From the beaches of Rio and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, to tracking the majestic jaguar through the wilds of both the north and south Pantanal, and finally witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of the world’s largest waterfall system Iguassu Falls, this safari allows you to experience three of the most enduring symbols of Brazil.
Jaguar viewing excursions amidst the world’s most dense jaguar population. Follow expert guides with a chance to see tapir, caiman, capybara, giant river otters, macaws, and primates.
Experience exclusive eco-friendly accommodations at Cristalino Lodge and Caiman Ecological Refuge, designed to provide a sustainable and immersive experience in harmony with the environment.
Days 1 - 3: Cristalino Reserve
Arriving into Sao Paolo airport, you will connect with an onward flight to Cuiaba, and then to Alta Floresta, the small and dusty gateway to the Southern Amazon. Here you will be met and start your journey into the jungle, make sure your camera is ready as your safari starts now and on the way to the lodge you can expect to see giant river otters, tapir, caiman, capybara and many birds.
Spend your days experiencing the sights and the sounds of jungle. You might want to visit the 50-metre canopy tower, which gives you a bird’s eye view of this mighty rainforest. It is common to spot, monkeys, macaws and several species of birds. There are many trails that snake through various forests and habitats and over 500 species of birds and over 1800 different types of butterfly. Boat rides, or canoeing along the Cristalino River give another opportunity to spot animals in the canopy and a floating deck above the river is great for swimming or resting when you’re not out looking for wildlife. The guides at Cristalino have a tremendous amount of knowledge and will ensure you make the most of all these wildlife opportunities.
Cristalino Lodge is built to emphasise engagement with the natural environment. Cristalino lodge keeps its guests in stylish comfort, offering comfortable rooms and a good range of facilities. Offering three choices of accommodation, all built with environmental sustainability in mind. For relaxation, the lodge features a floating deck where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of the Cristalino River.
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Day 4: Alta Floresta - Cuiaba
After breakfast, head back to Alta Floresta for your flight to Cuiaba. Upon arrival into Cuiaba, you will be met and transferred to Hotel Deville Prime Cuiabá for the night.
Day 5: Cuiaba - Porto Jofre - Jaguar Viewing Area
After an early breakfast you begin your journey to Porte Jofre, travelling along the Transpantaneira Highway, a 145 kilometre long dirt road that leads south through the heart of the Pantanal ending at the Cuiaba River in Porto Jofre. You you start to see families of capybaras, pools of caiman and flocks of water birds and raptor; let your wildlife safari begin!
Trekking through wild, steamy jungles, past wildlife rich waters and past tall, vividly green trees brimming with bright coloured birds, or floating down dark rivers; this is how you watch for the wild and elusive jaguar.
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Thought to be the best hotel in the Pantanal area, Hotel Pantanal Norte (formerly Porte Jofre) is simple and often used by the fishermen of the area. Located at the end of the Transpantaneira Highway, on the banks of the Cuiaba River, it is the perfect base for jaguar spotting between July and September. Rooms are spacious and en-suite and the well maintained gardens are frequented by Hyacinth macaws and toco toucans.
Read moreDays 6 - 7: Pantanal Jaguar Viewing
Spend the next 3 days exploring and searching for jaguars and giant otters on Three Brothers, Cuiaba and Piquiri Rivers. Enjoy two private boat outings per day, returning to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax. This is the best place in the world to see these elusive cats in the wild and we are proud to report an average of 2 sightings per day on these waters.
Other possible sightings include tapir, giant river otters, caiman, ocelot and even giant anteaters who may come to the banks to drink. At the end of the day, return to your accommodation where you will be able to edit photos, compare sightings with other guests or just sit back and relax.
Day 9: Porto Jofre - Cuiaba - Campo Grande
This morning after breakfast you will make the long drive back to Cuiaba airport in time for your flight to Campo Grande. On arrival, you will be transferred to Grand Park Hotel for the night.
Day 10: Campo Grande - Bonito
This morning you will be met at your hotel for your transfer to Bonito, a journey of about 3.5 hours. Arrive at Hotel Cabanas, nestled in lush vegetation teeming with birdlife, and spend the afternoon at leisure. Why not relax by the pool or walk the easy trails of the lodge.
Day 11: Bonito
After breakfast, visit the Gruta do Lago Azul. The trail will start with a 40 minutes walk to the cave, then, after descending 100 meters, you will see the lake and its' crystal-clear water. In the afternoon visit to Rio da Prata where you will have lunch and enjoy some snorkelling.
A rustic, yet comfortable accommodation surrounded by lush greenery. Rooms offer privacy with individual wooden lodges built on stilts or private apartments. Rooms feature air-conditioning, TV, mini fridge and private bathrooms whilst the property itself has an outdoor pool and volleyball court, as well as plenty of activities nearby in Bonito.
Read moreDay 12: Bonito - South Pantanal
After breakfast you will be met and transferred to Casa Caiman in the nearby South Pantanal, about 3 hours away. Covering 230,000 square kilometres, this is the largest of the world’s greatest floodplains, home to jaguars, giant anteaters, capybara, giant river otters, and monkeys.
Wild and remote, the vast landlocked wetlands of the Pantanal are a lattice of waterways that swell and recede with the seasons. If you like to see animals in their natural environment, the Pantanal is an unmissable destination.
Read moreDay 13 - 15: Caiman Ecological Refuge
Over the next 3 days you will explore the Caiman Ecological Refuge. A well-respected jaguar conservation project is based here and you will get the chance to see their work from up-close. Activities include photographic safaris, guided walks, canoeing and night safaris.
Located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul and the southern portion of the Pantanal region, Caiman Ecological Refuge is a massive 53,000-hectare complex. Caiman Ecological Refuge has one of the best wildlife viewing locations in the South Pantanal. The area is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles and offers you the best chance of seeing jaguars in the wild.
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Day 16: Southern Pantanal - Iguassu Falls
This morning you will be transferred overland back to Campo Grande airport, in time for your included flight to Iguassu Falls. On arrival at Foz de Iguacu airport, you are transferred to your hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.
Experience the epitome of luxury at Hotel das Cataratas, a prestigious hotel nestled within the breathtaking Iguassu National Park. As the only hotel located within the park, their guests enjoy exclusive access to the park's wonders in the tranquil evening and at the break of dawn.
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Day 17: Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls
This morning your guide will meet you at the hotel to take you on a guided tour of the Brazilian side of these world famous waterfalls. There are estimated to be 275 different waterfalls dotted around the tropical forests. The Brazilian side of the falls offers a more panoramic view putting into perspective their sheer size and scale. This is half-day tour, but remember that thanks to your privileged location within the national park, you will have full access to the trails once all other visitors have left, allowing you to explore the rainforest until the early evening.
Day 18: Argentinian Side of Iguassu Falls
This morning, you will be taken on a guided tour of the Argentinian national park. This side of the falls is very extensive compared to Brazil, with many paths taking you to within touching distance of the falls. You will also travel to the furthest point and the largest and most spectacular of all of the cascades- The Devil`s Throat (Garganta del Diablo). From here you can see and feel the full force of the falls. The sound of the water cascading is deafening! After this full-day tour, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Many would say these are the world's most dramatic, overwhelming and majestic falls, so to simply describe them as impressive would be an understatement. A complex network of some 275 separate individual falls that together crash over the jungle-covered cliffs to create a mesmerising spectacle at the point where Argentina and Brazil collide, Iguazu is one of Argentina’s true highlights. Shared with Brazil and with national parks on either side of their border, some choose to combine both sides for an overall experience, as whilst Argentina has 80% of the falls, Brazil enjoys some of the better panoramic views. The name Iguazu stems from a local Indian language and loosely translates as ‘Big Water’.
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Day 19: Iguassu Falls - Rio de Janeiro
This morning you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio, one of the continents’ most emblematic cities.
Day 20: Rio de Janeiro (city tour)
You will begin the day with a visit to the historical old centre of Rio, where many original buildings remain. After, you will be taken to Praia Vermelha, the landing station for the cable cars to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Day 21: Rio de Janeiro - Depart
Today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your international flight home.
One of the world’s most iconic and captivating sights that is easily recognised from countless breathtaking picture postcard images, the harbour of Rio de Janeiro (also known as Guanabara Bay), is flanked by stunning monolithic mountains that contains the world’s most infamous beaches and – some would say - the most stunningly set metropolis on earth. Whilst not Brazil’s capital, it is easily the country’s most widely known and hotly debated city and also hosts the world’s most notorious street carnival and spectacle, which its beautiful inhabitants embrace with vibrancy and gusto. Located within the wider state of Rio de Janeiro, the city is divided into distinct areas, of which the coastal resorts of Copacabana and Ipanema are most popular with tourists. Here you can enjoy the sea breeze and rolling waves with the sun setting behind the popular Christ the Redeemer in Corcovado and jungle-backed mountains. The colonial centre of downtown Rio is filled with grand buildings, from where you can also take the traditional tram up to the bohemian district of Santa Teresa, with its mansions that exude faded glory.
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A fantastic mid-range hotel with excellent amenities and friendly staff, all complimented by breathtaking views (especially from the rooftop pool!). Right on iconic Copacabana Beach, it offers a superb location with panoramic views of its golden sands and bright blue ocean, in Rio de Janeiro. There are 117 modern, comfortable rooms with many amenities, a bar, sauna, and a fitness centre.
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Wildlife Specialists
Wildlife remains our primary focus and we ensure accommodation is carefully selected as the very best places to stay for front-row wildlife spectacles for the time of the year you are travelling.
Wealth of Experience
Our considerable wealth of experience and knowledge of Brazil has ensured a 100% jaguar sighting success rate over the last few years in each of our Brazil jaguar safaris.
Tailored Safaris
Share your interests with our Destination Specialists and we will match you to the in-country experts, providing you with nothing but the best access and highly experienced wildlife trackers and guides.
Super helpful via email and on the phone! Wildlife sights--especially birds, jaguars, capybaras, caimans--were all spectacular.
Tristan was very responsive and knowledgeable and created the trip exactly based on our requirements. The app is great very well designed.
