One of the richest wildlife sanctuaries on Earth: jaguars, caimans, extraordinary birdlife and the traditions of the Pantaneiro people. Tailor-made expeditions by AMTOURS.
The Northern Pantanal, in Mato Grosso, is a hidden gem and one of the richest wildlife sanctuaries on Earth, an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Cross flooded plains, look for majestic jaguars and marvel at the birdlife that paints the skies. Each season brings new landscapes and surprises to this ever-changing ecosystem.
But the Pantanal is also about people. Meet local communities, learn about traditional ways of life and taste authentic Pantaneiro food. Here, ecotourism means travelling with respect, depth and purpose.
01Quiet boat trips along rivers and oxbow lakes, at sunrise and sunset.
02Toucans, aracaris, macaws and herons paint the skies of the wetland.
03Watch them basking on the riverbanks, from a respectful distance.
04Cattle herding, horseback rides and daily life on traditional ranches.
05Every season reshapes this ever-changing ecosystem.
06Fiery sunsets over the plains, before the sounds of the night begin.
Track jaguars with expert guides, explore oxbow lakes and flooded plains, and watch wildlife at sunrise and sunset in the heart of the Northern Pantanal.
From Cuiabá airport pickups to 4x4 transfers, boats and bilingual naturalist guides, each program is built around your interests, dates and group.
Farm-to-table meals with wetland ingredients such as pacu, pintado and guavira, and cooking demos with Pantaneiro cooks.
Stay at authentic Pantanal fazendas and community lodges, join cattle herding and share daily life with local families.
Specialty programs led by biologists, birding experts and wildlife photographers, for enthusiasts and serious travellers.
Nature enthusiasts, families and purpose-driven travellers: we craft meaningful journeys that leave a lasting impact.
Out of deep respect for the unique ecosystems of the Pantanal, and in line with ethical tourism standards supported by conservation groups, we have removed every form of direct interaction with wild animals from our Pantanal programs.
That means no handling, feeding or forced proximity to animals such as jaguars, caimans, capybaras or birds. The Pantanal's biodiversity is appreciated through quiet observation, in natural habitats, with care, patience and humility.
If you are a responsible traveller who values nature and conservation, we trust you will stand with us in protecting the Pantanal for future generations.
Observation-only wildlife experiencesThis list is only a suggestion. Do not worry if you do not have everything: what really matters is the experience. Relax and enjoy the journey.
The world's largest wetland. The world's most unforgettable adventure.
The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland in the world, spread across the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul and into Bolivia and Paraguay. It is one of the best places in the Americas to see wildlife, including jaguars, caimans, capybaras and hundreds of bird species.
Fly to Cuiabá, the capital of Mato Grosso. From there, the Transpantaneira road leads south from Poconé into the wetland, with lodges and ranches along the way and Porto Jofre at its end, the base for jaguar boat trips.
The dry season, roughly from July to October, is the best time. Water levels drop, wildlife gathers along the rivers and jaguar sightings around Porto Jofre and the Encontro das Águas State Park are frequent.
Four to six nights is ideal: a few nights at a ranch along the Transpantaneira for birds and wildlife, and two or three nights at Porto Jofre for jaguar boat trips.
No. We have removed every form of direct interaction with wild animals from our Pantanal programs. There is no handling, feeding or forced proximity: all wildlife is observed quietly, in its natural habitat.
The Northern Pantanal, in Mato Grosso, is reached from Cuiabá and is the best area for jaguars. The Southern Pantanal, in Mato Grosso do Sul, is reached from Campo Grande and is easy to combine with Bonito.
Tell us your dates, your group and what you dream of seeing: jaguars, birds or ranch life. We design the program, from the Cuiabá airport pickup to the last boat ride.
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