Brazil: Pantanal Safari - June 2026
Dates: June 4-18, 2026
Leader: David Ascanio
E-bird
Total Species: 231 birds
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Overall Summary
Brazil’s Big Five and 230+ Birds in the Largest Wetland on Planet Earth
We left Cuiabá behind and traveled south toward Poconé and the famous Transpantaneira. As the landscape opened into grasslands, the Pantanal gradually revealed itself. Greater Rheas wandered through the grasslands, introducing us to the wildlife that would accompany us throughout the trip. Crossing the entrance to the Transpantaneira felt like stepping into a different world, one shaped by untouched nature. Before the day ended, we enjoyed our first mammal encounter: an Ocelot that appeared quietly before us at a blind!
At SouthWild Santa Tereza Ranch, dawns were filled with parrots overhead and regular visits from Bare-faced Curassows at the lodge. Birding along roadsides and in river forests produced Rusty-backed Antwren and Chotoy Spinetail, as well as Pale-crested Woodpecker.
We continued deeper into the region, heading toward Porto Jofre and Jaguarland. Along the way, Southern Screamer, Snail Kite, and Bat Falcon added to our growing list. Reaching the floating hotel on the Cuiabá River marked the beginning of a new chapter. Over the following days, the rivers became our roads, and jaguars became a regular part of daily life.
The first jaguar sightings came quickly: a female resting openly along the Corixo Negro. Each day brought new encounters, including the well-known Patricia and, later, Amber with her two cubs. Watching these cats in their natural environment was a reminder of the conservation efforts that have allowed their populations to remain wild.
Yet Jaguarland offered far more than jaguars. River Otters entertained us while Black Howler Monkeys called from the forests. A rattlesnake crossed the river before our eyes, while Black-fronted Nunbird, Lesser Kiskadee, herons, and egrets accompanied us everywhere. One evening at Mangueiral Lodge, after searching unsuccessfully for a Maned Wolf, we were setting up for dinner when the animal finally appeared. The sighting became one of those moments that everyone would remember long after the trip ended.
Returning to the upper Pantanal, we continued exploring gallery forests and wetlands. Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Russet-crowned Crake, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, Nanday Parakeet, and a pair of Sunbitterns highlighted our final birding days. Mammals remained part of the story as well, with Marsh Deer and Pampas Deer appearing before our eyes. Hundreds of Nacunda Nighthawks resting across the grasslands also created one of the most impressive spectacles of the tour. Soon afterward came another iconic Pantanal moment: close views of Hyacinth Macaws at a nesting site, allowing everyone to appreciate one of South America’s most celebrated birds.
The journey concluded as it began, with one final surprise. Before sunrise on our last morning, we were rewarded with views of two Giant Anteaters. It was a fitting farewell to a land that had exceeded expectations.
From Jaguars to Hyacinth Macaws and Giant Anteaters, the Pantanal revealed its many faces. Equally important were the shared experiences that transformed a wildlife tour into a lasting memory. The Pantanal once again proved why it remains one of the world’s great natural treasures.
Day-by-Day Summary
June 5 - Cuiabá
Our Pantanal adventure began in Cuiabá, where the group gathered for a traditional Brazilian churrascaria dinner. It was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the start of the journey, and look forward to the wildlife encounters awaiting us.
June 6 - Cuiabá to Santa Tereza
After breakfast, we traveled toward Poconé and entered the Pantanal via the famous Transpantaneira Highway. Greater Rheas provided our first wildlife sightings as wetlands and grasslands stretched before us. The day concluded with outstanding views of an Ocelot at a wildlife blind.
June 7 - SouthWild Santa Tereza Ranch
Parrots flying overhead and Bare-faced Curassow welcomed us to our first full day in the Pantanal. Birding around the ranch produced Rusty-backed Antwren and Chotoy Spinetail. During an afternoon boat trip on the Casange River, highlights included Pale-crested Woodpecker, and a brief view of a Collared Forest-Falcon.
June 8 - Into Jaguarland
An impressive dawn with more than 100 Turquoise-fronted Parrots flying set the tone for the day. We traveled to Porto Jofre, adding Bat Falcon, Southern Screamer, and numerous Snail Kites. From there, we boarded boats and settled into our floating hotel in Jaguarland.
June 9 - Jaguarland
Our first morning on the rivers produced exceptional views “Thera” resting openly along the Corixo Negro, followed by another jaguar concealed among the grasses. The afternoon brought Black-fronted Nunbirds, Lesser Kiskadees, Black Howler Monkeys, and a another Pantanal sunset as whistling-ducks moved to their evening roosts.
June 10 - Meeting of the Waters State Park
The day began with views of Patricia, one of Jaguarland’s best-known female jaguars. Birding produced Striped Cuckoo and concentrations of waterbirds. Along the Piquiri River we observed a rattlesnake swimming across the channel. The day ended with Maned Wolf appearing after sunset.
June 11 - Three Brothers and Piquiri Rivers
Today, we witnessed River Otter courtship and found a Brazilian Porcupine. Also, enjoyed more jaguar encounters, including Amber and her two cubs. One cub was named Olivia (or Oliver) in honor of our local guide Kike’s daughter.
June 12 - Return to the Upper Pantanal
We said farewell to Jaguarland and returned toward SouthWild. Along the Transpantaneira, Limpkins, and flocks of seedeaters accompanied our journey through the wetlands.
June 13-15 - Upper Pantanal and Piuval Ranch
Back at SouthWild, Planalto Slaty-Antshrike, Red-billed Scythebill, and Green-and-rufous Kingfisher highlighted our birding. Additional specialties included Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Russet-crowned Crake, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, Nanday Parakeet, and Pampas Deer. At Piuval Ranch, we admired 180+ Nacunda Nighthawks and enjoyed close views of Hyacinth Macaws at a nesting site.
June 16 - Farewell to the Pantanal
Our final morning delivered one last prize: Giant Anteater! Also, Long-billed Antwren and Dusky-capped Flycatcher. The tour concluded with remarkable wildlife encounters, excellent birding, memorable boat excursions, and sightings of Brazil’s celebrated Big Five—Jaguar, Ocelot, Giant Otter, Brazilian Tapir, and Giant Anteater—leaving us with lasting memories of the world’s greatest wetland.
Wildlife Seen:
Six-banded (Yellow) Armadillo, Euphractus sexcinctus
Giant Anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Black-tailed Marmoset, Mico melanurus
Brown (or Tufted) Capuchin, Sapajus apella
Black Howler Monkey, Alouatta caraya
Brazilian Porcupine, Coendou prehensilis
Brazilian Guinea Pig, Cavia aperea
Capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
Azara’s Agouti, Dasyprocta azarae
Long-nosed Bat, Rhynchonycteris naso
Greater Bulldog Bat, Noctilio leporinus
Ocelot, Leopardus pardalis
Jaguar, Panthera onca
Crab-eating (Savanna) Fox, Cerdocyon thous
Giant Otter, Pteronura brasiliensis
Brazilian Tapir, Tapirus terrestris
Marsh Deer, Blastocerus dichotomus
Amazonian Brown Brocket Deer, Mazama nemorivaga
Pampas Deer, Ozotoceros bezoarticus
Yacare Caiman, Caiman yacare
Ameiva Lizard, Ameiva ameiva
Black-and-white Tegu, Salvator merianae
Iguana, Iguana iguana
Yellow Anaconda, Eunectes notaeus
South American Rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus terrificus
Mato Grosso Snouted Tree Frog, Scinax acuminatos
Whipsnale, Chironius sp.