Expedition with Alex Mzungu from Serrado to Pantanal: to the national park of Chapada dos Guimaraes and to the world’s largest jaguars
PANTANAL
July 17 - 25, 2026
Brasil
Tour
July 17 - 25, 2026
Brasil
Tour
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Tour Pantanal Brazil Jaguars Chapada-dos-Guimarães
We invite you on an expedition where the line between observer and participant blurs. Our guide will be the Pantanal - a giant living organism, the world's largest tropical wetland, crisscrossed by winding rivers. Here, in this pristine Noah's Ark, we will witness the kingdom of jaguars, mighty cats patrolling the riverbanks, discover the richest wildlife and countless flocks of birds.
We will ascend to the realm of highland landscapes of Chapada dos Guimarães. The majestic orange cliffs framing the National Park will give way to the coolness and power of the "Véu de Noiva" (Bridal Veil) waterfall. We will feel millions of droplets from the 85-meter cascade while swimming in its crystal-clear waters and uncover the secrets of Brazil's largest sandstone cave.
Alex Mzungu is leading.
We will ascend to the realm of highland landscapes of Chapada dos Guimarães. The majestic orange cliffs framing the National Park will give way to the coolness and power of the "Véu de Noiva" (Bridal Veil) waterfall. We will feel millions of droplets from the 85-meter cascade while swimming in its crystal-clear waters and uncover the secrets of Brazil's largest sandstone cave.
Alex Mzungu is leading.
SСHEDULE & COST:
Dates: July 17 – 25, 2026
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Number of participants: 8 – 12
Cost per person:
– 3 990 USD subject to 12 participants, or
– 4 090 USD subject to 10 – 11 participants, or
– 4 290 USD subject to 8 – 9 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before December 17, 2025)
Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Cuiaba roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- visa of Brazil (not required for Russian citizens)
Estimated cost for the flight Moscow – Cuiaba – Moscow is 1700 – 2200 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Estimated cost for the flight Istanbul – Cuiaba – Istanbul is from 1200 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Estimated cost for the flight Paris – Cuiaba – Paris is from 1400 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Estimated cost for the flight Madrid – Cuiaba – Madrid is from 1300 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Single supplement: 660 USD (it is provided along the entire itinerary).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: Tour to the Pantanal Brazil
Day 1. July 17, 2026 (Friday). CUIABA
Cuiabá is the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, the third largest state in Brazil. It is also considered the capital of the Pantanal, as it is the gateway for those who appreciate the Pantanal wildlife.
Participants arrive at Marechal Rondon Airport. Our team will be waiting for the transfer to the hotel with a free afternoon. In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner, where we will provide all the information about our expedition.
Meals included: lunch, and dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel Paiaguás or similar
* Recommended flights:
- any other flight arriving in Cuiabá at any time on July 17.
Day 2. July 18, 2026 (Saturday). CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES
In the morning, we'll head to Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, where the beauty of the place will welcome us along the way, with its winding curves and the beauty of its orange walls of various shapes.
On this day, we'll make a few stops for contemplation along the way, as well as some waterfalls, such as the majestic Véu de Noiva, with its almost 85-meter waterfall. We'll also take a short hike through the forest to experience the natural beauty of the national park. Next, we'll head to the Águas do Cerrado waterfall circuit: this attraction has great potential, with incredible waterfalls for swimming. The trail is an 8-km round trip, with 9 waterfalls, 2 for contemplation and 7 for swimming, making the trip refreshing, despite the trail being in the middle of the cerrado. Late afternoon to watch the sunset over the Chapada canyons to the rhythm of good music and incredible scenery.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Pousada do Parque or similar
Day 3. July 19, 2026 (Sunday). CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES - MORRO DE SÃO JERÔNIMO - TRANPANTANEIRA
For lovers of nature hikes, mountains, and lush landscapes, this will be the perfect day!
On this day, we'll visit one of the most beautiful hills in Chapada dos Guimarães, known as Morro de São Jerônimo, for a moderate hike of approximately 18 km (round trip) at a leisurely pace, taking in the view to its summit (850 meters above sea level). From there, we'll be able to see the city of Cuiabá in the distance, where this whole adventure began. Along the way, we'll spot different types of animals and hikers from the Cerrado biome, as well as galleries, cliffs, and rock formations.
Late afternoon, as usual, we'll enjoy a beautiful sunset in the canyons of the Chapada.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Pousada do Parque or similar
Day 4. July 20, 2026 (Monday). CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES / AROE JARI / TRANSPANTANEIRA
On our third day of the expedition, we will visit a conservation area with a circuit of caves, including one called Aroe Jari, approximately 1,550 meters long and considered the largest sandstone cave in Brazil. This conservation area offers short hikes through beautiful sandstone caves, stone bridges, and grottos with crystal-clear waters, such as Lagoa Azul.
On this day, we will enjoy a delicious late-afternoon lunch at one of the most charming and beautiful restaurants in the region. The view from the top of one of Chapada's cliffs offers fantastic views.
After lunch, we will get ready to hit the road to our most anticipated destination: the Pantanal.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation included: Pousada do Parque or similar
Day 5. July 21, 2026 (Tuesday). TRANSPANTANEIRA
On our Piuval day in Piuvalantaneira, we'll take the opportunity to take a boat or horseback ride (subject to availability) early in the morning to get to know the region better and enjoy birdwatching. This will probably be the day we have the most time to spot the most different types of birds.
Accommodation included: Rio Claro or Piuval. For photography and birdwatching lovers, this will probably be the day we have the most time to spot the most different types of birds.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation included: Rio Claro or Piuval
Day 6. July 22, 2026 (Wednesday). TRANSPANTANEIRA - PORTO JOFRE
On another day in the Transpantaneira, we'll wake to the sound of local birds and enjoy a delicious fruit breakfast.
Next, we'll take some excursions to explore the region and travel the Transpantaneira (a dirt road over the Pantanal, running from the city of Poconé to Porto Jofre, crossing 121 bridges over a distance of approximately 145 km).
Along the way, we'll make several stops, whenever requested, to observe and photograph animals along the way, such as birds, caimans, anacondas, and perhaps even the fearless jaguar.
On our first day in Porto Jofre, we'll be searching for the region's jaguars: considered the region with the largest jaguar presence in the Americas.
Since the jaguars of the Pantanal are free-ranging and not in captivity, we'll take a boat crossing several major Pantanal rivers, such as the São Lourenço, Cuiabá, PiqPiquirínd Três Irmãos rivers, among others, always searching for specific spots to spot this giant feline of the Americas.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation included: Santa Rosa, Jaguar Lodge, Pantanal Cruiser of similar
Day 7 - 8. July 23 - 24, 2026 (Thursday - Friday). PORTO JOFRE
Since the jaguars of the Pantanal roam wild and are not kept in captivity, it's important to search carefully for the best sighting spots.
With tours lasting 8 to 9 hours a day, right after breakfast, we'll board a boat again for further excursions, crossing several important rivers in the Pantanal, such as the São Lourenço, Cuiabá, Piquirí, and Três Irmãos rivers, among others... always searching for specific spots to spot this giant feline of the Americas.
In addition to this, we'll also have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of animals both in and out of the water.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation included: Santa Rosa, Jaguar Lodge, Pantanal Cruiser of similar
День 9. 25 июля 2026 (суббота). PORTO JOFRE - CUIABÁ
After several long days of travel, we'll prepare to return to Cuiabá and say goodbye to the Pantanal. Since we'll have a long day back, we'll have a free morning to enjoy the guesthouse and rest. We'll depart Porto Jofre after lunch, with several stops to see more animals along the Transpantaneira. We'll arrive in Cuiabá around 7 p.m.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation included: -
* Recommended flights:
- any other flight departing from Cuiabá airport not earlier than 20:00 on July 25.
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Number of participants: 8 – 12
Cost per person:
– 3 990 USD subject to 12 participants, or
– 4 090 USD subject to 10 – 11 participants, or
– 4 290 USD subject to 8 – 9 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before December 17, 2025)
Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Cuiaba roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- visa of Brazil (not required for Russian citizens)
Estimated cost for the flight Moscow – Cuiaba – Moscow is 1700 – 2200 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Estimated cost for the flight Istanbul – Cuiaba – Istanbul is from 1200 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Estimated cost for the flight Paris – Cuiaba – Paris is from 1400 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Estimated cost for the flight Madrid – Cuiaba – Madrid is from 1300 USD (Bought on your own with our assistance).
Single supplement: 660 USD (it is provided along the entire itinerary).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: Tour to the Pantanal Brazil
Day 1. July 17, 2026 (Friday). CUIABA
Cuiabá is the capital of the state of Mato Grosso, the third largest state in Brazil. It is also considered the capital of the Pantanal, as it is the gateway for those who appreciate the Pantanal wildlife.
Participants arrive at Marechal Rondon Airport. Our team will be waiting for the transfer to the hotel with a free afternoon. In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner, where we will provide all the information about our expedition.
Meals included: lunch, and dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel Paiaguás or similar
* Recommended flights:
- any other flight arriving in Cuiabá at any time on July 17.
Day 2. July 18, 2026 (Saturday). CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES
In the morning, we'll head to Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, where the beauty of the place will welcome us along the way, with its winding curves and the beauty of its orange walls of various shapes.
On this day, we'll make a few stops for contemplation along the way, as well as some waterfalls, such as the majestic Véu de Noiva, with its almost 85-meter waterfall. We'll also take a short hike through the forest to experience the natural beauty of the national park. Next, we'll head to the Águas do Cerrado waterfall circuit: this attraction has great potential, with incredible waterfalls for swimming. The trail is an 8-km round trip, with 9 waterfalls, 2 for contemplation and 7 for swimming, making the trip refreshing, despite the trail being in the middle of the cerrado. Late afternoon to watch the sunset over the Chapada canyons to the rhythm of good music and incredible scenery.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Pousada do Parque or similar
Day 3. July 19, 2026 (Sunday). CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES - MORRO DE SÃO JERÔNIMO - TRANPANTANEIRA
For lovers of nature hikes, mountains, and lush landscapes, this will be the perfect day!
On this day, we'll visit one of the most beautiful hills in Chapada dos Guimarães, known as Morro de São Jerônimo, for a moderate hike of approximately 18 km (round trip) at a leisurely pace, taking in the view to its summit (850 meters above sea level). From there, we'll be able to see the city of Cuiabá in the distance, where this whole adventure began. Along the way, we'll spot different types of animals and hikers from the Cerrado biome, as well as galleries, cliffs, and rock formations.
Late afternoon, as usual, we'll enjoy a beautiful sunset in the canyons of the Chapada.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Pousada do Parque or similar
Day 4. July 20, 2026 (Monday). CHAPADA DOS GUIMARÃES / AROE JARI / TRANSPANTANEIRA
On our third day of the expedition, we will visit a conservation area with a circuit of caves, including one called Aroe Jari, approximately 1,550 meters long and considered the largest sandstone cave in Brazil. This conservation area offers short hikes through beautiful sandstone caves, stone bridges, and grottos with crystal-clear waters, such as Lagoa Azul.
On this day, we will enjoy a delicious late-afternoon lunch at one of the most charming and beautiful restaurants in the region. The view from the top of one of Chapada's cliffs offers fantastic views.
After lunch, we will get ready to hit the road to our most anticipated destination: the Pantanal.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation included: Pousada do Parque or similar
Day 5. July 21, 2026 (Tuesday). TRANSPANTANEIRA
On our Piuval day in Piuvalantaneira, we'll take the opportunity to take a boat or horseback ride (subject to availability) early in the morning to get to know the region better and enjoy birdwatching. This will probably be the day we have the most time to spot the most different types of birds.
Accommodation included: Rio Claro or Piuval. For photography and birdwatching lovers, this will probably be the day we have the most time to spot the most different types of birds.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation included: Rio Claro or Piuval
Day 6. July 22, 2026 (Wednesday). TRANSPANTANEIRA - PORTO JOFRE
On another day in the Transpantaneira, we'll wake to the sound of local birds and enjoy a delicious fruit breakfast.
Next, we'll take some excursions to explore the region and travel the Transpantaneira (a dirt road over the Pantanal, running from the city of Poconé to Porto Jofre, crossing 121 bridges over a distance of approximately 145 km).
Along the way, we'll make several stops, whenever requested, to observe and photograph animals along the way, such as birds, caimans, anacondas, and perhaps even the fearless jaguar.
On our first day in Porto Jofre, we'll be searching for the region's jaguars: considered the region with the largest jaguar presence in the Americas.
Since the jaguars of the Pantanal are free-ranging and not in captivity, we'll take a boat crossing several major Pantanal rivers, such as the São Lourenço, Cuiabá, PiqPiquirínd Três Irmãos rivers, among others, always searching for specific spots to spot this giant feline of the Americas.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation included: Santa Rosa, Jaguar Lodge, Pantanal Cruiser of similar
Day 7 - 8. July 23 - 24, 2026 (Thursday - Friday). PORTO JOFRE
Since the jaguars of the Pantanal roam wild and are not kept in captivity, it's important to search carefully for the best sighting spots.
With tours lasting 8 to 9 hours a day, right after breakfast, we'll board a boat again for further excursions, crossing several important rivers in the Pantanal, such as the São Lourenço, Cuiabá, Piquirí, and Três Irmãos rivers, among others... always searching for specific spots to spot this giant feline of the Americas.
In addition to this, we'll also have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of animals both in and out of the water.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation included: Santa Rosa, Jaguar Lodge, Pantanal Cruiser of similar
День 9. 25 июля 2026 (суббота). PORTO JOFRE - CUIABÁ
After several long days of travel, we'll prepare to return to Cuiabá and say goodbye to the Pantanal. Since we'll have a long day back, we'll have a free morning to enjoy the guesthouse and rest. We'll depart Porto Jofre after lunch, with several stops to see more animals along the Transpantaneira. We'll arrive in Cuiabá around 7 p.m.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation included: -
* Recommended flights:
- any other flight departing from Cuiabá airport not earlier than 20:00 on July 25.
Cost includes:
- Twin/double accommodation in comfortable hotels and lodges throughout the program
- Airport transfers
- All private transportation according to the itinerary: Mercedes Sprinter minibus with air conditioning and professional drivers
- Full board (3 meals daily) during the trip, except 2 dinners in Chapada dos Guimarães
- Mineral water throughout the journey
- All national park entrance fees and permits
- All scheduled activities, including boat trips for jaguar watching and other wildlife spotting
- Services of an experienced local English-speaking photographer guide throughout the trip
- Russian- and English-speaking team leader Mzungu throughout the journey
Cost excludes (to be paid additionally):
- International flights to/from Cuiabá Airport
- International medical insurance
- Brazilian visa (not required for Russian citizens)
- 2 dinners in Chapada dos Guimarães
- Tips for the team
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks not included in the full board
- Personal expenses
- Single occupancy supplement
To take with:
- Clothing suitable for varying weather conditions, including:
- Lightweight clothing (shorts, t-shirts)
- Warm layers (hoodie, light jacket)
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Sun hat/panama hat
- Swimsuit
- Raincoat/poncho
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Headlamp
- Large backpack or travel bag/suitcase for all belongings (approximately 80 liters)
- Small daypack for personal items and camera
- Insect repellent
- Mosquito net for sleeping
- Sun protection kit (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Personal toiletries
- Personal medical kit (analgesics, rehydration salts, antibiotics, personal medications, including altitude sickness prevention medication)
- Anti-malarial tablets (optional)
- Camera and video equipment, tripod, spare batteries
This expedition leads
- ALEX aka Mzungufounder of MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS, team leaderIdeologist and team leader of many expeditions, including the first Russian expedition in Niger for Cure Salée festival, the first Russian dog expedition to Cape Dezhnev, Taymyr ethnic expedition together with Russian Geographical Society and Kunstkamera.
Photographer, author of numerous publications in Discovery and Vokrug Sveta, member of the Russian Geographical Society.
The invincible optimist and tireless heart and brain of MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS!
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you.
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