Pantanal

12 – 24 october 2025

Pantanal

12 – 24 october 2025

Price: 65,000 SEK (excluding airfare)
Single room supplement: 9,880 SEK

Jaguar / Jabiru / Hyacinth Macaw / Greater Rhea / Tokotoukan / Ozelot / Giant River Otter

Photo tour for Jaguars & the birds of Pantanal

The Pantanal is the largest wetland in South America and is shared by Brazil (70%), Bolivia (20%), and Paraguay (10%). The area is approximately the size of Greece. The Pantanal has been a wetland for at least 5,000 years, and despite attempts to tame the water, the area remains relatively unaffected by humans. Annual floods, during which most of the wetland is submerged, are a significant factor. Here, an impressive number of species coexist, including approximately 475 bird species, 135 mammals, 80 reptiles, 50 amphibians, and 375 fish species, as well as 1,700 identified plant species (it is believed that there are an equal number of unidentified plants!). Today, cattle ranching is the primary livelihood. However, in recent years, nature tourism has grown significantly, not least because it is now easier to encounter South America’s largest cat, the jaguar, in the Pantanal. A key explanation is that income from tourism is sometimes up to eight times higher than from cattle ranching, thereby largely eliminating the incentive to hunt jaguars.

Have a look at one of our trip reports!

Species

The focus species on this trip is the jaguar, and several days are scheduled to maximize opportunities for encounters. During previous trips, we have seen approximately 125 bird species and nearly 20 mammal species without much effort. Highlights among birds include the majestic Jabiru stork, the beautiful Hyacinth Macaw, the South American ”ostrich” Greater Rhea, and the Toco Toucan. Naturally, we observe many wetland species, such as herons, kingfishers, and various ibises. Among mammals, the Black Howler Monkey, Capuchin Monkey (Cebus libidinosus), Marsh Deer, Ocelot, Giant River Otter, and Capybara are easy to spot, but we have also seen Tapir, Marmoset, Brazilian Porcupine, and several bat species. The Pantanal Caiman is common, and encountering the southern species of Anaconda (Yellow Anaconda) is quite likely, as well as various frog species.

For whom?

The trip is a photography expedition where much time is devoted to a smaller number of species. Suitable for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, but primarily nature photographers who will undoubtedly fill their memory cards with tropical nature and its inhabitants. We are active most of the daylight hours and sometimes even take night tours with spotlights.

Environments

We spend most of our time at the species-rich wetlands, either by car or by boat, especially on the days when we are searching for jaguars. In the savanna landscape, there will be shorter walks on foot.

Freedom of choice

The excursions take up the majority of the time, but there is an opportunity for personal time in the morning, evening, and during lunch. Each evening, there are opportunities to collectively review the species list to see which species we encountered during the day.

Traveling and route

The journey begins in the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, where we arrive by plane from Sweden/São Paulo. We travel comfortably by bus southward, passing through the golden city of Poconé before reaching the approximately 150-kilometer-long dirt road, Via Transpantaneira, which cuts straight through the species-rich wetlands and is, so to speak, the backbone of our journey.

Local guides

The local guide and organizer for our trip is named Eduarda ”Duda” Fernandes. Duda has her own company, which she started at the age of 16. In many ways, it is Duda who elevates this trip above most others due to her excellent knowledge, organizational skills, and good humor.

Season and time

Late summer and early fall are the ideal times to visit the Pantanal. During this period, the water levels are low, and the beautiful Tabebuia trees bloom brightly.

Food and accomodation

We stay at four different hotels along the Via Transpantaneira to be close to our destinations. There will be 1 to 4 nights at these hotels. They are all of good standard and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The rooms have air conditioning, showers, and comfortable beds. During the days when we are searching for jaguars, we spend the entire day in boats and have packed lunches.

Practical information

When: 12 – 24 october 2025

Price: 65,000 SEK (excluding airfare)
Single room supplement: 9,880 SEK

Note: We reserve the right to adjust the price if local costs or currency changes justify it. Minor adjustments to the start and end times of the trip may also be necessary at times.

We offer to book the flight for you, ensuring that we travel on the same flight, which is important to us.

Included: Full board in double rooms at hotels except for meals at the hotel during the transfer days in Cuiabá, Swedish (English speaking) tour leader, local guide throughout, all transportation, all potential entrance fees to nature reserves and parks.

Not included: Airfare, transfer to the airport in Sweden, insurance (Note: European Health Insurance Card is not valid here. Participants are required to have travel insurance covering accidents and illnesses.), alcohol, souvenirs, and other personal expenses, tips for local guides/drivers.

Vaccination: Hepatitis A&B (Twinrix), tetanus, yellow fever, bring malaria tablets.

Number of participants: minimum 4, maximum 6.

Registration fee: Once you have registered, we will send an invoice for 5,000 SEK as a registration fee, guaranteeing you a spot on the trip.