Jaguars & Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal

Naturalist guide Cassiano "Zapa" Zaniboni rarely saw jaguars when he first began leading wildlife trips through Brazil's Pantanal wetlands decades ago. Now, these iconic big cats are making a comeback. Discover why this Expedition Leader is passionate about protecting threatened jaguars in the world’s largest seasonal floodplain.

Journey in search of wild jaguars—the largest cats in the Americas—on a sustainable safari through the shimmering wetlands of Brazil's Pantanal.

An emblem of the Pantanal, jaguars symbolize both the beauty and fragility of Brazil’s wetlands. Expedition Leader Helder Brandao and Lilian Rampim, Pantanal Operations Coordinator at the Oncafari Jaguar Project, share how research, rewilding and ecotourism are helping protect these apex predators. Hear the latest news from the field and learn how Oncafari’s science-driven, community-based model is shaping a brighter future for jaguars.

In Brazil’s Pantanal—the world’s largest tropical wetland—flashes of brilliant blue signal the presence of the hyacinth macaw. Once on the brink of extinction, these spectacular birds are now symbols of hope thanks to dedicated conservation work and the influence of ecotourism. Expedition Leader Helder Brandao shares stories from the field and insights from Nat Hab’s Brazil adventures, revealing how protecting macaws also safeguards jaguars and the wider Pantanal ecosystem.

Journey through marsh and islands in search of jaguar, tapir, capybara, giant armadillo, giant river otter, maned wolf, caiman and over 650 bird species in Brazil’s Pantanal. Expedition Leader Helder Brandao offer an overview of our adventure as we explore South America’s greatest wildlife enclave on foot, by boat and 4x4. Find out what to pack and where we stay, including the renowned Caiman Ecological Refuge, where we seek out giant anteater, ocelot and hyacinth macaw. Learn about our activities, from safari drives and nature walks to five separate boat excursions from Porto Jofre—the best place on Earth to spot jaguars in the wild!