Things to do — Pantanal wildlife

Pantanal activities organise exclusively from eco-lodges with local naturalists. Pick-up safari on Transpantaneira (game drive): 2 daily outings (5:30am-9am dawn and 4pm-7pm sunset, ideal golden light), adapted pick-up with raised seats, 30-50 km of track, frequent photo stops. Guaranteed observation: yacare caimans (by hundreds), capybaras (10-30 troops), marsh deer, anteaters, coatis, agoutis, complete ornithology (jabirus, hocco-pheasants, parrots, hyacinth macaws). Possible observation: jaguars, ocelots, pumas, tapirs, anacondas, giant anteaters. Boat safari on Rio Cuiabá (Porto Jofre) — flagship jaguar experience. Flat-bottom boat with naturalist guide spends 5-8h/day exploring wooded banks of Rio Cuiabá and tributaries (Rio Três Irmãos, Rio Piquiri). Jaguar density such that operators guarantee 1-5 different sightings/day in dry season. You'll see a jaguar drinking at water's edge, walking on bank, hunting a caiman or capybara, even swimming across river. Cost: €50-100 extra/day (often included in specialised lodges). Horse safari (South Pantanal, fazendas): close observation without disturbing wildlife (caimans and capybaras don't flee a rider), 2-4h, beginner level accepted. Guided walking hike: close observation of birds and small mammals, morning outings 6am-9am. Piranha fishing (rivers, lunch tasting). Sport fishing (dorado, pacu, pintado — regulated). Starry night (Pantanal = sky without light pollution, Southern Cross, Centaur, hyper-visible Milky Way). Night pick-up safari (animal eyes by torch: caimans, ocelots, rare jaguars, owls). Bonito extension (South Pantanal, 200 km from Campo Grande): crystal-clear rivers for flutuação snorkelling with mask and snorkel among multicoloured fish (€30-50), luminous caves (Gruta do Lago Azul), waterfalls — one of the world's most unique aquatic ecotourism destinations.