Land of the Jaguar

This was a terrific holiday, despite the weather being the coldest on record for that time of year.

We went on this holiday principally to see Jaguar, Giant Anteater, Giant River Otter, Tapir and Hyacinth Macaws. We opted for a short trip combining a boat hotel and and land-based lodge. We had been with Exodus previously and felt they would do a good job. Food at both venues was very well prepared although a little monotonous at times. Travel arrangements were very good.

Amazing array of wildlife. Providing you don't mind roughing it a bit and don't mind getting bitten (a lot!), this is a fabulous holiday. Must have been good as I came home with over 2500 photos!

Long journey to get to the Pantanal but worth it! Three jaguar sightings on the first trip made everyone very happy for the forthcoming adventure. Hotel Baiazinha is the perfect location for trips into the wetlands. Accommodation and food excellent and staff very friendly. Plus around the hotel so many birds. Seven boat trips was tiring in the heat, thankfully the boat has a cover. Finally saw nine jaguar sightings, some repeats, plus two giant otter encounter.......and so many birds. Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge is a nice wind down with good accommodation. Trips out to spot wildlife are good but toucans and hyacinth macaws can be spotted in the grounds early morning!

Fantastic trip - brilliant guide - great accommodation - superb wildlife sightings. Be prepared for very high temperatures but so worth it.

A wonderful trip to see these elusive jaguars by riverboat. The accommodation was comfortable and allowed a great base for jaguar boat trips or at Araras Eco Lodge a series of nature walks and night safaris in search of birds and ocelots. Juan the guide was excellent throughout, well organised, enthusiastic and with an encyclopedic knowledge of the wildlife on hand.

This trip to the Pantanal ranks amongst the best. Yes, Jaguars are illusive but so are lots of big cats. patience and trust are required. Trust in so much that your guide will do his/her utmost to find you a jaguar. If they are there, they will find them. But while you are waiting, just observe the absolute plethora of wildlife, Birds of all sizes and colours, you might encounter a swimming Tapier or be entertained by a family of river otters. While you are travelling you might see a giant ant eater, dont be surprised to be able to see a Cayman with young on its back, or see an Anaconda curled up sleeping after a meal. There is so much to see. Beautiful Macaws, what colours. Its pure entertainment. I cant wait to return.

This trip is in two parts. Four days on the Jaguar houseboat looking for jaguars, the boat's a bit cramped and you spend all day on the river, but the sight of your first jaguar makes it all worthwhile. Then the fantastic Araras Eco Lodge, which is spacious and relaxing and the bird life is amazing! You need to be prepared for long days and you need lots of patience, but it's definitely a fantastic experience.

A fantastic experience, with far more wildlife sightings than I expected. We saw three jaguars (some of the group saw five), with great opportunities to both observe and photograph these beautiful animals. We saw dozens of species of birds, caiman, capybara, howler and capuchin monkeys, coati, armadillo, peccary, brocket, tamandua and the iconic giant otter and giant anteater. We were lucky enough to glimpse a very rare jaguamundi too. Excellent accommodation; although the houseboat was quite basic we were made to feel very welcome.

The trip provided the wildlife viewing we had hoped for - five jaguars, plus giant otters, armadillos, anteater etc etc and a wide variety of bird life.