Will I see a jaguar?
In the dry season sightings on these rivers are frequent, but never guaranteed. These are wild animals, and that's the point. A full day on the river gives you a real chance; for more time on the water, look at the Porto Jofre expedition.
Is it risky to be this close to wild animals?
On this trip you watch jaguars from a boat, with a guide, and you stay in the boat. Walks, horse rides and night outings are always with a guide too. These are wild animals in open country, so the rules are simple and not optional: follow your guide, never feed or approach wildlife, stay out of the water unless the guide says it's fine, and use a light around the lodge after dark. Caimans and snakes live here; closed shoes and long trousers on the trails are the practical precaution.
How fit do I need to be?
Not very. Most of the trip is by boat, truck or on short walks. Horseback riding and the towers are optional. The real challenge is the heat and the long jaguar day.
Is the jaguar boat shared?
On the regular departure, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, you may share the boat with other lodge guests. A private boat on any day of the week is available at an extra cost. Your proposal says exactly what you're getting.
Can I travel on my own?
Yes, with a single room supplement. The jaguar day needs at least two travelers on the regular departure; on your own it may need a private boat, at a higher price. Tell us in your request and we'll check your dates.
Can children come?
Families are welcome. Some activities are meant for specific ages or fitness levels, under the operator's rules. Tell us the children's ages in your request and we'll confirm the activities and rates with the operator.
Practical details (rooms, food, Wi-Fi, money, what to pack) come with your proposal and in the trip notes.
Practical notes
What does a typical day look like?
At the lodge, days start at dawn, with a long break in the heat of midday and activities again from mid-afternoon, plus night safaris. The jaguar day is different: an early start, about six hours on the river with a picnic lunch, and back at the lodge by evening.
Can I stay longer?
Yes. Extra nights at the lodge can be added, at a lower rate from the fifth night. Tell us in your request.
How do I get to Cuiabá?
There are direct flights from São Paulo and Brasília, which connect with international flights from the US and the UK. Plan to land in Cuiabá by midday on day 1; if that doesn't work, spend the night before in Cuiabá.
How long are the drives?
About two and a half hours from Cuiabá to the lodge. On the jaguar day, about three hours each way to the river. Much of it is on the Transpantaneira, a dirt road with wildlife all along it, so the drives are part of the safari.
What are the rooms like?
Standard rooms at the lodge have a private bathroom and air conditioning, and look out over the gardens or the pool. Comfortable, not luxurious. Premium rooms are available at an extra cost.
What's the food like?
Home-style Brazilian and Pantanal cooking, mostly served as a buffet. Tell us about any dietary needs when you request dates.
Are drinks included?
Water is served with meals. Other drinks are paid locally.
Is there Wi-Fi?
There is Wi-Fi at the lodge, but it can be slow. Plan to be partly offline.
What's the weather like?
Hot and dry, often above 35 °C (95 °F) by midday. Cold fronts can bring a few chilly mornings in July, and boat rides at dawn feel cold, so bring a warm layer.
Are there many mosquitoes?
Fewer in the dry season than in the wet, but they're around at dawn and dusk. Long sleeves and repellent are enough for most people.
Any tips for photographers?
Bring the longest lens you have and plenty of memory cards. Boats sit low on the water, which gives great eye-level shots. A beanbag helps more than a tripod.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it's required, with medical cover and emergency evacuation. We also recommend trip cancellation cover. Brazilian accident cover for the activities, issued by MBM Seguradora S.A., is included at no extra cost; you can decline it. The lodge is hours by road from the nearest hospital.
What about money and tips?
Bring some Brazilian reais in cash for drinks and tips. Tipping guides and boat drivers is appreciated, never required.
What about plugs and power?
Brazil uses type N sockets, which also take type C plugs. Voltage varies by region, so bring dual-voltage chargers and a power bank.
Pantanal
2027 · choose your dates
