Jaguars of the Wild Pantanal

Your journey begins with a scenic private transfer from Campo Grande to the Caiman Ecological Refuge, a drive of approximately four hours that offers your first glimpses of the Pantanal’s diverse and vibrant landscapes. Upon arrival at Casa Caiman, an exclusive safari-style lodge nestled within a pioneering private conservation reserve, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and a short orientation from your naturalist guide.

In the late afternoon, set out on your first open-jeep safari through the wetlands, scanning for caimans, capybaras, deer, and a kaleidoscope of birdlife. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner, followed by an optional nocturnal spotlight safari, a chance to witness the Pantanal’s wildlife as it comes alive after dark.

Meals: Dinner

Begin your day with an early morning 4WD safari, when wildlife is most active and the soft light is perfect for photography. Your expert guide will help you spot elusive creatures such as giant anteaters, ocelots, and howler monkeys, alongside vibrant birds like toucans, macaws, jabirus, and hawks.

After breakfast at the lodge, enjoy some leisure time by the pool or relax in a hammock, soaking in the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, embark on a peaceful Canadian canoe ride along the reserve’s waterways. Glide silently through the wetlands, watching for giant river otters and flocks of jabirus silhouetted against the sky.

Return to Casa Caiman for dinner, followed by an evening of conversation and storytelling with the researchers and conservationists who call the lodge home.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. 

Today is devoted to the Pantanal’s most iconic and elusive predator - the jaguar. This region offers some of the best opportunities worldwide to observe these majestic cats in the wild, with sightings both frequent and unforgettable. Your day includes three wildlife excursions, morning, afternoon, and evening, to maximise your chances of spotting jaguars, especially during their nocturnal activity. Meals will be enjoyed at the lodge between outings, ensuring a comfortable yet immersive experience.

Join the Onçafari Project team for a full day of jaguar tracking and conservation. Accompanied by expert guides and researchers, travel by 4WD deep into jaguar territory. Using camera trap data, tracking techniques, and satellite signals, follow the movements of these remarkable cats. When conditions allow, you may track on foot and review camera trap footage captured just hours before.

Visit the Onçafari base station for an insightful presentation on the project’s mission, research, and conservation impact. Learn about their vital work protecting jaguars, promoting responsible ecotourism, and reintroducing rescued jaguars into the wild.

As a leading force in jaguar conservation, Onçafari not only supports the species’ survival but also helps preserve the Pantanal’s rich biodiversity for generations to come.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your morning with a guided walk through nearby forest trails, where you may spot monkeys, armadillos, and a dazzling variety of butterflies. Afterwards, choose to relax at the lodge or take an optional horseback ride (additional cost) with local pantaneiro cowboys, a unique chance to experience the region’s rich ranching heritage and enjoy the landscape from a new perspective.

In the afternoon, explore at your leisure or join a casual birdwatching session with your guide. As the day winds down, embark on a scenic canoe ride or a short sunset drive to a lookout, where golden light bathes the floodplains in a magical glow.

Return to Casa Caiman for a special farewell dinner, celebrating Pantanal culture, its distinctive cuisine, and your unforgettable journey in the wild.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a peaceful morning with a final stroll around the lodge’s grounds, where wildlife sightings may still surprise you. After breakfast, embark on your private transfer back to Campo Grande, carrying with you lasting memories of the Pantanal’s wild beauty and the vital conservation efforts you supported during your stay.

Meals: Breakfast

Note: This is a sample itinerary. Activities at Casa Caiman may vary due to weather conditions and seasonal changes between the Wet and Dry Seasons.