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: $6,990/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 (July-November). Finish your trip with three days exploring the mesmerizing metropolis of Rio de Janeiro.
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We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.
At a glance
- Pantanal, Araras Eco Lodge
4 nights: explore one of the continent’s best places for wildlife viewing - Pantanal, Hotel Baiazinha
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.
Customize this trip
(800) 342-1796
Sample itinerary
Welcome to Cuiabá / Pantanal
Fly into Cuiabá, gateway to the Amazon and the Pantanal, where your private guide will welcome you to the country 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: Araras Eco Lodge
Araras Eco Lodge is located in the Pantanal, the world's largest continuous wetland. The rustic lodge offers 19 air conditioned rooms, a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, large verandas with hammocks, and a reading room. The lodge is well-situated for a variety of excursions in the Pantanal, including trekking, canoeing, bird-watching, horseback riding, truck photo-safaris, night tours, and more.
*Includes: DinnerGo in Search of Jaguars, Monkeys, Toucans, Macaws, Giant Anteaters, Tapir, and More
Your exact activities will vary, but the Araras Eco Lodge offers a variety of excursions to explore this natural ecosystem: hiking and trail walking, horseback riding, Jeep photo safaris, 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.
One of your days will include the Jaguar Express, a river safari that goes wildlife spotting with the special goal of finding Jaguars.
Travel Deeper Into the Wilderness
Journey deeper into the Pantanal, the world’s largest continuous wetland, traveling by land and boat. Your hotel is located on the bank of the Paraguay River, in an area home to a variety of unique wildlife.
Accommodations: Hotel Baiazinha
Situated on the banks of the Paraguay River near the remote Taiamã Ecological Station, the Hotel Baiazinha is about a 5 hour drive from Araras Lodge. The lodge will be your base for full-day excursions by boat to search for jaguars along the banks of the river, where you’ll also have the opportunity to see other wildlife such as river otters, birds, monkeys, caiman, and capybara. Baiazinha offers simple but comfortable air-conditioned rooms, a pool, a living room with games and hammocks, and a porch overlooking the river.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerJaguar Spotting in the Pantanal
Spend these days exploring the Taiamã Ecological Reserve and the banks and channels of the Paraguay River, looking for the jaguars and other wildlife that make their home in this area.
Fly to Rio de Janeiro
Fly to Rio, a coastal metropolis, where your private guide will take you to your hotel on Copacabana 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 Ipanema and Leblon.
Accommodations: Porto Bay Rio
With panoramic views of the Sugarloaf, Corcovado and the Copacabana beachfront, and a bar with live bossa nova music, Porto Bay offers everything you'd want in a Rio hotel. Guests enjoy buffet breakfasts, late afternoon tropical cocktails, and international cuisine at the hotel restaurant. For your beach time, the hotel management provides towels, umbrellas and beach chairs. Treat yourself to a late afternoon tropical cocktail at the hotel bar, then take a short walk to Rio's famous clubs, shops and restaurants.
*Includes: BreakfastUpgrade available: Belmond Copacabana Palace, 5 star luxury
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.
Time to Relax and Explore Rio; Cable Ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain
After a relaxed morning on your own, head up Sugar Loaf Mountain on a cable car for privileged views of Guanabara Bay, Corcovado, Rio-Niteroi Bridge, Santa Cruz Fortress, and the glittering scenery of Rio.
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.
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.
Why Travel with Vaya?
We're TRUE specialists
We’ve not only traveled there, we’ve lived there. Our smart and engaging specialists are all current or former expatriates with years of experience in the region.
Uplifting service
From the first phone call to after you get back, we're here for you every step of the way. We listen, create, customize and advocate for you, and design experiences that go beyond the expected.
Thoughtful travel
Our discerning sensibility and good taste go beyond just choices in hotels and top guides; we have a walk the walk commitment to the environment and are genuine leaders in conservation efforts.