Pantanal: Jaguars, Otters, Anteaters and Birds (Sept 18-25, 2026)

• Day 1 (Sept 18): You’ll arrive in Cuiaba, reachable from Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paolo. We’ll overnight at the airport hotel (hotel included, dinner not included)
• Day 2 (Sept 19): We’ll be transported to Santa Rosa Hotel in Porto Joffre, right on the river, for the dedicated jaguar portion of our trip. We’ll hop into the boat and start our adventure after lunch.
• Day 3-6 (Sept 20-23): We’ll leave at dawn and return at dusk, spending all day on the river watching and photographing wildlife. We’ll work with the light filtering through the jungle canopy, even during midday, to make enviable images.
• Day 6 (Sept 23): We’ll spend the morning on the river, then transfer by vehicle to Pousada Piuval in time for lunch and our afternoon game drive in an open vehicle. Depending on safety and species, we’ll be in and out of the vehicle for the best photographic vantage points.
• Day 7 (Sept 24): We’ll have a morning and afternoon game drive. We’ll learn about conservation efforts during the midday.
• Day 8 (Sept 25): We’ll have breakfast after our morning game drive, then depart for the Cuiaba Airport for your return journey home. We won’t say goodbye. We’ll say “See you next time!”

This safari is outstanding for the time we can spend with wildlife. We can see:

• Cats including jaguars, ocelots, Pantanal cats
• Crab-eating Fox
• Giant Anteater
• Tapir
• Monkeys: Howler and Capuchin
• 6-banded Armadillos
• Giant River Otters
• Capybaras
• Collared Peccary
• Reptiles including Caiman and Iguanas
• Maned Wolf
• 4 species of deer, includng Marsh, Pampas, Red and Gray Brocket
• Wild guinea pigs
• & more!

The birding is fantastic in Pantanal, with over 437 species for your bird list. We may see:

• Hyacinth Macaw
• Toucan
• Jabiru Stork
• Anhinga
• Capped Heron
• Hawks including Great Black, Black-collared, Savannah and more
• 10 types of Nighthawks and Nightjars
• 22 kinds of parrots and parakeets
• Antshrikes, Woodcreepers and Woodpeckers
• Heron, Egrets, Ducks and other waterfowl
• Falcons
• & more!

• Wetlands
• Rivers
• Jungle
• Forest
• Savannah

While we are on the go and in our optional Photography Workshop, Karen will coach you in the use of your camera, help you set it up and customize your settings, and will make sure that your settings are right for all of the wonderful photographic moments we'll encounter until you know how to set your own settings. She'll make suggestions for "keeper" shots, teach how to take high-key and low-key shots, and to achieve other fun effects. Bring a stable tripod for night sky photos!

You'll go home with new confidence in your camera and your own ability to capture special moments, and tell special stories through photography.

Beginner to Pro to cell phone shooters. Karen will show you how to maximize your skills. We make non-photographers feel welcome and included, too, so take advantage of the best position for viewing wildlife by going on a photo safari.

Double Occupancy: $ 7200.00 per person, sharing

Single Occupancy: $ 8400.00

Deposit: 30%

2nd Payment: 35% – 180 days prior to Safari

3rd Payment: 35% – 90 days prior to Safari

Karen’s safaris are relaxed and casual. Pantanal is can be hot and humid. Bring moisture-wicking t-shirts and shorts, plus long sleeve SPF-50 shirts and pants for midday. A cooling buff for your neck and a sun/safari hat will keep you comfy. We’ll send a full packing list.  Karen will check the weather about a week ahead of your Photo Safari and email you so you can edit your packing list. Speaking of Packing Lists, have you downloaded her Packing List, and her Travel Tips? Those documents really come in handy as checklists to keep you on track as you get ready for your Safari! You don’t want to forget anything, and Karen’s Packing List covers everything you need.

This type of Photo Safari is low key and suitable for almost all fitness levels. You’ll be walking on flat paths within the Lodge premises. Bungalows have a couple of steps. We might go on a short, slow-paced bush walks on uneven ground, roadways and paths. You will need to be able to get in and out of the boat and the game drive vehicle; assistance is available.

We take every precaution to keep you safe, but you are in an area with dangerous wildlife. Animals can be unpredictable. Our guides are professionals who have lived and worked with wildlife their entire life. We do not ever pressure wildlife to get a sighting or a photograph; if an animal appears uncomfortable or pressured by our presence, we will leave the area and find something else to watch. You must be willing to comply immediately with direction or instructions from staff when we are around wildlife.

There is a maximum of 5 clients on this trip. Everyone will have a swivel seat in the boat and plenty of room for your gear in the safari vehicle.

There is a maximum of 5 clients on this trip.

Brazil uses primarily Type C outlets. You might find Type N in a few locations. Most international power adapters have Type C included. Learn more here.

Karen always brings her own power strip with USB ports so she only needs one adapter. Be sure your power strip has enough plugs for your laptop and battery chargers, and USB ports for your cell phone and other small devices.

Gratuities:  The Staff works hard to ensure you have an exceptional experience. Karen recommends that you offer a gratuity of approximately $10-20 USD/day (per client). Gratuities are always based on your personal appreciation and this suggestion is just a guideline.