Diverse wildlife in the Amazon

Jaguar Spotting Tour Plus Rio De Janeiro

See one of the world's most majestic, iconic and elusive animals in the wild; plus 3 nights in Rio

Days: 11 | From: $13,350/per person

  • Includes accommodations at first class hotels that reflect the best of local culture
  • Includes excursions and tours with superb private guides

This region of Brazil has become famous for the high likelihood of jaguar sightings from July to November. Finish your trip with three days exploring the mesmerizing metropolis of Rio de Janeiro.

Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

5-Star Reviews

We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • São Paulo
    1 night: get a taste of Brazilian culture in this vibrant city
  • Pantanal, Aymara Lodge
    3 nights: explore one of the continent’s best places for wildlife viewing
  • Pantanal, Hotel Pantanal Norte
    3 nights: make daily expeditions in search of jaguars
  • Rio de Janeiro
    3 nights: visit the beaches of this sparkling coastal metropolis

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to São Paulo

Arrive to São Paulo, one of Brazil’s most vibrant and populous cities. Home to a number of cultural institutions and iconic architectural gems, the city is also considered one of the gastronomy centers of the world. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, located near some of São Paulo’s top attractions. Depending on your arrival time, we can arrange a culinary or cultural tour, or you may choose just to relax and take in the city on your own.

Accommodations: L’Hotel PortoBay

L'Hotel PortoBay is located just off the well-known Avenida Paulista and close to the best of the city’s restaurants, bars, museums and designer stores, giving you a central location without the bustle of the main avenue. The hotel has 84 rooms, a restaurant, spa, indoor heated pool, gym, lounge, and bar.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 2: Fly to Cuiabá and the Pantanal

Fly into Cuiabá, gateway to the Amazon and the Pantanal, where your private guide will welcome you and take you to your lodge. Arrive to your rustic but comfortable lodge, and enjoy a briefing with your guides to go over your excursion options for the following days.

Accommodations: Aymara Lodge , 3 nights

This rustic lodge is located in the northern side of the Pantanal. Developed to be an eco-friendly lodge where travelers can experience the surrounding nature, Aymara was built using local materials and furnished with comfortable basics. The restaurant has a panoramic window looking into the forest, and the lodge also features a bar and an outdoor pool.

*Includes: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 3-4: Go in Search of Jaguars, Monkeys, Toucans, Macaws, Giant Anteaters, Tapir, and More

A Toco Toucan  (Ramphastos toco) perched on a branch tossing food into it's mouth, against a blurred natural background, Pantanal, Brazil

Your exact activities will vary, but the Aymara Lodge offers a variety of excursions to explore this natural ecosystem: hiking and trail walking, horseback riding, canoeing, and more. The Pantanal is one of the best places in South America for wildlife viewing, and your guides will help you spot the local species and make the most of your time.

During your time here you will also set out in search of the jaguars who make their home in this area.

Accommodations: Aymara Lodge , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Travel Deeper Into the Wilderness

Journey deeper into the Pantanal, the world’s largest continuous wetland. Your hotel is located on the bank of the Cuiabá River in the Porto Jofre region, an excellent area for bird watching and the observation of jaguars and other mammals.

Accommodations: Hotel Pantanal Norte , 3 nights

Located on the Cuiabá River, the Hotel Pantanal Norte is in the Porto Jofre region, an excellent area for bird watching and the observation of jaguars and other mammals. The hotel has 28 air-conditioned rooms, speedboats for sport fishing and wildlife observation tours, a restaurant featuring regional dishes, a games room with billiard table, and an outdoor pool. The hotel can be reached by road, by boat, or by flying over the Pantanal into the hotel’s private landing strip.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-7: Jaguar Spotting in the Pantanal

Jaguar in the Pantanal, Brazil

Spend these days searching for jaguars and other wildlife that make their home in this area.

Accommodations: Hotel Pantanal Norte , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Fly to Rio de Janeiro

Take a private charter flight to Cuiaba and connect to Rio de Janeiro. When you arrive to this coastal metropolis, your private guide will take you to your hotel on Ipanema Beach. This is one of the best locations in the city; many of Rio’s best restaurants, boutiques, and cafes are located here and in neighboring Copacabana and Leblon.

Accommodations: Hotel Arpoador , 3 nights

The Hotel Arpoador is located right on Ipanema Beach, close to the city's main attractions. Enjoy the hotel's excellent restaurant and rooftop pool and lounge, overlooking Ipanema Beach and Rio's sparkling coastline.

*Includes: Breakfast

Upgrade available:
Belmond Copacabana Palace , 5 star luxury

Day 9: Cristo Redentor and Historic Santa Teresa

Get to know beautiful Rio with your private local guide. Head to the top of Corcovado Mountain to the iconic Cristo Redentor statue, where you can take in one of the best views in the world. Afterward, visit the Tijuca Forest National Park, the largest urban forest in the world. Drive through the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood, filled with mansions dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and see Rio’s bustling downtown.

Accommodations: Hotel Arpoador , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Time to Relax and Explore Rio

Enjoy a relaxed day on your own in beautiful Rio. You may want to lounge on one of the spectacular beaches, people-watch on the avenida, or take a cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain for privileged views of Guanabara Bay, Corcovado, Rio-Niteroi Bridge, Santa Cruz Fortress, and the glittering scenery of Rio.

Accommodations: Hotel Arpoador , 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 11: Depart for Home or Your Next Destination

Today you will say goodbye to your local guide and head to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Take in a samba show in Rio; we’ll arrange an evening at one of our local favorites, an intimate and authentic venue.

  • Hike with your private guide up Tijuca Peak, the highest peak in Rio, for rewarding views of the city and coastline.

  • Enjoy a private tour of Rio’s street art, learning about the history and politics of this unique art form.

  • Include some downtime for rest and relaxation! Some free time to unwind or have a massage will allow you to feel refreshed and ready for the remainder of your trip. Many of our properties include excellent spas or wellness centers. We can help arrange these services or include properties that offer health & wellness amenities.

  • Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Contact Us +1 (800) 342-1796

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