Best of the Pantanal & Bonito | 12 Days

Arrival at Campo Grande airport (CGR) and transfer to your hotel. Campo Grande, the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul, is well-connected with daily flights from major Brazilian cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Cuiabá (Northern Pantanal).

After breakfast, transfer to Aguapé Lodge. The drive will take approximately 3.5 hours (around 190 km) to reach our next base, Pousada Aguapé. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on your first safari in the surrounding area, where you’ll have your first encounter with the rich local wildlife.

Full days dedicated to immersing yourself in the incredible biodiversity of the lodge’s surroundings with a private vehicle, a local guide, and a South Quest senior naturalist guide.

Start your day by observing the lively feeders, where you’ll be treated to sightings of toco toucans, red-crested cardinals, plush-crested jays, nanday parakeets, and more! After breakfast, we will embark on an exciting safari in an open vehicle, venturing deep into the area to track down the Giant Anteater, the most iconic mammal of the Southern Pantanal.

Throughout the days, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to encounter other fascinating wildlife, such as the Southern Tamandua, Pampas Deer, and nine-banded and yellow armadillos. In addition to these mammals, the area is a haven for bird lovers, offering countless chances to admire the vibrant birdlife that calls this region home.

In the morning, we will drive to the Bonito region for around 3 hours (around 250km), arriving first at Rio da Prata, where we will have lunch. Later, from here, we will drive around 20 minutes (20km) and visit the famous Buraco das Araras. In this sandstone sinkhole, the Red-and-Green Macaws stay all day long, flying around and inside, providing great photographic opportunities!

Key species of the day: Red-and-Green Macaw, Lineated Woodpecker, Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, Amazonian Motmot, Peach-Fronted Parakeet.

Early in the morning, you’ll visit the iconic Gruta do Lago Azul, renowned for its crystal-clear blue lake nestled deep within the cavern. The sunlight filtering into the cave enhances the vivid blue hues of the water, creating a mesmerizing and almost magical atmosphere — a truly unforgettable experience. Afterward, you’ll enjoy lunch near the stunning Rio da Prata.

After breakfast, we will revisit the captivating Buraco das Araras, a natural sinkhole that serves as a sanctuary for the vibrant red-and-green macaws. This second visit offers an excellent opportunity to capture new angles and behaviors of these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

Following breakfast, we’ll catch a domestic flight to Cuiabá, then embark on a 5-hour drive to Porto Jofre, where we’ll be based for the upcoming days. During the trip, we’ll stop at various points to photograph the diverse wildlife that resides in this remarkable area.

Porto Jofre, situated at the end of the famous Transpantaneira Park Road and on the banks of the Cuiabá River, is renowned as the realm of the largest cat in the Americas, the majestic jaguar.

Full days will be dedicated to exploring the winding Cuiabá River and its intricate channels in search of the majestic Jaguars and the rich riverine wildlife. You’ll embark on a boat with a senior local naturalist, who will expertly guide you through the maze of waterways deep into prime jaguar territory, offering some of the most reliable sightings in the world. Your guide will ensure that the boat is perfectly positioned for the best angles, providing fantastic opportunities for viewing and capturing stunning photos of these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
While the main focus of this tour is the jaguar, you’ll also have the chance to witness and photograph various other rare and iconic species. Keep your eyes open for the playful Giant River Otter, the elusive Neotropical Otter, the mighty Tapir, and a variety of striking birds such as the Yellow-Billed Tern, Black Skimmer, and several species of herons. You may even encounter the mysterious Anaconda, adding an extra thrill to your adventure.

After a final breakfast, we will check out and begin our scenic drive back to Cuiabá, which will take approximately five hours. Upon arrival at Cuiabá airport, you will catch your flight for departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of the incredible wildlife and landscapes you’ve experienced in the heart of the Pantanal.