Pantanal Jaguar Expedition

From Cuiabá to Cuiabá

Tour Overview

Discover the incredible wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal on this immersive 6-day adventure, combining a stay at a remote eco-lodge with a riverboat expedition in search of the elusive jaguar.

Begin at Rio Mutum Eco Lodge, surrounded by the wetlands, forests and waterways of one of the world's richest wildlife habitats. Explore on horseback (optional), paddle through peaceful waterways at sunrise and cruise along the Mutum River, spotting colourful birdlife, caimans and capybaras. Enjoy spectacular sunsets and venture out after dark to discover the Pantanal's nocturnal wildlife.

Then journey deeper into the wilderness to board the Mutum Expedition Boat, your floating base for two days of dedicated jaguar spotting. Navigate the Cuiabá, Piquiri and Three Brothers rivers, renowned for their jaguar sightings, with opportunities to encounter giant otters, caimans, jabiru storks and an extraordinary variety of wildlife along the way.

Combining authentic lodge experiences with an unforgettable wildlife expedition, this journey offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the Pantanal from both land and water, with expert local guides bringing you closer to its remarkable natural world.

Viva's Best Bits...

In Search of Jaguars – Spend two days exploring the waterways of the northern Pantanal, one of the best places in the world to spot wild jaguars in their natural habitat. We recommend travelling from late June – October and booking well in advance!

Wildlife Encounters Day & Night – Spot capybaras, giant otters, tapirs, giant anteaters, caimans & colourful birdlife, then venture out after dark to discover the Pantanal's nocturnal wildlife. An unforgettable connection with nature and the wild.

Two Ways to Explore the Pantanal – Combine horseback riding, canoeing and wildlife excursions from Rio Mutum Eco Lodge with a dedicated riverboat expedition, exploring this extraordinary ecosystem from land and water.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Cuiabá Rio Mutum Eco Lodge

As you arrive at Cuiabá airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by a local guide who will accompany you on your journey to the Pousada do Rio Mutum. En route, you'll stop at the charming village of Mimoso, the birthplace of Mal. Candido Rondon. This leisurely drive takes approximately three and a half hours and will offer ample opportunities to admire the region's scenic beauty and observe various species of birds and small mammals.

On arrival, enjoy a warm welcome and introduction to the lodge. In the evening, savour traditional piranha soup and a delicious dinner, followed by a briefing on the activities awaiting you.

Pousada do Rio Mutum offers a wealth of activities for guests to enjoy, such as hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, canoe trips, and visiting indigenous communities. These activities are carefully curated to provide an immersive and varied experience that showcases the region's natural splendor.

*Please note that the suggested itinerary may be subject to change due to external factors such as weather conditions and availability.

Overnight at Rio Mutum Lodge

Day 2
Rio Mutum Eco Lodge

After breakfast, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a scenic horseback ride through the lush woods, all the way to the Siá Mariana bay's edge. This area boasts a diverse range of fauna, including various species of birds, animals, and reptiles that can be observed throughout the year. After your ride, you'll return to the lodge for a satisfying lunch.

In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a tranquil boat trip along the Mutum River banks, Siá Mariana bay, and Chacororé bay. During the journey, you'll witness the breathtaking beauty of the Pantanal's diverse ora and fauna. You'll also pause to admire the stunning sunset over the Siá Mariana bay and try your hand at piranha fishing*. Later in the evening, you'll feed the caimans with the piranhas you've caught, followed by an exciting nocturnal animals spotting adventure.

*Please be aware that fishing is not permitted from October to March in adherence to legal regulations.

Overnight at Rio Mutum Lodge

Day 3
Mutum Expedition Cruise

This morning, we will begin our day with an enchanting sunrise tour, embarking on a canoe adventure to witness the breathtaking awakening of nature in the Pantanal. Lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, this tour promises to be a dazzling spectacle.

Return to the lodge for breakfast before departing on a scenic 7-hour journey to the Mutum Expeditions Boat, with a boxed lunch en route.

Our journey entails 3 hours on a paved road, followed by an additional 3 hours and 30 minutes on the unpaved Transpantaneira Highway from Poconé to Porto Jofre. The final leg of our adventure involves a delightful 30-minute boat ride along the Cuiaba River, leading us to the awaiting Mutum Expeditions Boat.

Overnight in a Standard Cabin on the Mutum Expedition Boat

Day 4-5
Mutum Expedition Cruise

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we dedicate the upcoming days to an enthralling and immersive journey in search of the elusive Jaguars that grace the enchanting riverbanks of Cuiabá, Piquiri, Three Brothers, and an assortment of smaller waterways. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery, these rivers are renowned as prime locations to witness the unparalleled beauty and grace of the largest feline in the Americas, the Jaguar, in its natural habitat.

As we venture into the heart of the Pantanal water basin, we step into a sanctuary that teems with life and offers a mesmerizing display of wildlife. While our primary focus remains on encountering the majestic Jaguars, we are also poised to be rewarded with extraordinary sightings of other captivating creatures that call this thriving ecosystem home. Keep your eyes peeled for the awe-inspiring presence of Alligators, the playful frolicking of Giant Otters, the gentle grazing of Capybaras, the sunbathing Iguanas, the elegant grace of Jabiru Storks, the graceful ight of Gulls, and an abundance of other remarkable species that harmoniously coexist within the vibrant tapestry of the Pantanal biome.

With each passing moment, our senses will be heightened, immersing us in the symphony of sights, sounds, and scents that dene this unique and pristine natural realm. We will navigate the shimmering waters and traverse the meandering riverbanks, guided by the expertise of our knowledgeable team, in our relentless pursuit of extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Overnight in a Standard Cabin on the Mutum Expedition Boat

Day 6
Mutum Expedition Cruise Cuiabá

After breakfast, we will begin our day with an early check-out at 6:30 am. We will embark on a scenic boat transfer, a brief 30-minute journey, to reach Porto Jofre. From there, we will smoothly transition to a comfortable air conditioned vehicle for a pleasant transfer to Cuiabá, which will take approximately 5 hours.

Our arrival in Cuiabá is scheduled for 13:00h, ensuring ample time for you to catch your onward flight. As we bid farewell to the captivating Pantanal region, you can reflect on the incredible memories and encounters you've experienced, carrying them with you as you depart for your next adventure.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 2 nights at Rio Mutum Eco Lodge
  • Included Copy 20 3 nights aboard Mutum Expedition Boat
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals during the tour
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Airport transfers from/to Cuiabá
  • Included Copy 20 Transfers between the lodge and expedition boat
  • Included Copy 20 Guided wildlife excursions, including jaguar spotting by boat
  • Included Copy 20 Horseback riding, canoeing and boat excursions
  • Included Copy 20 Nocturnal wildlife spotting excursion
  • Included Copy 20 Professional English-speaking local guides (shared services)
  • Included Copy 20 Most entrance fees and local taxes
  • Included Copy 7 International/domestic flights, Travel insurance, Tips/gratuities & other personal expenses
  • Included Copy 7 Any meals, drinks or activities not specified in the itinerary
Transportation
Mutum Expedition Boat

Mutum Expedition Boat

30 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Explore the Cuiabá, Piquiri and Three Brothers rivers by boat in search of wild jaguars.
  • Included Spot capybaras, giant otters, caimans, iguanas & an incredible variety of birdlife.
  • Included Horseback riding through the Pantanal's forests and wetlands to the shores of Siá Mariana Bay.
  • Included Sunrise Canoeing - Paddle through peaceful waterways as the Pantanal awakens.
  • Included Explore the Mutum River and surrounding bays, by boat, enjoying spectacular scenery & sunsets.
  • Included Venture out after dark to discover the Pantanal's fascinating nocturnal wildlife.
  • Included Experience traditional piranha fishing in the Pantanal's waterways, subject to seasonal permitting.
Tap here for dates & prices
Duration

6 days

Price from

$6,430 USD

Per person, sharing

Daily departures