Arrive in Cuiaba, Brazil.

Arrive in Cuiabá, Brazil, in the afternoon, where your NPE Guide will personally meet and greet you upon arrival. You’ll transfer to your accommodation at the Hotel Deville Prime, a comfortable retreat offering the perfect place to unwind after your journey. Spend some leisure time enjoying the hotel’s amenities or simply relaxing before your private adventure begins. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, setting the tone for an extraordinary expedition.

Overnight at Hotel Deville Prime (D)

To Porto Jofre on the Transpantaneira

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive along the Transpantaneira, a dirt road renowned for exceptional wildlife-viewing opportunities. Originally intended to span 900 miles, the Transpantaneira was completed as a 90-mile stretch featuring 122 wooden bridges. Its proximity to water attracts diverse wildlife, making it a unique open-air safari experience. From your private vehicle, you’ll spot yacare caimans, jabiru storks, and families of capybaras, along with an array of herons, egrets, and rheas. Several stops will be made along the way to capture these incredible sightings.

After a 4-hour journey, including wildlife stops, arrive at your accommodation at the Mato Grosso Pantanal Hotel, where you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch and a chance to rest. This hotel offers simple yet comfortable accommodations and is perfectly situated on the Pixaim River.

In the afternoon, enjoy a private 2-hour boat excursion along the river in search of giant river otters, an endangered species with excellent sighting possibilities. The riverbanks teem with wildlife, including capybaras, Paraguayan caimans, and a spectacular variety of birds, such as the agami heron, plumbeous ibis, and great egret.

Overnight at Mato Grosso Pantanal Hotel (B, L, D)

NOTE: Lunch is not included today. We highly recommend enjoying an early lunch at the São Paulo airport. Your NPE Guide will have snacks available for the drive from Cuiabá to the Mato Grosso Hotel.

Giant Otters Boat Search and the Drive to Porto Jofre

After a hearty breakfast, set out for an exciting journey deeper into the Pantanal along the renowned Transpantaneira. This scenic route is more than just a road; it’s a thriving corridor of wildlife, offering you opportunities to spot jabiru storks, caimans, and capybaras right from your private vehicle. Midway through the drive, enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature.

Arrive at Porto Jofre Lodge, your base for the next few days and the heart of jaguar territory. This region is home to one of the world’s highest densities of jaguars, as well as numerous other species. After settling into your comfortable accommodations, take time to explore the lodge grounds, where wildlife often roams freely, offering incredible photo opportunities right outside your door.

In the evening, your NPE Guide will host a private wildlife recap, highlighting the key moments of your journey so far. Dinner will follow at the lodge, preparing you for thrilling days ahead in the jaguar hotspot of the Northern Pantanal.

Overnight at Porto Jofre Lodge (B, L, D)

Jaguar Search & the ‘Big Six’

For the next three days, immerse yourself in the ultimate wildlife adventure as you search for jaguars and the rest of the legendary Pantanal Big Six: giant otters, giant anteaters, capybaras, South American tapirs, and anacondas. Staying at Porto Jofre Lodge, ideally located on the banks of the Cuiabá River near its tributaries—the Três Irmãos and Piquiri Rivers—you’ll be in the heart of jaguar country, where sightings are highly likely (around a 95% success rate).

Each day, embark on private boat safaris in the morning and afternoon, guided by your expert NPE Guide, who will ensure you are perfectly positioned for the best wildlife photography opportunities. Witness jaguars lounging along riverbanks or stalking prey, along with other remarkable mammals like ocelots, anteaters, and crab-eating foxes. The waterways teem with Paraguayan caimans, Pantanal swamp turtles, and the elusive anacondas.

The Pantanal is also a birder’s paradise, with an incredible diversity of species. Spot water birds like herons and storks, alongside colorful passerines in the riverbank forests. In addition to boat safaris, enjoy private diurnal and nocturnal walks, offering unique opportunities to encounter the fascinating nocturnal wildlife of the region.

Your NPE Guide will tailor each day’s activities based on weather, wildlife movements, and your preferences, ensuring you maximize your chances of spotting the Pantanal Big Six. The experience at Porto Jofre Lodge guarantees unforgettable, intimate encounters with some of South America’s most iconic wildlife.

Overnight at Porto Jofre Lodge (B, L, D)

On to Araras Eco Lodge Private Reserve for Top Class Birding

After breakfast, continue your private expedition along the Transpantaneira Road to reach the Araras Eco Lodge Private Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. This eco-lodge is a haven for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe and photograph the rich avian diversity of the Pantanal.

Once settled in, join your private guide for an afternoon birding expedition on the lodge grounds. Get your camera ready for an array of stunning birds, including spinetails, antbirds, the vibrant green-barred woodpecker, and the magnificent hyacinth macaw, a true icon of the Pantanal. The sheer abundance and variety of bird species make this a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.

In the evening, unwind and take in the tranquility of this unique reserve. Enjoy a private dinner, recounting the day’s incredible sightings and preparing for more adventures ahead.

Overnight at Araras Eco Lodge (B, L, D)

Araras Private Reserve Wildlife Exploration

Immerse yourself in the unmatched biodiversity of the Araras Eco Lodge Private Reserve, spanning 7,500 acres and encompassing three distinct ecosystems: wetlands, savanna, and forest. This renowned birding destination offers an array of private wildlife experiences that will captivate nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

During your stay, explore the reserve’s extensive grounds, featuring a boardwalk and canopy towers for optimal birding and wildlife observation. Keep your binoculars ready to spot a variety of bird species as well as capuchin, howler, and marmoset monkeys. Private guided excursions by vehicle into the surrounding countryside further enhance your chances of encountering the region’s diverse fauna.

After sunset, embark on a thrilling nocturnal expedition to search for elusive species like the lesser anteater, tapirs, and the enigmatic potoo, along with other creatures rarely seen during daylight hours. Your NPE Guide will tailor the activities to maximize sightings and ensure an unforgettable private exploration of this pristine reserve.

Overnights at Araras Eco Lodge (B, L, D)

Drive to Cuiaba and Fly Back Home, or Continue with the Southern Pantanal Extension

Begin your day with a final private wildlife expedition, making the most of your time in the remarkable Pantanal region. After a hearty lunch at Araras Eco Lodge, embark on a scenic drive back along the Transpantaneira to Cuiabá. Upon arrival, your NPE representative will assist with your onward flight, ensuring a seamless transition as you journey back home, filled with unforgettable memories of Brazil’s unparalleled biodiversity.

For those seeking even more adventure, your journey doesn’t have to end here. Opt to extend your private expedition with the Southern Pantanal Extension, where you’ll explore exclusive private reserves and stay at the award-winning Caiman Lodge—a true haven for birding and wildlife enthusiasts.