Northern Pantanal
The best place in the world to see jaguars, at the end of the Transpantaneira, in Porto Jofre.
Region
Mato Grosso, Central West
Recommended stay
3 to 5 nights
Best time to go
July to October
Getting there
Flight to Cuiabá, then the Transpantaneira dirt road
On the trail of the jaguar
The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland in the world, a vast floodplain shared between two states. Its northern part, in Mato Grosso, is explored from Cuiabá along the Transpantaneira, a 147-kilometer (91-mile) dirt road dotted with wooden bridges that runs deep into the wetlands all the way to Porto Jofre.
It is here, along the banks of the Cuiabá River and its tributaries, that you have the best chances in the world of seeing a jaguar in the wild. The lodges, set along the road or by the water in Porto Jofre, are built around wildlife watching: boat outings from dawn, naturalist guides, night safaris. Expect a higher budget than in the south, in keeping with the experience.
Jaguars are not your priority, you are traveling on a tighter budget, or you want to combine your trip with Bonito? Look at the Southern Pantanal instead.
When to go
The dry season, from July to October, is the best time: the water recedes, animals gather along the rivers, and jaguars appear on the banks, where they hunt caimans and capybaras. During the rainy season, from December to March, the plains are flooded, the road becomes difficult and several lodges in Porto Jofre close. From April to June, the water drops and wildlife becomes more and more visible.
- July to October: dry season, best time for jaguars
- April to June, November: falling water or first rains
- December to March: rainy season, difficult access to Porto Jofre
Months
Legend
Things to do
Boat safari in Porto Jofre
Full days on the Cuiabá, Três Irmãos and Piquiri rivers, in Encontro das Águas State Park, searching for jaguars.
The Transpantaneira
The road and its wooden bridges, where caimans, capybaras, jabirus and macaws appear at every stop.
Giant otters and birds
Families of giant otters on the rivers, and hundreds of bird species, including the hyacinth macaw.
Night outings
By flashlight, to spot anteaters, crab-eating foxes, ocelots and, with luck, the tapir.
The Pantanal on horseback
At the Transpantaneira lodges, across grasslands and flooded areas, like the peões, the fazenda cowboys.
Where to stay
Along the Transpantaneira
For wildlife and a variety of activities. Lodges in the middle of nature, with walks, horseback riding, boat trips and night safaris. A good introduction before Porto Jofre.
Porto Jofre
For jaguars. At the end of the road, on the Cuiabá River: simple or comfortable hotels and lodges, the base for full-day boat outings.
Combine with
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Combine
Our tours
Tours
FAQ
Am I sure to see a jaguar?
No, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. But in Porto Jofre, in the dry season and with at least two days on the boat, the chances are among the best in the world.
Northern or Southern Pantanal?
The north is the right choice if jaguars are your priority: the lodges there are more specialized, and more expensive. The Southern Pantanal offers simpler, more affordable lodging close to Bonito, but jaguars are rarer there.
How many nights should I plan?
Three nights minimum: one or two on the Transpantaneira and two in Porto Jofre. Five nights let you enjoy both without rushing.
Are there a lot of mosquitoes?
Mostly during the rainy season. Bring insect repellent and light-colored, long-sleeved clothing for the morning and evening outings.
Tempted by this trip?
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