Join us for the ultimate photographic adventure in one of the world’s most vibrant and biodiverse ecosystems: the Pantanal. Nestled in the heart of South America, this sprawling wetland is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Led by renowned photographers Daniel Kordan and Anselmo Hoffman, our tour will take you deep into the Jaguar’s realm, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture the majestic beauty of the Pantanal’s wildlife.
The Pantanal, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, is home to an astonishing array of species. With 463 species of birds, 269 species of fish, over 200 species of mammals, and countless reptiles and amphibians, you’ll have plenty to point your lens at. Imagine capturing the vibrant hues of a hyacinth macaw, the stealthy glide of an anaconda, or the playful antics of a family of giant otters. And, of course, the pièce de résistance: the elusive jaguar, often spotted lounging by the riverbanks or on the prowl for its next meal.
Why Join This Tour?
Unmatched Biodiversity: The Pantanal is one of the most biologically rich environments on Earth. Here, every turn offers a new photographic opportunity, from the elegant flight of a jabiru stork to the mesmerizing patterns of caimans basking in the sun.
Expert Guidance: Under the expert tutelage of Daniel Kordan and Anselmo Hoffman, you’ll not only improve your photography skills but also gain a deeper understanding of the Pantanal’s unique ecosystem. Their combined expertise ensures you’ll be in the right place at the right time to capture those perfect shots.
Luxury and Adventure: Stay in comfortable lodges that offer a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Enjoy delicious local cuisine while sharing your daily photographic triumphs and challenges with fellow adventurers.
Your Adventure Awaits
So pack your cameras and your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the Pantanal. Capture the essence of this wild paradise, from the smallest insect to the mightiest jaguar. Join us on this extraordinary photo journey and create memories – and photographs – that will last a lifetime.
Embark on the Jaguar Territory: A Pantanal Photo Journey and discover the beauty and wonder of one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
Day 1, August 31: Arrival at Cuiabá International Airport
Upon arrival at Cuiabá International Airport (CGB), we settle in for one night at the Amazon Airport Hotel (just a 5 min walk from the terminal). Meet for dinner at 7 pm to kick things off. Remember, the Pantanal is so rich in biodiversity, even the airport birds might be more exotic than the ones back home. This vast wetland is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve due to its unparalleled biodiversity and ecological significance.
Day 2: Journey to the Heart of the Pantanal
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic private drive to Pousada Sta Rosa, nestled in the heart of the Pantanal. Upon arrival, settle into your single rooms and enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll do a short orientation walk around the lodge grounds—keep your binoculars handy for capybaras, toucans and hyacinth macaws!
Day 3: Full Day Wildlife Exploration
Up at dawn for your first “sunrise‑to‑sunset” jaguar expedition. We’ll cruise rivers and trek gallery forests all day in search of these elusive cats—no afternoon lectures, just non‑stop tracking. A quick lunch back at the lodge, then right back out after jaguars, giant otters, caimans and kingfishers. Return at dusk for dinner under the Pantanal sky.
Day 4: Second Full‑Day Jaguar Safari at Sta Rosa
Another full sunrise‑to‑sunset jaguar chase! Explore different oxbow lakes and forest trails to maximize sightings. Between boat safaris and forest hikes, keep your eyes peeled for capybaras, caimans and that perfect jaguar portrait. Dinner and rest back at Sta Rosa, already anticipating Day 5.
Day 5: Third Full‑Day Jaguar Safari & Transfer to Rio Claro
Your final sunrise‑to‑sunset jaguar day at Sta Rosa—with just a brief lunch break at the lodge. As dusk falls, we pack up and transfer (≈3 hrs by private car) to Rio Claro, checking in for two nights. Late‑evening rest in your single rooms, dreaming of tomorrow’s anteater and monkey safaris.
Days 6: Full‑Day Wildlife Exploration at Rio Claro
Today is all about Rio Claro’s rich tapestry beyond jaguars—giant anteaters, howler and capuchin monkeys, and hundreds of bird species. We’ll head out at sunrise in private safari vehicles, punctuated by guided walking trails through gallery forests and open fields. Midday lunch back at the lodge, then more by‑car and on‑foot excursions in the afternoon hotspots. Dinner and overnight at Rio Claro.
Day 8: Jaguars & More at Bahia Zinha
Based at Bahia Zinha, the northern Pantanal’s highest‑density jaguar zone, you’ll have morning and afternoon river safaris seeking big cats, plus optional night drives to spot caimans and frogs. All meals at the pousada—perfect for comparing photos and recounting adventures with your group.
Day 10, 9 September: Final River Safari & Departure
We rise before dawn for one last river safari—hoping for final jaguar sightings or that trophy shot of a giant anteater. Return for brunch, then transfer back to Cuiabá International Airport (or to a nearby hotel if you’re extending). Reflect on an unforgettable week in one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.
Pricing:
Total price (twin shared cabin, twin shared hotel rooms): 7900 USD
Difficulty: easy
Single supplement for rooms: +1500 USD
Tour includes:
- Accommodation double/twin
- all meals and non-alchohol drinks (except meals at the airport),
- all transportation during the tour
- photography tuition,
- entrance fees to national parks and all local taxes
Not included in the price:
– Airfare
– Local flights not included (recommended list will be provided)
– Visas (if applicable)
– Single supplement to upgrade to a single room
– Tips to the phinisi crew
– Meals at the airport
Cancellation policy
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We strongly recommend you to get a Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance after booking your trip. If you cancel and the Workshop is otherwise filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $300 service charge. If you cancel and the Workshop does not fill, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the Workshop:
Greater than 90 days from the start date of the Workshop:
full refund minus $300 service fee.
75 days or more :75% refund 60 days or more: 50% refund
Less than 60 days: no refund Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.
Gear what to bring:
– camera mirrorless or dslr
– A wide angle lens. For example, Nikkor 14-24 or Canon 17-40.
– A middle-zoom lens such as a 24-70 mm
– A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 100-500 mm or fix 400 mm / 600 mm.
Tour leaders
Anselmo Hoffmann
Anselmo is a travel and nature photographer from Brazil.
Young and with a very singular look, his interpretation is artistic and surprisingly sensory.
He travels the world in search of remote and epic places to compose his photography. The journeys to acquire his beautiful images take days, scouting challenging locations for the best composition and light. Mountains, lakes, forests and animals are some of the main themes of her beautiful images.
The interpretation of natural landscapes transcends the senses, immediately connecting the viewer with his works. The feeling is being in the same place, experiencing the same incredible sensations that the artist experienced.
Many of his photographs have received major international awards recognized by FIAP (Federation Internationale de L’Art Photographique), PSA (Photographic Society of America) and IAAP (International Association of Art Photographers), as well as publications in magazines such as National Geographic.
Her work is active, and all the beauty she shows is intended to move and inspire, generating a sense of belonging and care for the planet.
