Brazil Jaguar Photo Tour
DURATION :
LOCATION :
8 days and 7 nights
Pantanal Photo Safari (North Pantanal and Southwild Pantanal)
Tour Information
Discover Brazil’s best-kept secret, the Pantanal, a realm of flooded grasslands, savannas, and tropical forests that ranks among the planet’s most biodiverse regions. Derived from the Portuguese “pântano,” meaning wetland or marsh, the Pantanal’s marshes teem with an astounding array of life, from Jaguars to alligators and the endangered Hyacinth Macaw. This comprehensive tour delves into both the South and North Pantanal, renowned as the ultimate photography destination for capturing Jaguars, the third-largest big cat species.
Immerse yourself in this mesmerizing landscape through an exclusive wildlife expedition, revealing the crown jewels of the region. Painstakingly curated, this journey is a haven for both nature enthusiasts and photographers, centered around encountering iconic Pantanal residents. From majestic Jaguars and elusive Ocelots to Giant Otters, Giant Anteaters, vibrant Toco Toucans, Jabiru storks, Hyacinth Macaws, Anacondas, Black-collared Hawks, and a myriad of other remarkable creatures, each day promises fresh adventures and opportunities to immortalize these exquisite beings through your lens.
A unique highlight offers the chance to luxuriate in an entire day along the river’s edge, a privilege subject to the group’s zeal and the attainment of essential permits. Engage in birdwatching, observe graceful caimans, and lose yourself in the ever-changing river panoramas that await.
BASIC INFORMATION
Medical
Please consult with your doctor regarding general travel vaccinations and check the CDC website for more information.
Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase trip insurance that includes trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.
Internet Access
Most lodges have free WIFI in the reception/dining area.
Airport
You should arrive to and depart from Cuiaba’s Marechal Rondon International Airport. Our representative will be waiting to provide your private transfer to our hotel accommodation in Cuiaba on bed and breakfast basis.
Certified
All of our services are conducted by fully licensed travel, lodge, and transport operators. This is part of our commitment to providing a professional travel experience.
Electricity
Electrical outlets are US-style. Those coming from Europe or Asia may need travel adapters. We will send more info after signup.
TOUR DATES
Main Tour – Maximum 6 – 8 people per group.
Session 1: Oct 15- Oct 22, 2024 (3 spaces available)
Cost (In USD)
$4750 per person in sharing accommodations and $5350 for a single supplement
Tour Motive
This incredible wildlife tour focused on exploring the diverse and captivating ecosystem of the Pantanal, which is known for its rich biodiversity and unique animal sightings. The tour primarily revolves around observing and photographing the Pantanal’s most iconic wildlife species, including Jaguars, Ocelots, Giant Otters, Toco Toucans, Jabiru Storks, Hyacinth Macaws, Caimans, Capybaras, Anacondas, Black-collared Hawks, and many other fascinating creatures. As our guest you will enjoy a comfortable stay at the top two wildlife lodges in the Pantanal. These lodges likely offer a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, providing a cozy and immersive experience in the heart of the wilderness. The tour is designed for a small group of photographers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience. A maximum of eight participants would allow for better interactions with the guide, fellow participants, and the environment.
Photo Opportunities
- Opportunity to photograph the specialties like the Saffron Toucanet, Green-headed tanager, Olive-green tanager and more!
- Northern Pantanal tour highlights include Jaguars, Toucans, Macaws, Ocelots, Tapirs and many more!
- Bird photography at feeders and experience to stay and enjoy the world’s largest tropical wetland, featuring an abundance of bird and wildlife species
Guided photography with expert guidance to make the best images of the target species and more. - Technical photography experience like Multi-flash Hummingbird Photography.
An overview of photography techniques in tropical habitat, what settings to use etc. Expert guidance during photography sessions on using fill-flash in overcast conditions. - Our all-inclusive tours help you enjoy a stress-free, photography focused days coupled with local lodging and culinary experience.
INCLUSION/EXCLUSION
- Lodging as specified.
- Meals as specified
- Stainless steel flask for water.
- Private transfers to and from hotels on first and last days.
- Professional driver/photo/nature guide and private transportation in spacious tour bus.
- Guide and Photography Skipper services
- Entrance fees for all described activities.
- Taxes on all services listed above.
- Non-mealtime snacks or meals not included.
- Non-mealtime soft drinks and bottled water.
- Visa fees
- International/personal airfare
- Insurance
- Phone calls
- Laundry
- Tips
- Cost of hospitalization and evacuation, if necessary
- Domestic flight from Campo Grande to Cuiaba and domestic flight from Cuiaba to Sao Paulo
Email us at info@tropicalphototours.com or call us at 1-512-508-6914 if you’d like to talk first.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival I Cuiaba
Upon your arrival at Cuiaba – CGB, you will be warmly received by one of our dedicated team representatives. You will then be comfortably transferred to our hotel in Cuiaba, where you will spend the night.
Day 2: Travel to Porto Jofre through the Transpantaneira Highway
Start your adventure with an early breakfast. Our adventure begins as we embark on the Transpantaneira Highway, a dirt road that cuts through the Northern Pantanal and traverses 122 picturesque wooden bridges. Along the way, we will make frequent stops to capture photographs of the abundant wildlife.
After our eventful drive, we will arrive at Porto Jofre just in time for a delightful lunch. Check-in to our hotel, nestled on the scenic riverbanks of the Cuiabá River. In the afternoon, we will set out on our first boat safari, aiming to spot Jaguars and other captivating wildlife along the riverbanks.
Day 3 to 5: Boat Safaris through the Mighty Cuiaba River
Over the next three full days, we will dedicate ourselves to thrilling boat safaris on the mighty Cuiabá River and its tributaries, maximizing our opportunities to observe and photograph Jaguars, Giant River Otters, and other remarkable creatures in the Meeting of the Waters State Park.
Our safaris will take place during the day, allowing us to cruise the rivers and encounter Jaguars as they approach the banks for sustenance, water, or simply to cool off. After each exhilarating day, we will enjoy dinner and spend the night at our lodge.
Day 6: Travel to Southwild Panatal
Following breakfast, we will transfer to our next lodge where we will spend the next two nights. The journey takes approximately two hours, during which we will have the chance to engage in photography along the way. After settling in and having lunch, we will regroup for a photography session focused on capturing diverse bird species such as the Bare-faced Curassow, Toco Toucan, kingfishers, Hyacinth Macaw, Buff-necked Ibis, Chestnut-eared Aracari, and many more.
If luck is on our side, we may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Agami Heron. This lodge also presents an excellent opportunity to photograph the elusive Ocelot! Our best chances will be in the evening.
Day 7: Southwild Panatal
Spend the entire day in the vicinity of the hotel grounds, immersed in bird photography. In the evening, we will embark on our final attempt to capture stunning photographs of the Ocelot, culminating our thrilling adventure
Day 8: Return to Cuiaba
After a great adventure full of memories and fantastic photographs, we will go back to the city of Cuiaba for our evening flight home.
Tour Specifics
1. Easy/Moderate walking/Most activity is at the feeders
2. Intermediate Photographers
3. Land and Water Photography
Tour Pace
Easy to moderate
Much of the Atlantic tour will be spent near feeders which are accessed by only a short walk. There will also be optional short walks on to get to the hide and access the farms with feeders and manakin leks.
North Pantanal photography sessions will mostly be done in safari vans and boats. Some sessions may involve walking around gardens and feeders.
Suggested Equipments
It is recommended that each participant bring the following equipment:
- A digital SLR and your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
- A macro lens
- A sturdy tripod or monopod
- You may also bring your flash with a flash bracket
Pack a ton of memory cards - Release cable
Tour Leader
Supreet Sahoo
An avid birdwatcher and photographer from Austin, U.S. Supreet’s work has been featured in reputed publications like the BBC Earth, National Geographic Spain and Sanctuary Asia.
Reviews and Score Breakdown
7.0
Post A comment
Registration
- To register for the tour, fill out and submit the form below. A ‘NON-REFUNDABLE’ deposit of USD 1000 per person of the tour cost is required to confirm your spot.
- The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour.
- All figures per person. Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in TOUR CANCELLATION.
Payment can be completed by credit card/PayPal or bank transfer. If you would like to mail a check, that option is available as well Please read all the Terms & Conditions for cancellation/refund policies and other important information.
[weforms id="9177"] |
- A ‘non-refundable’ deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount.
- The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour.
- All figures per person.
- Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation.
Email us at info@tropicalphototours.com or call us at +1-512-508-6914 if you’d like to talk first.
Book Your Tour With Us In 6 Easy Steps
1.Confirm your spot for the tour by paying the advance using the registration form.
2.Receive an acknowledgement email from us confirming your booking along with a welcome package and forms.
3. Book your international travel
4. Send us your travel details along with the signed package.
5. We will send you a final invoice along with some more important pre-travel details.
6. Make your full payment and pack your bags for the best Tropical experience.
Important Note
2.Tropical Photo Tours holds the rights to modify a reservation at any time during a workshop. As a company, we always try to comply with what we have promised but due to several unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, natural calamity, political, environmental, cultural we may have to make changes to our reservations.
3.All amounts are in USD unless specifically mentioned otherwise
Frequently asked questions
• The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour. If you would like to pay the remaining balance in installments, please let us know.
• All figures in USD per person
• Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation.
• A deposit is your commitment to joining the workshop. These deposits don’t typically sit in an account, they are used to cover initial expenses for the workshop like hotel reservations, park permits/fees and guided tour deposits. Due to these expenses, deposits are non-refundable and tour payment made is subject to a cancellation fee.
- More than 60 days before the start of the tour: Refund of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $100 convenience fee.
- 60 – 45 days before the start of the tour: Refund of 50% of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $199 convenience fee.
- Less than 45 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited. Full payment is required no later than 45 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this date you will be notified by email. If you do not respond within 3 business days, your spot will be forfeited and offered to participants on the waiting list.
Alternatively, we can also find a perfect roommate for you based on your gender, age, and interests. If a roommate is not available, the single supplement will be charged.
Please note that we calculate the cost of the single supplement by taking the actual cost of a single room and subtracting one-half the cost of a double room (plus any applicable taxes).
• Your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
• A wide-angle lens if you are interested in capturing landscapes
• You can also bring your flash with a flash bracket
• Pack a ton of memory cards
• A macro lens is highly recommended
• A sturdy tripod or monopod is required
• Release cables
Other essentials: Good hiking boots, Laptop, memory card readers, bug spray, sunscreen, silica gel sachets to keep your camera dry. Since, it is likely that there might be rain and mosquitoes especially in dense rainforests, so you must pack your rain jacket and a bug jacket.
You can carry medicines that are for common illnesses like colds, cough, fever, diarrhea, altitude sickness, headaches, heartburn or severe acidity and sore throats to name a few. Those who take regular medication for hypertension, blood sugar, allergy, and asthma should carry an adequate supply of medicines.
We tend to travel to remote places, it is best you have your medicines handy. Though most of our trips require moderate stamina, it is best if you are high on energy and stay fit to get the most out of the experience.
Please note that this is a general information, it is recommended that you check with your physician and doctor to determine what medicines you need to carry.
Our team will get back to you with assistance.
Tour Information
Brazil has one of the richest bird diversities in the world. The avifauna of Brazil include a total of 1822 confirmed species of which 238 are endemic. Brazil’s biodiversity and ease of access to wildlife make it a very popular destination for bird photographers from around the world. Join us in a quest to see some of the most vibrant fauna that the country has to offer from the Atlantic rainforests to the coasts of Rio De Janeiro.
Brazil hosts such extraordinarily different areas, from the vast Amazon Basin to the largest natural wetland area on Earth, the Pantanal, which are home to some of the most threatened animals on the planet. On top of that you have a myriad other habitats including wet montane forest, salt lagoons, and coastal scrub, to name but a few, and our tours are designed to give you a good insight into the rich variety of Brazilian birding sites.
14 days venturing into the wetlands of the NORTH & SOUTH PANTANAL PHOTO SAFARI
& SOUTH PANTANAL EXTENSION TO THE ATLANTIC FOREST which is the world’s largest tropical wetland, covering over 70,000 square miles—an area the size of Washington State—in the smack-dab center of South America. Stretching across the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul (also spilling into Bolivia and Paraguay) the Pantanal is the world’s largest inland wetland area. While the Amazon gets more credit, the Pantanal’s open spaces offer the best opportunities for spotting animals in their natural habitats in Brazil.
Our all-inclusive itinerary ensures the photography is done at safer locations and provides a lifetime experience of the wetlands of northern Brazil and Atlantic Rainforests. We work closely with the local expert guides and our team with technical ability ensure you enhance your photography techniques as you capture these diverse species.
BASIC INFORMATION
Medical
Please consult with your doctor regarding general travel vaccinations and check the CDC website for more information.
Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase trip insurance that includes trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.
Internet Access
Most lodges have free WIFI in the reception/dining area.
Airport
You should arrive to and depart from Brazil's Guarulhos-Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport. Our representative will be waiting to provide your private transfer to a hotel near the capital city of Sao Paulo.
Certified
All of our services are conducted by fully licensed travel, lodge, and transport operators. This is part of our commitment to providing a professional travel experience.
Electricity
Electrical outlets are US-style. Those coming from Europe or Asia may need travel adapters. We will send more info after signup.
TOUR DATES
Main Tour – Maximum 6 – 8 people per group.
Session 1: Jul 26- Aug 8, 2023 (full)
Session 2: Aug 11- Aug 22, 2023 (full)
Session 3: Oct 15- Oct 22, 2024 (3 seats available)
Tour Motive
Our well planned bird photography tour in Brazil Pantanal will focus on the beautiful and diverse tropical birds the country has to offer. The itinerary offers photographers abundant opportunites to capture birds on feeders as well in their natural habitat. Our North Pantanal tour focuses on spotting the mighty Jaguar along with other local avifauna. Well guided boat safaris with local expert guidance to ensure we get good photographs during the tour.
Our tour starts in Campo Grande and ends in Sao Paulo.
Photo Opportunities
- Opportunity to photograph the specialities like the Saffron Toucanet, Green-headed tanager, Olive-green tanager and more!
- Northern Pantanal tour highlights include Jaguars, Toucans, Macaws, Ocelots, Tapirs and many more!
- Bird photography at feeders and experience to stay and enjoy the world’s largest tropical wetland, featuring an abundance of bird and wildlife species
- Guided photography with expert guidance to make the best images of the target species and more.
- Technical photography experience like Multi-flash Hummingbird Photography.
- An overview of photography techniques in tropical habitat, what settings to use etc Expert guidance during photographys sessions on using fill-flash in overcast conditions
- Our all-inclusive tours help you enjoy a stress-free, photography focussed days coupled with local lodging and culinary experience.
Cost (In USD)
(2023)
Pantanal North $6850 per person in sharing accommodations/ $600 in a single supplement
South Extension $3750 (Single supplement $4200)
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival I Cuiaba
Upon your arrival at Cuiaba – CGB, you will be warmly received by one of our dedicated team representatives. You will then be comfortably transferred to our hotel in Cuiaba, where you will spend the night.
Day 2: Travel to Porto Jofre through the Transpantaneira Highway
Start your adventure with an early breakfast. Our adventure begins as we embark on the Transpantaneira Highway, a dirt road that cuts through the Northern Pantanal and traverses 122 picturesque wooden bridges. Along the way, we will make frequent stops to capture photographs of the abundant wildlife.
After our eventful drive, we will arrive at Porto Jofre just in time for a delightful lunch. Check-in to our hotel, nestled on the scenic riverbanks of the Cuiabá River. In the afternoon, we will set out on our first boat safari, aiming to spot Jaguars and other captivating wildlife along the riverbanks.
Day 3 to 5: Boat Safaris through the Mighty Cuiaba River
Over the next three full days, we will dedicate ourselves to thrilling boat safaris on the mighty Cuiabá River and its tributaries, maximizing our opportunities to observe and photograph Jaguars, Giant River Otters, and other remarkable creatures in the Meeting of the Waters State Park.
Our safaris will take place during the day, allowing us to cruise the rivers and encounter Jaguars as they approach the banks for sustenance, water, or simply to cool off. After each exhilarating day, we will enjoy dinner and spend the night at our lodge.
Day 6: Travel to Southwild Panatal
Following breakfast, we will transfer to our next lodge where we will spend the next two nights. The journey takes approximately two hours, during which we will have the chance to engage in photography along the way. After settling in and having lunch, we will regroup for a photography session focused on capturing diverse bird species such as the Bare-faced Curassow, Toco Toucan, kingfishers, Hyacinth Macaw, Buff-necked Ibis, Chestnut-eared Aracari, and many more.
If luck is on our side, we may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Agami Heron. This lodge also presents an excellent opportunity to photograph the elusive Ocelot! Our best chances will be in the evening.
Day 7: Southwild Panatal
Spend the entire day in the vicinity of the hotel grounds, immersed in bird photography. In the evening, we will embark on our final attempt to capture stunning photographs of the Ocelot, culminating our thrilling adventure
Day 8: Return to Cuiaba
After a great adventure full of memories and fantastic photographs, we will go back to the city of Cuiaba for our evening flight home.
Tour Specifics
1. Easy/Moderate walking/Most activity is at the feeders
2. Intermediate Photographers
3. Land and Water Photography
Tour Pace
Easy to moderate
Much of the Atlantic tour will be spent near feeders which are accessed by only a short walk. There will also be optional short walks on to get to the hide and access the farms with feeders and manakin leks.
North Pantanal photography sessions will mostly be done in safari vans and boats. Some sessions may involve walking around gardens and feeders.
Suggested Equipments
It is recommended that each participant bring the following equipment:
- A digital SLR and your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
- A macro lens
- A sturdy tripod or monopod
- You may also bring your flash with a flash bracket
Pack a ton of memory cards - Release cable
Tour Leader
Supreet Sahoo
An avid birdwatcher and photographer from Austin, U.S. Supreet’s work has been featured in reputed publications like the BBC Earth, National Geographic Spain and Sanctuary Asia.
Reviews and Score Breakdown
7.0
Post A comment
Registration
- To register for the tour, fill out and submit the form below. A ‘NON-REFUNDABLE’ deposit of USD 1000 per person of the tour cost is required to confirm your spot.
- The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour.
- All figures per person. Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in TOUR CANCELLATION.
Payment can be completed by credit card/PayPal or bank transfer. If you would like to mail a check, that option is available as well Please read all the Terms & Conditions for cancellation/refund policies and other important information.
[weforms id="9177"] |
- A ‘non-refundable’ deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount.
- The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour.
- All figures per person.
- Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation.
Email us at info@tropicalphototours.com or call us at +1-512-508-6914 if you’d like to talk first.
Book Your Tour With Us In 6 Easy Steps
1.Confirm your spot for the tour by paying the advance using the registration form.
2.Receive an acknowledgement email from us confirming your booking along with a welcome package and forms.
3. Book your international travel
4. Send us your travel details along with the signed package.
5. We will send you a final invoice along with some more important pre-travel details.
6. Make your full payment and pack your bags for the best Tropical experience.
Important Note
2.Tropical Photo Tours holds the rights to modify a reservation at any time during a workshop. As a company, we always try to comply with what we have promised but due to several unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, natural calamity, political, environmental, cultural we may have to make changes to our reservations.
3.All amounts are in USD unless specifically mentioned otherwise
Frequently asked questions
• The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour. If you would like to pay the remaining balance in installments, please let us know.
• All figures in USD per person
• Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation.
• A deposit is your commitment to joining the workshop. These deposits don’t typically sit in an account, they are used to cover initial expenses for the workshop like hotel reservations, park permits/fees and guided tour deposits. Due to these expenses, deposits are non-refundable and tour payment made is subject to a cancellation fee.
- More than 60 days before the start of the tour: Refund of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $100 convenience fee.
- 60 – 45 days before the start of the tour: Refund of 50% of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $199 convenience fee.
- Less than 45 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited. Full payment is required no later than 45 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this date you will be notified by email. If you do not respond within 3 business days, your spot will be forfeited and offered to participants on the waiting list.
Alternatively, we can also find a perfect roommate for you based on your gender, age, and interests. If a roommate is not available, the single supplement will be charged.
Please note that we calculate the cost of the single supplement by taking the actual cost of a single room and subtracting one-half the cost of a double room (plus any applicable taxes).
• Your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
• A wide-angle lens if you are interested in capturing landscapes
• You can also bring your flash with a flash bracket
• Pack a ton of memory cards
• A macro lens is highly recommended
• A sturdy tripod or monopod is required
• Release cables
Other essentials: Good hiking boots, Laptop, memory card readers, bug spray, sunscreen, silica gel sachets to keep your camera dry. Since, it is likely that there might be rain and mosquitoes especially in dense rainforests, so you must pack your rain jacket and a bug jacket.
You can carry medicines that are for common illnesses like colds, cough, fever, diarrhea, altitude sickness, headaches, heartburn or severe acidity and sore throats to name a few. Those who take regular medication for hypertension, blood sugar, allergy, and asthma should carry an adequate supply of medicines.
We tend to travel to remote places, it is best you have your medicines handy. Though most of our trips require moderate stamina, it is best if you are high on energy and stay fit to get the most out of the experience.
Please note that this is a general information, it is recommended that you check with your physician and doctor to determine what medicines you need to carry.
Our team will get back to you with assistance.
