Current as of: March 14, 2025 - 02:44
Land of the Jaguar Photographic Safari with Paul Goldstein Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Brazil
- Programmes: Wildlife
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 10 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: WAH2
- Carbon Footprint: 18kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover the diverse wildlife of the Pantanal wetlands alongside expert photographer Paul Goldstein
The Pantanal: the largest wetland region in the world and home to the largest big cat in the Americas. Join acclaimed photographer and conservationist Paul Goldstein to explore a remarkable habitat, where plains and low scrubby forests are home to more than 1,000 bird species and 300 different mammals, including tapirs, anteaters, jabiru storks and the striking hyacinth macaw. Concentrating on the incredibly rich northern Pantanal in the southwest of Brazil, we divide our time between two lodges, journeying deep into the wetlands in search of jaguars, the largest feline in the Americas. These solitary, elusive predators, as well as being formidable opponents on land, are strong swimmers and are known to frequent the waterways near our base in Porto Jofre.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (lodge), 7 Classic nights (hotels)
- Nine breakfasts, eight lunches and nine dinners included
- Travel by minibus, 4×4 safari vehicle and motorised canoe
Highlights
- Embark on 14 boat trips to maximise your chances of jaguar sightings
- Improve your shots with the expert guidance of Paul Goldstein
- Explore a more off-the-beaten-path part of the Pantanal
- Enjoy wetland birdwatching
- Keep an eye out for capybaras, giant anteaters, jabiru storks and other wildlife
Is This Trip for You?
This trip has been rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Five. Visit our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Although the accommodation is of a good standard, we are in a remote area with limited access to luxuries.
The trip involves several long drives on dirt roads. These roads are generally in good condition (although sometimes bumpy) during the dry season when this trip operates; however, journeys may be significantly delayed in heavy rain.
We spend much of the trip in boats; if you suffer from seasickness, please note that these small vessels have a relatively shallow draft, which means any movement is more noticeable than in larger vessels, though the likelihood of feeling nausea is much lower on rivers than open water.
The rich wildlife here also includes lots of insects, including mosquitoes, so good repellent is a must as are tops with long sleeves.
Deposit terms
At the time of booking, we ask you for the standard Exodus deposit plus an extra 10% of the trip cost to secure your space on the departure. If for any reason we are unable to secure the space and we have to cancel the trip, you receive a full refund.
Cancellation terms
Due to the nature of this trip, it has slightly different cancellation charges to those listed in the standard Exodus Booking Conditions. After booking, if cancelling your travel arrangements, you have to pay cancellation charges as follows:
- Up to 61 days before departure: loss of deposit
- 60 days or less (or failure to join the trip): loss of 100% of the trip cost
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 7
Max group size: 14
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Cuiabá
- End City: Cuiabá
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Arrive Cuiabá; transfer to Araras
The trip starts in Cuiabá, the capital of the Mato Grosso state, and we transfer to Araras Lodge. Surrounded by pristine forest, the lodge offers a range of activities designed to showcase the flora and fauna of the Pantanal, including jeep safaris, trail walks, nocturnal safaris, canoeing and horse riding. The bilingual expert naturalist at the lodge accompanies us on our excursions to truly enhance our wildlife viewing.
Accommodation: Araras Lodge (or similar)
To Porto Jofre
With a very early start, we drive along the Transpantaneira road to Porto Jofre, deep in the heart of the Pantanal along the Cuiabá River. En route, we cross numerous watercourses and it can be quite bumpy. Common sightings include caiman, capybaras, deer and a large variety of birds including rheas, huge jabiru storks, macaws, egrets and spoonbills. After a very early breakfast, we get straight onto the river having packed extra snacks from the buffet (there’s no knowing when we will return!). Jaguar sightings are relatively common in this area (a high percentage of visitors staying longer than three days see at least one during their stay), but there are no guarantees when it comes to wildlife. Even if we don’t spot them, we will encounter a huge array of animals and birds.
Accommodation: Hotel Pantanal Norte (or similar)
Morning and afternoon boat safaris on the Paraguay River searching for jaguars and other wildlife
The next six days are spent in boats looking for jaguars and learning more about the delicate ecosystem of the Pantanal. The seating plan on the vessels means no‐one will be stuck in a middle seat – expect uninterrupted views and the best possibilities for wildlife observation and photography.
Although we have a boat safari each morning and afternoon, the exact length of each boat trip is determined by which animals we see. If we spot a jaguar, our timetable may go out the window as we track them and observe their behaviour. Prepare to be flexible and to spend longer than planned on the water. October is thankfully not as busy as the previous two months on the water.
Accommodation: Hotel Pantanal Norte (or similar)
Return to Araras Lodge
This morning, we have a boat safari before returning for lunch and to pack. We then return along the Transpantaneira to Araras Lodge.
Accommodation: Araras Lodge (or similar)
To Cuiabá; depart Brazil
After an early morning of wildlife spotting and breakfast, we return to Cuiabá Airport. We bid a fond farewell and begin our return journeys home – most likely flicking through our photos and planning which one will look best on the wall.
To Cuiaba; depart Brazil
After an early morning of wildlife spotting and breakfast, we return to Cuiabá airport. Those on the group flight travel home to London today. Land only clients are free to make their own arrangements from Cuiabá airport this afternoon.
Arrive London
Accommodation
Araras Lodge, Poconé, and Hotel Pantanal Norte, Porto Jofre
Venturing into the Pantanal, the land of the jaguar, we split our time between two lodges, both well located for our wildlife-watching adventures.
Poconé: Araras Lodge (nights 1 and 9)
Begin and end the adventure at Araras Lodge, which is designed in a rustic regional style and has 19 air-conditioned rooms. The property also has a restaurant-bar, which serves local cuisine and plenty of good drinks, plus a swimming pool and gift shop. There are also three observation towers, the tallest of which is 82ft (25m) high, allowing you to gaze over the landscape in search of birds and other wildlife.
Porto Jofre: Hotel Pantanal Norte (nights 2-8)
Spend seven nights at Hotel Pantanal Norte (formerly Hotel Porto Jofre), a lodge on the banks of the Cuiabá River. It has 28 air‐conditioned apartments with private bathrooms, each with a porch and hammock for relaxation. The swimming pool is perfect for cooling down after a hot day on the river, and the restaurant serves an array of regional dishes.
Single supplement from £ 1750
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, eight lunches and nine dinners are included.
Meals in the Pantanal are plentiful buffets with a focus on local specialities. Breakfast usually consists of a variety of cold meats, hot dishes, bread and fruits, while for the other meals there is a wide range of hot and cold dishes, soups and fruit.
Meat is a staple part of the Brazilian diet, but vegetarians can be catered for throughout the trip. Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements, especially since the remote nature of the places we stay means special supplies can be difficult to obtain without prior notice.
Camomile tea and fruit infusions are available at the lodges, however traditional tea is not available, so you may wish to take teabags with you.
Transport
We use a mixture of private minibus, purpose-built safari vehicle and motorboat.
Weather & Seasonality
The Pantanal has two clearly defined seasons. The dry season lasts from May to October, and the region experiences little rainfall at this time of year. This is generally considered to be the best time for viewing animals and birds. The wet season runs from November to May, and much of the annual rainfall occurs during these months. Temperatures are generally around 25C (77F), but there can be large seasonal variations and temperatures can easily reach the high 30s (around 100F) in the dry season.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Araras Eco Lodge, Estrada Parque Transpantaneira, Zona Rural – Poconé – Mato Grosso, 78175-000
Phone: +55 65 3682 2800
Recommended arrival time: 11am at the start hotel to join the welcome briefing and first excursion.
Airport: Cuiabá (CGB)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately two hours’ drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport, which also picks up those meeting at Deville Prime Hotel in Cuiabá. The group then travels to Araras Lodge, so it is essential everyone catches this transfer, either at the airport or the Deville Prime Hotel.
You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport or the Deville Prime Hotel before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Please note that if you are organising your own flights, your departure flight should not be earlier than the group flights as the journey back to Cuiabá Airport on the last day is 129km’s.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Cuiabá
Location end: Cuiabá
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Sunglasses
- High-factor sunscreen
- Sunhat
- Strong-soled shoes or boots for walking
- Long-sleeve shirts and trousers (pants)
- Waterproofs
- Water bottle
- Strong insect repellent
- Torch (flashlight)
- Warm jumper/sweater
Optional Equipment
- Spare camera batteries
- Extra memory cards or film
- Binoculars for bird watching
- Swimwear
- Monopod for your camera (more useful than a tripod here)
Practical Information
Visa
Brazil
Travellers from the UK and EU do not normally need a visa to enter Brazil.
From 10 April 2025, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders require an e-visa. It is recommended to apply for your e-visa two months before travel to Brazil. Information on visas can be found here: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-miami/information-about-visas-in-english. The e-visa application site is here: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/.
Vaccinations and Health
Brazil
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, rabies, tuberculosis and yellow fever. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic about the need for antimalarials.
Additionally, zika and dengue fevers, which are both spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available; therefore, we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Local Time
Brazil's time zone: America/Sao_Paulo (UTC -03:00)
Electricity
There are power sockets in the rooms at both lodges, which generally accept Type N plugs (either 110V or 220V). A universal power adaptor should include this plug type.
Money
Brazil's currency: Brazilian real (BRL)
ATM Availability
There are several ATMs in Cuiabá, including at the airport. Please check with your bank before departure to ensure your cards are accepted by Brazilian banks.
Araras Lodge prefers card payments over cash as they do not always have change on site. Cards are not accepted at Porto Jofre Hotel.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
As most meals are provided, extra expenses on this trip should not be high. Budget 48-72 reais (US$10-US$15) for each lunch not included in the itinerary, excluding drinks, although it is easy to spend less than this depending on the standard of restaurant. Beer and local spirits are generally slightly cheaper than in Western Europe and North America, and soft drinks about the same.
A soft drink (can) costs from 10 reais (US$2), while a beer starts from 15 reais (US$3).
The lodges we use accept payment for bar bills or souvenir purchases in either reais or US dollars. Credit cards are also accepted at Araras Lodge.
Tipping
Although tips are not compulsory, they are part of life throughout Latin America, and Brazil is no exception. We recommend you budget for tips of 24-48 reais (US$5-US$10) per person per day for the local guides in the Pantanal, plus around 9.50 reais (US$2) for each driver, hotel porter etc per day.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.