Day 1
Cuiabá to Aymara Lodge
Meet in Cuiabá and travel via Poconé to Aymara Lodge at kilometre 25 on the Transpantaneira.
After check-in and an introduction, take a first activity if arrival time permits.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Boutique lodge
Aymara Lodge with Jaguar Day – 5 days
Four nights with lodge experiences and a full-day safari in Porto Jofre
5 days / 4 nights Easy to moderate Kilometre 25 on the Transpantaneira
Five days at Aymara Lodge with nature activities in the private reserve and a long Jaguar Day with a boat safari from Porto Jofre.
This is Aymara’s strongest option for travellers who want to stay comfortably at one lodge while also doing a proper jaguar safari in Porto Jofre.
Jaguar Day is intensive but creates a clear contrast between Aymara’s own reserve and the large river systems at the southern end of the Transpantaneira.
Pantanal
Highlights
- Modern lodge in a private nature reserve at kilometre 25 on the Transpantaneira
- Nature trails, canoeing, boat trips, wildlife drives and evening excursions according to season and conditions
- More than 300 recorded bird species in the area
- Aracuã observation tower and several habitats within the reserve
- Full board with regional ingredients and the possibility of adapting meals to dietary requirements
- Option to add Jaguar Day with a boat safari from Porto Jofre
5 days / 4 nights
Day by day
Day 2
Reserve trails and wetlands
The morning is devoted to a nature trail, observation tower or canoe excursion in the reserve’s wetlands. The guide chooses the area according to season and current sightings.
After lunch and a rest, continue with a boat trip or wildlife drive.
The evening may end with an excursion in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 3
The Transpantaneira and Aymara’s nature reserve
A longer wildlife drive along the Transpantaneira explores bridges, wetlands and open landscapes outside the lodge’s own reserve.
The day’s second activity takes place in the Aymara area and can be adapted according to what has worked best during the first few days.
The guide reviews the early start and practical details for Jaguar Day.
Day 4
Jaguar Day in Porto Jofre
Departure is around 05:00. The journey along the Transpantaneira to Porto Jofre normally takes about 2.5–3 hours depending on road conditions.
In Porto Jofre, board a small motorboat and search for jaguars, giant otters and other wildlife along the Cuiabá River and nearby river systems. A packed lunch and additional meal are arranged for the day.
The boat safari normally finishes between 15:00 and 16:00, after which you return to Aymara for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Morning and return journey
A short morning activity can be arranged when transfer and flight times permit.
After breakfast, leave the lodge for Cuiabá or the next destination.
Pantanal
Accommodation and facilities
Aymara Lodge
Aymara is a modern lodge with 18 suites spread across a 238-hectare private nature reserve. All suites are at ground level and have a veranda with hammock, private bathroom, ceiling fan and air conditioning.
The lodge has a pool, restaurant, bar and observation tower. The setting is calm and comfortable, with a more hotel-like level of comfort than many traditional fazenda pousadas.
Easy to moderate
Physical level
Wildlife observation is mainly from vehicles and boats. Nature trails and canoeing involve uneven ground and getting in and out of smaller craft.
Jaguar Day starts at approximately 05:00 and includes several hours of road travel and a long boat safari. The day can be tiring even though it is not physically demanding.
Included
- Accommodation in an air-conditioned suite at Aymara Lodge
- Full board with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner according to the lodge’s current conditions
- The lodge’s regular nature activities according to the selected length of stay and local planning
- Portuguese- or English-speaking guide during included activities
- Required safety equipment for included activities
- Jaguar Day with return transfer by road between Aymara and Porto Jofre, boat safari, packed lunch and meal according to the confirmed programme
Not included
- Drinks other than those explicitly stated as included in the programme
- Gratuities, laundry, personal purchases and other private expenses
- Private excursions, specialist guides and special activities not stated as included
- Transfers other than those explicitly included in SambaTravel’s proposal
- Travel insurance
Good to know
Aymara is at kilometre 25 on the Transpantaneira, about 2.5–3 hours from Cuiabá depending on road and traffic conditions.
Activities are adapted to season, water levels, weather, wildlife and guests’ interests. The final order is set by the lodge.
Jaguar Day is a long full day with an early departure, around 120 kilometres of road travel to Porto Jofre in each direction and a boat safari on the rivers of the jaguar area. The excursion should be booked in advance and only operates when road, river and seasonal conditions permit.
Wild animals roam freely and sightings, including jaguars, can never be guaranteed.
The programme can be booked on its own or combined with flights, hotels, Chapada dos Guimarães and other parts of a tailor-made trip. Exact inclusions and price are specified in SambaTravel’s proposal.
Pantanal
What to bring
The Pantanal is warm for much of the year, but early mornings and winter days can be cool. Dress in layers and choose lightweight clothing in muted colours for excursions.
Long trousers, long sleeves and closed shoes provide protection from sun, branches and insects. Cameras and binoculars should be protected from dust, rain and spray during boat and canoe trips.
- Light T-shirts and breathable casual clothing
- Long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt for safaris and walks
- Closed shoes or lightweight hiking boots
- Sandals and swimwear
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Light rain jacket and windproof jacket
- A warmer layer for early mornings in winter
- Personal medicines and toiletries
- Binoculars
- Camera, spare batteries and protection for electronics
Pantanal
Images from the destination and tour
Would you like to experience Aymara Lodge?
We help you choose the right length of stay and combine the programme with transfers, flights, hotels and other parts of your journey.