Jaguars and Wildlife Pantanal Photography Expedition
JAGUARS AND WILDLIFE PANTANAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
September 4–12, 2027
9 Days / 8 Nights
Sold Out
Co-hosted by Ken Anderson and Chris Ang
Photograph one of the most iconic predators in the world in one of the planet’s greatest wildlife destinations. This small-group Pantanal photography tour is designed for photographers who want exceptional opportunities to photograph wild jaguars, giant otters, caimans, capybaras, and the extraordinary birdlife of Brazil’s Pantanal.
Timed for the dry season and peak jaguar activity, this immersive journey takes you deep into the Northern Pantanal with expert local support, dedicated time on the rivers around Porto Jofre, and the guidance of experienced biologists, wildlife photographers, and certified local experts. This region is widely regarded as the best place in the world to see and photograph jaguars in the wild.
Beyond jaguars, the Pantanal offers remarkable photographic opportunities with giant anteaters, tapirs, monkeys, hyacinth macaws, jabirus, marsh deer, and much more. From sunrise safaris to golden light boat sessions, every day is built around maximizing wildlife encounters and creating unforgettable images.
Tour Highlights
Small-group wildlife photography experience
Four full days of jaguar and wildlife photography by boat
Only 6 guests per boat plus guide for a more premium photography experience
Excellent opportunities to photograph wild jaguars in Porto Jofre
Chances for giant otters, caimans, capybaras, hyacinth macaws, jabirus, and rich birdlife
Possibility of giant anteaters, tapirs, monkeys, marsh deer, yellow anacondas, and more
Private English-speaking certified guide who is also a wildlife photographer and biologist
Guidance with camera settings, composition, wildlife behavior, and ethical fieldcraft
Carefully selected hotels and lodges
Personalized professional video of your Pantanal journey to keep and share
Conservation-focused experience with guides connected to jaguar research projects
Tour Overview
This personalized journey has been carefully designed to combine exceptional wildlife encounters, strong photographic opportunities, and meaningful insight into one of the richest ecosystems in South America.
With expert local biologists, certified boat pilots, jaguar spotters, and photography guidance throughout the trip, you will have the opportunity to track jaguars, giant otters, and a remarkable diversity of birds and mammals while learning about behavior, habitat, and ethical wildlife photography in the field.
Itinerary Overview
September 4 – Arrival in Cuiabá
Upon arrival in Cuiabá, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking private guide, a certified guide, wildlife photographer, and biologist who will accompany you throughout the expedition.
You will stay at the Amazon Aeroporto Hotel, a comfortable accommodation located just minutes from the airport, ideal to rest and be fully energized before starting your adventure in the Pantanal.
Dinner is included at a highly regarded churrascaria located near the hotel, a perfect introduction to Brazilian cuisine.
September 5 – Into the Pantanal | Pousada Piuval
Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome lunch at the lodge, followed by a guided walk through the surrounding trails to spot marmosets, howler monkeys, and hyacinth macaws.
Your guide will provide insights into the Pantanal’s diverse ecosystems, highlighting key photographic opportunities and tips to capture wildlife ethically and creatively.
In the late afternoon, embark on a sunset safari where the golden light enhances the beauty of the wetlands and wildlife. As night falls, experience a nocturnal safari under a star-filled sky, observing species active after dark.
Throughout your stay, you may encounter giant anteaters, tapirs, caimans, capybaras, marsh deer, peccaries, howler monkeys, macaws, jabirus, and possibly even jaguars or pumas.
September 6 – Dawn Safari | Transpantaneira | Porto Jofre
At dawn, head out for an early morning safari, the most active time for wildlife at Piuval. This is your best chance to observe and photograph giant anteaters, tapirs, tamanduas, and other elusive species.
After breakfast, travel toward Porto Jofre along the iconic Transpantaneira, one of the most productive wildlife roads in the world.
Along the way, expect to see caimans sunbathing on riverbanks, capybaras grazing in wetlands, and an incredible diversity of birdlife. Keep watch for marsh deer, yellow anacondas, and other unexpected wildlife encounters.
Upon arrival, check into your riverside lodge, likely Hotel Porto Jofre or Hotel Santa Rosa depending on availability, your base for the next four days of jaguar-focused photography.
September 7–10 – Jaguar and Wildlife Photography on the Rivers
Four full days dedicated to jaguar, giant otters, and other wildlife observation and photography by boat along the Cuiabá River and its remote tributaries.
Accompanied by expert local boat pilots and jaguar trackers, you will explore winding channels where jaguars hunt, rest, and raise their cubs.
This region offers some of the best jaguar photography opportunities anywhere in the world.
Photography Focus
Boats positioned for optimal light and angles
Flexible schedules following animal activity
Advice on behavior prediction and field techniques
Support with camera settings, composition, and ethics
Opportunities for action shots, portraits, and environmental storytelling
Additional Wildlife
Giant otters
Caimans
Capybaras
Very rich birdlife
Possible tapirs, yellow anacondas, and more
Days run from sunrise to sunset. You may return to the lodge for lunch or stay on the river with a picnic to maximize time in the field.
Evenings include:
Presentations about the ecosystem, species, and conservation
Image reviews and discussions with photography tips linked to animal behavior
Each day is a true expedition, adapting to conditions to maximize sightings.
September 11 – Return to Cuiabá
Enjoy one final early morning boat safari at sunrise, a last opportunity to photograph jaguars, observe giant otters, and capture the Pantanal in soft morning light.
After breakfast, return to the lodge and begin your journey back to Cuiabá.
Arrival is expected in the evening, where you will once again stay at the Amazon Aeroporto Hotel. A farewell dinner is included, providing time to reflect on the trip, share images, and wrap up the experience.
September 12 – International Departure
Departure day for international flights.
What’s Included
Private English-speaking certified guide who is also a wildlife photographer and biologist
All ground transfers
Double occupancy accommodation in carefully selected hotels and lodges, with very limited single occupancy availability at additional cost
All meals
Drinking water
All guided activities described in the itinerary
4 full days plus a half day of boat safaris (approximately 45 hours on the water)
Unlimited fuel during boat safari days
Experienced boat pilots and jaguar spotters
Evening presentations on Pantanal mammals, birds, ecosystems, and wildlife photography
Personalized professional video of your Pantanal journey to keep and share
What’s Not Included
Flights to and from Cuiabá
Domestic and international flights can be arranged upon request
Personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages and extra activities
Travel insurance
Tips for guides, drivers, boat pilots, and lodge staff
Deposits & Booking
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your spot.
Deposits are non-refundable except as outlined in the Cancellation Policy.
Invoices are issued electronically.
Canadian Clients
Interac e-Transfer (no fee)
Credit card (2.7% fee)
U.S. Clients
ACH transfer (preferred)
Credit card (2.7% + $0.20 USD fee)
USD pricing is converted using a fixed exchange rate of 1.38.
Currency & Exchange Rates
This tour is priced and billed in USD. Operational costs for this expedition, including lodges and local guides, are primarily paid in Brazilian Real (BRL).
Given the time between booking and travel, exchange rates are subject to fluctuation.
Ken Anderson Photography is not responsible for currency variations. In the event that exchange rates fluctuate by more than 5% (either upward or downward) prior to final payment, the tour price may be adjusted accordingly.
Final Payment
Balance due May 1, 2027
Cancellation Policy
50% deposit is non-refundable
If cancelled before final payment, spot will be resold if possible
If filled, refund minus $500 admin fee
After final payment, no refund unless spot is filled
Travel insurance strongly recommended.
Waiver & Non-Disclosure Notice
All participants must sign a liability waiver acknowledging risks and agreeing to protect sensitive wildlife locations.
Image Credits
All images used in the promotion of this tour are provided by Chris Ang.