Imagine the thrill as you catch sight of your first jaguar prowling a lightly vegetated riverbank. Watch in awe as you slowly approach this magnificent predator, finger on your camera shutter, ready to capture this memory of a lifetime.

Venture deep into the seldom-visited Taiama Reserve, exploring remote bays and tributaries of the incredible Paraguay River. Seek out elusive species like the Brazilian tapir, giant anteater, giant river otter, dwarf caiman, and yellow anaconda.

Immerse yourself in incredible tropical birding, spotting over 450 species. Marvel at the Hyacinth Macaw, Greater Rhea, Red-legged Seriema, Agami and Zigzag Herons, and the stunning Roseate Spoonbill.

DAY 1

Arrive / Cuiabá, Brazil

Arrive in Cuiabá and transfer to our group hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner with Sam and your fellow travelers, followed by a briefing on our upcoming adventures.

DAY 2

Cuiabá / Taiamã Reserve

Depart early for the Taiama Reserve in the Pantanal. Check-in to the Baiazinha Hotel, enjoy lunch, and embark on your first boat safari, seeking jaguars and giant river otters. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. 

DAYS 3 & 4

Taiamã Reserve & Paraguay River

Spend two days exploring the Taiama Reserve and Paraguay River, with morning and afternoon boat excursions to spot jaguars, otters, and other wildlife. Enjoy the hotel's amenities and evening spotlighting for nocturnal species.

DAY 5

Taiamã Reserve / Pousada Piuval Lodge

After breakfast, depart for Piuval Lodge, stopping in Poconé for lunch. Travel along the wildlife-rich Transpantaneira road, then check-in and enjoy an afternoon forest walk. After dinner, join a 4x4 safari for nocturnal species.

DAYS 6 & 7

Pousada Piuval Lodge

Explore Piuval Lodge's unique habitat, ideal for photographing Brazilian Tapirs and other species. Enjoy overland safaris, forest walks, and night excursions. Relax with lodge amenities or ride horses through the flooded areas.

DAY 8

Pousada Piuval Lodge / Porto Jofre

Start with a sunrise safari, then travel to Porto Jofre via the Transpantaneira. Check into your lodge and embark on an afternoon boat safari, spotting jaguars, otters, and wading birds. Return at sunset for dinner and overnight.

DAYS 9, 10, 11

Porto Jofre

Spend three days on boat safaris along the Cuiabá River, observing jaguars, giant otters, capybaras, caimans, anacondas, and hyacinth macaws. Enjoy hearty meals, pool relaxation, and evening recaps of the day's adventures.

DAY 12

Porto Jofre / Cuiabá / Depart

Conclude with breakfast and a transfer back to Cuiabá. Enjoy a final lunch before heading to the airport for your flight.

Optional Pre-Trip Extension

The Brazilian Amazon

Jardim da Amazônia Lodge, in São José do Rio Claro, Mato Grosso, Brazil, is a remarkable eco-lodge within a preserved area of primary Amazon rainforest. Founded in 1997, it emphasizes sustainable practices, featuring farm-to-table dining and natural water sources. This sanctuary is ideal for primate and birdwatching, with 8 monkey species and over 580 bird species, including the rare Rio Tapajós Saki monkey and critically endangered Cone-billed Tanager. The lodge, located in a unique ecotone, offers an opportunity to explore the world-famous Amazon Rainforest.

DAY 1

Cuiabá to Jardim da Amazônia Lodge

Depart from Cuiabá in the afternoon for Jardim da Amazônia Lodge, located at the edge of the Amazon Rainforest. Enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive and settle into your forest accommodation. Experience a farm-to-table dinner and optional nighttime forest walk to see nocturnal wildlife like the Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman.

DAYS 2 & 3

Southern Amazon Rainforest Exploration

Wake early for a bird walk or sleep in before exploring the Southern Amazon Rainforest from Jardim da Amazônia Lodge. Known for its 580 bird species including the rare Cone-billed Tanager, the lodge also offers canoe trips, hikes, and leisure time by the pool or natural springs. Evenings feature local meals accompanied by jungle sounds.

DAY 4

Jardim da Amazônia Lodge / Cuiabá

After breakfast and a final nature walk, depart Jardim da Amazônia Lodge and return to Cuiabá to continue your Brazil adventure.

trip details

August 30 – September 10, 2025

optional Pre-Trip Extension

August 27 – 30, 2025

DEPARTURE

The trip starts and ends in Cuiabá, Brazil.

— sam riley

Where You’ll Stay

Baiazinha Lodge

Baiazinha Lodge, a remote ecolodge on the Paraguay River, offers direct access to the Taiamã Ecological Reserve. It's renowned for wildlife viewing, especially jaguars from mid-July to October. The lodge features 15 spacious rooms with air conditioning, a pool, locally inspired cuisine, and activities like horseback riding and hiking.

Pousada Piuval

Located on a 7000-hectare ranch along the Transpantaneira Highway, Pousada Piuval offers 21 air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Guests enjoy Pantanal meals, a pool, and activities such as wildlife boat rides and horseback riding. It's an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts seeking unique species sightings.

Hotel Pantanal Norte

Hotel Pantanal Norte, nestled in prime jaguar habitat at the end of Transpantaneira, provides unparalleled access to jaguar viewing. The family-run hotel offers 28 air-conditioned bungalows, local cuisine, and amenities like a bar and convenience store. It's just a short boat ride to the heart of jaguar territory on the Cuiabá River, ensuring exceptional wildlife experiences.

PRICING

Call for Pricing

deposit

$2000

Group Size

8 travelers

What’s Included

• 11 nights accommodations

• All meals and non-alcoholic drinks during mealtimes

• All excursions, transportation, and local guides

• Taxes and permits

• Gratuities

• Arrival and departure transfers

• Internal airfare: Charter flight from Cuiabá to Porto Jofre