The Pantanal region in Brazil is known for its guided safaris and is considered one of the best places in the world to go on a tour and see jaguars in their natural habitat. So there are several areas in the Pantanal where you can see jaguars, but some places are more likely than others. The Porto Jofre region, which is in the north of the Pantanal, is the best place to see jaguars in the wild. However, although the north is still the best place for sightings, in the southern Pantanal it is also possible to see these magnificent felines.
Let’s go into more detail about the best place to see jaguars.
Pantanal – Photo: @thewildlifejunkie
What’s the jaguar sighting like in the northern Pantanal?
The northern Pantanal region, accessible from Cuiabá, is renowned as the best place to see jaguars in the Pantanal. Not only that, it’s also the best place in the world to see jaguars, Here, the safaris take place in the Porto Jofre region and are made by boat along the banks of the region’s main rivers, the Rio São Lourenço, Piriqui, Cuiabá, and Paraguay.
The best time to see jaguars in the northern Pantanal is during the dry season (between June and October) as the water level drops, concentrating the animals on the banks of the rivers and significantly increasing their chances of being spotted. Thanks to the high population density of jaguars in the area, visitors can enjoy unforgettable moments during safaris, watching these felines in action, either resting in the sun or in search of their next prey.
To spot jaguars in the Pantanal North, PlanetaEXO takes you to Porto Jofre with the Pantanal jaguar safari from Cuiabá. Our tour starts with an adventure along the Transpantaneira road, teeming with wildlife. It’s a unique experience to be had in one of Brazil’s most special regions.
At the heart of Pantanal North’s tourism and wildlife efforts is a strong commitment to conservation. The jaguar population faces a significant challenge, as the Pantanal’s landscape is shaped by cattle farming, with many active ranches across the region. Naturally, jaguars, which can weigh up to 145kg, and cattle don’t mix well because jaguars being predators make cattle their prey. This has led to an unfortunate situation where farmers, in an attempt to protect their cattle, kill hundreds of jaguars each year. Recognizing this, there’s been a big push in recent years to educate the Pantaneiro community about the greater economic benefit of keeping jaguars alive rather than hunting them.
What are the jaguar sightings like in the southern Pantanal?
Although northern Pantanal steals the spotlight with regard to spotting jaguars, the southern region has its own hidden gem – an ecological refuge for jaguars. This ecological refuge is accessible from Campo Grande and is located in Miranda in Mato Grosso do Sul. It is a 53,000-hectare oasis in the heart of the Pantanal that is home to the Onçafari project, which was created and developed to play a key role in the conservation process by investigating jaguar behaviour, reproduction, and interaction patterns.
The jaguars that reside in this reserve are used to the presence of humans, guaranteeing a 98% chance of spotting them. To give you an idea, in the last three years, all visitors have had the opportunity to spot jaguars at least once. Something else to keep in mind about the jaguars of the southern Pantanal is that, because they are protected in the reserve and the tours are made by 4×4 vehicles, you can spot them during the safaris all year round!
To immerse yourself in this adventure, PlanetaEXO offers the luxury jaguar safari in the Pantanal, which takes you to this ecological sanctuary for a unique opportunity to get up close with jaguars and a variety of wildlife. All while enjoying the most comfortable accommodations and facilities in the entire Pantanal.
Deciding the best place to see jaguars: North or South Pantanal?
Both regions offer unique experiences. In the North, enjoy boat safaris from June to October, perfect for jaguar spotting, with rustic accommodations. In the South, experience luxury stays and year-round exploration, thanks to the Onçafári project. No matter your choice, you’ll encounter nature’s wonders while supporting vital conservation efforts for future generations.
PlanetaEXO is here to guide you through both the North and South Pantanal, ensuring an unforgettable experience that connects you deeply with nature’s wonders. Join us to discover the beauty of the Pantanal.
Discover our Pantanal safari tours:
