By Jeff Hyer (Safari Travel Advisor)
If you’re dreaming of a wildlife experience that feels raw, remote, and deeply authentic, Brazil’s Pantanal belongs at the top of your list. This vast wetland, one of the largest tropical wetlands on Earth, is the ultimate destination for spotting wild jaguars in their natural habitat.
I recently returned from a 5-day, 4-night safari in the North Pantanal, and it exceeded every expectation. In this blog post, I’m going to share some insights and highlights from our recent trip, in case you’re interested to visit this destination yourself!
Below, I share the full itinerary, wildlife highlights, and my honest impressions of the lodges and guides we experienced.
Watch the video recap: for a visual overview, start with this video. It breaks down the trip day-by-day so you can get a sense of what exploring this ecosystem is like:
From São Paulo to Cuiabá: Gateway to the Pantanal
Our journey began in São Paulo, where we stayed at the beautiful Pulso Hotel, a modern, centrally located property that’s ideal for a comfortable layover before your safari. From São Paulo, we took a short flight north to Cuiabá, the main access point to the North Pantanal and the true start of our adventure.
Day 1: SouthWild Pantanal Lodge
After arriving in Cuiabá, we set out for the SouthWild Pantanal Lodge, surrounded by forest, floodplains, and waterways teeming with life. This comfortable yet immersive lodge was the perfect introduction to the ecosystem.
As the light faded, a beautiful ocelot appeared, calm and curious, a remarkable start to our journey.
Days 2–4: River Safari Aboard the Naturezas Boat via Porto Jofre
The next morning, we continued deeper into the Pantanal toward Porto Jofre, where we boarded the Naturezas boat for three nights. This newly launched floating lodge offers a wonderful balance of comfort and immersion, with air-conditioned cabins, spacious viewing decks, and excellent meals. We were among the first guests ever to stay aboard, which made the experience especially memorable.
Over three days, our guides Fernando and Bruno led us along the rivers in search of wildlife. Their deep knowledge of the ecosystem made every outing fascinating.
Wildlife Highlights
In just three days, we encountered nine wild jaguars lounging, swimming, and hunting along the riverbanks. The waterways and forests were alive with giant otters, tapirs, capybaras, toucans, and howler monkeys, while the skies brimmed with endless birdlife. Each day began and ended with peaceful boat safaris at sunrise and sunset.
Day 5: Return to Cuiabá, Then Off to Rio!
After four incredible nights, we began the journey back to Cuiabá, hearts full and cameras full. From there, we continued on to Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant and scenic way to end our trip to Brazil. For many travelers, this is a perfect combination: the raw wilderness of the Pantanal paired with the culture and coastline of Brazil’s most iconic city.
Other Regions to Explore: Bonito and Beyond
While our journey focused on the North Pantanal, there are several other regions worth exploring that I can include in a custom itinerary.
One popular add-on is Bonito, a paradise known for:
- The macaw sinkhole (Buraco das Araras), where dozens of red-and-green macaws circle overhead.
- Giant anteaters roaming open grasslands.
- Crystal-clear freshwater snorkeling, where you drift alongside tropical fish in pristine rivers.
For travelers who want to go even deeper, my partners at SouthWild also operate experiences in the Amazon, Patagonia, and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of tracking jaguars, hiking in the Andes, or cruising through the Chilean fjords, I can help you combine these regions into a seamless South American adventure.
Why the Pantanal Deserves a Spot on Every Safari Lover’s List
If you’ve been on safari in Africa, you’ll find the Pantanal refreshingly unique. The Pantanal offers a sense of exploration that’s hard to find anywhere else.
The dry season (May–November) is the ideal time to visit, as lower water levels make wildlife sightings (especially jaguars) more frequent.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: May–November (dry season)
- Main gateway: Cuiabá (North Pantanal)
- Ideal trip length: 5–7 days
- Top sightings: Jaguars, giant otters, tapirs, capybaras, toucans, macaws, ocelots
- Optional extensions: Bonito, Rio de Janeiro, Iguaçu Falls, the Amazon, Patagonia
Plan Your Own Pantanal Safari
If this journey inspires you, I’d love to help design your own Pantanal adventure, or a broader South America itinerary that includes São Paulo, Bonito, Rio, or other regions.
Click here to fill out my South America Safari Inquiry Form. Once I receive your preferences, I’ll create a customized proposal with hand-picked lodges, expert guides, and seamless logistics. I’d be thrilled to help you plan your own trip!
Jeff Hyer 