This tour takes you away from the usual routes, further into the pantanal to explore the Pantanal de Caceres, one of the rarely traveled parts of the North Pantanal wilderness. The region is one of the world's richest natural reserve and a migratory stopover for ibis, ducks, storks, herons, egrets and many other species. It has a diverse variety of ecosystems including, savanna lowlands and grasslands, seasonal wetlands, some beautiful lakes, rich forest areas, the Paraguay river, and the Estaçao Ecologica Taiama ( protected park ) .The park has the highest density of Jaguar population in the entire Brazilian Pantanal.

Along this tour you will stay at two different lodges: the Wilderness Lodge and the Jaguar Trackers Floating lodge.The Wilderness Lodge is located 320 km from Cuiaba, and 100 km from the city of Caceres, totally off the beaten path, far away from the main tourist places and crowds. Here the wildlife of the Pantanal comes right up to your door allowing you to appreciate its riches at first hand, and the opportunities for nature observation, birding, wildlife viewing and photography are endless! The Wilderness lodge is an authentic fazenda in operation for more than 100 years, it has been opened for visitors on 2009. The second accommodation to explore the region is the Jaguar Trackers Floating lodge, this is a houseboat anchored on the Paraguay River in the vicinity of northern end of the Taiama Reserve.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
· Spectacular wildlife viewing & superb birds.
· Wildlife Cruise at Jauru river.
· Watch and photograph the Vitória lilies, giant aquatic plants.
· Giant river otters photography at Paraguay river

Departures
Our trips are completely tailor-made and departures can be arranged all year. This itinerary is simply a suggestion which can be modified entirely to your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used and how long you spend in the area.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUIABA – PANTANAL DE CACERES (Jaguar Trackers Floating lodge)
Reception at Cuiaba airport, drive to Cáceres, then travel by boat along the Paraguay river into the Jaguar Trackers Floating lodge . Have lunch along the way. The Paraguay River offers excellent opportunities to spot a variety of birds, including egrets, herons, storks, ibises, lapwings, hawks, toucans, and kingfishers, as well as other wildlife. You can admire the flora and fauna, stopping on the way to film or take photographs. Arrive at the Floating lodge late in the afternoon. The Jaguar Trackers floating lodge is a houseboat anchored on the Paraguay River in the vicinity of northern end of the Taiama Reserve, a remote Pantanal hotspot for jaguar viewing. After dinner go for a night safari by boat in search for nocturnal wildlife, looking for foxes, crab-eating raccoons, owls, jaguars, ocelots, and other night wildlife. Overnight at Jaguar Trackers Floating lodge. L, D.

DAY 2: JAGUAR & WILDLIFE CRUISE / PARAGUAY RIVER & TAIAMÂ ECOLOGICAL STATION
After breakfast take a boat trip along the Paraguay River in search for jaguars, giant river otters, anacondas, tapirs and other wildlife. Today you will spend 6–8 hours on the river looking for jaguars; you will also travel around the Taiama Ecological Station (11,200 hectares), an island located on the Paraguay River. This region is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Brazil, and it has the highest density of jaguar population in the entire Pantanal. The jaguars frequently hunt caimans by day along the riverbanks. Here you have a great chance of spotting jaguars, many of them at very close range for extended periods, especially from mid-June to mid-November. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch while anchored along the river with plenty of opportunities to take a safe bathroom break on the beaches as necessary. Return to the floating lodge late in the afternoon for dinner and overnight. B, L, D.

DAY 3: JAGUAR PHOTO EXPEIDITONS / PARAGUAY RIVER
Morning and afternoon boat trips (you will spend 4–5 hours on the river each time). Travel both up- and downriver from the Floating lodge, exploring a labyrinth of rivers and lakes along the Paraguay river. Here you have great chance of spotting jaguars, many of them at very close range for extended periods, especially from mid-June to mid-November. This area has the highest density of jaguar population in the entire Brazilian Pantanal. You will also see other wildlife, including giant river otters, anacondas, caimans, capybaras, and many bird species. Spend overnight at the Fazenda Conceiçao lodge. You will also take night boat trips to look for jaguars with spotlights. B, L, D.

DAY 4: PARAGUAY RIVER – WILDERNESS LODGE
After an early brakfast, depart by boat and travel upstream along the paraguay river, then cotinue by car further 100 km along a hidden trail, with stops along the way for bird and wildlife viewing, including: capybaras, deer, coatis, rheas, toucans, macaws, hawks, snakes, monkeys and other wildlife. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. After lunch we will take a Nature walk through the woods to learn more about the local environment and to see more wildlife, inlcuding : toucans, parrots, macaws, coati and capybaras, howler monkeys, Greter rheas, storks, and many others. Return to the lodge for dinner. After dinner go out for a night excursion with spotlights in open vehicles to look for nocturnal creatures. Overnight at Wilderness Lodge.

DAY 5 – OFF THE BEATEN PATH EXPLORATIONS
Full day dedicated to observing the Pantanal's flora and fauna. Early morning walk in the forest, looking for birds and other wildlife. After breakfast your guide will lead you on a horseback ride to continue exploring the forest and grasslands to spot animals and birds, including rheas, marsh deer, armadillos, storks, coatis, capybaras, hyacinth macaws, howler monkeys, and dozens of other animals and birds. Return to lodge for lunch. Afternoon safari by open truck, exploring remoter areas to see more elusive wildlife; along the way pass several ecosystems, keeping your eyes peeled for endangered marsh deer, South American coati, anaconda, giant anteater, toco toucans, tapirs, armadillos, hyacinth macaws, maned wolf, and a host of other animals and birds. Return to the Fazenda late in the evening for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: OFF THE BEATEN PATH EXPLORATIONS
Full day 4WD wilderness explorations. Today travel farther off the beaten track, deeper into the Pantanal, where few others go. You will be unlikely to encounter anyone other than pantanerios working on isolated farms. The region is a particularly good area for tapirs, maned wolf, giant anteaters, armadillos, howler monkeys, hyacinth macaws, toucans, capybaras, lizards, deer, and other elusive wildlife. After dinner go out for a night excursion with spotlights in open vehicles to look for nocturnal creatures; you have great chances of spotting jaguars, pumas and ocelots. Overnight at Pantanal Wilderness Lodge.

DAY 7: PANTANAL TO CUIABA
After an early breakfast Fo for a walking safari to continue exploring this incredible area teeming with wildlife. Look for anteaters, armadillos, tapirs, peccaries, coati, lizards, snakes, monkeys, toucans, falcons, storks, macaws, parrots and other wild animals. After lunch travel back to Cuiaba , end of our services.

Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, group decisions & desires, and circumstances beyond our control.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
JAGUAR TRACKER FLOATING LODGE
The Jaguar Trackers floating lodge is a houseboat anchored on the Paraguay River in the vicinity of northern end of the Taiama Reserve. There is a dining area, bathrooms, a kitchen and radios, as well an upper sun deck. There is an electric generator that runs at night and again at midday for air conditioning and battery recharging. There are 5 rooms (double occupancy). Single cabins can be booked at no extra charge. This Floating lodge is the ideal place for travelers who seek tranquility and intimacy.

WILDERNESS LODGE / FAZENDA SANTA LUCIA
This rustic yet comfortable pantaneiro-style lodge has 4 guest rooms with ceiling fans and air-conditioning, as well as screened-in windows providing fresh air. There are shared bathroom facilities nearby (2 bathrooms, 3 shower facilities with hot water). The main house has a nice varanda and common areas for relaxation. There is also satellite TV, wireless Internet access, and telephone service. Finally, there is an open, family-style kitchen/dining area that faces a beautiful lake filled with caiman and other local wildlife.

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