Looking forward to exploring Brazil’s natural wonders? Discover the best tours for your Pantanal trip!
The best Pantanal safaris are the ones that allow for total immersion in this fascinating biome, with plenty of activities focused on exploring its impressively rich biodiversity.
Spanning an area of over 210,000 km², the Pantanal is the greatest place in Brazil for wildlife watching. Some of the country’s most celebrated animals call this territory their home, such as caimans, capybaras, macaws, and the greatest felines in the Americas: the jaguars.
PlanetaEXO specializes in Pantanal tours and handpicks the best local operators to make sure your trip includes diverse itineraries, great stay options, eco-friendly practices and unforgettable moments. Check it out!
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Pantanal safaris in the North and the South
Before you start planning your trip, it’s important to know that the Pantanal is so extensively rich it’s divided into two sides: the North, in the state of Mato Grosso (accessible via Cuiabá), and the South, in Mato Grosso do Sul (via Campo Grande). Naturally, experiences in each region are different and should be considered before booking your trip.
The Northern Pantanal is ideal for jaguar spotting and boat safaris. The abundance of wildlife makes this area ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts who can’t wait to see some of the most fascinating species of Latin America.
Meanwhile, Southern Pantanal is known for total culture immersion and traditional ranch experiences that mix cattle farming with ecotourism activities, such as horseback riding and canoeing. Seeing jaguars is a lot harder in the South — although not impossible — wildlife watching is still a must!
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👉 Learn more about the Pantanal:
Jaguar Pantanal safaris
As the best place in the world to see jaguars, the North Pantanal is the main destination — although not the only one — for travelers whose main goal is spotting this magnificent feline.
Additionally, jaguar safaris tend to be a bit more expensive than other expeditions due to specific techniques required to make sure travelers can thoroughly enjoy the experience without stressing out the animals.
Pantanal Jaguar Safari in Porto Jofre
One of the main Pantanal safari tours from Cuiabá, this experience takes place in Porto Jofre, in the municipality of Poconé, by the end of the Transpantaneira Highway. It offers incredible activities for nature lovers who are dying to see jaguars roaming around their natural habitat.
Sailing across the calm waters of the Cuiabá River, you’ll be able to see jaguars peacefully napping on top of trees, strolling on the riverbanks, swimming or even hunting for prey. Local guides will be with you during the boat safari to lead you to strategic spots to watch the wildlife and share their knowledge about the Pantanal.
This tour includes cozy accommodation, delicious meals, round-trip transfers between Cuiabá and Porto Jofre, English-speaking guides, and daily boat safaris to see jaguars and other Pantanal animals, like giant anteaters, caimans, and hundreds of different species of birds.
@larissa.pantanal
👉 Book now: Pantanal Jaguar Safari in Porto Jofre
Pantanal Jaguar Photography
Ideal for professional and amateur photographers, this Pantanal photography tour from Cuiabá takes you on a trip to the heart of the biome to capture and immortalize its breathtaking beauty.
You’ll be accompanied by local guides with extensive background in wildlife photography to help you with the best techniques to take gorgeous pictures of jaguars, macaws, brocket deer, jabiru storks, and much more.
Regarding accommodation, there are two available options: Flotel, a floating hotel at the entrance of the Meeting of Waters State Park, and Berco Lodge, a classic Pantanal lodge.
@larissa.pantanal
👉 Book now: Pantanal Jaguar Photography
Luxury Jaguar Safari in the Southern Pantanal
Surely one of the most outstanding Pantanal tours from Campo Grande out there, this experience is the perfect mix between nature immersion and a high-end stay experience.
Although this tour takes place in the South, 100% of visitors who have booked it in the past years have spotted jaguars. This is all thanks to Casa Caiman and Onçafari, a conservation project whose goal is to make animals used to the presence of humans, which consequently raises awareness on environmental issues and helps to develop the area’s ecotourism.
Aside from the unparalleled experience of spotting jaguars, activities also include canoe trips, ecological hikes, and nocturnal expeditions for more wildlife watching.
By staying in Caiman, one of the highest-rated lodges in the Pantanal, your vacation is taken to the next level. Guests enjoy air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and balconies, sophisticated decor, sauna, gym, fire pit, swimming pool, sun decks, restaurant and a bar. It’s everything you need in luxury accommodation!
Photo: Edu Fragoso
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- Photo: Felipe Castellari
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- @thiagolbrito
👉 Book now: Luxury Jaguar Safari
Pantanal Wildlife Safari
Wildlife safari are also a fantastic way to explore the native fauna. Since most of them take place in the South, the chances of spotting jaguars are slim, but you’ll still see amazing Pantanal animals. For the same reason, these experiences are more affordable, making them a great option for travelers on a tighter budget.
Led by expert guides, these Pantanal trips are perfect for those who wish to dive deep into one of the most captivating ecosystems in the world.
Pantanal Wildlife Trip from Campo Grande
Photo safaris, night excursions, and boat rides in Aquidauana River are incredible activities to spot the Pantanal wildlife, while horseback riding, hiking, and piranha fishing allow you to get a deeper glimpse into the local life. You’ll feel like a true Pantaneiro!
English-speaking guides will be with you throughout the entire trip to pick the best locations to observe tapirs, giant anteaters and the imposing jabiru stork.
At the lodge, fill your belly with amazing food made with fresh ingredients, and have fun at the entertainment areas — including a beach volleyball court! — and just revel in this exceptional stay experience!
Photo: Samuel Melim
👉 Book now: Pantanal Wildlife Trip from Campo Grande
Wild South Pantanal: Remote Wetland Adventure
Nhecolândia is one of the Pantanal’s most iconic microregions, famous for its open fields, forest patches and seasonal lagoons near Negro River. This untouched land is perfect for travelers who thirst for adventure and seek for experiences deep into nature.
While wildlife safaris are generally cost-effective, this one stands out for its exclusivity, high-end services and authentic activities in a remote area. Explore the wetlands to spot (and photograph) some of the most beautiful species in Brazil: giant armadillos, macaws, capybaras, toucans, and many more.
Aside from photo safaris, the itinerary also includes canoeing, fishing and horseback riding. When crossing the flooded plains on horseback, you’ll understand what Pantaneiro life is really about. Don’t forget your cowboy hat!
By nightfall, relax in beautiful ecolodges equipped with comfy beds, air-conditioning, private bathrooms, charming decor and premium amenities. In the common areas, enjoy your stay in the lounge, library, garden or the orchard. Both accommodation options (Baía das Pedras and Barranco Alto) allow for gorgeous views of the Pantanal that will surely make your jaw drop.
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- @gabrielfbrutti
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👉 Book now: Wild South Pantanal: Remote Wetland Adventure
Pantanal & Bonito Trip in Brazil
Mato Grosso do Sul is blessed with the diverse natural beauty of Brazilian biomes, including the Pantanal, the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest.
In this 5-day Brazil Pantanal safari, explore the largest wetlands on Earth with boat rides, horseback riding and wildlife tours on 4×4 vehicles to see ocelots, caimans, giant otters and deer in their native home.
By the third day, you’ll hit the road towards Bonito (2-hour drive) where you’ll experience some of Brazil’s most beautiful scenarios, such as São Miguel Cave, Anhumas Valley Ecological Park, Barra do Sucuri and Formoso River. Hiking, swimming in natural pools and river floating are just a few of the amazing activities included in this trip.
Choose your accommodation for both destinations based on your preferences and needs. All hotel options offer excellent services, delicious meals — full board in the Pantanal and half board in Bonito —, and facilities appropriate for couples, families or solo travelers.
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👉 Book now: 5-Day Pantanal Bonito Trip in Brazil
Pantanal Wildlife Trip from Cuiabá
If you are planning to travel to the Northern Pantanal, an excellent option is this Pantanal experience from Cuiabá. In Poconé, join nocturnal excursions, boat rides, horseback riding and hiking.
Spotting jaguars can be difficult here — although not impossible —, but you’ll still have a thrilling experience in photo safaris to watch jabiru storks, marsh deer and capybaras. Make sure to capture the beauty of the flora, too: water lilies, wild orchids, bromeliads and ipês (Brazil’s national flower).
Take advantage of the premium services of your accommodation and let your tiredness and problems melt away. Dive into the pool, get a tan on the sun deck, and appreciate the breathtaking natural view.
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👉 Book now: Pantanal Wildlife Trip from Cuiabá
Pantanal safaris overview
Still not sure which safari you should choose? See the main information below and choose your favorite!
| SAFARI | HIGHLIGHTS | STARTING PRICE* |
| Pantanal Jaguar Safari in Porto Jofre (Cuiabá) | Jaguar sightings, wildlife watching, boat rides, night spotting. | R$13.782,35 |
| Pantanal Jaguar Photography | Visit strategic areas to capture gorgeous shots of jaguars and other animals. Perfect for professional and amateur photographers. | R$19.280 |
| Luxury Jaguar Safari | High-end ecolodge with great chances of spotting jaguars in South Pantanal (the only one outside the North). | R$16.696 |
| Pantanal Wildlife Trip (Campo Grande) | Night and photo safari, piranha fishing, boat rides, horseback riding. | R$5.994,12 |
| Pantanal Wildlife Trip (Cuiabá) | Night and photo safaris, trekking, horseback riding, boat rides in Aquiauana River. | R$7.058,82 |
| Wild South Pantanal: Remote Wetland Adventure | Wildlife spotting, guided walks, canoeing and horseback riding in one of the Pantanal’s wildest areas. | R$11.865 |
| Pantanal Bonito Trip | Safaris and boat trips in South Pantanal followed by snorkeling and swimming in Bonito’s rivers and natural pools. | R$7.270 |
*Per person, based on double occupancy in group departures. Prices may vary depending on season and availability.
Pantanal safari reviews
It’s clear that the Pantanal in Brazil is one of the most spectacular ecotourism destinations on the planet, but what do travelers say? With the finest tour operators in the business, PlanetaEXO has taken hundreds of tourists to this paradise over the years.
See what our customers think about some of our Pantanal safaris!
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Pantanal Jaguar Safari in Porto Jofre, Cuiabá
“My husband and I have just had the most amazing tour in the Pantanal. Our guide was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, patient and passionate about everything that lives there. We were only there for 3 days, but we saw countless wonderful animals and birds, including 5 gorgeous jaguars, a family of giant river otters, caiman, capybara, an armadillo, and a tarantula!” — Felicia Lane-Owen (United Kingdom)
“Our experience went far beyond expectations. Everything went smoothly from start to finish, and PlanetaEXO made the whole process as easy as possible. The guide was truly knowledgeable and engaging, and every person we met along the way contributed to creating a unique and unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!” — Gioia Vencato (Italy)
Luxury Jaguar Safari in the Pantanal
“I can’t remember staying anywhere better. The tours of the surrounding area were fascinating, thanks to the knowledge and lovely demeanor of the guides. Incredible walks, unforgettable moments. I’ll never forget this place.” — Dan S. (Canada)
👉 Read more: When is the best time to visit the Pantanal?
“Everything was spectacular. The food, the service, the setting, and most importantly, the Pantanal safari. I have been on safari in both Africa and India and this beat both of them hands down… You really feel you could be watching a David Attenborough documentary. The guides are supported by the Onçafari researchers, who manage to get you closer to jaguars in a way I doubt any other hotel could match. Our guide was delightful and extremely knowledgeable, I cannot praise him enough. Don’t think about booking anywhere else if you want to see jaguars… come here! This is world-class ecotourism.” — Allymac (China)
Pantanal Wildlife Trip from Campo Grande
“We had absolutely amazing and unforgettable times at the Pousada. The activities, the adventures, the food, all staff, and especially our guide, created a perfect time in the Pantanal for us. We would always recommend staying there!” — Jennifer Bechtel (Germany)
“We had a great time in the Pantanal, with lots of activities that made us love the place even more. We had a great guide who was with us throughout our stay. She is incredibly friendly, goes out of her way to make sure the tours are complete and is very passionate about the Pantanal. Thank you all for making this a great holiday!” — Matthew Austin (United States)
Pantanal Wildlife Tour from Cuiabá
“We had a great experience and loved all the activities during our 4-day stay at the lodge. I would especially like to thank our guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable about nature in the Pantanal and was able to answer all of our questions during the trips. Moreover, she made sure everything was organized according to our needs.” — Jip & Roy Heins (Netherlands)
Book your Pantanal trip with PlanetaEXO
PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform specialized in Pantanal tours. We’re committed to turning your dream vacation into a reality by assisting with bookings, tailor-made itineraries and everything else you might need.
We also connect you with the best Pantanal tour operators to create authentic travel that will forever be engraved in your brain — and your heart. Contact us now!
