Step into the wild, where jaguars still roam free

Tapirs can be observed in the Brazilian Pantanal

Flight of the Blue Macaws

Keep an eye out for Red Howler Monkeys

Tropical rainforest in mato grosso do sul

The yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) is the most abundant crocodilian in the Pantanal. - Pantanal with Michelle Valberg July 21-28, 2027, Brazil

The yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) is the most abundant crocodilian in the Pantanal. | Daniel Graser

A capybara enjoys a quiet moment in the water

Pantanalwith Michelle Valberg July 21-28, 2027

Pantanal safari: jaguar encounters, vibrant wildlife, and immersive lodge stays.

Brazil

8 Days from

$11900 USD

Trip Code: SOG9477

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Tour Chapada dos Guimarães National Park - 1 person

$440 USD

Tour Chapada dos Guimarães National Park - 2-5 people

$255 USD

Tour Nobres / Bom Jardim - 1 person

$591 USD

Tour Nobres / Bom Jardim 2-5 people

$365 USD

Extra nights in Cuiabá- Single room price ( next to the airport)

$86 USD

Extra nights in Cuiabá - double room price ( next to the airport)

$112 USD

Extra nights in Cuiabá - Single room price ( city centre)

$175 USD

Extra nights in Cuiabá - Double room price ( city centre)

$195 USD

Private arrival transfer Cuiabá (meet & greet / english speaking driver) for 1 to 3 passengers

$135 USD

Private arrival transfer Cuiabá (meet & greet / english speaking driver) for 4-6 passengers

$170 USD

Private arrival transfer Cuiabá (meet & greet / english speaking driver) for 7-10 passengers

$250 USD

Duration

8 Days

Activities

8 days wildlife photography

Accommodation

7 nights hotel

Meals

7 Dinners
8 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Adventure touring
These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms.
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Adventure touring

Trip highlights

Enjoy a variety of activities: photo safaris, sunrise canoe trips, guided walks, and river explorations.
Travel the iconic Transpantaneira road into the heart of the Pantanal.
Exclusive stay in the remote Porto Jofre area, famous for jaguar sightings.
Private speedboat excursions led by expert naturalist guides and local pilots.
Exceptional opportunities to observe jaguars, giant otters, caimans, capybaras, and vibrant birdlife.
A pre-trip Zoom call will with Michelle Valberg

Overview

*WHY THE PANTANAL IS ONE OF THE BEST WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS ON EARTH*

The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland on Earth and one of the most wildlife-rich ecosystems in the world. Unlike dense rainforests where animals can disappear into thick vegetation, the open landscapes of the Pantanal create extraordinary viewing and photography opportunities.

Rivers, floodplains, grasslands, and scattered forest islands form a mosaic of habitats that support an incredible diversity of species. Wildlife is abundant and often surprisingly relaxed around boats, allowing photographers to work close to the action.

The region is particularly famous for its jaguars. Along the rivers of northern Pantanal and Porto Jofre, these powerful cats patrol the banks, hunt caiman, swim between islands, and rest in the shade along the shoreline. Few places on Earth offer such reliable opportunities to observe and photograph wild jaguars in their natural habitat.

Beyond jaguars, the Pantanal is alive with movement. Giant river otters surface beside the boats. Hyacinth macaws flash brilliant blue across the sky. Capybara gather along muddy banks while caiman slide silently through the water. Every bend in the river brings the possibility of something extraordinary.

For wildlife photographers, the Pantanal offers a rare combination of accessibility, abundance, and raw wild beauty.

*TARGET WILDLIFE SPECIES*

The Pantanal is home to an astonishing concentration of wildlife. While every safari is different, photographers may encounter many of the region’s iconic species.

-Key mammals

•Jaguar

• Giant River Otter

• Capybara

• South American Coati

• Crab eating Fox

• Marsh Deer

-Reptiles

•Yacaré Caiman

•Yellow Anaconda

-Birdlife highlights

•Hyacinth Macaw

• Jabiru

• Toco Toucan

• Black collared Hawk

• Sunbittern

With more than 650 bird species recorded in the Pantanal, photographers often return home with an incredible diversity and number of avian images.

Itinerary

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Arrive in Cuiabá by late morning and meet your expedition team. Drive south along the legendary Transpantaneira Road, where the adventure begins the moment you leave the city herons, caimans, and capybaras often appear before you even reach the lodge. Upon arrival, join Michelle for an introductory photo briefing and a relaxed sunset shoot from the lodge’s observation deck as the Pantanal comes alive in golden light. Overnight at: Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge or similar

Meals: L,D

Wake to the distant roar of howler monkeys and the raucous calls of macaws, an atmospheric soundtrack to your first full day of wildlife photography. As dawn breaks, slip into canoes and glide across still water, where mirrored reflections and soft morning tones create a serene canvas for your images. This is a chance to experiment with light, line, and negative space as the landscape slowly comes to life. Later in the morning and again in the late afternoon, head out in safari vehicles and on foot in search of the region’s emblematic species. You may encounter jabiru storks nesting in towering trees, giant anteaters crossing open plains, and caimans basking along the edges of oxbow lakes, alongside a dazzling array of birdlife in constant motion. Wildlife is inherently unpredictable, and each outing presents different opportunities—an important reminder that patience, flexibility, and quiet observation are all part of the craft of wildlife photography. Michelle will be on hand in the field to offer guidance on technique, composition, and visual storytelling, helping you translate these fleeting encounters into images with impact. Overnight at: Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Another dawn chorus of howler monkeys and macaws signals the start of a new photographic chapter. Sunrise canoe excursions once again place you at water level, where changing light, shifting mist, and subtle ripples ensure that no two mornings are alike. Even familiar scenes reveal new details when viewed with fresh eyes and refined technique. As the day unfolds, you’ll explore a mosaic of habitats by vehicle and on foot, building on your growing understanding of animal behavior and movement. Jabiru storks may be captured in quiet moments at the nest, giant anteaters in mid-stride, and caimans in close-up studies of texture and form. Flocks of vibrant birds offer endless chances to practice timing and focus as they take flight. The unpredictability of wildlife means each day reveals a different combination of encounters, underscoring that perseverance and calm, watchful waiting often lead to the most memorable frames. In the evening, gather for group image reviews with Michelle, discussing not only technical choices but also ethical field practices and how to craft a cohesive visual narrative from the day’s work. Overnight at: Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L,D

By now, the rhythm of the lodge and the soundtrack of the forest feel familiar, yet each morning still brings something new. Your sunrise canoe outing offers another opportunity to refine compositions, leaning into subtle shifts in light and atmosphere—perhaps a stronger reflection, a bolder sky, or a more dramatic interplay between subject and environment. Mid-morning and late-afternoon sessions focus on deepening your portfolio and filling any creative gaps. You might revisit favorite locations in search of different behaviors or angles, or follow fresh tracks that lead to new subjects. Whether you are photographing a solitary giant anteater silhouetted against the horizon, a congregation of wading birds, or the quiet tension of a caiman’s watchful eye. As evening falls, final image reviews and conversations with Michelle help you consolidate what you’ve learned about light, behavior, and storytelling, preparing you for the jaguar-focused days ahead. Overnight at: Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Set out at first light onto the maze of rivers and narrow channels that surround Porto Jofre, a landscape where wild jaguars quietly rule. Over the coming days, you will explore these waters from small, agile boats that allow your pilot and guides to position you with precision for photography. Sightings often unfold with remarkable intimacy a jaguar slipping into the water for a quiet swim, stretching across a sun-drenched sandbank, or emerging from dense foliage with predatory focus along the river’s edge. Between encounters, the river offers its own subtle choreography: light rippling across the water’s surface, reflections shifting with every bend, and the hush of wind threading through reeds. These quieter moments often become the unexpected gems of a photographer’s portfolio, balancing the intensity of jaguar encounters with scenes of quiet, painterly beauty. Return to the lodge for breaks where you can review images with Michelle, exchange creative ideas, or simply absorb the gentle rhythm of life by the river. Overnight at: Recanto do Jaguar Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L,D

An additional full day on the rivers around Porto Jofre allows you to slow the pace and deepen your photographic exploration of jaguar territory. With more time on the water, you can revisit productive stretches of river and wait patiently for unfolding reminders of jaguar behavior—resting on shaded banks, moving along the shoreline, or slipping quietly into the water. This extra day offers space to refine compositions, experiment with light and reflections, and capture more intimate, unrushed moments. Between outings, time at the lodge allows for image review, informal discussions with Michelle, and simply absorbing the atmosphere of this remarkable ecosystem. Overnight at: Recanto do Jaguar Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Your second full day on the water deepens your connection to the Pantanal and its remarkable wildlife. As you continue exploring the intricate waterways, jaguars may reveal new facets of their behavior a mother guiding her young through the grasses, a male patrolling his territory, or a cat poised in perfect stillness as it listens for movement along the shore. Each sighting adds richness and narrative depth to your photographic collection. The ecosystem surrounding you is just as captivating. Giant otters twist and tumble through the water in choreographed family routines. Hyacinth macaws flash electric blue against the canopy, while black-collared hawks sweep overhead, diving with astonishing precision to snatch fish from the surface. Throughout the day, shifting light transforms the river morning gold softens into midday brightness and later melts into the cool tones of late afternoon offering endless opportunities to play with mood, texture, and reflections. Evening back at the lodge provides time to refine your work, discuss composition with Michelle, or savor the stillness that settles over the river at dusk. Overnight at: Recanto do Jaguar Lodge or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Your final morning in Porto Jofre invites a quiet farewell to the waters that have shaped the past days. As you pack your equipment and review the images captured ,jaguars in motion, delicate reflections, fleeting scenes of river life , there is a natural pause to appreciate the intensity and beauty of this experience. The interplay of light and water, and the powerful encounters with wildlife, now come together into a cohesive story of your time in the Pantanal. Depart by road toward Cuiabá, watching as wetlands gradually give way to dry forest and finally to the edges of the city. The journey offers a final moment to reflect on the days spent immersed in the world of wild jaguars. Depending on your onward travel plans, an additional night in Cuiabá may be required. Departure according to flight schedules (flights should be booked after 17:00).

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 21 Jul 2027 and 21 Jul 2027.

Departs 21 Jul 2027 – ends 28 Jul 2027 (8 days)

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

7 nights of accommodation: 4 nights at Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge & 3 nights at Recanto do Jaguar Lodge
All meals (full board) throughout the stay
All activities and excursions mentioned in the program
Wildlife photo safaris by vehicle
Canoe trips at sunrise
Guided walking tours
Riverboat excursions
Jaguar-spotting boat safaris at Porto Jofre
Services of an experienced naturalist guide and local pilot
All transfers between Cuiabá airport, lodges, and return
Gratuity for the tour guide (for the single room traveler)
Private speedboat transfers and safaris in the Porto Jofre region
Entrance fees to conservation areas and local taxes
A pre-trip Zoom call will be scheduled be prior to departure. This session will give you the opportunity to meet your host and fellow travellers, review the itinerary, discuss packing and travel logistics, and ask any questions you may have.

Not included

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional tours or sightseeing
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses – laundry, telephones, etc
Passport and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and airport departure taxes
Travel Insurance
Tips

About your guide

Michelle Valberg is an award winning wildlife photographer, Nikon Ambassador, Canadian Geographic Photographer in Residence, and a proud recipient of the Order of Canada. Her forty year career has taken her across the globe, creating images that reveal the soul of the natural world. Michelle is known for her deep love of teaching and for guiding photographers to stronger, more meaningful work. Her adventures fill quickly because guests value her experience, her generosity, and her ability to inspire. Traveling with Michelle means stepping into the wild with purpose, creativity, and a sense of wonder.

Extra trip info

FAQs Wildlife Safari Safety

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July is dry season in the Pantanal. This is why the wildlife shows up and stays visible. Water pulls everything in and the rhythm of the days becomes predictable in the best way.

Temperatures

Morning: ~12 to 16°C

Midday: ~25 to 30°C

Evenings cool quickly after sunset

Cool mornings on the river. Warm sun by late morning. Dry heat, low humidity, very little rain. Dust is part of the story.

What that means for photographers

Crisp early light

Comfortable shooting conditions

Fewer insects than wet season

Wildlife concentrated along waterways

Sunrise: approx. 6:10 to 6:20 am

Sunset: approx. 5:45 to 5:50 pm

Golden light comes fast and leaves fast. Mornings are magic. Afternoons build slowly. Evenings soften the edges.

Most jaguar activity happens early and late. Being on the water at first light matters.

This is not a minimalist destination. This is a place where preparation lets you relax and create.

Camera Bodies

2 camera bodies

Lenses

400mm to 800mm range is ideal for jaguars and river wildlife

100–400mm or 70–200mm for behavior, environmental portraits and interactions

Wide angle for landscapes, boats, storytelling moments

ND and polarizing filters (ask Michelle for recommendations)

You will shoot longer than you think and wider than you expect.

Support

Monopod (if you are used to using one)

Tripods are not used on boats

Accessories

Plenty of batteries (at least 2 for each camera body)

Plenty of memory cards

Lens cloths and blower

Rain covers

Dry bag for camera gear

Even in dry season, spray from boats and sudden showers happen.

Clothing

Neutral colours. Earth tones. No bright whites or colours.

Lightweight long sleeves and pants for sun protection

Warm layer for early mornings on the river

Wide-brim hat

Sunglasses

Lightweight rain shell

Function over fashion. Comfort equals patience. Patience equals photographs.

Footwear

Comfortable closed shoes or lightweight hiking shoes

Sandals or slip-ons for lodge downtime

Personal Essentials

Sunscreen

Lip balm

Refillable water bottle

Small daypack

Bug Repellent

Headlamp or small flashlight for early starts

July in the Pantanal is about rhythm.

Early starts. Slow water. Eyes scanning the banks. Engines cut. Silence broken by birds and breath.

This is not spray-and-pray photography.

This is waiting. Watching. Reading the land.

If you arrive prepared, the Pantanal gives generously.

Michelle recommends the following:

Nisi filters - https://nisiopticsusa.com/ref/MichelleValberg/

Delkin Devices - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DXXQMDFS?th=1 (CDN)

Think Tank - https://www.thinktankphoto.com/?rfsn=2139877.6814a9

Jeff Mitchell is a photographer with nearly 50 years of experience and more than two decades as a member of the Nikon team. He leads photography workshops and expeditions in some of the world’s most inspiring natural locations, including many U.S. National Parks, the polar bear habitats of Churchill, Manitoba, and the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia.

With a background in teaching and decades of field experience photographing landscapes and wildlife, Jeff is passionate about helping photographers feel confident in the field, understand their equipment, and capture powerful images that reflect the beauty and excitement of the natural world. His focus is on working with energetic people to help create a path to insightful storytelling.

Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Guaranteeing A Great Brazil Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Pantanalwith Michelle Valberg July 21-28, 2027

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?