Jaguars of The Pantanal
10 Days – Brazil
Tour Details
Welcome to the Pantanal, one of the most incredible places I’ve ever experienced, and hands down one of the best locations on Earth to photograph big cats in the wild.
After years of hearing clients rave about it, I finally made the trip myself. I was chasing jaguars, number six on my list of the world’s seven big cats. And from the moment I stepped off the plane, I knew this place was different. The density of wildlife here is off the charts. Jaguars. Giant river otters. Hyacinth macaws. Toucans. Caimans. It felt like something out of a dream.
But I didn’t just want to see it, I wanted to build the kind of experience I’d want as a photographer. So that’s exactly what we did.
This trip isn’t about checking a box or getting lucky with one or two distant sightings. We’re staying in an air-conditioned lodge that’s 30 minutes closer to the action than the others. That might not sound like much, but over the course of the trip, it adds up to hours of extra time in front of wildlife, more golden light, more close encounters, more chances to create the kind of images that separate a good portfolio from a great one.
We’ll be out on the water in private boats, set up specifically for photography, exploring quiet, narrow river systems where jaguars hunt, rest, swim, and roam. July is peak season to be there. The water is low, and the cats are concentrated near the riverbanks. It’s not unusual to have multiple sightings in a day, and when things line up, you can spend an hour or more with a single cat.
But the jaguars are just the beginning. We’ll also photograph an insane variety of birds, monkeys, capybaras, and other wildlife in beautiful light and wild settings. If you’re into big lenses, fast action, and intimate moments with iconic species, this trip delivers.
Whether you’re showing up with a Nikon, Sony, Canon, or Olympus camera I know them all well. My job is to help you get the most out of your gear, your vision, and this wild, unforgettable place. My hope is that you leave with not just great shots, but with a deeper connection to the wilderness, and the fire to keep chasing it.
If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing a wild jaguar, this is your shot. Come join me in the Pantanal, and let’s make something amazing.
Images From Jaguars of the Pantanal Photo Tour Safaris
Video From Jaguars of the Pantanal Photo Tour Safaris
Testimonials
“Aaron Baggenstos is one of those rare individuals who is super-talented with photographic, instructional, as well as superb people skills. Combined with his cutting edge technological approach to photographing nature, his advocacy of the environment and his sheer methodological genius, he sets himself apart from his peers. This is a young man who is definitely leading the photographic revolution in nature and I count myself amongst the lucky ones who have learned more in one week than I have in one year with other photographic instructors and courses. The aurora still shines brightly from one of the most fantastic photo tours I have ever participated in. In large measure, it is directly related to the the sage-like wisdom of Aaron.”
“I’ve been on 4 tours with Aaron now, and what a difference maker he is. (Jaguars most current.) His passion for wildlife, knowledge of all things camera, enthusiasm for conservation and education (especially of the younger generation), and compassion for his clients makes him one of a kind. He’s pretty much the animal whisperer. Things that don’t normally happen, happen when Aaron’s around. He has a sense where the animal will be and almost always gets you in that position for the best possible photo. Aaron and his staff (shout out to Chantelle) make every trip special and keep me coming back for more.”
Highlights:
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The Jaguar Capital of the World – Travel deep into the Brazilian Pantanal, the best place on Earth to photograph wild jaguars. With multiple sightings daily, you’ll have unrivaled chances to capture these elusive cats in their natural habitat.
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Private Boats & Expert Guides – Our small-group format ensures you’ll have prime shooting angles from quiet, maneuverable boats. Led by expert local trackers and guided by Aaron and our photo team, you’ll be in the right place at the right time, every time.
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Incredible Wildlife Diversity – Besides jaguars, expect to photograph giant river otters, capybaras, caimans, jabirus, hyacinth macaws, toucans, and more. The Pantanal is bursting with life, and you’ll be in the heart of it.
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Photographer-Focused Itinerary – Designed specifically for serious wildlife photography, with extended time in the field, boat-based shooting, and golden-hour opportunities every day. We take care of the logistics so you can focus on your craft.
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Unforgettable Accommodations – Enjoy eco-lodges right on the riverbanks and close to jaguar hotspots. You’ll wake up surrounded by wildlife and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
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Photo Instruction Tailored to You – Whether you’re shooting on a 600mm or a zoom, Aaron will work with you 1-on-1 to help you get the shots you dream about—tack-sharp portraits, action shots, and dynamic storytelling compositions.
Tour Info:
Dates:
July 21–30, 2026 (Sold Out)
July 31–Aug 9, 2026 (Sold Out)
August 6-15, 2027 (Sold Out)
August 15-24, 2027 (Now Booking)
Group Size: 10 Participants
2026 Cost:$13,595 (Single Supplement $2,195)
2027 Cost:$13,995 (Single Supplement $2,295)
Payment: 25% Non-Refundable Deposit, Rest Due at 180 Days Before Departure
You can join the wait list for any sold out trip here.
2026 Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Cuiabá
Upon arrival at Cuiabá International Airport (CGB), collect your bags and find the Aaron’s Tours sign to meet your private transfer to the hotel. Settle in, freshen up, and take a moment to relax after the long journey.
At 6:00 PM, the group will gather in the hotel lobby for a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant. A great chance to meet your fellow travelers and hear from Aaron about the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Journey to Pantanal Lodge
After breakfast, we begin our journey to the Pantanal with a scenic transfer to the Pantanal Lodge down the historic Pantanol highway is a gorgeous landscape and we will stop along the way to photograph. Once we arrive, enjoy a delicious lunch and check-in before our afternoon photography activities. Here we will begin the search for the jaguar, photograph the local ocelot, howler monkeys, and a huge variety of beautiful birds. Sun bitterns are common around the grounds. Group dinner at the lodge.
Day 3 –
Spend the day exploring the incredible biodiversity of the Pantanal. Enjoy morning and afternoon outings from the lodge led by our expert naturalist guides. There is a huge variety of wildlife to photograph here. In the evening, experience a night safari where you might spot nocturnal wildlife like ocelots under the stars.
Day 4 –
After breakfast, we will have a private transfer to Porto Jofre, then take boats into the heart of Jaguarland along the river. Once on board our floating lodge, enjoy lunch and head out for your first boat safari in search of the elusive jaguar.
Days 5 – 7
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge each morning before heading out for both morning and afternoon river safaris in private boats with experienced guides, focused on jaguar photography. Get up close with these incredible big cats as they patrol the riverbanks. Along the way, you’ll also spot other remarkable species like giant river otters, caimans, capybaras, and a wide variety of birdlife. Each day brings new adventures and unforgettable wildlife moments.
Day 8 – Final Day in Jaguarland
Savor your last full day on the river with two more jaguar safaris.
Day 9 – Return to Cuiabá
After breakfast, we begin our return journey. Travel by boat and then by road back to Cuiabá to our hotel. Celebration dinner as a group at the hotel restaurant.
Day 10 – Departure
Private transfer to the airport for your departure flights home.
Physical Requirement: Easy
Leader
In the last 10 years Aaron has led over 200 wildlife photography tours around the world. He has earned a reputation for his gracious teaching style to photographers of all skill levels and extensive knowledge of Sony, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Panasonic digital cameras.