2027 Private Pantanal Wildlife Workshop

A photographic journey through Brazil’s richest ecosystems

This exclusive photographic expedition combines Brazil’s richest ecosystems in one seamless, immersive itinerary. Over 15 days, you’ll explore Pousada Aguapé—Brazil’s premier location for viewing both Giant and Southern Anteaters—followed by Bonito’s iconic macaw sinkhole. From Porto Jofre, you’ll spend three full days on the Cuiabá River in private skiffs tracking Jaguars and Giant Otters. Throughout the journey, you can expect encounters with Hyacinth Macaws, Toucans, Tapirs, Capybara, Caiman, and several primate species. The expedition concludes in the Atlantic Rainforest, home to exceptional birdlife and multi-flash hummingbird photography—all captured under Cindy’s expert guidance.

Tour Price Includes: 14 nights lodging as specified. Internal flights and transfers, all meals as listed, bottled water, guiding, and all photographic activities as described. It does not include international airfare, alcoholic beverages, items of a personal nature, or gratuities for guides. Travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage are strongly recommended.

Daily Itinerary Summary:

June 19 — Arrive São Paulo (GRU). Early morning check-in and overnight near airport. Welcome Dinner. Hotel: Pullman

June 20 — Transfer to GRU airport for commercial flight to Campo Grande and then onward to Pousada Aguapé.  Here, we will photograph excellent bird opportunities and this is THE best place in Brazil for bothGiant and Southern Anteaters.

June 21 — Full Day photographing at Pousada Aguapé.

June 22 — Photograph until lunch, transfer to our next hotel (Cabanas), and afternoon exploring gardens and forest edges. Target species include: Amazoian Motmot, Blue-crowned Trogon, Plush-crested Jay, Azara’s Agouti, and Azara’s Capuchin.

June 23 — After breakfast, transfer to Buraco das Araras sinkhole, full day photographing macaws in flight.

June 24 — After Breakfast, Charter flight to Porto Jofre, North Pantanal (Porto Jofre). Private boats daily for Jaguars, Giant Otters, and river wildlife. 

June 25, 26, 27 — 3 full days of boat outings for Jaguar and much more.

June 28 —Last morning session at Porto Jofre. After lunch, transfer for a chartered flight to Cuiabá, followed by a midday flight to São Paulo (GRU). Overnight at airport hotel.

June 29 — Transfer to Iporanga (Atlantic Rainforest). Lunch at the lodge, photographing rain forest birds and hummingbirds.

June 30 — Full day photographing Iporanga region, rainforest birds, owls, trogons, hummingbirds and many more.

July 1— Morning at Devil's Cave Park and afternoon rainforest birds.

July 2 — after breakfast, transfer (5) hours to São Paulo (GRU).

 

Delta has flights departing at 8:30 pm and 10:50 pm, so we do not need to book a hotel for this night, as we will be back in plenty of time to catch a red-eye.

 

Due to the significant financial commitments required for this custom workshop, including private charter flights and exclusive lodges all payments (including deposits) are non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.  “Cancel for any reason” insurance generally must be purchased within 14 days of making your deposit. This is a helpful site for comparing Travel Insurance plans. 

Exclusive Post-Workshop Reunion
As an added bonus, every photo workshop includes a private Zoom reunion. This is far more than a casual check-in—it’s a chance to reconnect with your fellow travelers, share your ten favorite images, and receive thoughtful critique. The deadline to select and present your images provides the perfect push to complete your editing workflow, while the process of narrowing down to ten becomes an invaluable editing exercise in itself. Participants often call these reunions a highlight—like reliving the best moments, only this time with friends for life.