Looking forward to exploring Brazil’s natural wonders? Discover the best Pantanal safaris you just can’t miss!
The best Pantanal safari tours are the ones that allow for total immersion in this fascinating biome – the largest wetland on Earth –, with plenty of activities focused on exploring its impressively rich biodiversity.
Spanning an area of over 8.500.000 km², the Pantanal is the best 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 handpicks the finest Pantanal tours for you, all of them with a diverse itinerary, great stay options, eco-friendly practices, and chances to create unforgettable moments. Check it out!
Photo: @visit.pantanal
Jaguar Pantanal safari tours
Some of the best Pantanal safari tours have the jaguar as the main character. Since this is where jaguars are most frequently spotted, a lot of people travel to the Pantanal just to see these beautiful felines.
However, it’s important to point out that jaguar sightings don’t happen everywhere. The north side is the best place to spot them – usually during the dry season, from June to October.
While it’s not impossible to encounter jaguars in Southern Pantanal, it’s way less common. Only one specific tour in the south offers great chances to spot them. Curious? See more below!
@fotos.do.marcelo
Pantanal Jaguar Safari in Porto Jofre
In Cuiabá, the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, the Pantanal Jaguar Safari Tour in Porto Jofre offers incredible activities for nature lovers who are dying to see jaguars go on about their day.
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 – like capybaras, caimans, and anacondas. 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.
Photo: Henrique Olsen
This tour includes a 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.
Photo: @basilminder
👉 Looking for something more affordable? Check out our Pantanal Jaguar Budget Safari!
Luxury Jaguar Safari in the Southern Pantanal
Surely one of the most outstanding Pantanal safari tours out there, the Luxury Jaguar Safari from Campo Grande 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 two years have spotted jaguars – all thanks to Onçafari, a conservation project whose goal is to make the animals used to the presence of humans, which consequently raises awareness on environmental issues and helps to develop the area’s ecotourism.
Photo: @fagner_almeida01
Aside from the unparalleled experience of seeing jaguars in their natural habitat, activities include canoe trips, ecological hikes, and nocturnal excursions.
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, a sauna, gym, fire pit, swimming pool, sun decks, restaurant and a bar. It’s everything you need in a luxury accommodation!
Photo: Felipe Castellari
Pantanal Jaguar Photography Tour
Ideal for professional and amateur photographers, the Pantanal Jaguar Photography Tour from Cuiabá takes you on a trip to the heart of the biome to capture and immortalize its jaw-dropping beauty.
Photo: Henrique Olsen
You’ll be accompanied by local guides with extensive backgrounds 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 in the entrance of the Meeting of Waters State Park, and Berco Lodge, a classic lodge in the Pantanal.
@thewildlifejunkie
Pantanal wildlife tours
Wildlife tours in the Pantanal are also a great way to explore the native fauna. The chances of spotting jaguars are slim – which makes these trips more budget-friendly – but you’ll still see amazing animals, like capybaras, giant otters, yellow anacondas, and blue macaws, among many other unique species.
Photo: Felipe Castellari
Led by expert guides, these Pantanal safari tours are perfect for those who wish to dive deep into one of the most captivating ecosystems in Brazil.
After a day full of adventure, stay in a lovely lodge with apartments equipped with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and charming decor. In the social areas, swim in the pool, enjoy delicious Brazilian food in the restaurant, get a drink at the bar, or just relax in a comfy hammock.
Pantanal Wildlife Trip from Campo Grande
The Pantanal Wildlife Trip from Campo Grande, in Mato Grosso do Sul, is your chance to explore the wonders of the largest wetland in the world.
Photo: Bruno Carvalho @bhc_bio
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!
Photo: Layla Motta
At the lodge, fill your belly with amazing food made with fresh ingredients, and have fun at the entertainment areas – including a refreshing swimming pool! – and just revel in the exceptional stay experience!
Pantanal Wildlife Tour from Cuiabá
If you are planning to travel to the Northern Pantanal, an excellent option is the Pantanal Wildlife Tour from Cuiabá – this time departing from the capital of Mato Grosso.
Photo: @danieldegranville
Like in the trip from Campo Grande, join nocturnal excursions, boat rides, and photo safaris to watch capybaras, caimans, owls, ocelots, and other exquisite native species in their natural habitat. Want even more adventure? Horseback riding and hiking in the Pantanal fields are just what you need!
Take advantage of your accommodation’s services and let your tiredness and problems melt away. Dive into the pool, get a tan on the sun deck, and appreciate the breathtaking Pantanal view.
Book the best Pantanal safari tours with PlanetaEXO
Come join us on remarkable safaris in the Pantanal! PlanetaEXO is 100% committed to turn your dream vacation into a reality. We’re here to help you with bookings and tailor-made itineraries that tend to your every need. Send us a message and let’s start planning today!
