Brazil’s Pantanal: A place of superlatives. Home to the world’s largest fresh-water wetlands, the Pantanal is ten-times the size of the Everglades, draining into a single channel: the Paraguay River. We venture deep into this world-class wildlife hotspot on a long road that bisects the Transpantaneira wilderness, in search of an adventure that can’t be missed.

In this famed region, we discover wildlife thriving in a mix of savanna, forest, and wetland habitats. Even a relaxed day can yield more than 100 species of birds and dozens of mammals, including the famous Jaguar. Not to mention, Capybara are everywhere!

Brazilian Tapir, Capybara, Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, and yes, Jaguar, are five of many incredible mammals we seek, while Greater Rhea, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, and Helmeted Manakin top the list of impressive bird sightings. Rare Yellow Anaconda, one of the world’s largest snakes, may be a lucky find, while the small (for a crocodilian at least) Yacaré Caiman can be seen by the thousands. For many, it is the sheer number and variety of species that leaves the most lasting impression.

Charming (and working) cattle ranches serve as our accommodations, each with its own impressive and distinctive wildlife community. Lazy afternoons invite photographers to wander between shade circles of the ranch trees for rare time with Hyacinth Macaw and other species.

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  • “AWESOME, FANTASTIC. A trip of a lifetime! (Guides) Wes and Marco were as good as it gets.” — Charles Henderson, 2023 Traveler
  • “I’ve already told family and friends that it may have been the very best trip I’ve ever taken. Oh, the jaguars! Watching three different ones for extended periods of time surpassed my expectations. And I got such wonderful photos and videos.” — Laura Jelemensky, 2023 Traveler
  • “Excellent opportunity to view Brazil's southern (Panatal) wildlife. Remarkable birding…for me the most new species ever on a trip. Four different jaguars in three different locations; loved the Giant Anteaters…We were fortunate to see 20 within a two-day period; and Giant River Otters!” — Joyce Kelly, 2023 Traveler
  • “Great opportunity to see lots of iconic wildlife up close…Capybaras were the reason I went to the Pantanal. Great to see other mammals like Giant Anteater too.” — Andrew Kimmel, 2023 Traveler
  • “Amazing! Like a safari in the Land Before Time.” — Heather Warm, 2023 Traveler
  • “If you want to see the birds and wildlife of the Atlantic forest and the interior of Brazil take this trip! It is a bit rugged and you are constantly on the move to see more species but it is well worth the effort. We saw over 300 species of birds, from flightless Greater Rhea, many colorful Macaws including the largest, Blue Hyacinth, my favorite Southern Lapwing, and little Eared Pygmy Tyrant, Piculets, and Pygmy Kingfisher. The greatest excitements were given the Giant Anteaters, the river bank Jaguars, and our one night roaming Cougar.” — James Cheevers 2023 Traveler
  • “Amazing, exhausting, and exotic. As an amateur photographer the Pantanal was a wonderful location to see birds and wildlife out in the open, not too afraid of humans. Field trips were great as were the guides. I loved all the boat trips. Wes Larson was the American guide and was very patient and kind. He was organized and made sure everything ran as smoothly as possible. Benedetto was the Brazilian guide and was knowledgeable about birds and his English was excellent.” — Deborah Ellinger, 2023 Traveler
  • “We saw many beautiful birds, great views of jaguars hunting along shorelines, a diversity of other mammals such as anteaters, armadillos, capybaras, deer, giant otters, peccaries, and monkeys, and, of course, plenty of caimans. The trip was well-guided, the accommodations were comfortable, the staff at the posadas and other places were friendly, and the drivers and boatmen were friendly.” — Gayle Garman, 2023 Traveler

Tour Highlights

  • Cruise the Cuiaba River for the best chances in the world at a Jaguar sighting
  • Watch for South America’s “Big Five” of mammals: Jaguar, Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, Brazilian Tapir, and Capybara
  • Scout for the “Big Five” of birds: Harpy Eagle, Greater Rhea, Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, and Helmeted Manakin. Plus Southern Screamer, Sunbittern, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, and so many more!
  • Experience the Transpantaneira wilderness road on safari-like excursions
  • Look for five species of kingfisher
  • Enjoy delicious local cuisine and exceptional hospitality at fazendas (working cattle ranches)
  • See water birds in mass congregation — like those of the Everglades, but magnified!
  • Watch for at least four species of monkeys and several hundred species of birds
  • Discover the intense southern sky constellations at night
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Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Fri., Aug. 27    Arrival in Cuiaba

Arrive today in Cuiaba, Brazil. If you arrive early in the day, we have an optional outing to the local botanical garden, where we can do some casual birding and see what other wildlife may be around. We officially start our tour with a welcome dinner where we meet your guides and fellow travelers. We invite you to sample Brazil's national cocktail, the caipirinha, made with cachaça (sugarcane liquor), sugar, and lime. We predict this may be the first of many.
Accommodations at the Hotel Amazon (D)

Sat., Aug. 28     Wildlife Spotting on the Transpantaneira | Drive to Pouso Alegre

We depart down the Transpantaneira, keeping an eye out for Red Brocket Deer, Marsh Deer, Crab-eating Fox, Greater Rhea, Chestnut-bellied Guan, Bare-faced Curassow, and a mix of wading birds. It's a 2+ hour drive to Pouso Alegre, a huge fazenda (cattle ranch) known for excellent wildlife, but our drive always takes longer — so many wildlife stops! Bridges are hotspots from which we can view the presence of a huge food supply; Green Kingfisher, Great Egret, Cocoi Heron, both Bare-faced and Green Ibises, and White-lored Spinetail are just a few species we may see. 

We pass through scattered palm woodlands, cerrado scrub, and seasonally-flooded grasslands reminiscent of the Everglades. Roadside ponds and canals are filled with waders: Roseate Spoonbill, Plumbeous Ibis, Limpkin, cormorants, herons, kingfishers, and their predator, Yacaré Caiman. Dry water conditions concentrate the fish for foraging waders like massive Jabiru and Maguari Stork. 

Pouso Alegre is lovely, with palms that attract several resident pairs of brilliant blue Hyacinth Macaw. The open savanna is edged by evergreen and semi-deciduous woodlands. Once settled, we can enjoy trails and drives from the lodge for chances at rare Giant Armadillo, along with Black-tailed Marmoset, Black and Gold Howler Monkey, Southern Tamandua, and Giant Anteater. Among the snakes is one of the greatest of them all, the Yellow Anaconda. The fazenda is also home to 13 parrot species, seven owls, 11 woodpeckers, and 16 hummingbirds. A highlight is the brilliant blue Hyacinth Macaw that roosts within earshot of the lodge. 

At the ranch house, Brown Capuchins may join the various parrots and Monk and Yellow-chevroned Parakeets working over ripe mango trees. Long-tailed Ground Dove feed just outside the gate and Ferruginous Pygmy Owl call from the mango trees at dusk. 

Relax at the ranch tonight and enjoy Brazilian barbecue. 
Accommodations at Pouso Alegre (B,L,D)

Sun., Aug. 29      Wildlife Spotting on the Transpantaneira | Drive to Porto Jofre 

We spend a bit more time exploring around our lodge before we head off to Porto Joffe, the “end of the road.” Palms attract several resident pairs of Hyacinth Macaw. We make time this afternoon for a Jaguar safari drive, hoping to spot these incredible cats (and more!) from land before our time on the river. From this little town on the Cuiabá River, we settle into our lodgings—a clean and modern hotel right on the river. This hotel allows us to stay close to where the wildlife has been spotted; we explore from the hotel each day on smaller boats. 

We check into our rooms, have dinner, then have a briefing on safety and wildlife we hope to see. If skies are clear, star viewing is impressive you can see the Southern Cross! 
Accommodations at the Santa Rosa Hotel (B,L,D)

Mon., Aug. 30 & Tues., Aug. 31       Two Full Days Looking for Jaguar, Jabiru, Giant Otter & More | Jaguar Boat Excursion

Awake on the river to a host of sounds and the sight of macaws and more flying overhead. We use smaller speedboats to spend these two days searching for the iconic Jaguar, known for their affinity to water. They are good swimmers, and often lay down along the shore after a swim. Chances are good that we see at quite a few, male and female—perhaps even together!

We lunch back at the lodge, take a short siesta (yes, love that AC … ) and try for Jaguar again in the afternoon. Wildlife is plentiful in this remote part of the Pantanal, so once we accomplish the main task (a Jaguar, of course) we have time to admire other species like Giant Otter, Black Skimmer, Pied Plover, Southern Screamer, and Yacaré Caiman. We also visit little streams for skulkers like Pygmy Kingfisher and Sungrebe.

By late afternoon we return to the lodge. We celebrate our sightings with caipirinhas before dinner!
Accommodations at the Santa Rosa Hotel (B,L,D)

Wed., Sept. 1      Wildlife on the Lower Transpantaneira

After two days immersed in the wildest part of the Pantanal, we return north, retracing our route. We are not in a hurry though, and work some of the areas we previously traveled in more detail.

Perhaps we find a troop of Black-and-Gold Howler Monkey, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Snail Kite, Rusty-backed Antwren, Common Tody Flycatcher, White-browed Blackbird, and others species as we drive to our next lodge. We watch for Cream-colored Woodpecker, Ashy-headed Greenlet, Short-crested Flycatcher, Mato Grosso Antbird, Great Antshrike, and Purple-throated Euphonia. Near water we find Whistling and Capped Herons, Pygmy and Ringed Kingfishers, Sunbittern, Black-collared and Great Black Hawks, and Rusty-backed Spinetail.

Once we arrive at the hotel on the Rio Pixium, we settle in and check the feeders for brilliant-colored troupials, Palm, Silver, and Sayaca Tanagers, and Red-crested Cardinal. At this point in our journey we have seen numerous mammals and birds, and we can base our efforts on finding anything missing from our list.
Accommodations at Pantanal Mato Grasso Hotel (B,L,D)

Thurs., Sept. 2       Pixaim River Area Wildlife

It’s another morning for gazing at the sunrise while sipping good Brazilian coffee. This morning, pending what we still need to see, we can do a safari drive, or we can take a small boat ride on the Pixaim River to spot secretive species like Agami and Zig-Zag Herons. This is a good spot for Giant Otter and, with luck, a Tapir.

The landscapes are iconic and make for great pictures. We look for Black-capped Donacobious, Green-and-rufous Kingfisher, Little Blue Heron, and other species like some very impressive iguanas. We can break up our drive with a walk in Gallery Forest habitat looking for special birds like Helmeted Manakin, Mato Grosso Antbird, Band-tailed Antbird, Black-hooded Tanager, Blue-crowned Trogon, and more.

Dinner finds us sampling authentic Grosso cuisine, including legendary piranha and local beef.
Accommodations at Pantanal Mato Grasso Hotel (B,L,D)

Fri., Sept. 3       Wildlife Viewing | Return Drive to Cuiabá | Departures

Today, we make our way back to Cuiabá; the paved road is perhaps a welcome sight as we bid adieu to the marvelous but often dusty Pantanal. Our plan is to arrive in Cuiabá in time for late afternoon flights home. (B,L)

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    Jaguar by Wes Larson

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    Lettered Aracari by Wes Larson

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    Birding by Boat by Jessie Hallstrom

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    Yellow-billed Cardinal by Wes Larson

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    Yellow-rumped Cacique

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    Red-shouldered Macaw by Wes Larson

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    Jaguar by Wes Larson

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    Howler Monkey by Wes Larson

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    Greater Rhea by Wes Larson

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    Jaguar Print by Wes Larson

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    Tropical Screech Owl by Wes Larson

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    Afternoon Drive by Wes Larson

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    Macaw Soaring Through Waterfall by Wes Larson

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    Capybara & Friend by Wes Larson

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    Morning Drive by Wes Larson

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    Caiman by Wes Larson

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    Birding by Boat by Jessie Hallstrom

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    Chapada Scenic by Wes Larson

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    Jaguar by Wes Larson

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    Blue-and-yellow Macaw by Wes Larson

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    Naturalist Journeys' & Local Guides by Wes Larson

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    Scoping Jaguars by Wes Larson

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    Little Blue Heron by Wes Larson

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    Chapada Extension Group by Wes Larson

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    Local Stay Grounds by Jessie Hallstrom

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    Ocelot by Wes Larson

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    Capybara Family by Wes Larson

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    Helmeted Manakin by Wes Larson

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    Giant Anteater with Young by Wes Larson

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    Crested Caracara by Wes Larson

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    Giant River Otter by Wes Larson

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    Crab-eating Fox by Wes Larson

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    Lesser Anteater by Wes Larson

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    Burrowing Owl by Wes Larson

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    Tapir by Wes Larson

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    Welcome to Pantanal Sign by Jessie Hallstrom

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    Jaguar by Wes Larson

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    Roadside Hawk by Wes Larson

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the 8-day main tour is per person based on double occupancy: $5500 DBL. This cost includes 7 nights’ accommodations, all meals as noted in the itinerary, airport transfers, land and boat transportation during the journey, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.

This cost does NOT include airfare to and from Cuiaba, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, and gratuities.

 

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Because your arrival and departure airports are different, you can book this as a multi-city ticket, or as two one-way tickets. This will ensure your luggage gets checked all the way through. Unless you wish to spend extra time in São Paulo, we recommend not breaking up your ticket there.

Arrival Airport: Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB) in Cuiaba

Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive August 27, 2027, no later than 5:00 PM so you can join the welcome dinner

Departure Airport: Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB) in Cuiaba

Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart September 3, 2027, after 4:00 PM

Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go" tab.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Atlantic Forest

Brazil

Atlantic Forest

  • Wes Larson

    Wes Larson is a wildlife biologist who specializes in some of the most beloved and threatened species around the world. His primary research has been on polar, black, grizzly and sloth bears, but he has been lucky enough to work on conservation projects with myriad other species, including Golden Eagle, African Wild Dog, Green Sea Turtle, Elephant Seal, Spotted Eagle Ray, Burrowing and Flammulated Owl, American Kestrel, Temminck’s Ground Pangolin, and American Alligator. Wes also has a passion for wildlife conservation education, and hosted the Mission Wild series for CNN’s Great Big Story, and regularly shares his travels and field work with his large social media following. He credits his love for wild things and bears to an upbringing in Montana, where the forests and mountains are a last refuge for his favorite species, the Grizzly Bear of the Rocky Mountains. Wes’s passion for all things wild is infectious and the only thing he loves more than seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is sharing those experiences with other people.

    Other trips with Wes Larson

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Make sure your passport is in good condition and at minimum is valid from the date of entry through your scheduled return to the U.S.  See "Passports, Visas, & Documents" section below for further important details and recommendations.
  • As of April 10, 2025, travelers to Brazil must obtain an E-visa. Apply online at https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/.
  • Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Brazil and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Passports, Visas & Documents

Guidelines and regulations can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s documentation requirements 60-90 days ahead of traveling. Information for U.S. citizens can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Brazil.html. If you are from another country, please contact the tour destination’s embassy website for guidelines.

Passport: At the time of writing, U.S. citizens must have a passport that is in good condition and at minimum is valid at the time of entry through your scheduled return to the U.S. We suggest at least 3 months validity beyond the end of the tour to allow for unexpected delays in return travel. Please check that expiration date! You should have at least two blank visa pages free. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top. Pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted. 

Visa: Travelers to Brazil must obtain an E-visa. Apply online at https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/. We advise that you bring your eContact list of hotels for use at immigration as well. 

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include, but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.  

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

Health requirements for entry to any country can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s health requirements and recommendations 60-90 days ahead of traveling. A helpful website for planning is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for Brazil or by phone (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636.

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency. 

Vaccinations: Bring copies of your current vaccination records with you. Although at the time of writing, there are no required vaccinations to enter Brazil, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that "most travelers" to Brazil and most South American countries in general be up-to-date with routine and basic travel vaccines, including Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip.  He or she may recommend other preventative immunizations like DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis), which is recommended every 10 years. 

Yellow fever: It is highly recommended that you do get a yellow fever (YF) vaccine. If Brazil has to change their vaccination requirements before your trip, you will be covered.  If you do choose to get the vaccine, be sure to include the certification record with your other vaccination records you bring. If you cannot get a vaccine due to your age as cautioned by your physician, then bring a physician's letter saying you are in good health, but they do not recommend that you get the vaccine due to your age.

Other mosquito-carrying diseases: Although you are traveling in the dry season, which is a lower risk time of year, it is still important to protect yourself from the risk. The best prevention of infection from mosquito-carried diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever and Zika is protective clothing and insect repellent. Be prepared with insect repellent that contains DEET. You may wish to bring two strengths, using the most potent if and when mosquitos are encountered. It will be your decision on whether you wish to take anti-malarials as the Pantanal is not a high-risk area. If you are going to take them, be aware that some travelers experience dizziness and stomach upset from some of the medications, so please ask your doctor what the best recommendation for you is.

Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.  Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers. 

Allergies: To be prepared for environmental triggers to allergies or breathing difficulties, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication(s).  If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, motion sickness, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.

Daily Itinerary

We generally follow the published itinerary but do network with other guides and may make changes if we hear of great bird sightings or a new opportunity. The joy of our travel is tremendous flexibility, and we make every effort to do the things you particularly want to do. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of the trip is moderate, with some early morning departures, extensive field time and now some options for hikes. It is also easy to take it at a vacation pace! You can pace yourself within our typically active schedule.

Weather & Climate

July and August travelers can expect at least some light rain. These are generally the driest months and temperatures average in the mid-60s to low 90s °F, with moderate humidity of about 60%.

September and October travelers can also expect at least some light rain with average temperatures from the mid-70s to low 90s °F, with moderate humidity averaging about 60%.

You may want to bring a gel bandana for helping you to keep cool. Dust is an issue and it's the reason we travel by a bus that has closing windows.  A microfiber cloth (query microfiber towel and choose size) that can be quickly draped over optics, and a smaller one for your nose, is super helpful!

Pre-Tour Atlantic Forest Extension: If you are joining the Atlantic Forest Extension, temperatures will be comfortable during the day, but even the locals would say that their nights are chilly. Temperatures average with highs in the mid-to-high 70s and lows in the mid-50s/low 60s. You’ll want that extra layer of warmer clothing.

Annoyances & Hazards

Mosquitoes can occur in the forests; therefore, a supply of insect repellent containing DEET is essential. At grassland or farm locations you may encounter chiggers. If so, it really helps to spray your shoes with repellent, and tuck your pants into your socks. Upon return, be sure to shower and air out your clothing. Chiggers are a part of lowland and mid-elevation habitats throughout Central and South America. Your guide should have a good read on whether it has been wet enough that they are active. There can also be poisonous snakes and insects, though encountering them is rare. Do listen carefully to any advice given by your local guide. And remember, the sun is strong so be prepared with proper protection.

Food & Drinks

You will need to drink bottled water, and while we supply that for our tour outings, please be prepared to refill your water from the purified jug when at your lodges at night. The logistics of hauling water across the remote Pantanal Road will be improved if we depend on lodges for some of our supply. We recommend buying a Steri Pen so you can treat water in a few seconds or consider one of the new water bottles that include filters, like LifeStraw. Whenever possible, we want to AVOID the use of excessive plastics!

Meals are generally enjoyable and well-prepared at your lodges and restaurants.  Menus are varied, sustainably based on the wonderful local ingredients available, and delightfully prepared in a sanitary environment. However, as in any case when traveling, we urge you to consider what your body is used to before you eat something. Trust your common sense when consuming food and beverages. This is the best way to avoid any unwanted problems. Ask for recommendations from your hotel or refer to a guidebook such as Frommers. Meals reflect the culinary contributions from American, European, Spanish, and local cuisines. Beer and wine are readily available for purchase at hotels, and we can stop to purchase liquor or snacks if needed, mainly at Cuiabá. Once out on the Transpantaniera there are no real facilities other than lodges.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your suitcase. Wear your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!). And please do not pack any essential medications, or your vital optics, in your checked luggage!

Please, pack light. Dress is very informal. You may wish to change for dinners, but casual dress is suitable at all locations. We strongly recommend neutral or dark-colored clothing for every area that we will visit on the tour, though we do not recommend camouflage. We advise that clothing colors should be unobtrusive, i.e. no bright yellows, reds or white, as this can make us very conspicuous and disturb wildlife.

Laundry services are generally available, but easiest if we have several days in one location. The boat we use for our Jaguar spotting is moored, it is not moving, so it is a stable environment and very comfortable, requiring no special gear.

Find a way to keep cool. Many bring a gel bandana that can be made wet and is very cooling. A spray mister is helpful as well as dressing in layers that are loose fitting.

Spending Money

The Real is the official currency in Brazil. For the current exchange rate, please refer to online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as the cash, an ATM card, and a credit card.

There are shops that accept the U.S. dollar in Brazil. It’s always a good idea to ask before you make a purchase. You can always carry U.S. dollars and exchange while in Brazil. Some hotels, large post offices, and money exchange offices can exchange cash. You’ll need your passport and your money must be new (2004 or newer) and in good condition (no rips or tears). Each exchange method will involve a fee, so it’s a good idea to ask beforehand. 

The easiest way to withdraw Reals is from a local ATM. ATMs will give you a better rate on changing money. Brazil ATMs are quite common in larger cities, but many are not as available in smaller towns. The ATM will give you local money and your bank will convert that into US Dollars. Many banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank before departure. You must become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey.

Credit cards are accepted, but not as widely as in the USA. Your lodges should take them, but in rural areas where you may buy handicrafts, you will need cash. We suggest you have more than one card available. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (one Visa, and one MasterCard), if possible. Not every shop will accept every card. Some machines are set up for both, while some will only service one or the other. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling to Brazil to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges. If you have a choice of cards, bring one with no foreign exchange fees.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you use them.

Many people ask how much money to plan to bring for spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Typical items people purchase include: local souvenirs and T-shirts, carvings, beads, textiles, artworks, drinks before or with dinner, maps and natural history books. Cash is also handy for your drinks from the bar.

Gratuities

Tipping is optional and completely at your discretion. If you would like to show our appreciation to your guides, lodge and hotel staff or anyone associated with this tour, it is entirely appropriate. Know that they appreciate anything you care to give and of course you can do more if you wish! Lodges normally have a box for tips that the staff share, and hotels you would just tip the maids as you do at home. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services.

People wish to know how best to plan tips, the total is about $250-$300 per person, and our estimate of how they are split up will be (based on 10 days of service excluding departure day):

  • Main guide ($100)
  • Brazilian guide with you for the trip ($50+)
  • Bus driver ($30+)
  • Boat driver on Jaguar safaris, 3 days ($15-$20)
  • Four Lodges (shared tip pool) listed on your eContact. Consider the boat, a lodge. Total of ($5-$10 per day depending on amount and quality for service)
  • In São Paulo or Cuiabá, a simple maid gratuity will do.
  • Porterage - $1 USD equivalent per bag as you use this service at city hotels, at nature lodges will be in your shared tip pool.

All tips are at your discrepancy, you may choose to do more or less according to service.

Local guides from lodges will be tipped by your Naturalist Journeys host. Questions, ask your tour host. Tipping is extensive in this culture, please note there is no expectation of an added tip for your Naturalist Journeys host.

You may tip your guides in USD, but for lodge staff and drivers, it is best to have local currency.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Your guide is well connected and can help if any urgent communication need arises. However, it is highly recommended that you travel with a CELL PHONE, if only as a precaution for the unfortunate occurrence of a medical emergency during an outing and needing swift accessibility to critical personal or medical contacts. 

Cell phone service is widely available in Brazil. Wi-Fi is available at our hotels and several of our lodges.  Some available Wi-Fi services there may have fees, and these are determined by how much data you use, so be aware of that if people are sending you photos, etc. There are free apps available on smart phones (WhatsApp, Viber, Skype) that offer free international calls and texts, and you may want to research this ahead of time. Make sure when you do not want to use your cell phone that you turn off your cellular data, or you could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi.

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless it appears to be an emergency. This disrupts other guests, plan on cell phone call use on your own time.

Electricity

Outlets in Brazil generally accept 1 type of plug, Type N. Make sure you do not confuse this with a similar looking European plug and adapter –  it is not the same! Most USA electronic devices work in Brazil, where voltage is normally 110V to 127V. Occasionally you will find 220V. Check your devices, most now have a converter that can handle both voltages. Many modern electronics have a converter in the cord – that is the little box you see. A universal converter/adapter can be found online or at most electronics stores or online. Please make sure you have the Type N adapter as part of the unit you buy. More information can be found at www.power-plugs-sockets.com.

Time

Brazil covers four time zones, and we will cross several during this trip. São Paolo is on Brazil Time, and Cuiabá is an hour earlier, on Amazon Time. In summer months, when the US observes Daylight Savings Time and Brazil is on Standard Time, São Paulo will be in the same time zone as Eastern Daylight Savings time during your trip, while Cuiabá will be an hour earlier. A great website if you want to tell someone to check ahead of calling you is www.timeanddate.com.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone us toll free at (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

 

Pace & Protocols +

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of Read more

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage.  Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle.  It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds.  Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation.  But if you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts.  Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy.

The climate is tropical, with hot, rainy summers and dry, sunny winters that are characterized by warm days, cool nights and moderate humidity averaging about 60%. July and August will range primarily in the 60-80s °F (cooler if you are joining the Atlantic Forest Extension), and wind blowing in from the south, especially in August, can bring a chill. September and October will be warmer with temperatures in the 70s to 90s °F. October is a transitional month and is more likely to have some rain.

Note on clothing colors and insect repellent: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors. Camouflage clothing is not recommended and in some countries, it is not legal to wear. It is possible to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield Clothing collection. Another approach is to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure.

Please travel with a CELL PHONE, if only as a precaution for the unfortunate occurrence of a medical emergency during an outing and needing swift accessibility to critical contacts.

Clothing & Gear

  • Lightweight long pants, 2-3 pair
  • Shorts (optional)
  • Lightweight long sleeve shirts, 2-3 (loose fitting keeps you cool and are great to layer over T-shirts or sleeveless shirts for staying cool)
  • T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts or equivalent (1 per day – remember you may buy some as souvenirs along the way)
  • Comfortable evening clothes (clean field clothes are appropriate, but feel free to go dressier if you wish)
  • Personal underclothing and pajamas
  • Socks – lightweight and easy to hand wash and dry
  • Comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes, etc.)
  • Lightweight hiking boots – preferably waterproof
  • Sandals or light shoes for evenings, travel days (optional)
  • Shower thongs
  • Lightweight jacket (fleece is ideal, but a sweater or sweatshirt will do)
  • Raincoat or poncho (great if this doubles as a windbreaker)
  • Bathing suit (optional)
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Bandana (optional, ones with gel inserts are great for cooling off when you are hot and sweaty)
  • Warm hat and gloves – for cool mornings and evenings
  • Field vest (optional) a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • PHOTO IDENTIFICATION
  • Airline Tickets or e-ticket verification
  • Passport, visa, travel insurance info, money & credit cards.
  • A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
  • As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. For passport, copy of the  ID and entry stamp pages.
  • Small daypack to carry your field gear
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Binoculars
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional; guides will have them)
  • Camera and charger/extra batteries, digital memory cards/film, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
  • Tablet or laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos and charger (optional)
  • USB cord for transferring photos from camera to tablet/laptop (optional)
  • Portable external hard drive if you intend to take many photos (optional)
  • Small flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock (if you use your phone, be sure to turn off data roaming)
  • Walking stick (optional, but recommended if you have one)
  • Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored
  • Sunscreen/lip balm
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Insect repellent (something containing DEET)
  • Toiletry articles
  • Kleenex or tissues
  • Zip-lock bags are great for gear, and the 2-gallon size is useful to protect optics from dust
  • Water bottle (or plan to refill one of ours to save on use of plastic)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Laundry soap if you plan to do hand washing; consider laundry soap "sheets" instead of packing liquid
  • Earplugs (optional – if hotel noise or roommates snoring may bother you)
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • Steri-Pen or other UV water treatment device to treat local water where not filtered to help cut down on the use of plastic bottles (optional but a great thing for world travelers to have!)
  • A collapsible airplane footrest (such as an inflatable, foldable, or hammock type) may help make longer flights more comfortable. Some airlines may have restrictions, so confirm with your airline which types are allowed and where they may be not allowed, i.e. bulkhead or exit rows (optional)

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Health insurance information
  • Vaccination Records
  • Personal medication (with copy of vital prescriptions, including glasses) and any medical alerts
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments and stomach ailments (Imodium or Lomotil, antihistamine cream or tablets, eye drops, etc.)
  • Foot powder, lotions, general “comfort” items
  • Hydrocortisone cream to ease itching from insect bites
  • Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Antibacterial hand soap/hand sanitizer in small bottle, and cleansing wipes
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts

 

Suggested Reading List +

  There are many titles of interest for Brazil and the Pantanal; the following are a Read more

 

There are many titles of interest for Brazil and the Pantanal; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

Top Picks

A Field Guide to the Birds of Brazil

Merlin App – Brazil Pack. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Before departing the U.S., download the app for free, then from within the app, download the “pack” for Brazil: All.

Field Guides

Wildlife Conservation Society Birds of Brazil: The Pantanal and Cerrado of Central Brazil

Pantanal Wildlife: A Visitor’s Guide to Brazil’s Great Wetland

Brazil Amazon and Pantanal

History & Culture

Lonely Planet Brazil

Brazil - Culture Smart!

Pantanal: South America’s Wetland Jewel

An Indomitable Beast: The Remarkable Journey of the Jaguar

Pantanal: Understanding and Preserving the World’s Largest Wetland

Pantanal Tales of a Tour Guide

Bodoquena: An Odyssey of the Brazilian Pantanal

Brazilian Portuguese Phrasebook & Dictionary 

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Pantanal

São Paulo

Campo Grande

Cuiabá

Porto Jofre

 

A Colorful, Free and Indepth Travel Guide for Pantanal – Pantanal Escapes.com

5 Interesting Facts About The Pantanal

Spot Luck: Great Wildlife Encounters in Brazil (A witty and colorfully written article about the Pantanal)

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Species of Pantanal – iNaturalist.org

Pantanal Wildlife Center - Jaguar Research Center (YouTube video)

Encyclopedic Bird List with Links to Pictures

Hyacinth Macaw

Ema or American (Greater) Rhea

Amazonian Tapir

Giant Otter

Giant Anteater

Maned Wolf

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

The Nature Conservancy

Pantanal Conservation Area (UNESCO)

World Wildlife Fund

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Brazil

Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Natural World Heritage Site

Atlantic Forest Conservation – WWF Article

Conserving the Atlantic Forest in Brazil – Regua.org

Atlantic Forest Species

Geology & Geography

A Good Overview

Understanding Sedimentary Processes in Pantanal’s Modern Wetlands

History & Culture

History, plus links to Pantanal wildlife and ecology

Brazilian Culture

Brazilian Cuisine

Basic Portuguese Travel Phrases (9-minute video)

Amazonia Tour Extension

Jardim da Amazônia Lodge

South Amazon Ecotones Ecological Corridor

"A tale of two biomes as deforestation surges in Cerrado but wanes in Amazon" - A Mongabay.com News Article

Helpful Travel Websites

National Passport Information Center

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information - Brazil

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Center for Disease Control (CDC) - Brazil

Canada Travel Advice and Advisories - Brazil

Travel Health Pro (UK) - Brazil

Foreign Exchange Rates

Electricity and Plugs - Brazil

ATM Locator

Date, Time, and Holidays - Brazil


Photo credits: Banners: Toco Toucan (NJ Stock), Jaguar (Wes Larson), Hummingbird (Wes Larson), Macaws in Flight (Wes Larson), Hyacinth Macaws (Wes Larson), Jabiru & Hyacinth Macaws Flying (Wes Larson) Thumbnails: Jabiru Stork (Wes Larson), Howler Monkey (Wes Larson), Giant River Otter (Wes Larson), Hyacinth Macaw (Wes Larson), Yellow-billed Cardinal (Wes Larson), Jaguar (Wes Larson), Toco Toucan (Peg Abbott), Tiger Heron (Wes Larson)

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