Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart from home on overnight flights.

Day 2 (Aug 28)

Arrive in Sao Paulo, transfer to our airport hotel by shuttle. Meet for dinner and an orientation. (D)

Day 3

Fly to Cuiabá this morning. We depart for the Transpantaneira Highway, the main artery through the floodplain. The area is especially good for wading bird photos, including jabiru storks. As we travel further south, the wetlands become increasingly open. Our hotel is located in Porto Jofre on the Cuiabá River—deep in the heart of the northern Pantanal. (BLD)

Days 4–5

Explore the Pantanal to photograph the unusual mammals and some of the more than 360 species of birds. Early morning boat excursions—with good chances of photographing jaguar at this time of year—and late afternoon explorations by boat or vehicle produce shots of capybaras and caiman. Several species of birds, including hyacinth macaws, can easily be photographed on the grounds of our lodge. Sunset photography is punctuated by flights of nighthawks. (BLD)

Day 6

Morning photography at our lodge. Returning northward through broad open fields and wetlands punctuated by forest islands, we reach our next lodge, located on a 17,000-acre cattle ranch. After a post-lunch siesta, we explore this area of the Pantanal and, later, look for a glorious sunset over this watery world. (BLD)

Day 7

Following sunrise photography and breakfast, we traverse the Pantanal by boat and vehicle. From a high tower above a nesting area for roseate spoonbills and American wood storks we have excellent chances for flight shots—including images of these colorful birds with nesting materials in their beaks! Following a rest, an afternoon visit to a different tower yields another unique perspective of the area. (BLD)

Day 8

We have time for sunrise photography before breakfast—and at an active hyacinth macaw nest on a nearby ranch—before our return to Cuiabá. Lunch is at a Brazilian barbeque restaurant, a churrascaria. In an evening photo session, we photograph a jaguar and tapir at a small private zoo. (BLD)

Day 9

Morning photography at the University of Cuiabá Zoo. Possible subjects include a maned wolf and giant anteater—possibly with a baby riding its back—among others. In the afternoon, we fly to Sao Paulo. (BLD)

Day 10

This morning we fly to Iguassu. The charming and recently-renovated Hotel das Cataratas is the only lodging inside Brazil’s Iguassu National Park—and offers easy access to the classic panoramic vistas of the falls, especially in the early mornings and evenings when tourists are few. We have time for afternoon photography of Iguassu Falls, the most spectacular waterfall in the world. (BLD)

Day 11

Morning photography at a local aviary featuring birds from five continents and where five species of toucans are possible—including the toco toucan, the largest in South America. Close-ups can be made from inside some of the enclosures. In the afternoon, we concentrate on the panoramic vistas from the Brazilian side of the falls. A short overflight by helicopter may be scheduled at an additional cost. (BLD)

Day 12

A full day on the Argentine side to photograph from the numerous catwalks and trails. The Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) offers one of the most spectacular overviews—surrounded on three sides by roaring cascades. Following dinner this evening, we enjoy a program highlighting the music and dance traditions of the lands that intersect in this remarkable area—Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. (BLD)

Day 13 (Sep 8)

We have a final morning for photography at the falls before our flight to Sao Paulo. Arrive in time for late evening flights home. (B)

Day 14

Arrive home.