HIGHLIGHTS

The world-famous Pantanal offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Photo Quest Adventures will take their photographers to the Jaguar Kingdom into the depths of Pantanal, in search of this elusive cat along the rivers.

We have timed this Quest for the dry season, so birds are concentrated in the areas where there is still standing water. The feeding frenzies of hundreds of herons, ibis, storks, terns, screamers, jacanas, vying with dozens of hungry caiman offer truly unforgettable spectacles and amazing photo-ops. Join our small group wildlife photography tour as we seek opportunities to photograph wild Jaguars, birds and other animals native to the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands.

Most of the jaguar photography will occur from our small, speedboats where we'll have only three photographers per boat to get us to the jaguar action quickly with space for gear and room to get great images.
We will be cruising the shorelines of the major rivers and the side channels, where jaguars may be resting, hunting, or lying about in the brush or under a tree. Boats are always out on the river searching and when a jaguar is spotted our boats will be alerted and we'll head to the jaguar.
You will have an amazing experience filling up your camera with breathtaking photographs of the wonders and abundant wildlife and scenics of the Pantanal.

July 25: Travel to Cuiaba, Brazil (CGB)

Board your overnight flight from the USA to Cuiaba, Brazil (CGB).

July 26: Arrival Intl. Airport of Cuiaba, Brazil.

Meet our guide upon arrival at the airport  After driving about one and a half hours arrive in the Pantanal.  From there our wildlife adventure starts as we hit the Transpantaneira road, a dirt road that transects the northern Pantanal. We will stop to photograph all kinds of wildlife concentrated in the water ponds along the Transpantaneira road. Upon our arrival at the Pantanal, we will start having our first photo opportunities such as Capped Heron, Hyancinth Macaw, Capybaras, Caimans, Cocoi Heron & Jabiru Stork. Overnight at Hotel Pantanal Mato Grosso. (D)

July 27: Pantanal

Early morning birding and breakfast. Depart with possible stops along the route to photograph Marsh Deer and Anacondas crossing the road. We will do our best to arrive at the next location, still with chances to photograph a resident flock of Hyacinth Macaws. Possibly, the best flock of the entire Pantanal to be photographed, since they are used to people.

After lunch we will do our first boat ride on our Quest to photograph Jaguars. Overnight Hotel Santa Rosa.  (B,L,D)

July 28-31: Cuiabá River- Quest to photograph Jaguars.

We will have four full days devoted to the boat safaris on the Cuiabá River and its tributaries, in order to maximize our chances of  photographing Jaguars, Giant River Otters and a realm of wildlife. Our outings will always be during the day, from sunrise to 11.30am and after a short lunch break in the afternoon until sunset. Jaguar, the largest New World cat, is the highlight of the trip. We’ll spend ample time exploring rivers where these impressive beauties stalk riverbanks. Our goal is not only to see the majestic jaguar or check the brightly painted macaw off the list, but to sit with them, watch their behaviour, wait for them to enter or emerge from the water and take that iconic shot. Overnight Hotel Santa Rosa. (B,L,D)

August 1: Morning Safari and transfer to Piuval Lodge.

Morning boat ride. Lunch and transfer. On our way to our third location, again, we shall have open eyes for more photo opportunities, and they will happen since the Pantanal is a true Wildlife Sanctuary.  (B,L,D)

August 2: Morning Birding.

Morning birding. Lunch. Overnight Hotel Gran Odara. (B,L)

August 3: Transfer back to Cuiaba. Fly back to the USA.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for our flights home.

Itinerary is subject to change.

POCONE

Hotel Pantanal Mato Grosso & POUSADA PIUVAL

Cuiabá

HOTEL SANTA ROSA

ADAM JONES

Adam has been photographing for over 30 years and has worked as a full time nature and travel photographer for the past 19 years. He travels extensively around the world leading his own photography tours and workshops. As a tour leader, he is widely known for his friendly practical nuts and bolts approach to solving problems in the field and sharing his enthusiasm and expertise with others.

Adam's award-winning images are widely published in magazines, posters, calendars, books, and in national advertising campaigns around the world for clients such as Canon, Ford, Eddie Bauer, Miller Beer and Honda.

Adam is recognized world wide as an outstanding stock photographer with his images represented by Getty Images, Corbis, Visuals Unlimited, Photo Researchers, and Danita Delimont Stock Photography. His work sells for editorial and commercial uses in over 50 countries. Adam's images are also featured in seven coffee table books.

Adam teaches photography workshops around the world helping students reach their full potential in the exciting world of digital photography. Considered to be one of the elite photographers in the world, Adam is proud to be sponsored by Canon as an "Explorer of Light." Adam is noted for his enthusiastic down to earth approach and his ability to communicate effectively with all skill levels.

Adam's website

MIRJAM EVERS

Mirjam is a New York City based travel photographer specializing in international environmental portraiture, landscape photography and adventure images. Born and raised in the Netherlands, she has photographed in more than 75 countries, including many of the most exotic places in the world. Mirjam's photographs are indicative of her unique capacity to personally connect with diverse cultures and communities. Her eye for location lighting is highly stylized and works to illustrate and heighten the unique characteristics of each international locale. She is able to transcend cultural and language barriers with an intangible spirit that is conveyed in every image. Her work has appeared in AFAR, The New York Times, AARP, Outdoor Photographer, PDN, American Photo, Popular Photography, Digital Photo, Departures, MSN Travel.

Mirjam's Website

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY

Easy. The Pantanal is totally flat. Some photography will be done by foot, some by boat, and a bit by vehicle.

Unlimited drinking water is available from large water coolers. Please bring permanent drinking bottle to refill at no cost, thus eliminating plastic waste!

CLIMATE

The Pantanal averages annual rainfall of 1,000-1,400 mm (39-55 inches). The average temperature in the Pantanal is 77 degrees.  Visitors need to be aware that the temperatures may fluctuate from 45 to 104 F.  The best time of year to visit is during dry season.

This tour takes place in the dry season, which is also winter in Brazil. It is usually very sunny. However, cold fronts are not unusual in the Pantanal this time of year, and the temperature can sometimes drop to around 45°F (7°C) in the early morning. Since part of the time in the Pantanal is spent on fast boats, it is important to bring cold weather gear just in case.

ACCOMMODATION

Very good to excellent, all have private, en-suite bathrooms, full-time hot water, fans, and air conditioning. Electricity is available everywhere 24 hours a day. Wi-fi is usually available but it is often slow and usually only works in certain areas of the lodge.

Currency

The currency in Brazil is the Real(R$. Carr some US cash, and the rest in ATM or credit cards. Travelers checks are not recommended as they can be difficult and time- consuming to cash. Make sure your US bills are crisp and clean. Worn, tattered, or torn bills may not be accepted. 

Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and shops, and ATMs are widely available. To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad.

Wifi

Email access is available at all of our hotels.

STAYING HEALTHY

Don’t brush your teeth with tap water; use bottled water, and don’t use ice in your drinks unless you are sure it was made with treated water. When in doubt, ask your guide for instruction.

GEAR

A long telephoto lens (500 or 600mm) or a good 300 or 400mm with a teleconverter is recommended for smaller birds, but is usually overkill for Jaguars, where a 300mm (with full-frame DSLR) or a high-end zoom is ideal. There is usually so much light that tripods are rarely essential for sharpness, but of course can be helpful to hold your heavy gear so you don’t have to. Lighting is harsh towards the middle of the day, so fill flash can help mitigate strong shadows.

Passports/VISA

A valid passport is required for your trip. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from Brazil. In addition, we recommend your passport have at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say “Visas” at the top.  It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport  for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.

US citizens do not need a visa for Brazil.

Northern Pantanal

To get to northern Pantanal, you will fly to Cuiaba, the capital of Mato Grosso. 
From Cuiaba you will transfer about 60 miles to Pocone. From there, we will have to take the Transpantaneira highway into northern Pantanal. Keep in mind that most of the Pantanal is inaccessible by road, and the Transpantaneira is actually one of your best options, even though it is narrow and dusty. However, you get to be immersed in the wildlife from the get-go, with many animals and birds along the Transpantaneira.

When we go down the Cuiaba River, you will enter the region with the largest jaguar population in the world. There is no better place to watch for jaguars, as they are used to boat sounds here and they completely ignore you as they hunt or relax in the sun.

Telephone

The international dialing code for Brazil is 55. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

CLOTHING

• 2-3 pairs of light colored field pants (think REI, Columbia, Patagonia or like).

• 2-3 long sleeve field shirts as sun protection during daytime and as mosquito protection in early morning, late afternoon and after dark (like brands above).

• 1-2 cotton t-shirts or polo shirts per day

• 2 pairs of white cotton socks tall enough to tuck pants into (most useful during forest walks)

• 1 pair of sneaker/walking shoes (lightweight and dry fast)

• 1 pair waterproof sandals, flip-flops or Crocs (to take on boat rides if it rains)

• Windbreaker for cutting the cool wind during early morning and evening boat rides

• Rain poncho/loose-fitting rain suit, as serious rain occurs in any month

• bring med down coat, mittens, winter hat for rare cold fronts

• Bathing suit

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hat with stiff front brim (hat must not fly off in the wind)

MISC

• Water bottle to refill (Nalgene or metal)

• Day pack/small backpack to hold cameras water bottle, etc.

• Insect repellent containing DEET

• Personal toiletries and medications

• Small flashlight

• 3 Large plastic bags

• $100-$500 U.S. per person to pay bar bills etc.

Time Zone

Brazil is 5 hours ahead of California and 2 hours ahead of New York.

ELECTRICITY

Brazil uses 110/127-volt and 220-volt current. Bring a converter and plug adaptor kit for appliance use.