Steve Winter Jaguar Photography Safari
Join renowned wildlife and travel photographer Steve Winter on an unforgettable safari through Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands to observe the elusive jaguar.
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Brazil Safaris
Undeniably immense, and not only in the geographical sense, Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world and largest in the continent, dominating South America. It consists of the largest portion of the Amazon Jungle and River, and an Atlantic coastline spanning a staggering 7,500 kilometres. From gleaming stretches of sugar-white sand beaches to cascading waterfalls, verdant rainforests to the world's largest freshwater wetlands, these rich and diverse landscapes provide a sanctuary for Earth's greatest collection of plant and animal species. Jaguars, giant anteaters, capybara, scarlet macaws, pink dolphins and thousands of other unique creatures form Brazil’s unparalleled biodiversity.
Undeniably immense, and not only in the geographical sense, Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world and largest in the continent, dominating South America. It consists of the largest portion of the Amazon Jungle and River, and an Atlantic coastline spanning a staggering 7,500 kilometres. From gleaming stretches of sugar-white sand beaches to cascading waterfalls, verdant rainforests to the world's largest freshwater wetlands, these rich and diverse landscapes provide a sanctuary for Earth's greatest collection of plant and animal species and the perfect location for safari holidays. Jaguars, giant anteaters, capybara, scarlet macaws, pink dolphins and thousands of other unique creatures form Brazil’s unparalleled biodiversity on safari.
The Brazil Safari Experience
- Track Brazil's elusive jaguars through the Pantanal Floodplains.
- Make sightings of the Pantanal’s other wildlife, including eagles, macaws, jabiru storks, howler monkeys, tapirs, capybaras and giant river otters. Discover Brazil's Big Five.
- Embark on boat safaris down the winding Amazon.
- Help researchers place camera traps, study jaguar blood samples and track the cats using their GPS collars.
- Witness the thundering Iguassu Falls, including ‘The Devil’s Throat’
- Follow the expertise and receive expert photography coaching skills from Big Cat Specialist Steve Winter who will lead you on the prowl for your perfect jaguar shot
Brazil Safaris
From 10500 per person
The Icons of Brazil Safari
From the beaches of Rio and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, to tracking the majestic jaguar through the wilds of the Pantanal Wetlands, and finally witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of the world’s largest waterfall system, this safari allows you to experience three of the most enduring symbols of Brazil.
Brazil's Big 3: Cerrado, Amazon & Pantanal
On this safari you will visit 3 different biomes: the vast Pantanal, mighty Amazon and little-known Cerrado and have a good chance to spot iconic wildlife such as jaguars, maned wolves, giant river otters, tapir and giant anteaters.
Short North Pantanal Jaguar Safari
Jaguars are perhaps the most elusive of all the big cats, with most favouring dense jungle as their habitat. But in the Pantanal – the world’s largest wetland – these majestic felines depend on the waterways for survival, just as the rest of the wildlife does here. This is what makes the Pantanal the best place to see jaguars in the wild, as the cats can often be seen on riverbanks hunting for prey, taking a drink or resting in the shade. Swimming jaguars are also not an uncommon sight here! On this safari you’ll go where the jaguar goes, travelling and even sleeping on the rivers as you search for sign of the largest cat in the Americas. Along the way you’ll receive first-hand knowledge from guides who are experts in the flora and fauna of the region, embark on night drives looking for nocturnal creatures, and get to know the other colourful creatures that share this land with the jaguar.On this safari you’ll go where the jaguar goes, travelling and even sleeping on the rivers as you search for sign of the largest cat in the Americas.
Talk to a Brazil Destination Specialist
How much does Brazil Cost?
Typically, expect to budget around $14,000 per person for a 13-day safari in Brazil. For a shorter 5-day experience expect to budget $6,500 per person. With lodgings on land and on the rivers itself, you'll be well placed to make sightings of the largest cat in the Western Hemisphere.
When to Go to Brazil?
The best time to visit Brazil is really dependent on the wildlife you wish to see although the peak season is from December to February. As Brazil’s temperate climate means it is more than pleasant most of the year, some areas of the country with particular wildlife sightings are better at certain times. As Brazil is situated in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed, and makes for a perfect winter getaway for those living in the northern hemisphere. Read more on where to go.
Where to Stay in Brazil?
Brazil is home to a full range of accommodation types from homely pousadas to large-scale hotels, and the options will depend on the areas you are visiting. In the popular floodplains of the Pantanal you can enjoy floating eco lodges set within the heart of wildlife refuges, whilst in the Amazon you can enjoy remote bungalows and suites. Read more on where to stay.
Brazil Travel Inspo
Should I go to the Northern or Southern Pantanal?
Discover the difference between the northern and southern Pantanal and find out where suits you best.
Where is the best place to see Jaguars?
Find out the best places to spot jaguars in the wild and how to spot them on your safari
Uakari Floating Lodge
This eco lodge is located inside Brazil’s largest protected area, the Mamiraua Reserve, 90 mins in a motorized canoe from Tefe – getting there is most definitely part of the experience! The Reserve is a state conservation area, made up of channels, lakes and a seasonally flooded forest. The lodge’s 10 rustic apartments are equipped with terraces and en-suite bathrooms.
Brazil Safari Highlights
Client Reviews
Rated 4.8/5 based on 5 customer reviews
- —Gillian Barsley, Brazil: Amazon and Pantanal Adventure, Aug 2023
Tristan was very responsive and knowledgeable and created the trip exactly based on our requirements. The app is great very well designed.
- —Margery R, Brazil: Cerrado, Amazon and Pantanal Safari, June 2024
Lucie was always very helpful and quick to respond to my questions. Overall, just a wonderful experience. NWS's Destination Specialist really help top plan your trip with their hands on experience and knowledge of the country/region. Also, NWS focuses on wildlife and off the beaten track destinations.
- —Ysabelle T.
"Overall the trip was amazing and we enjoyed ourselves very much - most of our accommodations went out of their way to arrange something extra for our honeymoon! We'd love to travel with NWS again and we are already in touch for our next trip!"
- —Jaki. K
"Tristan was extremely helpful and made a special effort to get everything sorted for us quickly. He also provided lots of in-depth knowledge to help us know what to expect on our travels. We would love to travel with NWS again as we can rely on them to provide an excellent experience and adventure - every detail was taken care of!"
- —Barry S.
"This trip was a 10/10! We had a fabulous guide and a very experienced boat driver! The trip was even better than advertised, we were told the average number of jaguars seen is 2 a day however we spotted 17 in only 3 1/2 days! We also saw a giant anteater, a tapir, several pods of giant sea otters, two anacondas and over 100 species of bird - 93 which were new to me. I can unequivocally state that this place is truly wild, one of only 3 places I've been where I can say that. This was a wonderful experience and I'm so grateful my wife and I had the chance to go."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you see jaguars in Brazil?
The Pantanal wetlands are the best place in the world to see wild jaguars, particularly along riverbanks between June and October.
What wildlife can you see in the Pantanal?
The Pantanal hosts jaguars, giant otters, capybaras, caiman, macaws and hundreds of bird species.
When is the best time to visit the Pantanal?
The dry season (June–October) offers the best wildlife viewing as animals gather near water.
Is Brazil good for wildlife travel?
Brazil contains the Amazon rainforest, Pantanal wetlands and Atlantic Forest, making it one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
What animals live in the Amazon rainforest?
The Amazon supports jaguars, monkeys, sloths, pink river dolphins, macaws and thousands of bird species.
Can you see giant otters in Brazil?
Yes, the Pantanal is one of the best places to see giant river otters in the wild.
What is unique about Brazil’s wildlife?
Brazil has the largest biodiversity of any country on Earth, with more than 10% of the planet’s species.
Are wildlife tours in Brazil safe?
Guided tours with experienced naturalists ensure safe wildlife encounters in protected areas.
What national parks protect wildlife in Brazil?
Key reserves include Pantanal conservation areas, Amazon reserves, and Iguaçu National Park.
What accommodation is available in the Pantanal?
Visitors stay in wildlife lodges, riverfront ecolodges, and safari-style nature reserves.
Why Natural World Safari for your Brazil Safari?
Wildlife Specialists
Wildlife remains our primary focus and we ensure accommodation is carefully selected as the very best places to stay for front-row wildlife spectacles for the time of the year you are travelling.
Wealth of Experience
Our considerable wealth of experience and knowledge of Brazil has ensured a 100% jaguar sighting success rate over the last few years in each of our Brazil jaguar safaris.
Tailored Safaris
Share your interests with our Destination Specialists and we’ll connect you with expert local guides. Every safari is meticulously planned for seamless quality and service, with private transfers throughout.