through savannah landscape where you might see a few water birds, and have a greater chance of spotting capybaras. If you are travelling during the rainy season, the otherwise sandy roads can get quite muddy.
After about two hours of driving, you’ll arrive at your accommodation. During this trip you’ll stay at a comfortable lodge where you can expect a very friendly and informal welcome. We work closely with a selection of ‘fazendas’, that we have chosen based on their remote location and intimate atmosphere. You’ll have time to settle in and explore your surroundings before you sit down for a meal.
Days 2-3 – Wildlife spotting in the Pantanal
You won’t need your alarm clock during this Pantanal trip as the resident birds are at their liveliest in the early morning and you’ll wake to the sound of squawking macaws. The Pantanal is home to an impressive diversity of animals and birdlife including monkeys, deer, tapir, anteater, toucans and macaws; not forgetting of course the cute capybara. Rare animals such as the armadillo and jaguar also make their home in the Pantanal, but, as always with wildlife spotting, there are no guarantees on which animals you’ll see during your stay.
Depending on the time of year and how water-covered the landscape is, you’ll either explore on foot, by horse, boat or canoe. If you’ve never ridden a horse before, this isn’t a problem as the Pantanal horses are used to inexperienced riders. You’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking guide who knows the area and will be able to share further information about the wildlife you see.
Explore the region by houseboat
Instead of staying at a fazenda, you can explore the region aboard a small, purpose-built houseboat designed for an immersive Pantanal adventure. With space for just 16 guests, you’ll travel deep into the wetlands along the Cuiabá River and its tributaries, heading out in lightweight boats with expert spotters to maximise your chances of seeing jaguars, especially during the prime season from June to November.
While traditional Pantanal lodges explore the same surrounding area each day, the houseboat moves to a new stretch of river every night, giving you access to quieter waterways and constantly changing scenery. It’s a brilliant choice if jaguar sightings are your main goal, and easy to combine with a lodge stay for a broader look at the Pantanal. Scroll down for information…
Day 4 – Pantanal to Cuiaba
After breakfast you’ll travel back along the Transpantaneira Highway from the Pantanal to Cuiaba. Your driver will stop the car any time you pass a point of interest so that you can look around and take pictures. Upon your arrival in Cuiaba you’ll be dropped off back at the airport.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
North Pantanal Wetlands Safari - Comfort accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our comfort version is a charming and sustainable eco lodge that has been built to blend into its natural surroundings. If you would like to upgrade your accommodation in the North Pantanal for this bite-sized trip select our comfort option below.
North Pantanal - Jaguar Expedition Boat
Explore one of Brazil’s most remote regions aboard the Jaguar Expeditions Boat, a small, purpose-built houseboat made for an in-depth Pantanal experience. With just 16 guests on board, you’ll venture deep into the wetlands along the Cuiabá River and its tributaries, heading out daily in lightweight boats with experienced spotters to boost your chances of seeing jaguars, particularly between June and November. Instead of returning to the same base each night like a traditional Pantanal lodge, the houseboat shifts to a new section of river, opening up quieter areas and ever-changing scenery. It’s ideal if jaguar tracking is your main focus, and works well alongside a lodge stay for a more rounded view of the Pantanal.