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.
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!
Days 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.
Day 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.
Day 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
