Brazil | Wildlife and Culture Photography in the Pantanal with Layne Kennedy

Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Brazil.

Arrive into Cuiabá, where you will be met and taken to the hotel. Cuiabá is the capital of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso and the gateway to the wetlands of North Pantanal. It also sits in an ecologically interesting spot at the transition zone between three important ecosystems in Brazil: the Amazon, the Cerrado, and the Pantanal. As today is a travel day, meals are not included. Check-in starts at 2 pm.

After breakfast and a program orientation at the hotel, begin the journey to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge at the Fazenda Santa Tereza. A portion of the trip is along the Transpantaneira, with stops planned for wildlife photography. This highway, which crosses the Pantanal and consists of mostly dirt, gravel, and more than 120 wooden bridges, is one of the only access roads into the Pantanal's interior. The drive can be bumpy, but it passes through many habitats and is often described as the best road in the world to spot and photograph wildlife. Animals regularly seen include the giant anteater, armadillo, caiman, marsh deer, silvery marmoset, black howler monkey, and many species of water birds. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch, and then take part in one of the lodge's wildlife viewing activities. These might include a low-speed boat outing on the Pixaim River, famous for its abundance of birds, caimans, capybaras, giant otters, and jaguars, hiking on the 2.5-mile network of scientific trails, which offer full access to the gallery forest, or ascending two easy walk-up towers, one near a Jabiru nest, and the other in the gallery forest on the riverbank. Both observation towers offer excellent birding experiences from a spectacular vantage point. This evening, visit the lodge's ocelot blind for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to observe these wild cats at close range.

There are several activities to choose from today, which include nature and wildlife walks on 2.5 miles of marked, scientifically-designed trails in the gallery forest along the Pixaim River, wildlife observation from three strategically-placed observation towers, the SouthWild Howler Monkey Experience, the SouthWild Ocelot Experience, or 2-hour motorboat outings on the Pixaim River.

Start the day with a 2.5-hour drive along the Transpantaneira to Porto Jofre, which sits at the border between the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. Enjoy a few minutes here to photograph some of the Hyacinth Macaws that roam around the place in search of fruit before embarking on a boat ride toward SouthWild Flotel & Jaguar Suites. The spacious rooms at this floating lodge feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that face the wild forests of the famous Encontro das Águas State Park. Here, it is possible to see jaguars walking through the banks of the Piquiri River year-round, but the best months for observation are June through November, when climate conditions are the most favorable. Jaguars, the largest feline in South America, thrive here due to the region's tranquility and its abundance of prey. Jaguars are also a major draw for visitors mindful of responsible travel, which provides economic incentives for local communities to further protect these apex predators and the habitats on which they rely. Have lunch on board, and then make the most of a 4-hour journey along the narrow canals in search of these big cats, as well as giant otters, tapirs, and other wildlife. Arrive at the flotel in the evening to have dinner and attend a lecture.

Spend the morning on a 4-hour boat outing in search of jaguars and other wildlife. After lunch, embark on a shorter boat ride of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes toward a special site where it is possible to observe and photograph the maned wolf, South America's largest canid. Along the way, enjoy more of the unparalleled wildlife observation experience that the Pantanal provides. Arrive at a private fishing camp where a mated pair of maned wolves has been spotted daily since August of 2023. It may be possible to see the adult male, the adult female, or both, as at least one of the adults walks by each late afternoon or evening at some point between 3:30 and 10 pm. This species lives in mated pairs instead of in packs. In the late afternoon or evening, go on another slow boat ride for 2 or more hours back to Jaguar Suites. This journey back to the flotel can be done during the late afternoon while there's still sun light, but the wolves often appear after sunset, which can delay the boat ride back. However, spotlights are used to navigate safely. Have a boxed dinner during the excursion.

Today is dedicated to searching for jaguars, birds, and other wildlife during morning and afternoon boat rides, each lasting around 4 hours. In the Pantanal, the exposed river banks and open spaces make it easier to spot and observe the normally shy and mysterious jaguars, especially when the water levels are low. A wide diversity of other animals may also be seen, both in the water and along the shore. Look for caimans, capybaras, giant otters, iguanas, Jabirus, and more. Return to the flotel in the evening for another lecture.

Have an early breakfast at the flotel before boarding a slow boat toward Porto Jofre. Go on a 5.5-hour drive along the Transpantaneira back to Cuiabá. Our hotel is located in the center of Cuiabá and near the Mãe Bonifácia State Park, where you can explore on your own to observe and photograph more nature and wildlife, including black-tailed marmosets. Mãe Bonifácia is open from 6 am to 6 pm, but entrance is only permitted until 5 pm.

Begin the journey back home at Cuiabá International Airport. After a layover in São Paulo, fly back to the U.S. Today's services only include transfers with no guide. Check-out is at 12 pm.