Jaguar Photography Expedition
Mato Grosso, Brazil
September 10 - 16, 2027
- 7 Day Trip / 5 Days of Wildlife -
4 of 6 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Journey into the Northern Pantanal of Brazil, one of the greatest places on Earth to photograph wild jaguars.
Here, jaguars don't hide in the shadows.
They patrol the riverbanks, swim between islands, hunt caiman, and often allow us to watch their lives unfold from just a few yards away.
This isn't simply about seeing a jaguar.
It's about witnessing one in its world... stalking prey, defending territory, raising cubs, or slipping silently through the reeds.
Every day on the river offers another opportunity to experience one of the world's most powerful predators.
But the adventure doesn't end with jaguars.
We'll also spend a night at a remote maned wolf camp, where one of South America's rarest carnivores regularly visits after dark. Seeing a wild maned wolf is a privilege few wildlife travelers ever experience, making this an unforgettable addition to the expedition.
🐾 More Than Just Jaguars:
Jaguar, giant river otter, yellow anaconda, maned wolf, tapir, ocelot, capybara, crab eating fox, howler monkey, giant anteater, hyacinth macaw, jabiru stork, caiman, and hundreds of other birds and reptiles.
THE MAGIC OF THE PANTANAL ISN'T JUST THE JAGUARS...
It's drifting quietly down the river, never knowing what waits around the next bend.
A giant river otter family.
A tapir slipping into the water.
A hunting jaguar emerging from the forest.
Every photograph tells the story of a wild ecosystem unfolding around you.
That's what makes this place so unforgettable.
Trip Cost is $7,488 per person (Dbl Occ.)
With an $800 deposit required to reserve your space.
PRICE INCLUDES
6 nights at an eco-lodge (Add $1,000 for single occupancy)
5 full days on the river tracking jaguars and photographing wildlife
1 afternoon safari at a maned wolf camp with overnight stay
Private van transfers from/to Cuiabá Airport
All meals included during the trip
Bilingual local guide
Photo coaching throughout the expedition
PRICE EXCLUDES
Airfare, Alcoholic beverages, Soft drinks, Hotel on travel days, Crew gratuities, Trip Insurance
🔥 YOUR NEXT MOVE:
Ready to join us? Sign up now… or reach out with any questions.
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READ THE LAST 4 YEARS OF TRIP REPORTS
Our recent expeditions have produced incredible jaguar encounters, with multiple cats photographed on most days.
Read the last four years of trip reports to see exactly what our guests experienced.
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OUR COMMITMENT TO THE RAINFOREST
We believe the places we visit deserve to be protected.
A portion of the proceeds from our Jaguar expeditions goes toward organizations working to preserve the Peruvian rainforest, home to jaguars, green anacondas and countless other species.
This includes supporting the work of Junglekeepers, an organization actively protecting and defending this habitat on the ground.
If you’d like to learn more or support their work directly, you can visit:
https://www.junglekeepers.org
There is no expectation to contribute… this is simply something we believe in and have supported for years.
What your week looks like…
Day 1 – Travel Day
Pick-up at 10AM from Cuiabá Airport (CGB). We drive 4–5 hours to our lodge in the Northern Pantanal via the Transpantaneira road, where wildlife starts appearing before you even unpack your gear.
Possible to see peccaries, greater rheas, capybaras, caiman, giant anteaters, and more along the way.
Once at the lodge, you’ll check in and have time to walk the grounds, prep your gear, and settle in.
Days 2–3 – Jaguar & Wildlife Days
Breakfast at 6AM.
We depart by 7AM for our first full days on the river in search of jaguars, otters, and other river life.
Each morning, you’ll also have time to explore the lodge grounds, this area is rich with birdlife, including hyacinth macaws.
Day 4 – Transfer to Maned Wolf Camp
We’ll pack a light overnight bag and spend the morning on the river looking for jaguars.
At 11AM, we begin a 3-hour boat journey to the wolf lodge, with good chances to see and possibly photograph tapirs and water buffalo along the banks.
Once at camp, we’ll settle in and wait quietly for the maned wolves. They are wild and free-roaming, there’s no fixed time for their appearance, but this is one of the most reliable places to see them. Also possible to see crab-eating foxes, nocturnal tapirs, and dozens of bird species.
PLEASE NOTE; These are habituated maned wolves. They are completely wild, but very comfortable with humans and not shy when they arrive in camp.
Day 5 – Wolf Encounter & Return to River Lodge
We rise early (5AM) for another chance at seeing the wolves.
After breakfast, we head back to the jaguar hotspot for a full day on the river before returning to our main lodge at the end of the day.
Day 6 – Final Jaguar Day
One more day to soak it in. We spend a full day on the river (7AM–3PM) for final photo opportunities with jaguars and other wildlife.
In the evening, we’ll pack up and prepare for our return to Cuiabá.
Day 7 – Departure Day
Breakfast at 7AM.
Departure from the lodge at 8AM for the 4–5 hour transfer back to Cuiabá Airport.
Please schedule return flights for 3PM or later.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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THE TRIP BEGINS IN CUIBA…
To reach Cuiabá (CGB), you'll need to fly in from São Paulo International Airport (GRU).
AIRLINES THAT COMMONLY SERVE CUIBA:
LATAM Airlines
Gol Transportes Aéreos
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you arrive a day early to Cuiabá, Brazil, there are several hotels in close proximity to the airport that offer convenience for travelers.
Here is where we stay in Cuiba:
HITS hotel Aeropuerto
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ARRIVAL DAY:
In Cuiba, they will be picking us up at 10AM to take us to the lodge. It is a 4- 5 drive to get there.We recommend flying in the day before, or an early morning flight from Sao Paulo.
DEPARTURE DAY:
The return to Cuiba airport we will depart around 8AM and get to the airport around 12 noon. Return Flights should be made after 3PM. -
This expedition offers a unique exploration of two distinct ecosystems.
For four days, our focus will be on wildlife encounters by boat, scouting for jaguars hunting along the Pantanal river's edge, and observing various wildlife and birds.
As we transition to the final day, we'll relocate to a private ranch for on-land safaris—both during the day and at night. Here, our quest continues for sightings of giant anteaters, foxes, tapirs, and night jaguars.
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I understand that all wildlife encounters occur in the animals’ natural environment and there is no guarantee that any land or marine wildlife will be seen during the expedition.
I understand that each encounter is unique and will last only as long as the animals choose to remain in the area.
I understand that although animals may sometimes come close to participants, touching or attempting to interact physically with wildlife is strictly prohibited.
For expeditions that involve the use of bait or chum to attract wildlife, I understand that only crew members and staff are permitted to handle bait for the safety of the animals, the crew, and all participants.
I understand that harassing, chasing, or attempting to restrain wildlife is strictly forbidden. Failure to follow these rules may result in being removed from the water or the activity.
I agree to maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife and to follow the instructions of the expedition leader and crew at all times.
I understand that wildlife encounters may be terminated at any time at the discretion of the expedition leader for the safety of the animals or participants.
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Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.
To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.
We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room.
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A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a space on any SDM Adventures expedition.
*Reservations are not considered confirmed until the deposit has been received.
Payment schedule:
• 50% of the expedition cost is due 180 days prior to departure.
• Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Payment methods:
• Credit card payments incur a 4% processing fee.
• PayPal payments incur a 3% processing fee.
• Payments may also be made via wire transfer or Zelle. Please contact us for banking details.
• For wire transfers, please add $40 to cover bank processing fees.
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SDM Adventures understands how disappointing it can be if you are forced to cancel your trip after looking forward to it for so long. However, our expeditions require significant advance planning, and we must make non-refundable payments to hotels, vessels, and other suppliers well before departure. For this reason, we must strictly adhere to the following cancellation policy for all guests.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event you must cancel.
Cancellation terms are as follows:
• More than 120 days prior to departure:
A refund will be issued minus the trip deposit, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. If we are able to fill your space after you cancel, we will apply your deposit toward another SDM Adventures trip booked within the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, the deposit will be forfeited.
• 91–120 days prior to departure:
A cancellation fee of 50% of the total expedition price (including extensions) will be applied.
• Within 90 days of departure:
No refunds will be issued.
All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email or mail and must be received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.
SDM Adventures is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or personal reasons.
No refunds will be issued if a participant withdraws after the expedition has begun.
SDM Adventures is not responsible for any penalties associated with non-refundable airfare or travel arrangements. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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To keep trips running smoothly for all guests, we require timely payments according to the schedule provided. If a payment is not received by the agreed-upon due date, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation and release the space to another guest without refund of previous payments. We will make every effort to communicate and send a reminder before doing so, but it’s important to stay on schedule to secure your spot.