Pantanal wildlife photography tour 2026
New for 2026. Join us for an adventure photographing wildlife in a remote region of the Northern Pantanal in Brazil.
Photograph wildife on an 8000 hectare farm and live aboard a traditional Brazilian houseboat, Panoramico, featuring spacious, air-conditioned guest rooms and exceptional hospitality from a welcoming crew.
During our journey, we'll be seeking the jaguar, the king of South American cats. The Pantanal supports the highest known density of this elusive species, but they neverthless remain elusive and difficult to spot. However, the area we will visit has gained a reputation for being the hotspot for this species, providing the best opportunities.
We will explore prime areas using smaller boats to navigate narrow channels within this untouched wilderness.
Key info
Available spaces:
4
duration:
10 Days
DATES:
1st - 10th November 2026
Fitness level:
Easy
price:
$8250 (c. £6500)
Single supplement:
$1350
group size:
7
pACKING LIST:
jaguars, giant otters and macaws
10 days of wildlife photography in the Northern Pantanal; home of the elusive Jaguar
Explore the world's largest wetland and biodiversity hotspot
Stay on a flotel (floating hotel) situated in the heart of this wetland paradise
Explore an 8000 hectare farm in search of giant anteater
Seek out other photogenic species such as hyacinth macaw, giant river otter, great potoo and tapir (plus many, many more!)
Trip during shoulder season when jaguar opportunities are great but with less tourists
One guest per row in day boats
Small group size (max 7 people)
Local guides combined with expert tuition
itinerary
Each day consists of a morning and afternoon wildlife photography activity. After your morning session you'll have time to relax, edit your photographs or socialise in the communal area. George will be available at midday each day for 1:1 support (anything from reviewing photographs to helping with settings). Guests should arrive the day before and overnight in a hotel near the airport (not included).
Day 1
AM: We'll depart from Cuiaba and take private transport to Pouso Alegre Lodge. The journey is around 3 hours, half on on paved roads and half on dirt roads along the Transpantaneira highway.
PM: George will host a welcome talk and give a presentation on how to get the most from the trip, including providing camera settings for each activity. Then onto your first activity for the afternoon, exploring the 8000 hectare area in safari trucks, in search of wildlife such as giant anteater, tapir, chestnut-bellied guan, savanna hawk; great horned owl; ferruginous pygmy-owl; chestnut-eared aracari; toco toucan and much more!
Day 2
AM: An early rise and we'll go on search around the farm in safari trucks photographing the abundant wildlife.
PM: Another session photographing the wide variety of wildlife on the farm.
Day 3
AM: We'll transfer to Porto Jofre (4-5 hours) where we switch to small motor boats to speed up the river and board our floating home for the next few days, The Panoramico house boat.
PM: We'll set out on your first afternoon jaguar search on our private boat. Each customer will have their own row. Outings are in small uncovered motor boats that can explore the main rivers and network of small channels.
Day 4
AM: Jaguar, giant river otter, capybara and bird photography from our private boat.
PM: Jaguar, giant river otter, capybara and bird photography from our private boat.
Day 5
AM: Jaguar, giant river otter, capybara and bird photography from our private boat.
PM: Jaguar, giant river otter, capybara and bird photography from our private boat.
Day 6
AM: Jaguar, giant river otter, capybara and bird photography from our private boat.
PM: Jaguar, giant river otter, capybara and bird photography from our private boat.
Day 7
AM: Jaguar, giant river otter, capybara and bird photography from our private boat.
PM: Jaguar, giant river otter, capybara and bird photography from our private boat.
Day 8
AM: Jaguar, giant river otter, capybara and bird photography from our private boat.
PM: Return to Porto Jofre for private transfer to Rio Claro Lodge (approx 4 hours) along the Transpantaneira Highway.
Day 9
Full day of wildife photography at Rio Claro Lodge. We will main explore the area on boat along the Rio Claro in search of kingfishers, fishing hawks and hoping for a lucky encounter with shier and rarer species such as least Bittern and agami Heron. We will also use safari trucks to photograph within the grassland areas.
Day 10
Private transfer back to Cuiaba.
Accommodation
We'll stay in three fantastic locations, each selected for their wildlife opportunities (see wildlife section below for more details.
Pouso Alegre Lodge is located on the outer fringes of the Pantanal habitat and is situated on a 8000 hectare farm where you can enjoy the natural wonders of the Pantanal in an authentic farm environment, and immerge in the pantaneiro lifestyle. The facilities are simple and comfortable, in harmony with the landscape and farm life. Rooms offer air conditioning, ceiling fan, screened windows and a bathroom with electric shower.
The Panoramico House Boat is anchored in a remote area of the North Pantanal which is THE hotspot for jaguar sightings. Cabins are equipped with a king size bed, mini bar, private bathroom and all offer air conditioning. The boat also features a bar on the upstairs panoramic deck.
We'll end the trip at Rio Claro Lodge. Located by the river "Clear" activities include boat rides, safari truck outings, and bird photography around lodge gardens. Rooms offer air conditioning and the lodge has a restaurant with self-service system, swimming pool, TV room, games kiosk, deck for ecological fishing, souvenir shop, wireless internet and much more.
"I have done 3 trips with Wilder Photography and they have all been fantastic experiences. The trips have had a very ‘inclusive’ feeling about them, and everyone came back with a lot of great photos...I can thoroughly recommend to anyone thinking of doing a wildlife photographic holiday."
- Gavin Bickerton-Jones
Hides & Wildlife
This trip offers fantastic opportunities to photography wild jaguars in their natural habitat alongside a wide variety of other wildlife.
The area around Pouso Alegre Lodge is drier, with more grassland and forest habitat, and therefore a good place to photograph species such as giant anteater, tamandua, tapir, hyacinth macaw, great potoo, greater rhea, crimson-crested woodpecker and great horned owl. Activities are safari truck outings, and bird photography around lodge gardens.
The Panoramico House Boat is anchored in a remote area of the North Pantanal which is THE hotspot for jaguar sightings. Cabins are equipped with a king size bed, mini bar, private bathroom and all offer air conditioning. The boat also features a bar on the upstairs panoramic deck. Day photography outings are in small uncovered motor boats that can explore the main rivers and network of small channels.
We'll end the trip at Rio Claro Lodge. Located by the river "Clear" activities include boat rides, safari truck outings, and bird photography around lodge gardens. We'll take boat rides along the Rio Claro for photography of water birds including kingfishers, fishing hawks such as collared hawk and great black hawk, great egret, capped heron, and always hoping for a lucky encounter with shier and rarer species such as least bittern and agami heron. We'll also take safari truck rides within the grassland areas.
included
not included
All accommodation (Rio Claro x 2 nights; Panoramico x 5 nights; Pouso Alegre x2 nights)
Enclosed, air-conditioned private transport from Cuiaba
AM and PM private boat trips from the Panoramico (with one row per photographer to maximise opportunities)
All other activities
All food (from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 10)
All conservation fees
Carbon offsetting for your flight*
Fantastic local and photographic guides
Tuition and advice throughout the trip both on your photography and the best locations for a wide variety of subjects
Flights
Brazilian tourist visa
Personal travel insurance (essential)
Tips for local guides and staff
aDD-oNS
Pre-trip accommodation
TBC
An airport transfer and pre-trip accommodation in Cuiaba.
More to be added soon!
Testimonials from our trips
“I was very excited about the trip having digested the comprehensive information Jonathan provided beforehand but also a little anxious, I shouldn’t have been. Jonathan’s planning and attention to detail meant that every day was packed with exciting events and sightings; his schedule of activities and organisation on a day to day basis was excellent and ensured that everyone had the opportunity to maximise the potential to see and photograph the varied wildlife in the reserve. Jonathan was an exceptional guide – always made himself available to help and offer his invaluable advice as required which I made full use of – and good company too. The entire package far exceeded my expectations on all fronts”
- Karen McGrath
