Pantanal. Jaguar and much more.

The Pantanal is one of the finest wildlife photography destinations on the planet. This 10-day journey combines four outstanding areas of Brazil: the Atlantic Forest around Macuquinho Lodge, the legendary jaguar country of Porto Jofre, the wildlife-rich Transpantaneira and the spectacular landscapes of Chapada dos Guimarães. The result is an itinerary offering exceptional photographic opportunities for birds, mammals, reptiles and breathtaking landscapes, guided by expert local naturalists and PHOTO LOGISTICS.

From elusive Atlantic Forest endemics to close encounters with Jaguars along the Cuiabá River, every day has been designed to maximise photographic opportunities while keeping travelling times as efficient as possible.

For how many days is this trip?

The tour lasts 10 days, including eight full photography days and two travel days with photography sessions.

The PHOTO LOGISTICS guide will depart from Barcelona Airport, accompanying participants travelling from there. You are welcome to join the expedition from any airport in the world; we will simply coordinate your arrival so that the whole group meets in Brazil at the appropriate time.

Program

Day 1 – Arrival in São Paulo and transfer to Macuquinho Lodge. After settling in, we enjoy our first afternoon photography session in the Atlantic Forest.

Day 2 – Full day photographing the exceptional birdlife around Macuquinho Lodge, with morning and afternoon sessions.

Day 3 – Morning photography session before returning to São Paulo for the overnight stay.

Day 4 – Domestic flight to Cuiabá followed by transfer to Porto Jofre, the gateway to the Jaguar capital of the world. First afternoon session.

Day 5 – Full-day private boat safari along the Cuiabá River searching for Jaguars, Giant Otters, Capybaras, Caimans and an extraordinary variety of birds.

Day 6 – Morning boat excursion before travelling north along the Transpantaneira, photographing wildlife along one of South America’s most famous wildlife roads.

Day 7 – Full day exploring the Transpantaneira, stopping wherever photographic opportunities arise. Giant Anteaters, Hyacinth Macaws, Jabirus, Toucans, Kingfishers and countless other species are possible.

Day 8 – Morning session before transferring to Chapada dos Guimarães, where we photograph dramatic sandstone cliffs, cerrado habitats and their specialised wildlife.

Day 9 – Full day exploring Chapada dos Guimarães with morning and afternoon photography sessions.

Day 10 – Final morning session before transfer to Cuiabá Airport for departure flights.

Wildlife

The Pantanal is famous for offering some of the highest densities of wildlife anywhere in the Neotropics. During the expedition we expect excellent opportunities to photograph Jaguars, Giant Otters, Capybaras, Yacare Caimans, Crab-eating Foxes, Tapirs and, with some luck, Giant Anteaters and Brazilian Tapirs.

Bird photographers will enjoy an extraordinary diversity, including Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, Jabiru, Sunbittern, Boat-billed Heron, several kingfishers, hawks, parrots, ibis, storks and many colourful passerines. Around Macuquinho Lodge and Chapada dos Guimarães we will also search for numerous Atlantic Forest and Cerrado specialities.

Boat safaris

Our Jaguar excursions are carried out in private boats exclusively for our group. This allows complete flexibility to position the boat for the best light and photographic angles while spending as much time as necessary with each subject. Experienced local guides know the territories of the resident Jaguars and work together with the boat driver to maximise photographic opportunities while respecting the animals at all times.

Accommodation

The tour combines carefully selected lodges located inside or very close to the best wildlife areas. Staying close to the photographic locations allows us to maximise the best hours of light while minimising unnecessary travelling.

Guides

The expedition is accompanied by a PHOTO LOGISTICS tour leader together with experienced Brazilian wildlife guides who know these areas in exceptional detail. Their combined knowledge greatly increases the chances of finding the target species while helping photographers obtain the best possible images.

Group size

The group is intentionally kept small to ensure comfortable transportation, efficient logistics and personalised photographic assistance throughout the expedition.

Equipment

A telephoto lens between 400 and 600 mm is ideal for most wildlife, although shorter focal lengths are often useful as animals can approach surprisingly close, particularly during the boat excursions. A second camera body with a wide-angle or standard zoom is recommended for landscapes and environmental photography in Chapada dos Guimarães. A monopod or beanbag can be useful on the boats, although many photographers prefer to handhold their equipment.

This expedition is suitable for photographers of all experience levels, from enthusiastic amateurs to advanced wildlife photographers.