Chapada dos Guimarães and Pantanal Birds and Jaguars
Combine Cerrado birding in Chapada dos Guimarães with the Transpantaneira, Porto Jofre boat outings and the Pixaim River, searching for Hyacinth Macaw, waterbirds and Jaguars.
About this tour
Begin in the Cerrado of Chapada dos Guimarães before descending into the wetlands of the Pantanal. This route connects two contrasting birding landscapes: dry woodland and scrub near sandstone cliffs, followed by roadside pools, rivers and lodge grounds reached along the Transpantaneira. Short walks and regular stops keep the emphasis on observation, while boat excursions provide another way to search for birds and mammals.
The first two nights are spent near Chapada dos Guimarães National Park. Birding here includes open-country specialties and visits to the waterfall area, with Horned Sungem among the species sought. The route then turns toward Poconé and follows the Transpantaneira into the wetlands. Waterbirds, kingfishers and raptors make the roadside pools and channels worthwhile places to pause rather than simply pass through.
Three nights at Hotel Porto Jofre anchor the river section. Two full days of boat outings concentrate on Jaguars and other wildlife, with morning and afternoon sessions separated by lunch at the lodge. Giant River Otters and Capybaras are further possibilities, while terns, skimmers, kingfishers and riverside birds maintain the birding focus. Wildlife observations depend on conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
The final lodge stay adds a Pixaim River boat excursion and more local birding, including a search for Hyacinth Macaw. The scheduled July program is designed for a maximum of eight participants with a local bilingual birding guide. Expect warm conditions, midday breaks and accommodation with en-suite rooms. The arrangement includes ground travel, full board and the specified boat activities; flights are separate. Finish with a return transfer to Cuiabá Airport.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Brazil.
Itinerary
Day 1
Cuiabá to Chapada dos Guimarães
Meet the local guide at Cuiabá Airport at 10:00 and drive approximately 90 minutes to the Chapada area. Begin birding around the sandstone scenery, looking for macaws and Cerrado species. Spend the first of two nights here.
Day 2
Cerrado and the waterfall area
Spend the morning searching dry woodland and scrub for Cerrado birds. Break for lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the Bridal’s Veil Waterfall area for further birding around the cliffs. Return to the hotel later in the afternoon.
Day 3
Enter the Pantanal
Travel toward Poconé and begin following the Transpantaneira. Stop at pools and channels to scan for waterbirds, raptors and kingfishers. Check into the first wetland lodge, about ten kilometres along the road, and explore nearby habitats.
Day 4
Lodge grounds and fragmented forest
Try a walk before dawn for Giant Anteater, then return for breakfast. Spend the day birding near the lodge and in surrounding forest patches, with lunch and a rest during the hottest hours. A night drive may follow if conditions are suitable.
Day 5
Birding the road to Porto Jofre
Continue to the end of the Transpantaneira, stopping repeatedly for birds and mammals. Roadside habitats offer a changing selection of waterbirds, woodpeckers and kingfishers. Arrive at Hotel Porto Jofre for a three-night stay.
Day 6
First full river day
Take morning and afternoon boat outings to search for Jaguars, otters and riverside birds. Return to the lodge for lunch between sessions. Look along the banks and over the water for skimmers, terns and other wetland species.
Day 7
A second day by boat
Explore the river again with two further boat sessions, allowing more time for wildlife encounters and photography. Lunch is back at the lodge. Later observations may include nighthawks flying above the water.
Day 8
Return along the Transpantaneira
Retrace the road toward the final lodge, making birding stops on the way. Spend the afternoon looking around the new base, where Hyacinth Macaw is among the main targets. Remain here for the last two nights.
Day 9
Pixaim River and local birding
Take a morning boat ride on the Pixaim River, looking for otters, Sungrebe and birds along the banks. Return for lunch, then explore nearby habitats on land during the afternoon. The boat excursion also offers chances to photograph birds in flight.
Day 10
Final birding and Cuiabá departure
Use any available early time for a last look around the lodge. Return toward Cuiabá after breakfast, with the scheduled tour finishing at the airport at 14:00. Arrange onward flights around the confirmed transfer time.
Locations & map
- Chapada dos Guimarães National Park - Brazil
- Poconé and Transpantaneira - Brazil
- Porto Jofre - Brazil
- Pixaim River - Brazil
Availability & pricing
Price: Price on request
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Birding excursions with a local bilingual guide
- Ground transportation between Cuiabá Airport and the itinerary sites
- Shared twin/double rooms with private bathrooms and full board
- Lunch on July 6 through lunch on July 15, 2027
- Mineral water in the vehicle
- Two full boat days, one additional river outing and an open-truck ride
Not included
- Flights and any airport taxes
- Drinks; food outside the included dates and meals
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and personal purchases
Transport & stays
- Road travel, boats and open-truck outing Airport transfers and the full Transpantaneira route, two full days by boat at Porto Jofre, one Pixaim-area river trip and an open-truck ride. | Meet: Cuiabá Airport (CGB)
Accommodations
- Chapada dos Guimarães accommodation (days 1-2) Two nights near the national park, in shared rooms with private bathrooms.
- Transpantaneira lodge (days 3-4) Lodge near the beginning of the Transpantaneira; en-suite twin or double sharing accommodation.
- Hotel Porto Jofre (days 5-7) Three-night base for two full days of river excursions.
- Final Pantanal lodge (days 8-9) Two-night base for the Pixaim River and nearby birding; en-suite twin or double sharing accommodation.
Policies & FAQ
Payment Terms
How much walking is involved?
The program generally uses short walks near the vehicle, roadside birding and boat excursions. Midday lodge breaks are included on the two full river days.
Are Jaguar sightings certain?
No. River outings provide time to search, but Jaguars and all other wildlife move freely and sightings cannot be promised.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.