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Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 1
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal
"There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep Sea, and music in its roar:
I love not Man the less, but Nature more." —Lord Byron
Pricing, Dates & Booking
For current pricing, trip dates
& online reservations please
see our website.
Trip Packets
Our PDF Trip Packets are being
updated all the time. Ensure you
have the most recent version by
clicking here.
Last Published: April 9, 2020
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 2
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Trip Overview
National Geographic calls it Brazil’s best kept secret.
Covering over 70,000 square miles, the Pantanal is the world’s largest
tropical wetland. It sits in the center of South America, and is 10 times
the size of Florida’s Everglades.Often overshadowed by the nearby
Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal actually boasts a higher concentration
of fauna, comparable to the densest animal populations in Africa.Some
of the Pantanal’s critters include giant anteaters, piranha, howler and
capuchin monkeys, green anacondas—the world’s largest snake, and
the star of our proverbial show, jaguars!
Brazil’s best kept secret indeed.
Each year rains that fall during the rainy season fill the Pantanal’s
giant basin, which creates a vast flooded landscape. Here, unlike the
thick jungles of the Amazon, wide-open space extend views for miles
and miles. The flooded landscape nurtures a biologically diverse
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 3
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
collection of aquatic plants and helps to support a dense array of animal
species. When the rains end, water drains into the Paraguay River,
leaving behind a rich environment that attracts enormous flocks of
spoonbill, egret, and stork. There are few humans here, making birds
the primary occupants.
The Pantanal is home to roughly 1,000 bird species, 400 fish species,
300 mammalian species and 480 reptile species.As you can determine,
there is a LOT going on here.On our photographic tour of the Pantanal
we’ll set out from the Brazilian city of Cuiabá on a safari-like journey
south on the dusty Transpantaneira Highway, in search of wildlife
encounters.
Porto Jofre, our southerly destination where we’ll spend several days,
will bring us to our primary focus – jaguars!
We’ll spend a few days while on the highway photographing whatever
we might find, be it marsh deer, coatimundi, giant anteaters, tapirs and
giant river otters as we make our way to the settlement of Porto Jofre.
It is in Porto Jofre where we’ll spend multiple days in search of the
jaguar by boat. The jaguars are often found resting and hunting on the
banks of several Pantanal rivers, sometimes even doing a little
swimming! Vantage points are best achieved from the river, via boat, so
that is what we’ll plan to do! Jaguars are the third largest “big cat” on
earth, and the Pantanal jaguar is the world’s largest jaguar subspecies
with some males weighing in at over 300 lbs!
While jaguars are ultimately the primary draw on this fantastic South
American expedition, birders and other wildlife enthusiasts will be
pleased as the bird photography, in particular, is simply astounding
here. You’ll certainly want to bring “the big glass” for this tour as we’ll
look to photograph jabiru – the world’s largest stork and symbol of the
Pantanal, as well as egret, heron, the increasingly endangered hyacinth
macaw, alongside capybaras -the world’s largest rodent, caiman, giant
otters, and capuchin monkeys.
It’s a mouthful, isn’t it? The list of wildlife that we’ll see could go on and
on. Travel with Backcountry Journeys as we venture to South America,
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 4
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
and to one of the world’s truly great natural wonders. The Pantanal is
still a relatively unknown gem and provides the wildlife photographer
with a plethora of unique opportunities to come away with experiences
and images that won’t soon be forgotten.
Highlights
• Absolute best location for Jaguar Photography in the world
• Visit during the Pantanal’s dry season
• Incredible variety of wildlife & over 1000 species of birds
• Small groups
• Travel with a professional photographer & local guides that have
been exploring the region for years
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 5
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Noteworthy Travel Logistics • This trip begins & ends in Cuiaba, Brazil.
• You can arrive at any time on Day Two of the tour as long as you
arrive in time for the orientation meeting that evening.
• Day Twelve (the final day of the tour) you can arrange a flight
home in the afternoon
Specific Travel Logistics for Brazil • Cell Phones:
Brazil has pretty good cell coverage and there are several carriers.
You can purchase a pre-paid SIM card at the airport or any
convenience store.
• Money:
The currency is the Brazilian Real. Credit cards may charge an
exchange fee if used
• Passport:
You must have a current passport to enter the country.
Immigration may deny entry if your passport is damaged. Visitors
are required to carry appropriate documentation at all times.
Tourists should carry their passports when taking domestic air
flights, driving, planning to use a credit card, traveling overnight
or a considerable distance from their hotel. You must have at least
one blank passport page when arriving in Brazil.
• Tourist Visa:
Not required for US/Canadian citizens for stays less than 90 days,
but return ticket required
• Exit Tax:
Depending on the airline, a departure tax of $36 USD may be
levied on departure. For more information, visit the Brazilian
Immigration Agency website.
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 6
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
U.S. Embassy Brasilia
SES - Av. das Nações, Quadra 801, Lote 03
70403-900 - Brasília, DF
Phone: (55-61) 3312-7000
Fax: (55-61) 3225-9136
For more information on international travel to Brazil refer to the
following link to the US Department of state site:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-
travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Brazil.html
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 7
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Itinerary Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day One (Travel Day)
Depart from home and travel to Brazil.
Day Two (D)
Arrive in Cuiabá, Brazil. Tonight, we’ll meet at our hotel at 5pm for a
pre-trip orientation meeting and welcome dinner.
Day Three (B,L,D)
This morning we’ll head out down the long and windy
Transpantaneira Highway in search of the local wildlife, where we’ll
be sure to encounter some of the estimated 1,000 species of birds. This
region is absolutely loaded with wildlife.
Day Four (B,L,D)
We will set out to explore the birds of the area, like the roosting
nocturnal Great Potoos, parakeets, Kingfishers and other birds of
prey. It won’t be all birds, though, as we’ll also look for capuchin
monkeys, marsh deer, tapir, as well as the elusive anteater – and of
course Jaguars!
This day will be all wildlife, all the time!
Day Five (B,L,D)
We’ll hit the road again today, heading south and further into the
tropical wetlands of the Pantanal, towards the settlement of Porto
Jofre.
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 8
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Upon arriving in Porto Jofre, we’ll spend the afternoon photographing
the beautiful and increasingly endangered hyacinth macaw and the
wattled jacanas as the latter forages across the top of the large
circular leaves of the victoria amazonica water lilies. This is the heart
of Jaguar country.
Days Six-Ten (B,L,D)
Each morning we’ll travel by speedboat on the Rio Cuiabá and its
tributaries in search of the star of our show – jaguar! Our hotel will
have us strategically located to provide us the best chances of
finding and photographing the world’s third largest “big cat.”
We’ll spend a good part of these days on boats which allows us to
cruise the river in search of the best photo opportunities for cats,
which, believe it or not, is along the banks of the river. Jaguars will
be the focus of our adventures while in Porto Jofre, but we’ll be able
to find other wildlife, like the endangered giant otter, too.
Day Eleven (B,L,D)
Our tenth day begins our return north, again traveling along the
Transpantaneira Highway. In classic “safari” style, we’ll make sure
to stop whenever good photographic opportunities present
themselves. Yacare caiman are plentiful here, as are an assortment
of other critters like nacunda nighthawk, caracara, and the
capybaras -which is the world’s largest rodent. This is a perfect
habitat for the hyacinth macaw, toucans and parrots. Birders,
especially, will enjoy this day out on the Transpantaneira.
Day Twelve (B)
Our final morning together will see us return to Cuiabá in time to
catch your afternoon flights.
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 9
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
We’ll leave this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with unforgettable
memories, new friends, enhanced wildlife photography skills, and
digital cards full of stunning images!
Day Thirteen (Travel Day)
Arrive home after an excellent trip – being pouring over your new
collection of images!
Please Note: Weather delays are possible, and we highly recommend travel insurance. Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and nature photography we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions regarding wildlife or natural phenomena.
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 10
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Trip Details
Physical Requirements
All participants must be in good physical condition and have the ability
to carry camera equipment and essential gear. For example, tripod,
camera, lense(s), sunscreen, water (up to 2 liters person) and snacks..
Typically backpacks weigh between 15 and 20 lbs - the choice is yours.
Group Size
This trip is limited to 8 participants.
Accommodation
We will be staying at several comfortable lodges within the Pantanal
Trip length
13 days
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 11
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Fitness level:
All participants must be in good physical condition and have the ability
to hike with a day-pack and ride in small boats.
Meeting Time and Place
We will have an orientation / dinner in Cuiaba on Day Two at 5pm.
Please make sure to send your flight information to
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com
Trip Conclusion
Cuiaba, Brazil
Price/Start Dates
Please see the Jaguars of Brazils Pantanal trip page on our website for
the most current dates and pricing.
Meals
Most meals are included during the trip dates.
Weather
Hot & Humid! Remember some of the best photographs are made
before, during and immediately after a storm cycle. There is no such
thing as bad weather just poor layering and gear choices – please plan
accordingly! For more info on what to bring please email or call us.
Here is a link to the local weather at our eco-lodge Weather forecast
Porto Jofre, Brazil
Be sure to check this weather link for current weather conditions before
you go!
Price Includes
Most meals, ground transportation, transportation within Brazil during
trip dates, accommodation during the trip dates: from the evening of
Day Two through the morning of Day Thirteen, professional
photography instruction, medically certified wilderness guide, &
gratuities for service personnel such as drivers, pilots, captains as well
as hotel & restaurant staff.
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 12
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Price Does Not Include
Airfare, alcoholic beverages, accommodations before or after the trip
dates, souvenirs,& trip leader gratuities (industry standard is typically 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience)
Lodging & Meals
This trip includes most meals, lodging from Day Two through the
morning of the last day of the tour, ground transportation while on the
tour, National Park entrance fees, guide fees and other items essential
to a successful trip – meaning that once your there all you will have to
focus on is your photography. We can accommodate most special diets
so please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 13
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Gear List
This gear list should answer a lot of your gear questions so please read
through this carefully. If you still have questions, please give us a call.
Photo & Field Gear
Required Camera Gear:
• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera. (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic etc.) • Telephoto Lenses (ranging from 100-600mm approximately)
• Normal Lenses (ranging from approximately 35mm to 100mm)
• Memory Cards
• Batteries & Chargers
• Lens cleaning pen & cloth (a MUST for photography by boat!)
• Camera Day Pack (this should appropriately carry all your camera
& hiking gear and have a rain cover)
• Camera Rain Sleeve
Optional (but recommended) Camera Gear:
• Back-Up Camera Body
• Sturdy but lightweight Tripod
• Wide-angle lens (10-20mm, 16-35mm or equivalent zoom) • Polarizing Filter
• 1.4x tele converter
• Laptop Computer with Lightroom / Photoshop Pre-Installed (for
personal use in hotels for downloading images while on tour)
• External Hard Drives
• Remote Shutter Trigger
• Camera’s Instruction Manual
Backcountry Journeys – Jaguars of Brazil’s Pantanal 14
Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris 928-478-1521 | adventure@backcountryjourneys.com | www.backcountryjourneys.com
Suggested Field Gear & Clothing:
• Personal Field Clothing
• Warm top, such as a long-sleeved sweater or fleece jacket for the
evenings
• Convertible hiking pants, or lightweight trousers to block sun, and
protect from insects
• Shorts & T-Shirts for on the trail
• Hiking Socks (Smartwool, Darn Tough etc.)
• Brimmed Sun Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sturdy Hiking Boots
• Casual wear, for your evenings off the trail
• Sport sandals for the beach, and potential river crossings (if there
has been a lot of rain lately), sport sandals must have a heel strap,
flip flops will not be appropriate.
• Water Bottle or Hydration System (2 liters)
• Rain shell, waterproof/breathable jacket
• Rain pants (check the weather first!)
• Bathing Suit
• Headlamp (optional) • Binoculars (optional) • Hydrocortisone ointment or cream, and/or afterbite
• Sunscreen
• Bug-spray
• Personal toiletries & medications
• Money, for tipping staff & guides (industry standard is generally 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience), and for any
personal expenses not included in the tour package such as alcoholic
beverages, souvenirs, etc.
This is a general list. Call with any questions!
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