Pantanal Jaguar Adventure

Welcome to Cuiabá, capital of Mato Grosso and the gateway to the Pantanal. After settling into the hotel, you have the rest of the day to unwind at your own pace.Around 6pm we meet our tour leader and fellow travellers to get to know one another and hear about the adventures ahead, followed by a welcome group dinner.If you’d like extra time in Brazil, your sales representative can arrange pre–tour hotel nights.

This morning we head towards the remote Paraguay River in the Pantanal, driving 127 miles (205km) to the town of Cáceres, then continuing a further 62 miles (100km) on dirt roads to our lodge on the riverbank. We spend the next four days exploring for jaguars and other wildlife.With far fewer visitors than many parts of the Pantanal, this off–the–beaten–path area is ideal for jaguar sightings.This afternoon we board small motorboats for our first jaguar safari, cruising the river and its tributaries in search of the elusive big cat, plus tapirs, monkeys, macaws, anacondas, capybaras, giant otters and more. While wildlife can never be guaranteed, sightings of jaguars are possible on around 90 percent of outings.

We spend the next three days on morning and afternoon boat safaris seeking jaguars and learning about the area’s delicate ecosystem. Outing lengths vary with sightings, so you should be prepared to be flexible with the timetable. Bring everything you’ll need – sun protection, insect repellent, rain protection, plenty of water and your camera and binoculars.

This morning we retrace our route towards Cáceres, continue to Poconé and finally arrive at Araras Lodge. Surrounded by pristine forest, the lodge offers activities that showcase Pantanal flora and fauna, including jeep safaris, guided trail walks, nocturnal safaris, canoeing and horse riding. Naturalist guides from the lodge accompany us on all excursions, and the programme may change depending on the weather.This afternoon we head out on our first activity before returning for dinner at the lodge.

Today we follow a full programme of activities around the lodge, typically one in the morning and another in the afternoon.Hundreds of bird species and dozens of mammals and reptiles can be found nearby; if we are fortunate, we may see the striking hyacinth macaw (arara jacinta in Portuguese), after which the lodge is named. The largest of the macaws, its deep blue plumage and the bright yellow skin around its eyes and beak make it instantly recognisable.Depending on the weather, it may be possible to join night–spotting tours after dinner to observe nocturnal animals.

If you’re keen to make the most of the jungle, you can wake early for a final pre–breakfast activity.After breakfast we return to Cuiabá where the trip ends. We bid farewell and begin the journey home. If you’d like more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.