The northern Pantanal is the best place in the world to photograph jaguars in the wild.
Everything will be geared towards watching this big cat in its natural environment. We have an experienced boat guide who tries to avoid other tourists. Once we have our first jaguar shots, we will head into more remote arms of the river in search of untouched wilderness.
This is not an ordinary sightseeing tour. We devote our time to wildlife photography with a minimum of transfers.
What we will photograph
The spotted cat
The Cuiabá River near Porto Jofre has one of the densest jaguar populations in the world. The falling water exposes sandy banks where jaguars rest and hunt. From the boat we often see them just a few dozen metres away, and they are used to boats.
Anteaters, tapirs and otters
Families of capybaras and hundreds of caimans bask on the banks. In the evening tapirs come down to the water, and with a little luck we will meet a giant anteater. Giant otters offer hunting scenes.
A birdwatcher's paradise
The symbol of the region is the jabiru stork, with a wingspan of more than 2.5 metres. Hyacinth macaws, the largest parrots in the world, perch in the palms, and kingfishers and toco toucans live along the rivers.
Day-by-day programme
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Day 1
Departure from Prague
Flight to Brazil with a connection in São Paulo to a domestic flight to Cuiabá. On the way we will go over photographic technique, behaviour around big cats, safety on boats and composition for wildlife photography.
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Day 2
Cuiabá – Nobres
Welcome by our local guide and driver, lunch in a traditional restaurant and departure for Nobres. Crystal-clear rivers and emerald lagoons are ideal for snorkelling among hundreds of fish.
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Day 3
Bom Jardim and Lagoa das Araras
In the morning through the rainforest to the Serra Azul waterfall and a freshwater swim. In the afternoon a lagoon with dead buriti palms: at sunset dozens of blue-and-yellow macaws fly in here.
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Day 4
Transpantaneira – Rio Claro Lodge
In the morning the macaw nesting site again. After breakfast via Cuiabá to the Transpantaneira: beyond the town of Poconé the dirt road begins, and with it a photo safari with stops along the way.
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Day 5
Rio Claro – Porto Jofre
Morning boat trip on the Rio Claro for jabiru storks, hyacinth macaws, kingfishers and monkeys. Then transfer to the Jaguar Bay Lodge by the river and a first trial boat trip with long telephoto lenses at sunset.
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Day 6
Cuiabá River – day one
Early start into the quiet arms of the river in search of jaguars and giant otters. The guide also looks for remote bends away from the main traffic. The midday break is for consultations and image selection.
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Day 7
Cuiabá River – day two
Jaguars and birds. We wake up to mist over the river and photograph scenic portraits of jaguars in the river landscape as well as hunting birds. In the evening silhouettes of jabiru storks and a plan for the next day.
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Day 8
Cuiabá River – day three
A different stretch of the river with shallows and sandbanks, home to capybaras and caimans, where jaguars often hunt. The boat is positioned so that we get a good angle without disturbing the animals.
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Day 9
Cuiabá River – day four
Morning mist over the water and jaguars at rest. We also look for rarer mammals, such as the ocelot or the anteater. In the afternoon landscape compositions with the jaguar as part of the story.
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Day 10
Pouso Alegre Lodge
A last morning boat trip in the best light, then transfer to a lodge with lagoons and gardens. The feeders and the forest edge are good places for tapirs, anteaters, toucans and macaws.
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Day 11
Pouso Alegre – Cuiabá – São Paulo
A last sunrise at the lodge. After breakfast transfer to Cuiabá, flight to São Paulo and from there back to Europe.
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Day 12
Arrival in Prague
Afternoon arrival in Prague according to the flight schedule.
The programme may change depending on the weather, water levels or animal movements.
Price and equipment
The price includes
- accommodation in twin rooms, full board
- local transport – minivan and motorboats
- local guide and driver
- professional photo tutor and photographer
- loan of ND filters and selected equipment
- travel agency insolvency insurance
- feedback session after returning home
The price does not include
- flight Prague – São Paulo – Cuiabá, approx. CZK 30,000
- food and drinks beyond full board
- travel insurance and cancellation insurance
Recommended equipment
- lenses from wide angle to long telephoto
- tripod or monopod, remote shutter release
- polarising and ND filters
- spare batteries, cleaning kit, plenty of memory cards
- laptop or tablet for backups
Participants get a 20% discount on Tilak clothing, Meindl footwear and VF Foto filters.
Frequently asked questions
Is the flight included in the price?
No. The flight Prague – São Paulo – Cuiabá costs around CZK 30,000.
What equipment do I need?
Mainly a long telephoto lens for jaguars and birds, plus a wider lens for landscapes. We will lend you ND filters and selected equipment on site.
How demanding is the expedition?
We walk only 1–2 km a day. We spend most of the time on the boat or at the lodge, but we get up early for the light.
Are we sure to see a jaguar?
Nobody can guarantee wild animals. But the Cuiabá River has one of the densest jaguar populations in the world, and we will spend four full days on the river.
Can the programme change?
Yes, depending on water levels, the weather and where the animals happen to be.
Bookings via Czech Photo Travel. I am happy to answer any questions.
