Pantanal - Wildlife Photography Masterclass Expedition

Some 350 species of birds have been logged in the area around the lodge, including some very rare ones. The birds that gave their name to the lodge are in abundance, toco, channel-billed and red-breasted toucans, plus spot-billed and saffron toucanets to colour your photos and films. Tanagers including the green-headed and red-necked versions are also regular visitors, with many more frequently seen. Trogon, euphonia, cotinga... and creepers galore on the many trunks. Seabirds and raptors are also seen in the area, which has far more than rainforest species. The chance to spot the rare jacutinga, the black-fronted piping-guan, brings many serious birders to the lodge.

Overnight at Trilha dos Tucanos.

After flying to Cuiabá, the capital of Mato Grosso state in Brazil, you will be met at the airport for the 3 hour drive to Aymara Pantanal Lodge close to Pocone in the Northern Pantanal. From the Transpantaneira Highway, the raised dirt road, it is easy to spot wildlife on the surrounding savannah and in the waters. The largest rodent in the world, the capybara, is especially visible, as are caiman alligators, the largest reptile in South America. The end of your day is then free to relax, enjoy your surroundings and watch your first sunset as flocks of birds wheel around in the sky. You could also paddle a canoe on the waters, taking in the scenery before you return for dinner.

Overnight at Aymara Pantanal Lodge.

Aymara Pantanal Lodge was set up by Brazilian biologists to give an excellent base from which to explore the largest contiguous wetlands on earth in the most sustainable and ecofriendly way. One morning activity per day is included with more for the afternoons possible to arrange in advance or at the lodge. Possibilities usually include boat rides along the rivers, creeks and channels of the area, sometimes in canoes which are poled through the shallow waters, giving closer and quieter access to wildlife. Savannah hikes also allow you to feel the Pantanal for yourselves. Horse-riding as well is a popular activity, with four wheels also taking you out at night.

Overnight at Aymara Pantanal Lodge.

Aymara Pantanal Lodge was set up by Brazilian biologists to give an excellent base from which to explore the largest contiguous wetlands on earth in the most sustainable and ecofriendly way. One morning activity per day is included with more for the afternoons possible to arrange in advance or at the lodge. The Pantanal boasts the highest concentration of fauna on the planet with 698 bird species, 80 mammals, 260 fish species and 50 reptiles so far, some rare, many numerous. Tapir, giant and collared anteater, armadillo, peccaries and coatis are found on the savannah and riverbanks. Capuchin and squirrel monkeys, and the fabulous sloth spend their days high in the trees, avoiding predators below.

Overnight at Aymara Pantanal Lodge.

Observing the Big Cats of the Pantanal such as the puma and ocelot need a little more luck, while the chances to see the rare and elusive jaguar can be increased with a full day extra trip another 140km down the Transpantaneira to the Tres Irmaos River. The jaguar is an umbrella species, so that when conservation projects preserve the habitat of the creature, many other creatures benefit as a result. This area of the Pantanal is one of the finest to observe other large mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and boats can approach to close distances without disturbing the wildlife, including giant otter and tapir.

Overnight at Aymara Pantanal Lodge.

Aymara is owned and staffed by people who love to photograph birds, and in this world-class birding destination, your local guide will have all the knowledge and experience you need to help you log the species that are on your bucket list. Your first sightings are likely to include the hyacinth maca couple that have made their home at the lodge, and soundtrack your stay. Other macaws, parrots and parakeets colour the skies, with egrets, Jabiru stork, striated heron, roseate spoonbill and ibis among the larger avians. Purple gallinule, blue-crowned trogon and many kingfishers are found amongst the vegetation, while on top of empty trunks, you might be able to spot the magnificent potoo hiding in plain sight!

Overnight at Aymara Pantanal Lodge.

Aymara Lodge boasts a strategic location for wildlife photography, situated between native vegetation and a Pantanal creek. Many creatures make their way through the lodge grounds, passing between the buildings to get to and from the water. Many can be seen from your room or from your veranda, including capuchin and howler monkeys; crab-eating fox; coati; agouti; cottontail rabbit; curassow; plus the hyacinth and caninde macaws. You don't have to venture out from the lodge every day, with plenty of opportunities for encounters with these animals without leaving the grounds. In the morning you transfer back to the airport in Cuiaba to fly to Sao Paulo, transferring immediately to your nearby airport hotel.

Overnight at Sleep Inn Guarulhos.

Your international flight home leaves from the main airport in Sao Paulo, the end of a wonderful wildlife adventure in Brazil, or we can extend your trip to visit places such as the Amazon Rainforest or Iguazu Falls. The country and the continent do have plenty more options though should you wish to return, with the maned wolf of Santuario do Caraça; pink Amazon River Dolphins and manatee close to Manaus; puma hunting guanaco in Torres del Paine; spectacled bears near Machu Picchu... Many of our wonderful tourism destinations have their own distinct wildlife options nearby too, and we hope that you will come back to explore more of them with Brazil Adventure Tours!