Join renowned wildlife and travel photographer Steve Winter on an unforgettable safari through Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands, the largest tropical wetland in the world. Explore the wildlife-rich waterways of the Three Brothers, Cuiabá, and Piquiri Rivers by boat, where you’ll have the chance to observe giant river otters, capybaras, and the elusive jaguar as they relax or hunt along the riverbanks.
Under Steve’s expert guidance, you’ll refine your photography skills with hands-on coaching and post-safari feedback sessions. Capture breathtaking images of jaguars hunting capybaras, caimans, and other iconic Pantanal wildlife as they navigate the intricate web of the local food chain.
Why book this trip
Join renowned wildlife photographer Steve Winter on an immersive safari in Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands, the world’s largest tropical wetland, in search of the elusive jaguar.
Explore the wildlife-rich waterways of the Three Brothers, Cuiabá, and Piquiri Rivers by boat, spotting giant river otters, capybaras, and jaguars along the riverbanks.
Enhance your photography skills with expert coaching and hands-on guidance from Steve Winter, including post-safari lectures and personalized feedback on your photos.
Witness the dynamic predator-prey interactions of the Pantanal, including jaguars hunting capybaras and caimans competing for dominance.
Day 1, 11 Aug Arrive Cuiaba
Upon arrival at Cuiaba airport you will be met by your guide and vehicle and transferred from the airport to your hotel for the evening. Check in at your hotel will be from 2pm local time. You'll meet your specialist photographic guide and the rest of the group this evening at the hotel where you'll enjoy a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Deville Prime Cuiabá
What to see
Jaguars
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.
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel you will begin your journey towards Porto Jofre by air conditioned vehicle. At Porto Jofre you'll continue the journey to the houseboat by water, this journey from Cuiaba to your accommodation should take around six hours in total. Along the Transpantanal Highway, you'll start to see families of capybaras, pools of caiman and flocks of water birds and raptor; let your wildlife safari begin! En route to the houseboat you can begin to get your first taste of the incredible wildlife of the Pantanal so have your camera at the ready. On arrival you'll enjoy lunch and settle into your cabin. In the afternoon you'll head out on your first wildlife observation river excursion with the group.
Accommodation: Panoramico House-Boat
Pantanal Floodplains
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.
Spend the next four days exploring and searching for jaguars and giant otters on Three Brothers, Cuiaba and Piquiri Rivers. Enjoy two private boat outings per day with your specialist photographer guide, 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.
Overnight: Panoramico House-Boat
Should I go to the Northern or Southern Pantanal?
Discover the difference between the northern and southern Pantanal and find out where suits you best.
Day 7, 17 Aug Depart Jaguar Viewing Area to Cuiaba
After your final breakfast on the houseboat in the São Laurenço river you will be transferred back to Porto Jofre by boat. Here you'll meet your onwards transfer by vehicle back to Cuiaba Airport to meet your international flight home (Please book any flights departing Cuiaba after 3pm to ensure you have plenty of time to make your connection). Please speak to your destination specialist if you would like us to arrange any domestic flights or further travel arrangements within Brazil.
Conveniently situated just 15 minutes from Cuiabá airport, this luxurious hotel is the perfect haven for recuperation after a long flight or an exhilarating safari adventure in the Pantanal. Offering a wide range of rooms and suites equipped with all the essential amenities, guests can enjoy a comfortable and restful stay. After a day of exploration or travel, returning to the hotel's outdoor pool for a relaxing sundowner while overlooking the city provides a wonderful way to unwind and conclude your day. Whether you're in Cuiabá for leisure or business, this hotel offers both comfort and convenience, ensuring a memorable stay in this vibrant city.
Panoramico House-Boat
Embrace an extraordinary adventure on the Cuiaba River with our unique boat-turned-hotel property. Located on the banks of this jaguar-rich river, you are offered the unparalleled opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The 12 comfortable cabins are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, en- suite bathrooms, and a minibar to ensure your stay is both relaxing and convenient. Savor the flavors of the region in the restaurant, where we serve fresh local dishes daily. For those seeking relaxation or a place to socialize, our bar and panoramic deck offer a cozy setting. The deck also serves as a perfect space for outdoor barbecues, providing a delightful way to unwind after an exhilarating day of jaguar tracking. At this unique hotel, you are brought closer to the awe-inspiring world of jaguars and the vibrant ecosystem of the Cuiaba River. Join us for an unforgettable wildlife encounter in the heart of nature.
Why Natural World Safaris?
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.
