Embark on the ultimate jaguar safari in North Pantanal (Meeting of the Waters State Park), the world’s best location for observing wild jaguars in their natural habitat. This adventure is designed to maximize your chances of seeing these magnificent cats while offering a unique experience staying in one of the boat hotels on the Cuiabá River, right at the entrance to the state park. Over 7 days, you will explore the Pantanal’s remote rivers for extraordinary wildlife encounters with not only jaguars but also giant otters, tapirs, capybaras, and a stunning variety of bird species.
Staying on the river means you’ll be perfectly positioned for early starts and late finishes, ensuring we are out during the most active hours for wildlife. This location gives you unparalleled access to one of the highest concentrations of jaguars in the world, often allowing for multiple sightings a day.
Price: US $4,900 (twin-shared room)
Single supplement: US $1,000
Group size: 6 guests
Group 1: August 7 — 13, 2026 (2 spaces available)
Group 2: August 14 — 20, 2026 (1 space available)
Meet your tour leader
Andres Novales Wildlife Photographer
Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Jaguarland
Pickup in Cuiabá: Once in Cuiabá, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred directly to Porto Jofre. The scenic 5-hour drive takes us along the Transpantaneira Road, a wildlife-rich stretch where you’ll see caimans, capybaras, and various species of birds along the way. One in Porto Jofre we will embark on a 25 minute boat ride to our hotel.
Check-In at the Boat Hotel: Our home for the tour will be a comfortable boat hotel, anchored at the limit of the state park. This floating accommodation offers air-conditioned rooms, WiFi, cozy communal areas, amazing food and the advantage of being right on the water, giving us a head start on our river safaris.
First jaguar search: After lunch, we will embark on our first afternoon jaguar search along the river. We’ll explore until sunset, then return to the boat hotel to relax and enjoy dinner.
Day 2–6: Full day river safaris
Morning Safaris: We’ll set out early each morning, navigating the Cuiabá River and its tributaries, including the Tres Irmãos River, where jaguars frequently patrol the banks. Our boat hotel allows us to get out on the water earlier than other tours, ensuring we are in prime position to witness jaguars during their most active periods.
We will search for jaguars hunting caimans or capybaras, swimming across the river, or resting on the banks. This place is world-renowned for its frequent and often close encounters with these big cats. We’ll also have opportunities to observe other wildlife, such as giant otters, capybaras, and an abundance of birdlife, including kingfishers, herons, and Jabiru storks.
Afternoon Safaris: After lunch, we’ll head back out on the river. The late afternoon light is perfect for photography, a prime time for wildlife activity. Our guides are experts in spotting jaguars and know the best spots to increase our chances of sightings. Each day, we’ll explore different areas of the river system to find new opportunities and maximize our wildlife encounters.
Day 7: Half-Day Safari and Departure
Final Safari: On our last morning, we’ll enjoy one final boat safari, capturing any last moments with jaguars or other species we may have missed. After our safari, we’ll return to the boat hotel for lunch before making our way back to Cuiabá for your onward journey home.
The best place for Jaguars?
North Pantanal is known as the jaguar capital of the world, with the highest density of jaguars anywhere on the planet. The big cats here are often seen along the riverbanks, sometimes within just a few meters of our boat, giving you unparalleled opportunities for close encounters and incredible photography.
In addition to jaguars, the state park is home to a variety of other incredible wildlife. Giant otters are frequently seen playing and hunting in the water, while tapirs, capybaras, and a dazzling array of bird species ensure that there is always something to see on the river.
Tour Highlights
Prime Location: Staying in a boat hotel means we are right on the river, providing early access to jaguar territory and maximizing our time spent in the field.
Frequent Jaguar Encounters: Porto Jofre offers some of the best opportunities in the world to see jaguars in the wild. With luck, you may witness them hunting, swimming, or interacting with one another.
Diverse Wildlife: While jaguars are the star of the show, the Pantanal is teeming with other wildlife, from giant otters and tapirs to hundreds of bird species.
Comfortable Floating Accommodation: Our boat hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, WiFi, delicious meals, and unbeatable proximity to the wildlife action.
Boat Hotel
The boat hotels on the Cuiabá River offer unmatched access to prime jaguar habitats, placing us right where the action happens. Being based on the water allows us to start our excursions earlier than most tours and stay out longer, maximizing our chances of witnessing jaguars during their peak activity in the early mornings and late afternoons.
Onboard, you’ll enjoy delicious local cuisine prepared daily by a warm and attentive staff who make you feel at home. From the deck, you can take in breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the river, and at night, the clear skies reveal a stunning display of stars.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom with a hot shower, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay while you remain fully immersed in the heart of the Pantanal.
Tour Inclusions
5 Full Days and 2 Half Days of River Safaris: Spend most of your time on the water, with expert local guides leading the way.
Accommodation in a Boat Hotel: Stay in the heart of the Pantanal with air-conditioned rooms and river views.
All Meals Included: Enjoy delicious, locally sourced meals on board the boat.
Transportation: Ground transportation from Cuiabá to Porto Jofre and back is included.
Expert Photography Guides: Led by highly experienced guides with extensive knowledge of jaguar behavior and Pantanal wildlife.
Interested in this amazing wildlife experience? Get in touch!
This is more than just a wildlife tour, it’s a chance to experience the Pantanal like few ever do. From intimate encounters with jaguars to the comfort and charm of our boat hotel, every detail is designed to give you an unforgettable experience. Spaces are limited to keep the group small and maximize your time in the field, so don’t wait. Reach out today to secure your spot and join us on this incredible journey into the heart of jaguar country.