If it's captivating jaguar images you're after, the Pantanal beckons. While the Amazon may be better known, the Pantanal offers South America’s greatest wildlife photography extravaganza, with its largest cat atop the huge, intricate food chain. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the world’s largest seasonal floodplain, sprawling over 75,000 square miles in the heart of the continent and containing its densest concentration of wildlife. The vast mosaic of marsh and islands is home to 10 million caiman, 650 bird species and 100 different mammals, including capybara, maned wolf and giant river otter. The Pantanal’s freshwater wetlands support a profusion of aquatic fauna that attracts a host of predators, most notably the charismatic jaguar—and our in-depth Pantanal adventure offers the world’s best chance to photograph these elusive felines. On foot, by boat and 4x4, explore the verdant recesses of South America’s largest wildlife sanctuary—you'll find no better Pantanal photo adventure!
Trip Highlights
World's Best Jaguar Photo Opportunities
Alongside expert photographer-naturalist guides, make five separate boat excursions from Porto Jofre—the best place on the planet to spot jaguars in the wild
An In-Depth Pantanal Photo Safari
From boat excursions up north to 4x4 drives and guided walks in the south, you won’t find a more varied and thorough encounter with the Pantanal and its wildlife
Learn How Photography Can Be a Tool for Conservation
During our stay at Caiman Ecological Refuge, seek shots of tapir, giant anteater, ocelot and hyacinth macaw, and discover how your presence helps conserve them
The Most Comprehensive Pantanal Photo Safari You'll Find
With the world's largest wetland at its heart—which also happens to be South America's largest wildlife realm—tropical Brazil is a prize for wildlife photographers. Our itinerary immerses you in the Pantanal in greater depth than any other trip we're aware of—meaning you won't find better photo opportunities anywhere else! See what sets this photo safari apart:
The Very Best Locations for Wildlife Photography
In the Pantanal, wildlife is even more abundant than in the Amazon. We may see Brazilian tapir, capybara, giant armadillo, giant river otter, maned wolf, caiman, and the top prize for wildlife photographers, the elusive jaguar. But you can't stay just anywhere in this massive marsh and expect those rewards. An itinerary must be strategically based around the best wildlife-viewing locations, and this one won't let you down.More Time in the Pantanal from Multiple Perspectives
We spend seven full days at three different locations in both the north and south Pantanal to offer you a full photography immersion in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Photograph wildlife throughout this vast mosaic of flooded marshlands, dry islands and savanna via multiple means, from nature walks and 4x4 drives to boat rides and canoe safaris—each mode revealing a new vantage point on the varied landscapes and their wild inhabitants.Private Chartered Flight from North to South—a Nat Hab Exclusive!
Getting from the northern part of the Pantanal to the south can be a challenge. But rather than subject you to what most travelers endure—a 10-hour drive over rough roads, plus two short commercial flights in between—we charter private planes to fly directly to Caiman Ecological Refuge. It's not only a far more comfortable and efficient option, but you'll get a 360° aerial view that reveals the vastness of the Pantanal—a perspective few visitors get.Our Lodgings—Including Caiman Ecological Refuge—Immerse You in Nature
We choose our accommodations based on the superb access they offer for nature photography. Spend three nights in the remote Porto Jofre region, where we find more jaguars than anywhere else. Another highlight is Caiman Ecological Refuge, part of an acclaimed private research, conservation and ecotourism initiative. Unlike more-touristed Pantanal locations, this exclusive ecolodge enjoys a remote private setting, with ever-increasing jaguar sightings in the vicinity.A Small Group Facilitates Intimate Wildlife Photo Encounters
Our Photo Expedition is limited to 11 travelers, for a quieter presence in nature. A small group also ensures that your Photo Expedition Leader can offer you all the personalized attention and guidance you need—so you can go home with images you're thrilled with.Your Expedition Leader is a Pro Photographer & Top Naturalist Guide
Nat Hab has a well-deserved international reputation for the highest-quality Expedition Leaders, and our photo safari guides are no exception. Our Brazil naturalist are equally accomplished photographers, photo instructors and wildlife experts, with additional training and resources from WWF scientists. In the Pantanal, we are also joined by local guides from each lodge who are resident experts in their region's flora and fauna. See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Brazil Photo Adventure
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee that clearly states that we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF’s Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our small-group nature adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures its worldwide travel partner—a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
