Cassiano "Zapa" Zaparoli
Cassiano "Zapa" Zaparoli
One of Nat Hab's most beloved guides, Zapa grew up on his grandparents’ farm in the interior of Brazil where he developed a deep love for nature and wildlife. As a teen, he loved to camp and fish in the tropical forests and rivers around his home. Zapa received a degree in Tourism Administration from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul State, located on the edge of the Pantanal.
Immediately following completion of his studies, he was hired as a naturalist guide at one of Brazil’s top ecolodges, where he further developed his knowledge of his country’s incredible nature, as well as his skills as a wildlife photographer. Since then, Zapa has worked in various biomes in Brazil including the cerrado grasslands, coastal rain forest and the Pantanal—South America's largest wetlands—and in other biomes of South America. Each year, Zapa undertakes a personal photographic journey around South America, where he has captured more than 35,000 photos of the continent’s nature, culture and wildlife.
These experiences undergird his expertise as a photography Expedition Leader on our nature adventures in the Galapagos, Brazil and Patagonia.
What Our Guests Say
I cannot praise Zapa highly enough. He proved to be an excellent naturalist with an uncanny ability to spot birds and mammals and an apparently encyclopedic knowledge of both. He was energetic, enthusiastic and he made the trip all that we hoped it would be.
What more can we say about Zapa? He is outstanding: personal, fun, engaging and finds a way to teach in every moment. I came on this expedition being an average photographer. He managed to show me so many things about my camera, the art of pictures and tricks to enhancing your photos. He was extremely patient. Even though he has done this hundreds of times, his love for nature made it appear as if it was his first time. He got to know each traveler and made each one feel important.
I am not certain what I can add to all the superlatives that have been said about Zapa by many, many other guests. He is everything a guide should strive to be: knowledgeable, helpful, patient beyond words, attentive to all travelers' needs and desires, delightfully funny and interesting. Nat Hab should be proud to have Zapa working with their organization.
Upcoming Adventures with Cassiano "Zapa" Zaparoli
Brazil Jaguar & Wildlife Photo Expedition
The most immersive Pantanal wildlife safari you'll find! Includes an extra day to photograph jaguars in Porto Jofre, plus tapirs, hyacinth macaws and more on private small-boat excursions on the Cuiaba River.
Wild Patagonia Photo Expedition
An all-encompassing expedition straddling Chile and Argentina! Come away with stunning shots of granite spires, glaciers, turquoise lakes and Andean wildlife including pumas, guanacos and condors.
Galapagos Wildlife Photo Expedition
The ultimate Galapagos photography adventure! Capture amazing wildlife close-ups as we explore 15 diverse islands in 17 days—plus an overnight among wild giant tortoises at our private Tortoise Camp.
Jaguars & Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal
Track jaguars, scout for tapirs, look for hyacinth macaws and more in South America’s most extensive wild frontier—the sprawling wetlands of the Pantanal—with some of the planet's most abundant wildlife.
Patagonia Wilderness & Wildlife Explorer
An all-encompassing expedition straddling Chile and Argentina! Marvel at the granite spires of Torres del Paine, survey the vast ice face of Perito Moreno Glacier, search for pumas and see condors soar.
Galapagos Discovery: The Nat Hab Experience
Small-group adventures aboard your choice of private yachts, led by our outstanding naturalist guides and photography pros. Snorkel and swim with sea lions, sea turtles and penguins on this incomparable nature odyssey.
