Witness Jaguars in Brazil’s Beautiful Pantanal Region

Brazil is renowned amongst lovers of nature and wildlife, with the Amazon rainforest alone providing a home to one-tenth of all species on earth. The Amazon rainforest, however, is not the only place within this vast and highly contrasting South American nation where you can expect to witness exotic wildlife. Another important ecosystem within Brazil lies to the west, in the Pantanal region – home to one of the largest and most diverse freshwater wetland ecosystems on earth.

The Pantanal covers a total area of almost 195,000sq kilometres and is home to approximately 1,000 bird species, 300 mammals and 9,000 invertebrates – some of which are classified as very rare or endangered. Within the Pantanal, there are up to 12 sub-regional ecosystems, each of which provides ideal conditions for a different variety of wildlife. The varying range of wildlife includes Giant River Otter, Red-bellied Piranha, Hyacinth Macaw, Yacare Caiman and Giant Anteater.

One of the most elusive and impressive mammals to be seen within the Pantanal region is undoubtedly the jaguar. The best time to see a jaguar is between June and November and TravelQuest can provide tours that enable you to see these predators.

Over the course of 11 days, you will have the opportunity to journey deep into the Pantanal region, staying in a range of accommodations and utilising various methods of transportation. Whilst it can never be a certainty that you will see jaguars during your journey, the variety provided will ensure you have the best possible chance.

After arriving in the city of Cuiaba, you will spend one night in a local hotel before embarking on this exciting adventure. You’ll travel by Jaguar House Boat, spending four days journeying along the Paraguay River into areas that are inaccessible by any other method of transport, whilst also providing minimal disturbance to native wildlife. It is worth noting that since the Jaguar House Boat has been in operation, there has been a 100% success rate in spotting jaguars in the area.

Hyacinth Macaw

Upon traversing the waterways of the Pantanal, you will spend the following three nights at the Araras Lodge, renowned for providing guests with sightings of the endangered hyacinth macaw. This rare species of bird is distinguishable by its dark blue plumage and bright yellow skin around its eyes and beak.  The immediate vicinity of the lodge is home to almost 700 species of bird, 80 mammals and 50 reptiles. Over the course of two full days, your activities will be based around this wonderful lodge, providing the best possible chance to see as much unique wildlife as possible.

Brazil is a vast nation, full of contrasts and exciting opportunities to suit all desires. For more information on booking one of our many exciting itineraries into Brazil, contact our highly knowledgeable team today.  Call our freephone number or complete the online form.