Into The Heart Of The Pantanal Of Brazil

Reefs to Rockies invites you on an unforgettable journey deep into Brazil’s Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland and one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. This immersive adventure showcases three distinct regions of the Northern Pantanal: the quiet beauty and community life along the Mutum River, the vast cattle ranchlands of the Transpantaneira, and the jaguar-filled waterways of Porto Jofre.

Explore diverse ecosystems by foot, boat, and safari vehicle while witnessing an astonishing array of wildlife—capybaras, anteaters, tapirs, and (with luck) the elusive jaguar. Along the way, gain insight into the traditions and resilience of local communities. This thoughtfully curated expedition blends wildlife, culture, and conservation, offering participants a rare and authentic connection with the land, its creatures, and its people.

Join Reefs to Rockies for a special 20^th Anniversary Trip into the heart of the Pantanal of Brazil.

ABOUT YOUR EXPEDITION LEADERS

Sheridan Samano: Reefs to Rockies Co-Founder and Lead Biologist Guide, Sheridan brings decades of experience leading international wildlife expeditions. She’s passionate about connecting travelers to the natural world through science, storytelling, and conservation. Sheridan has guided extensively throughout Latin America, and her knowledge of ecology and deep curiosity make her an exceptional leader for this Pantanal adventure.

Zaine Mohamed Dib: Born in Mato Grosso, Brazil, Zaine is an expert ecotourism guide with over 20 years of experience leading nature-based travel in the Pantanal, Cerrado, and Amazon regions. Her connection to the land is personal and profound—Zaine is completing a degree in Biology to complement her years of hands-on guiding. She is renowned for her uncanny ability to spot wildlife—even without binoculars—and for creating rich cultural exchanges with local communities. A lover of psittacids (macaws and parrots), Zaine is deeply rooted in the Pantanal and offers unparalleled regional knowledge.

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Sun, May 31): Cuiabá to Pousada do Rio Mutum ~ Your journey begins with a scenic 3-hour drive from Cuiabá to Pousada do Rio Mutum, passing through the town of Santo Antônio do Leverger and the villages of Porto de Fora and Mimoso. The changing landscapes offer early glimpses of Pantanal life—rolling hills, rustic buildings, and birds dotting the horizon. This is the only lodge in the region not located along the Transpantaneira, offering a unique view of the region’s riverine culture.
Accommodations: Pousada do Rio Mutum
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Mon, June 1): Pantanal Immersion at Rio Mutum ~ Begin your day with a 2-hour guided ecological walk through forests, grasslands, and wetlands in search of birds, reptiles, mammals, and native plants. Return for lunch and then venture out for an afternoon boat tour on the Mutum River. Here, you may encounter giant otters, rays, and colorful birdlife, all framed by lush riverine vegetation. After dinner, enjoy a night safari by boat or jeep to search for nocturnal species and soak in the sights and sounds of the wetlands under the stars.
Accommodations: Pousada do Rio Mutum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 (Tues, June 2): Sunrise Canoe Tour + Transfer to Transpantaneira ~ Start early with a tranquil sunrise canoe tour, paddling quietly as the wetlands come alive. After breakfast and checkout, begin the 5-hour journey south to the Transpantaneira Road. Late afternoon, explore the famed Transpantaneira Road by vehicle, scanning for wildlife with spotlights as night falls.
Accommodations: Pousada Piuval
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4 (Wed, June 3): Wildlife Safari & Nature Trails at Pousada Piuval ~ After breakfast, embark on a photo safari across the vast lands of Pousada Piuval, a working cattle ranch and wildlife haven. This lodge, the first along the Transpantaneira, offers a high chance of seeing iconic Pantanal species—anteaters, blue macaws, armadillos, and with some luck, jaguars. In the afternoon, explore one of four ecological trails, each offering unique habitats and perspectives. All hikes are guided and vary in length and difficulty. Wildlife sightings may include monkeys, capybaras, coatis, and jabiru storks. Piuval is also involved in a jaguar monitoring project, and guests will learn about ongoing conservation efforts to document sightings on the property.
Accommodations: Pousada Piuval
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5 (Thurs, June 4): Journey to Porto Jofre & River Safari ~ Today’s journey continues south along the Transpantaneira to Porto Jofre, the heart of jaguar territory. This 4-hour drive on unpaved roads is a safari in itself—watch for caimans, capybaras, macaws, rheas, and possibly crab-eating raccoons, foxes, and coatis. Arrive at Hotel Pantanal Norte in time for lunch. In the afternoon, board a motorboat for your first exploration of the Cuiabá River. Keep an eye out for capybara, caiman, giant river otters, kingfishers and a variety of other water birds, and, if lucky, jaguars on the exposed beaches of the river.
Accommodations: Hotel Pantanal Norte – Porto Jofre
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6 (Fri, June 5): Full-Day River Safari in Jaguar Country ~ Spend a full day on the water, exploring the Cuiabá and Piquiri Rivers by motorboat. This region is home to the highest concentration of jaguars on Earth, and sightings are common during the dry season. You’ll also be searching for other wildlife including tapirs, howler monkeys, black-and-gold howlers, giant otters, capybaras, and many bird species including hyacinth and red-and-green macaws. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and reflection on the day’s encounters.
Accommodations: Hotel Pantanal Norte – Porto Jofre
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7 (Sat, June 6): Return to Cuiabá and Departure ~ After breakfast, depart Porto Jofre for Cuiabá (approximately 5-hour drive). Assistance provided at the airport for check-in and departure.
Meals: Breakfast

 

 

DETAILS

Price: $8285* per person based on double occupancy accommodations, i.e. two people sharing a room. If you prefer a private, single occupancy room, add $935*.

Includes: accommodations (double occupancy); two expedition leaders; private transportation and transfers throughout the trip; meals as listed; daily guided wildlife viewing excursions and boat safaris; entrance fees; gratuities for your guides and drivers; and a conservation donation.

Excludes: flights to/from Cuiabá; travel insurance; optional activities, optional gratuities for hotel staff; and personal items.

*Reflects payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees, if applicable will be assessed at time of booking.

**If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a double occupancy room, but we aren’t able to find a suitable roommate for you, the private room surcharge will apply.

Group Size: min of 6 and max of 10 participants + 2 Expedition Leaders. We are known for smaller group sizes with a better participant to guide ratio than most companies offering similar itineraries.

A Note About Gratuities: Your trip cost includes gratuities for your guides and drivers. This allows us to reliably and equitably compensate everyone working so hard to keep you happy, healthy, and safe during your trip.

Level of Difficulty – Moderate: Activities include boat rides, light hiking, and wildlife viewing, often in warm weather. Participants should be comfortable with early mornings, uneven trails, and variable terrain.

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