Land of the Jaguar
Experience Overview
The Pantanal straddles the borders of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia and is the largest wetland region in the world. Its plains and low scrubby forests are home to more than 1,000 bird species and 300 different mammals, including tapirs, anteaters, jabiru storks and the striking hyacinth macaw. Concentrating on the incredibly rich northern Pantanal in the southwest of Brazil, we divide our time between two lodges, journeying deep into the wetlands in search of jaguars, the largest feline in the Americas. These solitary, elusive predators, as well as being formidable opponents on land, are strong swimmers and are known to frequent the waterways we explore.
Profile
— Accommodation: 3 Superior nights (lodge), 5 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by minibus, 4×4 safari vehicle and motorised canoe
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 3 Superior nights (lodge), 5 Classic nights (hotels) — Travel by minibus, 4×4 safari vehicle and motorised canoe
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Five. Visit our our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Although the accommodation is of a good standard, you should note that we are in a remote area with limited access to luxuries.
The trip involves several long drives on dirt roads. These roads are generally in good condition (although sometimes bumpy) during the dry season when this trip operates; however, journeys may be significantly delayed in heavy rain.
We spend much of the trip in boats; if you suffer from seasickness, please note that these small vessels have a relatively shallow draft, which means any movement is more noticeable than in larger vessels, though the likelihood of feeling nausea is much lower on rivers than open water.
The rich wildlife here also includes lots of insects, including mosquitoes, so good repellent is a must as are tops with long sleeves.
When on excursions, there are specific spots where we can get off the boats but only accompanied by the guides.
Deposit terms
At the time of booking, we will ask you for the standard Exodus deposit plus an extra 10% of the trip cost to secure your space on the departure. If for any reason we are unable to secure the space and we have to cancel the trip, you receive a full refund.
Cancellation terms
Due to the nature of this trip, it has slightly different cancellation charges to those listed in the standard Exodus Booking Conditions. After booking, if cancelling your travel arrangements, you have to pay cancellation charges as follows:
Up to 61 days before departure: loss of deposit60 days or less (or failure to join the trip): loss of 100% of the trip cost
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included.
All meals are included in Hotel Baiazinha and Araras Lodge. Food is likely to be a mix of dishes using a lot of local produce. The local fruit is normally very good. Meat is a staple part of the Brazilian diet, but vegetarians can be catered for throughout the trip. Please advise us at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements, especially since the remote nature of the places we stay means special supplies can be difficult to obtain without prior arrangement.
Camomile tea and fruit infusions are available at the lodges, however traditional tea is not available, so you may wish to take teabags with you.
Transportation
We use a mixture of private minibus, purpose-built safari vehicle and motorboat.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Deville Prime Cuiabá, Avenida Isaac Póvoas, 1000 -Centro Cuiabá - MT, CEP: 78.032-015
Phone: +55 65 3319-3000
WhatsApp: +55 41 3219-4004
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Cuiabá International Airport (CGB)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Cuiabá airport ( CGB). Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
The Pantanal has two clearly defined seasons. The dry season lasts from May to October, and the region experiences little rainfall at this time of year. This is generally considered to be the best time for viewing animals and birds. The wet season runs from November to May, and much of the annual rainfall occurs during these months. Temperatures are generally around 25C (77F), but there can be large seasonal variations. Humidity levels during the wet season tend to be much higher than during the dry.
Spending Money
We recommend taking your spending money for this trip in US dollars, since exchange rates tend to be better and they are easier to change into Brazilian reais. British pounds and euros can be exchanged in Cuiabá, but not all exchange desks accept them.
It is also possible to obtain reais before starting your trip. Most restaurants and shops will only accept local currency, although the lodges accept US dollars.
As most meals are provided, extra expenses on this trip should not be high. You should budget 48-72 reais (US$10-US$15) for each lunch not included in the itinerary and 57-96 reais (US$12‐US$20) for each dinner, excluding drinks, although it is easy to spend less than this depending on the standard of restaurant.
Beer and local spirits are generally slightly cheaper than in Western Europe and North America, and soft drinks about the same. A soft drink (can) starts at 10 reais (US$2), while a beer starts at 15 reais (US$3).
The lodges accept payment for bar bills or souvenir purchases in reais or US dollars.
Tipping
Although tips are not compulsory, they are part of life throughout Latin America, and Brazil is no exception. We recommend you budget for tips of 24-48 reais (US$5-US$10) per person per day for the local guides in the Pantanal, plus around 9.50 reais (US$2) for each driver, hotel porter etc per day.
Highlights
— Explore lesser-visited areas of the Pantanal wetlands for a jaguar-spotting safari — Take seven different boat trips to maximise your chances of spotting jaguars — Observe unusual species: capybaras, giant anteaters and jabiru storks — Stay in two rustic lodges, chosen for their wildlife-rich locations away from the tourist trail
Trip Details
Product Code: 4353
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: otorboat.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: WAI
Starts: Cuiabá, Brazil
Finishes: Cuiabá, Brazil
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— Eight breakfasts, seven lunches, seven dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
Modern Cuiabá hotel and well-located lodgesVenturing into the Pantanal, the land of the jaguar, we split our time between two lodges, both well located for our wildlife-watching adventures, while the trip begins at a contemporary hotel in Cuiabá. Cuiabá: Deville Prime Cuiabá (night 1) Begin the adventure at Deville Prime, a modern hotel in the heart of Cuiabá. After your flight, you may wish to make use of the outdoor pool and sun loungers, plus there’s a gym with free weights and machines. In the evening, head to the atrium bar with the group and raise a glass to your trip – a good chance to get to know each other a little better. Paraguay River: Hotel Baiazinha (nights 2-5) On the banks of the Paraguay River, in an area visited less often by other tourists, this family-run 15-room lodge hotel is ideally located for our jaguar-spotting adventures. When we’re not out scouring the landscape for wildlife, make use of the pool or unwind in your air-conditioned room. There’s also a restaurant serving typical local food cooked by chef Isaias. Try the flagship dish: mojica, a fish broth with cassava, which they call the pride of their kitchen. Poconé: Araras Lodge (nights 6-8) Spend our final three nights at Araras Lodge, which is designed in a rustic regional style and has 19 air-conditioned rooms. The property also has a restaurant-bar, which serves local cuisine and plenty of good drinks, plus a swimming pool and gift shop. There are also three observation towers, the tallest of which is 82ft (25m) high, allowing you to gaze over the landscape in search of birds and other wildlife.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $11,270 ($1,252 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Cuiabá, the capital of the Mato Grosso state and the gateway to the Pantanal wetlands. After arriving at the hotel, you have the rest of the day free to relax. Accommodation: Deville Prime Cuiabá (or similar)
This morning, we head towards the remote Paraguay River in the Pantanal. We start by driving 127mi (205km) towards the town of Cáceres before continuing a further 62mi (100km) on dirt roads to our lodge on the banks of the Paraguay River, where we spend the next four days exploring the region for jaguars and other wildlife. This off-the-beaten-path area is the ideal place for jaguar spotting and, with fewer visitors than other areas of the Pantanal, is also much quieter. This afternoon, we board our small motorboats to go on our first jaguar safari, exploring the river and its tributaries for the elusive big cat plus tapirs, monkeys, macaws, anacondas, capybaras, giant otters and any other wildlife we can find. While no guarantees can be made when it comes to wildlife, there is a 90 percent chance of seeing jaguars. Accommodation: Hotel Baiazinha (or similar)
This morning, we retrace our steps towards Cáceres and onto Poconé and finally Araras Lodge. Surrounded by pristine forest, the lodge offers a range of activities designed to showcase the flora and fauna of the Pantanal, including jeep safaris, trail walks, nocturnal safaris, canoeing and horse riding. Expert bilingual naturalist guides from the lodge accompany us on all excursions to truly enhance our wildlife viewing. Accommodation: Araras Lodge (or similar)
After breakfast, we head back to Cuiabá where the trip ends. We bid farewell and begin our return journey home. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
ian mcclure - Traveled, September 2023
missed connection just like Emily I too missed my connecting flight at Sao Paulo . this was because there was not enough time to collect my luggage go through customs and passport control etc and then do the whole thing again in reverse . you really need more than just over 2 hours in my opinion .This caused a lot of unnecessary stress and time waiting for the afternoon flight (9hrs ) to join the group. having said that the trip was very good with a lot of wildlife to be seen culminating in the sighting of the elusive jaguar .food was good and price of drinks etc good. the guide Juan was excellent with a very good knowledge,of wildlife and habitat ,but as previously mentioned please be aware you may be in for a long stressful wait at the airport . Most Inspirational Moment the amount of wildlife and habitat. Thoughts on Group Leader very good. Advice for Potential Travellers be prepared for a long wait at sao Paulo airport. Suggestions to get your connection you may have to either que jump vigouressley or get the help of latam staff to by pass the que.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Emily Rae - Traveled, August 2023
Land of the Jaguar Sept 2023 Please note you will be told, by Exodus, that your luggage will be put through at San Paulo and this is absolutely not the case. You will need to recheck your luggage. This caused people to miss their connections/sprint to catch their connection. I asked for a longer connection time and Exodus said no causing unnecessary stress. The tour leader, Tony, was absolutely lush and very knowledgeable and if there was an animal to spot he spotted it. Arasas Lodge is nice, but in reality the itinerary was really lacking here with several hours to kill between activities (10-4pm). It felt like a last minute add on as they couldn’t just make the trip 4 days. I would say the cost of the trip really is not good value for money and sadly I could not recommend this trip though we did see the jaguars. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the jaguar. Thoughts on Group Leader Tony was worth his weight in gold! Advice for Potential Travellers I would not recommend this trip. Suggestions This is the first Exodus where I felt it was jot good value for money or well thought out.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/12/2023
Phillip Dixon - Traveled, August 2023
Incredible journey to see jaguars A wonderful trip to see these elusive jaguars by riverboat. The accommodation was comfortable and allowed a great base for jaguar boat trips or at Araras Eco Lodge a series of nature walks and night safaris in search of birds and ocelots. Juan the guide was excellent throughout, well organised, enthusiastic and with an encyclopedic knowledge of the wildlife on hand. Most Inspirational Moment We had several jaguar encounters but the most special was a female jaguar walking along a beach in the last 15 mins of our final boat trip. Thoughts on Group Leader Juan was exceptional, he was bubbling with enthusiasm and organised as many nature excursions as time allowed, running multiple nature walks each day as well as night safaris. His knowledge of the wildlife was second to none and he was an integral part of our success rate with both jaguars and other wildlife. Advice for Potential Travellers The airport at Sao Paolo can be confusing so ensure you check bags in on the ground floor when booking on for Cuiaba. Not all EU or US adapters fit and so check your adapter has pins like a shaver not a large circle connecting the two pins as some airport sold ones have. You can buy an adapter at the airport in Cuiaba The hotel and both lodges are happy to take Credit Cards for payment and prefer it to cash. Long trousers and long sleeves are a good idea due to horseflies during the day / sandflies or mosquitos at night. The boat rides are often in full sun as using covers restricts viewing. There are no UK style black tea bags so take your own as hot water is provided. Suggestions If I could have spent 6-7 days at Baiazinha doing boat trips and 5 nights at Araras Lodge and paid a little more for the longer trip I would have jumped at the chance. An optional extension to Iguazu Falls would be another great option.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Christopher Witt - Traveled, August 2019
Amazing Brazil Long journey to get to the Pantanal but worth it! Three jaguar sightings on the first trip made everyone very happy for the forthcoming adventure. Hotel Baiazinha is the perfect location for trips into the wetlands. Accommodation and food excellent and staff very friendly. Plus around the hotel so many birds. Seven boat trips was tiring in the heat, thankfully the boat has a cover. Finally saw nine jaguar sightings, some repeats, plus two giant otter encounter…….and so many birds. Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge is a nice wind down with good accommodation. Trips out to spot wildlife are good but toucans and hyacinth macaws can be spotted in the grounds early morning! Most Inspirational Moment Seeing my first hyacinth macaws on the drive in to Hotel Baiazinha and then in the afternoon seeing jaguars! Thoughts on Group Leader Group leader was knowledgeable on the wildlife and environment but poor on keeping us updated on plans for the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2019
Sally Chewter - Traveled, July 2019
Brilliant Fantastic trip – brilliant guide – great accommodation – superb wildlife sightings. Be prepared for very high temperatures but so worth it. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing our first jaguar Thoughts on Group Leader Tony Rodriguez was superb. So knowledgeable, professional and a great sense of humour. He was great company and made sure everything ran smoothly. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for high temperatures - it's hot out there! Suggestions Great trip - wonderful jaguar, giant otters sightings
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/28/2019
James Treharne - Traveled, September 2018
Land of the Jaguar report This trip exceeded all my expectations.Seeing a Jaguar in its natural habitat was wonderful. As usual Paul worked hard with the guides to get the results that we all longed for.The accommodation was good, though the food in Porte Joffre could have been much better. I was a little disappointed with the fact that we had to pay for our luggage on the internal flight. This caused some hassle because none of the flight desk attendants spoke English and I do not speak Portuguese. A similar scenario ensued on the return flight. This was one of the most memorable trips that I have done with Exodus and I look forward to my next one. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing my first Jaguar and being able to follow her for some while, whilst not causing her any concern. Seeing the other animals and birds was also wonderful. Thoughts on Group Leader I have been on trips with Paul before, so I know what to expect(mostly!). As I have said before,but it is worth repeating, no one works harder , or is more committed to his clients than Paul. An excellent leader. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure that you have checked the medical advice available on line both for vaccinations and prescription drugs. and take the appropriate medicines.On photographic trips be totally prepared to put in hours. Suggestions I am very satisfied with Exodus Holidays. They have provide me with some spectacular moments at very reasonable cost. Through them , I have met some lovely people..
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2018
barry tylee - Traveled, August 2018
The Pantanal deliverd This trip to the Pantanal ranks amongst the best. Yes, Jaguars are illusive but so are lots of big cats. patience and trust are required. Trust in so much that your guide will do his/her utmost to find you a jaguar. If they are there, they will find them. But while you are waiting, just observe the absolute plethora of wildlife, Birds of all sizes and colours, you might encounter a swimming Tapier or be entertained by a family of river otters. While you are travelling you might see a giant ant eater, dont be surprised to be able to see a Cayman with young on its back, or see an Anaconda curled up sleeping after a meal. There is so much to see. Beautiful Macaws, what colours. Its pure entertainment. I cant wait to return. Most Inspirational Moment Where does one start. For me it was all inspirational. Although I have to say, when you first see a Jaguar it a heart stopping moment. The two lodges that you will stay in are very well positioned, you are surrounded by wildlife. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader was, Tony. Excellent all round. very knowledgeable, for me went the extra mile to find a Jaguar, always prepared to stop when something has been sighted. Advice for Potential Travellers I travelled in August. Yes this part of Brazil is in the tropics, but. It can be cold on the wide open rivers. Read the trip notes. When it says take a warm fleece. Take one and add to that a wind "shell" head cover and gloves. Once you have moved on to the next lodge, its all change, its gets very hot. be prepared for both. Suggestions Dont be put off, dont wait. book it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2018
Barbara Robert - Traveled, September 2017
Land of the Jaguar For those interested in wildlife and the possibility of seeing a Jaguar in the wild, this trip to the Pantanal of Brazil is an affordable winner. Logistics were well coordinated, accommodations were fine though it should be noted the Jaguar House Boat is not luxurious but more than adequate for its remote location on the Paraguay River. The three nights at the very nice Araras EcoLodge were a pleasant bonus. Our guide, Tony, could not have been better. He is experienced, knowledgable and very pleasant. With his skill we had three jaguar sightings during our time on the Paraguay River. Contrary to the Exodus trip description, the majority of the time is spent scouring the river banks of the main river and its narrow channels. It was quite a long distance by small speed boat to the Taima Ecological Reserve and that was reserved only for our last day. According to Tony there are jaguars in the Reserve but they are more difficult to see and eluded us. However, we had excellent caiman, giant river otter and bird sightings. The abundance of birds in the Pantanal was extraordinary and I personally saw over 90 different species. Tony knows them all! So, if you are “into” birds and jaguars, you will be well entertained. The majority of our group of 13 were interested in photography so that was enjoyable. One goes in the dry season to spot jaguars more easily but you will not see the Pantanal flooded as depicted in many photos. One needs to go in a different season for that experience; I am already dreaming of a return trip! Most Inspirational Moment Spotting my first jaguar in the wild! Thoughts on Group Leader Outstanding. Could not have been finer. Very professional. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring a could DSLR camera with 400mm lens if possible. Lots of long shots. Suggestions While on the house boat, there is an option to go on a night land safari. Cost was $35 per person paid directly to the boat owner/rancher. Personally I felt it was overpriced for the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2017
David Woodhams - Traveled, August 2017
Land of the Jaguar Overall a relatively full on experience with very little ‘down’ time. An amazing abundance of wildlife especially birds. A trip that definitely lived up to expectations. Most Inspirational Moment The last day on the Paraguay River when we spotted a Female Jaguar and cub on a rock adjacent to the river on our return journey from the National Park. Thoughts on Group Leader Tony was an excellent guide with very good knowledge of the birds and mammals and his spotting skills were amazing Advice for Potential Travellers As we were travelling in the dry season it did get very hot 40C + and somewhat dusty but worth it in every way. Suggestions We left the UK with the hope that we would see the main targets of our visit, Jaguar and River Otter. Not only was our expectation rewarded with one sighting, but 3 groups of Otters, 4 Jaguars and the Hyacinth Macaws as well as numerous other mammals and birds. A truly wonderful experience and the stay on the houseboat was GREAT Show less
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2017
J. Thomson - Traveled, August 2017
Land of the Jaguar - and other wildlife The trip provided the wildlife viewing we had hoped for – five jaguars, plus giant otters, armadillos, anteater etc etc and a wide variety of bird life. Most Inspirational Moment Watching a jaguar cub emerge cautiously from its den before playing with its mother. Thoughts on Group Leader Tony was very good at spotting and identifying wildlife, both mammals and birdlife. All the trips and transfers ran smoothly due to his involvement. Advice for Potential Travellers On my visit the weather was dry, sunny, and hot, up to 40ºC. It cooled to about 20º around dawn. Go prepared for a range of temperatures - check the Caceres weather forecast. The trip notes do not make it clear that at the lodge activities such as horse-riding and canoeing are part of the programme. You may wish to check that your travel insurance covers these.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2017
Jenny Hicks - Traveled, September 2017
A great trip of two very different parts This trip is in two parts. Four days on the Jaguar houseboat looking for jaguars, the boat’s a bit cramped and you spend all day on the river, but the sight of your first jaguar makes it all worthwhile. Then the fantastic Araras Eco Lodge, which is spacious and relaxing and the bird life is amazing! You need to be prepared for long days and you need lots of patience, but it’s definitely a fantastic experience. Most Inspirational Moment The sight of our first jaguar of course, as well as a mother being suckled by a young cub. But also the kingfishers, the storks, the skimmers, the sight of a potoo completely disguised in a tree - load of special moments! Thoughts on Group Leader Tony was great at spotting jaguars, but I think his real passion showed through, which is birdlife. He has a great knowledge of the local wildlife and birds. Advice for Potential Travellers It can be windy (and cold) on the early morning boat rides, so take a fleece, sunglasses and moisturising cream. Take long trousers and 100% deet mosquito repellent as they bite through your clothes. You get so hot and dirty, but if you rinse clothes through at night they are dry by the next day. Be prepared for very long boat rides looking for jaguars (sometimes 6 hours) and you need to be patient. You may sit looking at a jaguar for a couple of hours, during which it hardly moves! The lodge is wonderful - spacious, relaxing, great food, wifi and amazing birdlife everywhere. Horse riding and kayaking and a night drive are included at the lodge and part of the Exodus itinerary. Brazilian electricity sockets have changed in the last 18 months and in hotels and the Lodge they are recessed - you need to buy an adapter locally. Suggestions Amazing trip - a long journey to get there and you have to rough it a bit on the houseboat, but it's definitely worth it! Exodus arranged an Iguassu Falls extension which we did before before our group trip which was fantastic - worth spending some extra time in Brazil if you can.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2017
Liz Newman - Traveled, August 2016
When can I go back? This was a terrific holiday, despite the weather being the coldest on record for that time of year. Most Inspirational Moment Predictably, seeing a jaguar for the first time. Thoughts on Group Leader Tony was excellent. His knowledge of the wildlife was first rate. And he came horseriding with us on the last day! Advice for Potential Travellers Don't assume the weather is going to be hot, whatever the online sites tell you in advance. When we arrived in Cuiaba it was hot and humid - then the cloud rolled in, so thick that it sometimes looked like twilight at midday. It rained - not a lot, but if I hadn't taken a raincoat I'd have been in trouble. Going upriver into the wind was a bitterly cold experience, and everyone was wearing everything they had. Six layers! The guides had scarves round their faces, dark glasses, and woolly hats. All you see was their eyes... and those eyes gave us four jaguar sightings. The wildlife came out to platy whatever the temperature. But when we arrived at the Araras Eco-lodge the weather changed, and it was glorious. Suggestions The Jaguar Houseboat did not have Wi-Fi, so we had to play games when it was too cold and wet to do anything else in between boat trips. The food was great. The Araras Eco-lodge was wonderful, with friendly staff, good food, and a cayman almost within touching distance of every room. (They eat fish, luckily.) There were no mosquitoes, which was a surprise. I've been on a lot of Exodus holidays, but this was one of the best.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2016
Stephen Harford - Traveled, June 2016
A short trip but very enjoyable We went on this holiday principally to see Jaguar, Giant Anteater, Giant River Otter, Tapir and Hyacinth Macaws. We opted for a short trip combining a boat hotel and and land-based lodge. We had been with Exodus previously and felt they would do a good job. Food at both venues was very well prepared although a little monotonous at times. Travel arrangements were very good. Most Inspirational Moment We saw 7 Jaguars on the river including a pregnant female and a lover's tiff between a young female and adult male. Saw giant river otters a number of times and while we only saw giant anteater and tapir once both were superbly close and long viewings. Our main interest is usually birds and these didn't disappoint with good views of various macaws, parrot, herons and some noteworthy viewings of sunbittern at Araras Lodge. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader, Tony, was very helpful and knowledgeable and he would always try to meet everyone's requirements. Originally from Guyana clearly his English was very good. In addition the guides at the Jaguar Boat and the Lodge were also very helpful, particularly Paulo on the Jaguar Boat day trip craft whose ability to spot wildlife at a distance was quite remarkable. The drivers transporting us between venues were also very courteous, safe and helpful. Advice for Potential Travellers It may not be appropriate for all trips but when we were there was a surprising cold wind particularly when out on the river in the early morning. If you have room in your luggage it would be worth taking some warmer clothing just in case. Suggestions Some cabins on the Boat Hotel were quite cramped as they had 4 'short' bunks. Other cabins seemed more spacious with less beds. It might be worth viewing the available accommodation and selecting the most appropriate.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2016
Lesley Carder - Traveled, December 2015
Land of the Jaguar A fantastic experience, with far more wildlife sightings than I expected. We saw three jaguars (some of the group saw five), with great opportunities to both observe and photograph these beautiful animals. We saw dozens of species of birds, caiman, capybara, howler and capuchin monkeys, coati, armadillo, peccary, brocket, tamandua and the iconic giant otter and giant anteater. We were lucky enough to glimpse a very rare jaguamundi too. Excellent accommodation; although the houseboat was quite basic we were made to feel very welcome. Most Inspirational Moment There were several. If I had to pick one, it would be spending four hours one morning watching jaguars mating. Unforgettable. Thoughts on Group Leader Tony was excellent, he knew a tremendous amount about the animals and birds we saw. He also had great people skills. The local guides and staff were all friendly and helpful. Cicero Kurtz (houseboat) was incredibly knowledgeable - and caught the catfish for our lunch! Advice for Potential Travellers Take lots of mosquito repellent and antihistamines. I have never experienced such aggressive mosquitoes, they bit despite Deet, skin-so-soft, garlic tablets, and impregnated clothing. Suggestions Eco-tourism is very new in the Pantanal, and the area is very unspoilt at the moment. I hope this does not change.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2016
Karen White - Traveled, September 2015
Land of the Jaguar Amazing array of wildlife. Providing you don’t mind roughing it a bit and don’t mind getting bitten (a lot!), this is a fabulous holiday. Must have been good as I came home with over 2500 photos! Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the jaguars and the giant otters! Although I love the close encounter with a pygmy anteater; loved the capybaras and can't believe how many caiman I saw - carpets of them - literally!! Thoughts on Group Leader Tony's knowledge of the local wildlife was amazing. He was also very good at spotting it including a tarantula spider on a night safari! Advice for Potential Travellers The boat accommodation was basic. if your cabin is on the river side, be prepared to share your evening shower with a lot of flies! Be prepared to get BITTEN! I got bitten by a multitude of bugs and these blighters can bite you through layers of clothing and Deet! One of my colleagues found that they couldn't bite through the life jackets on the boats but that was about it! Pack long socks - you often need to tuck your trousers (pants) into your socks to help stop bugs biting your legs! Suggestions If you don'tmind roughing it a bit and coping with a fair bit of travelling, go for it! The wildlife including a huge variety of birds is amazing and Exodus do take you off the beaten track where there are very few other humans or tourists so you get exclusive access to the wildlife.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2015
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