08 Jul 2027
Twin share
£6,999pp
Single from £7,969
Escorted tour
Pantanal Jaguar Safari: Paraguay River & Araras Lodge – 9 Days
Boat safaris on the Paraguay River in search of jaguars, then wildlife walks, canoe trips and night drives from an eco-lodge, in a group of up to 14.
9 days
From £6,999
Tour overview
This 9-day small-group safari explores the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland and the best place on Earth to see wild jaguars. Groups have between 4 and 14 travellers aged 16 and over, with an expert tour leader throughout and local naturalist guides. You travel by minibus, open 4×4 safari vehicle and motorised canoe, and stay in a city hotel in Cuiabá, a family-run riverside hotel on the Paraguay River and a rustic eco-lodge. All breakfasts, seven lunches and eight dinners are included, with group arrival and departure transfers available. Binoculars are highly recommended.
The adventure begins in Cuiabá, capital of Mato Grosso and gateway to the Pantanal, with a welcome dinner. The next day you drive west towards Cáceres and then along dirt roads to Hotel Baiazinha, a family-run hotel with a pool on the remote Paraguay River, your base for four nights.
Read more
Three full days are spent on morning and afternoon boat safaris along the river and its side channels, looking for jaguars resting on the banks or hunting caimans in the shallows. This stretch of the river is one of the most reliable places in the world to see them. Along the way you are likely to spot giant river otters, capybaras, caimans, howler monkeys and a huge variety of birds, from kingfishers and herons to the towering jabiru stork, the symbol of the Pantanal.
You then cross to the northern Pantanal and Araras Lodge, surrounded by pristine forest and wetlands, for three nights. Each day brings a morning and an afternoon activity, such as guided walks on boardwalks and trails, canoe trips, horseback rides or night drives, with hundreds of bird species including hyacinth macaws and toucans, as well as anteaters, tapirs and deer. The trip ends with an optional early activity and a drive back to Cuiabá.
The physical rating is medium, with early starts, heat and some long, bumpy drives. The best season for jaguars is the dry season from July to October. This trip suits wildlife lovers and photographers looking for one of South America's greatest wildlife experiences. Long sleeves and insect repellent are recommended.
Trip highlights
-
Three days of boat safaris searching for jaguars (Days 3–5)
-
Giant river otters, caimans and capybaras
-
The jabiru stork and hundreds of bird species
-
Three nights at Araras Lodge (Days 6–8)
-
Hyacinth macaws, toucans and anteaters
-
Night drives and canoe trips with naturalist guides
Your route
5 stops from Cuiabá to Araras Lodge
- Cuiabá Days 1 & 9
- Cáceres Days 2 & 6
- Baiazinha (Paraguay River) Days 2–5
- Poconé Day 6
- Araras Lodge Days 6–8
Why choose this tour
One of the most reliable places in the world to see wild jaguars, with an expert leader. Two contrasting areas of the Pantanal, by boat and on foot.
Best suited to
- Wildlife lovers and photographers
- Birdwatchers
- Return visitors to South America
- Travellers who enjoy early starts and time outdoors
Day-by-day itinerary
9 days from Cuiabá, Brazil to Cuiabá, Brazil
-
Day 1 · Cuiabá Arrive in Cuiabá
Arrive in the gateway to the Pantanal and meet your group at 6pm for dinner.
- Hotel
- Deville Prime Cuiabá or similar
- Meals
- Dinner
-
Day 2 · Cáceres, Paraguay River To the Paraguay River
Drive towards Cáceres and on along dirt roads to your riverside hotel.
- Hotel
- Hotel Baiazinha or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 3 · Paraguay River Jaguar boat safaris
Morning and afternoon boat safaris looking for jaguars, otters and caimans.
- Hotel
- Hotel Baiazinha or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 4 · Paraguay River Jaguar boat safaris
More boat safaris along the river and its side channels.
- Hotel
- Hotel Baiazinha or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 5 · Paraguay River Jaguar boat safaris
A final day on the river, learning about the wetland ecosystem.
- Hotel
- Hotel Baiazinha or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 6 · Poconé, Araras Lodge To Araras Lodge
Drive via Poconé to Araras Lodge in the northern Pantanal.
- Hotel
- Araras Lodge or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 7 · Araras Lodge Wildlife at Araras
Morning and afternoon activities, such as walks, canoe trips and night drives.
- Hotel
- Araras Lodge or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 8 · Araras Lodge Wildlife at Araras
More activities in search of macaws, anteaters and tapirs.
- Hotel
- Araras Lodge or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 9 · Cuiabá Return to Cuiabá
An optional early activity, then drive back to Cuiabá, where the trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Cuiabá (1 night) Deville Prime Cuiabá or similar
- Paraguay River (4 nights) Hotel Baiazinha or similar
- Northern Pantanal (3 nights) Araras Lodge or similar
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 8 nights in a city hotel, a riverside hotel and an eco-lodge
- Meals 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
- Transport minibus, 4x4 safari vehicle and motorised canoe
- Morning and afternoon boat safaris on the Paraguay River
- Daily wildlife activities at Araras Lodge
- Group arrival and departure transfers
- Tour leader throughout, with naturalist guides
Not included
- Flights to Cuiabá
- Drinks
- Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want guaranteed jaguar sightings — wildlife can never be promised
- You dislike heat and insects — the Pantanal is hot and humid
- You want luxury — the eco-lodge is rustic
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
FCDO advice
UK FCDO travel advice for Brazil
Departures & prices
From £6,999 per person, twin share, tour only. 2 upcoming departures.
24 Sep 2027
Twin share
£6,999pp
Single from £7,969
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
How likely am I to see a jaguar?
The Paraguay River area is one of the best places in the world for jaguars, especially in the dry season, but sightings can never be guaranteed.
When is the best time to go?
July to October, in the dry season, when animals gather near the rivers.
What are the lodges like?
Hotel Baiazinha is family-run with air-conditioning and a pool. Araras Lodge is a rustic eco-lodge with air-conditioned rooms.
How hot is it?
Very hot and humid in the middle of the day, so activities run in the morning and late afternoon.
Do I need vaccinations?
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for the Pantanal. Seek medical advice before travel.
How many people travel together?
Between 4 and 14 travellers aged 16 and over, with a tour leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary