Pantanal · Brazil
Encounter majestic Wild Jaguars, Ocelot, Giant Otters and Rare Birds in the wonders of Brazilian Pantanal!
An Intimate Dance Awaiting Your Discovery
In the Pantanal's heart, the Jaguar stands unmatched in its majesty. Gazing into its eyes, you'll experience an emotion that's beyond words. It's a deep connection, a realization of nature's sheer power and beauty. This isn't just spotting a wild animal; it's a dance of souls, a moment that imprints on your very being. As you breathe in the Pantanal's fresh air, you'll understand that this is the raw, unfiltered connection with nature you've been yearning for.
The Pantanal offers a spectacle like no other. Each breeze whispers ancient tales, and every sunbeam reveals nature's hidden gems. In this vast expanse, witnessing the elegance of rare birds and the Jaguar's silent grandeur isn't just a visual treat, it stirs deep emotions. With SouthWild's Jaguar Extreme, you're not just watching; you're immersing, connecting, and transforming. This journey is more than exploration; it's a call to the soul, a memory of nature's most intimate moments.
Crafted by Pioneers and Perfected by Passion
Jaguar Extreme is more than a tour. It's a masterfully-orchestrated immersion into nature's grand theater. In just 7 days, you'll be transported to the heart of the Pantanal, a realm where every moment is a testament to the wild's raw splendor. Think of this as South America's response to the African safari, but with a twist only we can offer: guaranteed, high-quality sightings of the majestic Jaguars and a plethora of other rare and captivating wildlife.
Our commitment to excellence is not just a promise; it's a legacy. As pioneers of Jaguar tourism, we're the only firm audacious enough to offer a Jaguar Guarantee. Our techniques, honed over decades and under the mentorship of the esteemed biologist Dr. Charles Munn, ensure that every snapshot you capture is a piece of art, a memory of nature in its purest form. Dive into an experience led by expert naturalist guides, carefully selected and committed to SouthWild's philosophy of conservation, scientific excellence, and responsible wildlife tourism.
Limited spots
The Pantanal is a living theater of nature, and the curtain is rising on its most awe-inspiring act. From June to December, the dry season transforms this lush paradise into a stage where the most elusive creatures take the spotlight. This is your chance to be in the front row, capturing the majesty of wild jaguars, exuberant ocelots, giant otters and vibrant rare birds.
But here's the urgent truth: our tours are intentionally intimate, designed for discerning adventurers who seek quality over quantity. We limit our groups to ensure that every guest has an unparalleled, personalized experience. This means spots are incredibly limited and they fill up fast, especially during this peak season.
Why settle for ordinary when you can be among the privileged few to journey with SouthWild, the pioneers in ethical Jaguar tourism? We don't just promise you a glimpse of these magnificent creatures; we guarantee it. But opportunities like this don't linger; they're as fleeting as the season itself.
Don't let this once-in-a-lifetime adventure slip through your fingers. Secure your spot now and unlock the door to a world most only dream of.
A Day-by-Day Exploration of Nature's Masterpiece
Day 1
Your journey begins in Cuiabá, where you'll meet your SouthWild naturalist guide before driving approximately three hours to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge. Following the legendary Transpantaneira, the route itself is part of the experience, offering exceptional opportunities to observe the Pantanal's remarkable wildlife. Keep your camera ready as Jabirus, Hyacinth Macaws, Capybaras, Caimans, Toucans, and even Giant Anteaters may appear along the way.
This unforgettable drive is the perfect introduction to one of the most wildlife-rich ecosystems on the planet.
Upon arrival at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge, settle in before enjoying SouthWild's exclusive Ocelot Experience, one of the world's finest opportunities to observe this elusive and captivating wild cat in its natural habitat.
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Day 2
After breakfast, enjoy another SouthWild exclusive with a short walk through our private forest to experience the world's finest viewing of howler monkeys, in this case, endangered Black-and-Gold Howler Monkeys. From our specially-designed 5-meter-high observation platform, you'll watch these endangered primates at eye level, often just 5 meters (16.5 feet) away as they swing through the forest canopy.
Then stroll back to the lodge, check out, and depart on a scenic, two-hour drive to Porto Jofre, the gateway to Jaguarland. At this point, board your Jaguar search boat for a 40-minute journey upstream to the elegant Naturezas, SouthWild's floating boutique hotel in the heart of Jaguarland. After settling into your suite, enjoy lunch in the ship's panoramic dining room (from which we often watch Jaguars walking on the riverbank), take a short rest, and then embark on a 4-h-long river safari through some of the 100 kilometers of waterways that are home to the 70 habituated Jaguars of "Jaguarland".
Every boat excursion is a new wildlife expedition. A subtle movement along the riverbank may reveal a Jaguar resting in the shade, while ripples on the water's surface may announce a family of Giant Otters at play. Along the way, you'll also encounter Yacare Caimans, Capybaras, Jabirus, Tapirs, Kingfishers, and a remarkable diversity of wildlife.
Here, every bend in the river holds the promise of an unforgettable encounter, making Jaguarland one of the world's greatest wildlife destinations. Return to the Naturezas for dinner and relax as the sounds of the Pantanal surround you, preparing for another exciting day of exploration tomorrow.
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Days 3 Through 5
Enjoy three full days of river safaris on various sections of the 100 kilometers of waterways that are home to the 70 habituated Jaguars of "Jaguarland". Each day involves two 4-h-long river safaris to observe and photograph the Jaguars, Giant Otters, and other wildlife of the best location in the world for each of these two top predators.
The boat outings will visit the famous Black Channel, as well as the three other narrow, Jaguar-rich, dead-end channels of the uninhabited, 270,000-acre Meeting-of-the-Waters State Park, the world's top location for viewing wild Jaguars.
Our Jaguar naturalist delivers one of our unique SouthWild wildlife lectures each day, either after lunch or after dinner.
An after-lunch rest is always an excellent idea before the 4-hour-long afternoon boat outing.
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Day 6
After breakfast, check out of the Naturezas ship, boat 40 minutes downstream to Porto Jofre, and drive for two hours north to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon exploring the remarkable wildlife surrounding the lodge. One of the most amazing wildlife experiences near there is interviewing the pair of resident, nesting Jabiru Storks, which at 5 feet tall, are the tallest flying birds in South America. The lodge is celebrating 20 years with the world's only eye-level tower close to a Jabiru Stork nest. Even when these huge birds are not incubating or feeding nestlings, they sleep on the nest every night of the year, so amazing photographs are possible as they fly off the nest in the morning or land on the nest near dusk.
Also take advantage of another chance to observe Black-and-Gold Howler Monkeys, which are one of the most attractive of the world's 15 species of howlers, and Brazilian Tapirs, which at 600 pounds (270 kilos), are the largest land animals in South America.
The Ocelot viewing combined with the howlers, Jabiru Storks, tapirs, and a large variety of forest birds make SouthWild Pantanal Lodge one of the Pantanal's premier wildlife destinations.
As dusk approaches, join SouthWild's exclusive Ocelot Experience, the world's finest opportunity to observe this elusive wild cat in its natural habitat.
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Day 7
Enjoy your final morning at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge. After breakfast, check out and begin your drive north along the legendary Transpantaneira toward Cuiabá. Along the way, enjoy one last opportunity to experience the magic of the Pantanal, with excellent chances to encounter its remarkable wildlife before arriving at the airport for your onward journey.
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Photographed in Jaguarland
Tailored Comfort in the Heart of the Pantanal
Your Gateway to the Untamed Beauty of the Pantanal
A New Era in Wildlife Exploration
The stage is set for a revolution in Pantanal exploration. After 30 years of pioneering wildlife experiences, we have unveiled our masterpiece.
Introducing Naturezas, the world's first purpose-built vessel designed exclusively for intimate wildlife encounters in the heart of Jaguarland. This 85-foot-long, floating sanctuary redefines luxury wildlife observation with five meticulously crafted standard suites and two select economy suites, offering privileged exploration for no more than 12 discerning guests.
Imagine:
Naturezas ship represents the pinnacle of SouthWild's commitment to immersive wildlife experiences. Designed as an ultra-exclusive floating boutique hotel in the heart of Jaguarland, it offers unparalleled access to the world's finest destination for observing natural hunting behavior and tree-snoozing of wild Jaguars. With spacious suites, personalized service, and immediate access to the rivers where the Pantanal's most iconic wildlife thrives, the Naturezas redefines luxury wildlife exploration.
Floating Luxury Amidst the Wild
Our two floating hotels in Jaguarland are Naturezas ship and SouthWild Flotel & Jaguar Suites, with the former used for our Jaguar Extreme Fixed Departures, while the latter can be reserved for private departures.
SouthWild Flotel & Jaguar Suites offers simply unparalleled luxury in the wild. Dive into the Jaguar Suites rooms, the epitome of grandeur. As the world’s largest standard rooms on any floating hotel, they span a lavish 29 square meters, crowned with a porch overlooking the majestic 270,000-acre Meeting-of-the-Waters State Park. Experience nature, redefined.
Tailored for the Nature Enthusiast and Tech-Savvy Traveler: Our Jaguar Suites rooms cater to those who carry the Pantanal in one hand and their tech in the other. With an unmatched 24 easy-access electric outlets, we’ve set a new benchmark in hospitality. Above spacious desks, these outlets await your laptops, camera chargers and hard drives. Every corner is meticulously-designed, ensuring your wildlife gear and tech gadgets find their perfect spot.
Experience the Pantanal with our optional, Charles-Munn-designed mosquito nets: With the hotel’s strategic location, meticulous room design, and optional, extra-long, extra-fine mosquito nets, Jaguar Suites rooms promise an undisturbed encounter with the wilderness.
Exclusive Wildlife Lectures: At SouthWild, our evenings are a testament to the legacy of our founder, Dr. Charles Munn. Every night at the Jaguar Suites, guests are treated to exclusive wildlife lectures, delivered by specialists meticulously trained by Dr. Munn. These sessions, reserved solely for SouthWild guests, are not just informative, but are a journey into the heart of the Pantanal's mysteries, guided by the insights of a true pioneer.
15M
acres of protected areas created
2
National Geographic cover stories
TIME 50
for the future, 1994
The Visionary Behind SouthWild
In the vast realm of eco-tourism and wildlife exploration, few names resonate as profoundly as Dr. Charles Munn. Holding a PhD in evolution and ecology from Princeton, Charles is not just an esteemed academic but a passionate explorer, deeply attuned to the rhythms of nature.
His relentless curiosity and groundbreaking discoveries have led him deep into the heart of the Pantanal, unveiling secrets many had only dreamt of. As a field conservationist for the Wildlife Conservation Society, his work on macaw biology, park creation, and innovative models of rainforest ecotourism has been heralded as the world's finest example of applied conservation biology.
Charles's vision and dedication have been instrumental in the creation of a staggering 15 million acres of new protected areas and Indian Reserves in Amazonian Peru and Bolivia, an expanse comparable to the entire state of New Hampshire. His innovative predator-viewing systems have not only provided unparalleled wildlife experiences but also created thousands of new, conservation-related jobs.
Recognized globally for his profound impact, Charles has been featured in two National Geographic cover stories. In 2013, Condé Nast Traveller recognized him as one of the world's three leading experts on wildlife tourism, the only one representing the Western Hemisphere. In 1994, TIME magazine selected him as one of the 50 future leaders of the world, a list that also included luminaries like Bill Gates.
When you embark on a SouthWild adventure, you're not merely stepping into the wild. You're journeying alongside Charles's legacy, experiencing the wonders of nature through the eyes of a visionary who has dedicated his life to understanding, preserving, and championing its marvels.
Trained Hands of Charles's Legacy
Every step you take in the Pantanal with SouthWild is built upon more than four decades of conservation leadership, scientific research, and wildlife expertise. Our naturalist guides combine extensive field experience with a profound understanding of the Pantanal's ecosystems, embracing the conservation philosophy and scientific principles that have guided SouthWild since its founding by Dr. Charles Munn. Every wildlife encounter offers an opportunity to deepen your appreciation of the extraordinary species and landscapes that make this region one of the world's greatest natural treasures.
These specialists, with their intimate knowledge of the region, ensure that you don't just visit the Pantanal, you truly experience it. They'll lead you to hidden spots, share tales of the land, and help you capture moments that most travelers only dream of.
With SouthWild, you're not just getting a guide; you're gaining access to a treasure trove of knowledge, passed down from the mastermind of eco-tourism. It's this unparalleled expertise that transforms your journey from a mere trip to a profound adventure, rich in insights and wonder.
Beyond the Jaguars
Alongside our renowned Jaguar Guarantee, this stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing extraordinary wildlife encounters in the Pantanal. Leveraging the insights of Dr. Charles Munn and decades of field experience, we've pinpointed prime locations and times for these sightings.
Let the profound calls of these charismatic primates guide you through the canopy. Our team of expert guides, deeply versed in the behaviors and habitats of the Pantanal’s wildlife, have developed unique methods to ensure intimate encounters with these fascinating creatures. Watch as families swing through the branches, offering photographers unparalleled opportunities for capturing their dramatic behaviors.
As darkness descends on the Pantanal, enter the mysterious world of its most elegant small cat. Our signature Ocelot Experience at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge boasts an incredible success rate for sightings. Watch as these beautiful spotted cats emerge in their nocturnal realm, a testament to our unparalleled expertise in wildlife observation.
For photographers, these guarantees offer more than mere sightings; they're exceptional opportunities to capture stunning images of these remarkable creatures in their natural environment. Opportunities to witness nature in such an intimate setting are rare, and spots for this enhanced tour are limited.
Conservation Through Ecotourism
At SouthWild, our journey is not just about witnessing nature's grandeur, but actively participating in its preservation. Every tour, every footstep, every shared moment of awe contributes to a larger purpose: the protection of the Pantanal's pristine beauty and the empowerment of its local communities.
By choosing the Jaguar Extreme, you're not just embarking on an adventure; you're becoming a vital part of our mission. Each expedition directly supports the local economy, ensuring that the communities that call the Pantanal home thrive alongside the very wildlife we cherish.
We believe that true conservation is a symbiotic relationship between man and nature. And with every traveler who joins us, we move one step closer to our vision: a Pantanal where nature flourishes, communities prosper, and the magic of the wild remains untouched for generations to come.
Join us. Be an integral part of this transformative odyssey. Let's craft a legacy of preservation, one adventure at a time.
Voices from the Wild
Verified guest reviews from TripAdvisor.
We just returned from a trip/safari in the Pantanal organized by Southwild. We stayed aboard the Naturezas. We had a minor issue with the air conditioning, and we were upgraded. A huge thank you!! Lucas, the restaurant manager, is very pleasant and kind. His team is efficient. The entire crew is attentive. Chloé, with her reading, taught us more about the wildlife of the Pantanal and the region's biodiversity. And last but not least, the phenomenal team: our guide Marcos Felix and the boat driver Gonzalo. Excellent trackers who love nature and contribute to making your days so incredibly impressive!! 24 jaguars spotted thanks to their keen eyes!! Marcos, Gonzalo, Lucas, Chloé, and the other team members, you made our trip one of the best of our lives!!
We stayed here twice during a trip with a group birding and photographing in the Pantanal. The setting is great and the rooms are spacious, air conditioned and comfortable. Patricia and her staff responded quickly and nicely to requests and made the understandable glitches of being in the wild non-issues for guests. Food was excellent, and the bartender even gave us a lesson in preparing the Caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil. The boat ride on the Pixaim was great as was the walk in the forest to the monkey observation tower. I highly recommend it
Hotel at the entrance to the Pantanal. In the evening, you can meet capybaras and many wild birds on a two-hour river cruise. After 6 o'clock, I was feeding wild ocelot and was able to take ocelot photos. Very good lodge with delicious buffet meals.
You arrive via boat to this accommodation. Very spacious rooms, with facilities and large windows looking onto the river. A/C, fridge, plenty of power points & mosquito net. Very clean & comfortable. Plenty of food options for each mealtime in air-conditioned dining room.
You might be wondering
It's a question we've heard before, and we're proud of our answer. Let's put things into perspective: the last time a guest on a three-day tour didn't spot a Jaguar was back in September 2010. That's right, ages ago. On most days, our guests don't just catch a fleeting glimpse of these magnificent creatures; they witness Jaguars for hours, typically during both of our daily outings. But, on the off chance that the stars don't align and the elusive Jaguar remains unseen during your stay, here's our unparalleled commitment to you:
We stand by our promise. If you don't spot a Jaguar during your stay, we'll refund every single penny you've spent on the Jaguar Extreme tour with us. While we won't cover external costs like flights or other adventures in Brazil, rest assured that every cent you've invested in our experience will be returned to you. Your trust is paramount, and we're committed to honoring it.
If a refund isn't what you're looking for, we'll open our doors to you once more, entirely on our tab. Relive the Jaguar Extreme tour within the next two years, absolutely free. This isn't just a business guarantee; it's a testament to our unwavering confidence and a personal pledge from us to you.
An Experience Beyond Imitation
In the vast realm of eco-tourism, many promise adventure, but few can offer the genuine, undiluted essence of the Pantanal like SouthWild's Jaguar Extreme. Our journey is not a mere tour; it's a labor of love, crafted from decades of research, passion, and deep respect for nature.
Every curve of the river, every rustle in the underbrush, every whisper of the wind has been considered in the making of this tour. And the result? An experience that stands unparalleled, untouched by commercialization, and unreplicated by any other.
But here's the catch: nature, in its raw beauty, doesn't wait. And neither can we. The Jaguar Extreme tour is available for a limited time, with only a select number of spots open for those who truly seek the heart of the Pantanal. Are you ready to claim your exclusive passage into nature's secret world?
The difference
Experience the best Jaguar action in the heart of Jaguarland, offering superior sightings compared to other locations.
We prioritize the well-being of animals. Unlike some places, we don't resort to trapping, drugging, or radio-collaring Jaguars. Witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat without any intrusive human interventions.
Save precious time with our optimal location. Avoid unnecessary 90-minute boat transfers that you might encounter elsewhere. More time in the right place means more wildlife encounters.
Our lodging offers expansive views right from your room, immersing you in the wilderness. No small windows or obstructed views here.
Relish some of the best food in Brazil. Our culinary offerings often surpass those of other lodges in the region.
Our lodging is designed to offer a genuine wilderness experience, with room designs and locations that respect and highlight the Pantanal's intricate web of life.
We believe in transparency. Unlike some, we don’t redirect you to "order our catalogue" pages when you seek information. Get the details you want without the runaround.
Our commitment to conservation isn't just talk. We've been instrumental in creating 15 million acres of new protected areas in the Amazon, ensuring these regions remain pristine for future generations.
When you choose SouthWild, you're not just selecting a tour; you're becoming part of a legacy. Benefit from the expertise and vision of Dr. Charles Munn, a recognized global leader in ecotourism and wildlife exploration.
While some might carpet bomb with ads, our emphasis is on delivering quality experiences. We prioritize the satisfaction and enrichment of our guests over sheer numbers.
Good to know
Still have questions? Schedule a call with our Pantanal experts now:
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