Brazil Tour Wetlands of Brazil Pantanal tour: Safari adventure

Welcome to the Pantanal, a vast natural sanctuary at the very heart of South America. Upon landing at Campo Grande International Airport, a local guide will take you to your lodge, your peaceful retreat for the days ahead. This extraordinary wetland, one of the world’s greatest conservation areas; spreads across shimmering rivers,  home to some of the rarest birds and animals on the continent.

The Pantanal is a heaven for nature lovers, photographers, scientists and anyone seeking a pause from the pace of modern life. During your stay, a curated selection of activities awaits you, from horse riding and trekking to birdwatching, piranha fishing, photographic safaris and nocturnal caiman spotting.

After settling into your lodge, your first adventure begins with a serene afternoon boat ride. Drift along the Aquidauana River as the soft breeze accompanies you and the sun begins to set, illuminating the ancient riparian forest. Majestic trees, vibrant wildlife and birdsong all around make this a timeless, unforgettable welcome to the Pantanal.

Overnight: Pousada Aguape or similar
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, your day begins with a magical horse ride through the sweeping wetlands of the Pantanal. Riding gently along narrow trails and open plains, you’ll feel the landscape unfold around you, tall grasses dancing in the breeze, birds calling from the treetops and the soft rhythm of hooves guiding your journey. The calm, sure-footed horses and the expertise of your local guides ensure a serene and memorable morning.

After returning to the lodge for lunch and a short rest, your next adventure awaits: a photographic safari in a 4x4. As you explore marshes, grasslands and waterways, each habitat reveals new stories and extraordinary photo opportunities. 

Wildlife encounters here are exceptional; capybaras lounging by the shore, caimans warming in the sun, and an astonishing array of herons, storks and kingfishers gracing the skies. With a bit of luck, you may even glimpse a jaguar or the elusive giant otter. Throughout the journey, your guides share fascinating insights into the behaviours and secrets of the region’s wildlife, enriching your experience beyond the lens. As the sun sets, you’ll return to the lodge for a well-earned dinner, carrying with you the unforgettable impressions of a day spent immersed in the wild heart of the Pantanal.

Note: The best time of year to spot jaguars in the Pantanal is during the dry season, from June to October, with July to September offering the highest chances of sightings.

Overnight: Pousada Aguape or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, your day unfolds on the gentle waterways of the Pantanal with an unforgettable kayaking experience. As you glide across the calm surface, you’ll be surrounded by pure tranquillity, paddle strokes creating a soft rhythm that blends seamlessly with birdsong, rustling leaves and the quiet pulse of nature. The winding channels, fringed with lush vegetation, offer a mesmerising window into the region’s vibrant ecosystem.

The shallow, crystal-clear waters reveal an entire world beneath your kayak, where aquatic plants sway in the current and fish dart between shadows. This peaceful adventure offers a rare opportunity to observe the Pantanal from an intimate, water-level perspective.

After returning to the lodge for lunch and a short break, the afternoon brings a completely different thrill: piranha sportfishing. Guided by local experts, you’ll venture out onto serene waters where the surrounding wilderness provides an atmospheric backdrop to this exciting pursuit. Reeling in a piranha, famous for its strength and fearless nature, adds a burst of adrenaline to the experience, making it both memorable and uniquely Pantanal.

Throughout the excursion, your guide shares fascinating insights into the behaviour and ecology of these remarkable fish, offering a deeper appreciation of their role in the ecosystem. After this exhilarating catch-and-release adventure, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner and a well-deserved rest, enriched by another incredible day in the wild heart of Brazil.

Overnight: Pousada Aguape or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today offers another full day to enjoy the lodge’s safari programme in the Pantanal, with a choice of immersive experiences that bring you even closer to this extraordinary ecosystem. You may set out on a peaceful boat trip, venture on horseback across the vast wetlands, or join a guided walk through dense forests, open fields and riverside woodlands, each path revealing the region’s unique flora and its vital role in maintaining the balance of the Pantanal.

Alternatively, you can opt for piranha sportfishing in a scenic bay of the Aquidauana River, located near the lodge’s main area, where the calm waters and surrounding wilderness create the perfect setting for this thrilling activity.

Simply let your guide know the day before which experience you wish to enjoy, allowing you to tailor your adventure and connect even more deeply with the wild beauty of the Pantanal.

Overnight: Pousada Aguape or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today marks the conclusion of our incredible journey through Pantanal. In the morning, after breakfast, the transfer will take you to the Campo Grande’s International Airport to along with your luggage to take a flight back home.

Overnight: -
Meal Plan: Breakfast