Pantanal Jaguar Safari

Overview

The northern Pantanal in the dry season is the best place on earth to watch wild jaguars. From Porto Jofre, at the end of the Transpantaneira's dust and 120-odd wooden bridges, boat safaris work the Cuiabá, Piquiri and Three Brothers rivers where the cats patrol the banks in daylight — hunting caimans in full view, swimming the channels, sprawled on the beaches. Sighting rates in August-October approach certainty, and the supporting cast is absurd: giant river otters hunting in family packs, hyacinth macaws, capybaras everywhere, giant anteaters on the drive in. Heat and glare are the working conditions — long boat days under tropical sun — and the lodges and flotels near Porto Jofre are remote and price accordingly, so operator choice is most of the decision. A 500mm lens, hired if necessary, earns its baggage fee daily. July to October is the season; the Transpantaneira needs care but not 4WD heroics when dry. Budget about £2,800 for a week from Cuiabá with three full jaguar-boat days.

Book This Trip

Plan Your Dates

Prefilled for 1 July 2027 — the next best-season window. Search on partner sites — opens in a new tab.