THE JAGUARS OF PANTANAL

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER TOM SVENSSON

THE JAGUARS OF PANTANAL

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER  TOM SVENSSON

COUNTRY: Brazile   PHOTO: Wildlife   LENGTH: 9 days   DATES: Aug.26 -. Sept 3, 2026   NO. OF PARTICIPANTS: 8-12

Now I’m looking forward to experiencing this magical place together with you. Join me on a unique journey to the Pantanal to photograph jaguars, giant otters, tapirs, and so much more. We will visit one of the most jaguar-dense areas in the world. 

Tom Svensson

In the heart of the Pantanal’s vast, vibrant landscape, you’ll have the chance to get up close and photograph one of the world’s most mythical predators – the elusive and majestic jaguar – in its natural habitat.

Slowly, we glide across the mirror-like river, surrounded by the hum of cicadas, birdsong, and the flutter of wings in the humid morning light. We scan the dense, emerald-green vegetation along the riverbank – our eyes sweeping over every shadow, every movement. Suddenly: a rustle in the reeds. The guide swiftly cuts the engine, silence falls. The water laps gently against the hull of the boat. Hearts beat a little faster. We lift our cameras – holding our breath.

And then – from the green – she appears.
A jaguar, powerful and proud, emerges with an almost unreal sense of certainty. She steps onto a fallen tree trunk at the water’s edge, just a few meters away, and meets our gaze. Golden eyes shine at us through the lens. She sits – resting – with regal dignity, as if she knows she is the queen of the Pantanal. For a moment she watches us, calm and unafraid, before lying down. A moment of total presence – intense, silent, and unforgettable.

Join Zoom Photo Tours and award-winning conservation photographer Tom Svensson on a unique photography journey to the Pantanal – the world’s largest and most biodiverse wetland, home to many of South America’s jaguars. But the Pantanal has so much more to offer. Here, giant otters, tapirs, capybaras, caimans, and thousands of brilliantly colored bird species share a living, ever-changing ecosystem where the rhythm is set by the rise and fall of the water. The Pantanal is a place where every day brings new encounters, new subjects, and new stories to capture with your camera.

This is not just a trip – it is a chance to come close to wildlife in a way that few others ever experience, and to capture unique moments on camera – often at remarkably close range.

 SOME OF THE HIGLIGTS 

  • Opportunity to photograph jaguars up close

  • Photograph tapirs, ocelots, and giant otters

  • Anteaters and capybaras – the world’s largest rodent

  • Several night safaris

  • Rio Claro with its beautiful surroundings and abundant wildlife

  • Hyacinth macaw – the world’s largest parrot

  • The Pantanal’s rich birdlife with over 400 breeding species

  • Experience the Brazilian rainforest

  • Participation of award-winning conservation photographer Tom Svensson

  • Lectures, photo editing, and image discussions with Tom Svensson

BOOKING

COUNTRY: Brazile   PHOTO: Wildlife   LENGTH: 9 days   DATES: Aug.26 -. Sept 3, 2026   NO. OF PARTICIPANTS: 8-12

Now I’m looking forward to experiencing this magical place together with you. Join me on a unique journey to the Pantanal to photograph jaguars, giant otters, tapirs, and so much more. We will visit one of the most jaguar-dense areas in the world. 

Tom Svensson

In the heart of the Pantanal’s vast, vibrant landscape, you’ll have the chance to get up close and photograph one of the world’s most mythical predators – the elusive and majestic jaguar – in its natural habitat.

Slowly, we glide across the mirror-like river, surrounded by the hum of cicadas, birdsong, and the flutter of wings in the humid morning light. We scan the dense, emerald-green vegetation along the riverbank – our eyes sweeping over every shadow, every movement. Suddenly: a rustle in the reeds. The guide swiftly cuts the engine, silence falls. The water laps gently against the hull of the boat. Hearts beat a little faster. We lift our cameras – holding our breath.

And then – from the green – she appears.
A jaguar, powerful and proud, emerges with an almost unreal sense of certainty. She steps onto a fallen tree trunk at the water’s edge, just a few meters away, and meets our gaze. Golden eyes shine at us through the lens. She sits – resting – with regal dignity, as if she knows she is the queen of the Pantanal. For a moment she watches us, calm and unafraid, before lying down. A moment of total presence – intense, silent, and unforgettable.

Join Zoom Photo Tours and award-winning conservation photographer Tom Svensson on a unique photography journey to the Pantanal – the world’s largest and most biodiverse wetland, home to many of South America’s jaguars. But the Pantanal has so much more to offer. Here, giant otters, tapirs, capybaras, caimans, and thousands of brilliantly colored bird species share a living, ever-changing ecosystem where the rhythm is set by the rise and fall of the water. The Pantanal is a place where every day brings new encounters, new subjects, and new stories to capture with your camera.

This is not just a trip – it is a chance to come close to wildlife in a way that few others ever experience, and to capture unique moments on camera – often at remarkably close range.

 SOME OF THE HIGLIGTS 

  • Opportunity to photograph jaguars up close

  • Photograph tapirs, ocelots, and giant otters

  • Anteaters and capybaras – the world’s largest rodent

  • Several night safaris

  • Rio Claro with its beautiful surroundings and abundant wildlife

  • Hyacinth macaw – the world’s largest parrot

  • The Pantanal’s rich birdlife with over 400 breeding species

  • Experience the Brazilian rainforest

  • Participation of award-winning conservation photographer Tom Svensson

  • Lectures, photo editing, and image discussions with Tom Svensson

BOOKING

PANTANAL

PANTANAL

Shared between Bolivia and Paraguay, but located mostly in Brazil, stretches the world’s largest wetland – the Pantanal. This vast landscape is one of nature’s most fascinating spectacles: a mosaic of seasonally flooded plains, glittering rivers, lakes, marshes, and lush savannah.

When the rains arrive, much of the Pantanal transforms into a rolling inland sea. As the waters recede, life bursts forth along the nutrient-rich riverbanks. That is when the animals gather – and when photographers’ dreams come alive. Here, giant otters move through the waterways in family groups, capybaras – the world’s largest rodents – graze peacefully along the shore, while anteaters with their distinctive silhouettes search for food at dusk. Anacondas and other reptiles blend seamlessly into the dense greenery. And watching over it all is the Pantanal’s most legendary inhabitant – the jaguar. This magnificent cat roams across several regions of South America, but it is here, in the Pantanal, that the chances of seeing and photographing it are greatest. Jaguars hunt along the rivers, rest on fallen tree trunks at the water’s edge, and move through the landscape with a quiet power that leaves an unforgettable impression.

The Pantanal is also a paradise for bird photographers. More than 400 breeding species have been recorded here. From the four colorful species of kingfisher to the iconic hyacinth macaw – the world’s largest parrot – as well as ospreys, snail kites, and a wide variety of waders, raptors, and exotic tropical birds.

Read more about the Pantanal, with its incredible wildlife and nature.

Shared between Bolivia and Paraguay, but located mostly in Brazil, stretches the world’s largest wetland – the Pantanal. This vast landscape is one of nature’s most fascinating spectacles: a mosaic of seasonally flooded plains, glittering rivers, lakes, marshes, and lush savannah.

When the rains arrive, much of the Pantanal transforms into a rolling inland sea. As the waters recede, life bursts forth along the nutrient-rich riverbanks. That is when the animals gather – and when photographers’ dreams come alive. Here, giant otters move through the waterways in family groups, capybaras – the world’s largest rodents – graze peacefully along the shore, while anteaters with their distinctive silhouettes search for food at dusk. Anacondas and other reptiles blend seamlessly into the dense greenery. And watching over it all is the Pantanal’s most legendary inhabitant – the jaguar. This magnificent cat roams across several regions of South America, but it is here, in the Pantanal, that the chances of seeing and photographing it are greatest. Jaguars hunt along the rivers, rest on fallen tree trunks at the water’s edge, and move through the landscape with a quiet power that leaves an unforgettable impression.

The Pantanal is also a paradise for bird photographers. More than 400 breeding species have been recorded here. From the four colorful species of kingfisher to the iconic hyacinth macaw – the world’s largest parrot – as well as ospreys, snail kites, and a wide variety of waders, raptors, and exotic tropical birds.

När regnen kommer förvandlas stora delar av Pantanal till ett böljande innanhav. När vattnet drar sig tillbaka, exploderar livet längs de näringsrika flodbankarna. Det är då djuren samlas – och det är då fotografernas drömmar väcks till liv. Här rör sig jätteuttrar i familjegrupper genom vattendragen, kapybaror – världens största gnagare – betar lugnt i strandkanten, medan myrslokar med sina säregna siluetter letar efter föda i skymningen. Anakondor och andra kräldjur smälter in i det täta gröna. Och över allt detta vakar Pantanals mest mytomspunna invånare – jaguaren. Denna magnifika katt finns på flera håll i Sydamerika, men det är just i Pantanal som chanserna att se och fotografera den är som allra störst. Här jagar de längs floderna, vilar på trädstammar i vattenbrynet och rör sig genom landskapet med en tyst kraft som lämnar ett oförglömligt intryck.

Pantanal är också ett eldorado för fågelfotografer. Över 400 häckande arter har registrerats här. Här finns allt från de fyra färgstarka arterna av kungsfiskare till den ikoniska hyacintaran – världens största ara – liksom fiskgjuse, snäckglada och ett stort antal vadare, rovfåglar och exotiska tropikarter.

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

August 26 – September 3, 2026

Throughout the journey, Tom Svensson will always be available to offer photographic advice and tips, as well as support with image editing and critique. He will also give lectures and share insights into his personal approach to photography. The exact timing of these sessions will be adapted to the photo activities and the happenings in the parks. During all safaris, Tom will rotate between the vehicles, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive personal guidance from him.

DAY 1, (Aug 26) – ARRIVAL IN CUIABÁ
Arrival in Cuiabá during the day. Check-in at the first-class Amazon Airport Hotel in the afternoon and evening. Here you will be welcomed by Tom Svensson, a host from Zoom Photo Tours, and our local guide. Since travelers arrive on different flights from Europe and to allow time to adjust to the time difference, this evening will be free with an informal gathering in the hotel bar for those who wish.

DAY 2, (Aug 27) – CUIABÁ TO POUSO ALEGRE
After an early breakfast we depart by bus, traveling about 250 km. The journey takes us first along paved roads to the low-lying town of Poconé, and then onto the Transpantaneira, an iconic dirt road stretching from Poconé to Porto Jofre, in the heart of the Pantanal on the banks of the Cuiabá River. The road is famous for its 120 wooden bridges and for the abundance of wildlife along its route, thanks to numerous wetlands. These areas of seasonal flooding and drought create grasslands and waterways that attract a wide variety of waterbirds, raptors, mammals, and reptiles. We will stop whenever something of interest appears to photograph along the way.

Upon arrival at Pouso Alegre Lodge, we check in before heading out for our first photo session in the surrounding area. The lodge is surrounded by a varied landscape where jungle, wetland, forest, and savannah intertwine – an ideal habitat for rich wildlife including tapirs, giant otters, anteaters, and coatis. Birdlife is also abundant here, with species such as the hyacinth macaw – the world’s largest macaw – and toucans.

In the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner together before heading out on our first night safari to search for nocturnal animals. (L, D)

DAY 3 (Aug 28) – MORNING PHOTOGRAPHY & TRANSFER TO PORTO JOFRE
In the soft morning light we head to a pond where we’ll have excellent opportunities to photograph toucans, aracaris, oropendolas, crab-eating foxes, South American coatis, guans, chachalacas, and other species.

After lunch we travel on to our next destination, Porto Jofre, where we check in at Pousada Berço Pantaneiro, beautifully located on the banks of the Cuiabá River. We are now in the very heart of jaguar territory, which will be our base for the coming days. (B, L, D)

DAY 4–7, (Aug 29–Sept 1) – PHOTO SAFARIS IN JAGUAR LAND
These days are dedicated entirely to photographing the mythical jaguar in one of the densest jaguar habitats in the world. We travel slowly along the winding waters of the Cuiabá River, eyes fixed on the riverbanks, where every rustle or shadow may reveal a presence larger than life.

With cameras ready, we wait for that perfect moment – when a jaguar breaks the silence, launching itself at an unsuspecting prey, often a caiman, with incredible speed and surgical precision. Witnessing and photographing such an encounter is an unforgettable experience.

At our side is Tom Svensson, who with his vast experience serves as both photo guide and mentor. He is always available for personal coaching, technical advice, and creative inspiration, while also helping us deepen our understanding of the ecosystem, behaviors, and fleeting moments we are privileged to witness.

But the Pantanal is about much more than jaguars. During our days here we will also be able to photograph capybaras, playful giant otters, graceful marsh deer, sharp-eyed peccaries, and the odd yet fascinating giant anteater. Birdlife is equally spectacular – from the colorful toucan to the stately jabiru stork. (B, L, D)

DAY 8, (Sept 2) – ONWARD TO RIO CLARO
After breakfast we continue to Pousada Rio Claro, surrounded by a wealth of life and color. The interplay of lakes, lagoons, streams, and rivers creates a landscape as varied as it is beautiful.

The highlight of the day is without doubt a boat tour on the Claro River, one of the Pantanal’s most scenic waterways. For about two hours we glide silently through a world that feels almost unreal. The river’s calm contrasts with the intensity of life above and below its surface. Here we may encounter some of the Pantanal’s most iconic species, such as the playful giant otter, often seen in groups, splashing and curiously inspecting our boat at close range. Overhead, powerful raptors such as black vultures, snail kites, and ospreys patrol the skies.

Along the shores, elegant herons stand motionless like statues, ready to strike at fish in an instant, while caimans lurk in the still waters – sometimes so close you can meet their ancient gaze.

This is not only a chance for incredible photographs but also a moment to truly experience the beauty and complexity of nature.

DAY 9, (Sept 3) – MORNING PHOTOGRAPHY & HOMEWARD JOURNEY
After breakfast we embark on another boat tour on the Rio Claro for final encounters with the area’s extraordinary wildlife. Depending on flight times, lunch will be served before we return to Cuiabá Airport for your onward flight home. (B, L)

PHOTO OF THE TRIP
A few weeks after returning home, once you’ve had time to go through your images, you’ll have the chance to submit your best photos from the trip to Tom. He will select the “Photo of the Trip.” The winner will automatically advance to the finals of the “Photo of the Year 2026” competition, with the chance to win great prizes.

Read more about the exciting days in the Pantanal

August 26 – September 3, 2026

Under resan finns Tom Svensson hela tiden tillgänglig för fotoråd och tips samt  som hjälp vid bildredigering och i bildkritik. Tom kommer även att hålla föredrag och berätta om sitt sätt att fotografera. Exakta tider för detta bestäms utifrån tiden på fotoaktiviteterna och vad som händer i parkerna. Under alla safaris alternerar Tom mellan jeeparna så att du har möjlighet att få personliga råd av honom.

DAY 1, (Aug 26)
ARRIVAL IN CUIABÁ
Arrival in Cuiabá during the day. Check-in at the first-class Amazon Airport Hotel in the afternoon and evening. Here you will be welcomed by Tom Svensson, a host from Zoom Photo Tours, and our local guide. Since travelers arrive on different flights from Europe and to allow time to adjust to the time difference, this evening will be free with an informal gathering in the hotel bar for those who wish

DAY 2, (Aug 27)
CUIABÁ TO POUSO ALEGRE
After an early breakfast we depart by bus, traveling about 250 km. The journey takes us first along paved roads to the low-lying town of Poconé, and then onto the Transpantaneira, an iconic dirt road stretching from Poconé to Porto Jofre, in the heart of the Pantanal on the banks of the Cuiabá River. The road is famous for its 120 wooden bridges and for the abundance of wildlife along its route, thanks to numerous wetlands. These areas of seasonal flooding and drought create grasslands and waterways that attract a wide variety of waterbirds, raptors, mammals, and reptiles. We will stop whenever something of interest appears to photograph along the way.

Upon arrival at Pouso Alegre Lodge, we check in before heading out for our first photo session in the surrounding area. The lodge is surrounded by a varied landscape where jungle, wetland, forest, and savannah intertwine – an ideal habitat for rich wildlife including tapirs, giant otters, anteaters, and coatis. Birdlife is also abundant here, with species such as the hyacinth macaw – the world’s largest macaw – and toucans.

In the evening we enjoy a welcome dinner together before heading out on our first night safari to search for nocturnal animals. (L, D)

DAY 3, (Aug 28)
PHOTOGRAPHY & TRANSFER TO PORTO JOFRE
In the soft morning light we head to a pond where we’ll have excellent opportunities to photograph toucans, aracaris, oropendolas, crab-eating foxes, South American coatis, guans, chachalacas, and other species.

After lunch we travel on to our next destination, Porto Jofre, where we check in at Pousada Berço Pantaneiro, beautifully located on the banks of the Cuiabá River. We are now in the very heart of jaguar territory, which will be our base for the coming days. (B, L, D)

DAY 4–7, (Aug 29–Sept 1)
PHOTO SAFARIS IN JAGUAR LAND
These days are dedicated entirely to photographing the mythical jaguar in one of the densest jaguar habitats in the world. We travel slowly along the winding waters of the Cuiabá River, eyes fixed on the riverbanks, where every rustle or shadow may reveal a presence larger than life.

With cameras ready, we wait for that perfect moment – when a jaguar breaks the silence, launching itself at an unsuspecting prey, often a caiman, with incredible speed and surgical precision. Witnessing and photographing such an encounter is an unforgettable experience.

At our side is Tom Svensson, who with his vast experience serves as both photo guide and mentor. He is always available for personal coaching, technical advice, and creative inspiration, while also helping us deepen our understanding of the ecosystem, behaviors, and fleeting moments we are privileged to witness.

But the Pantanal is about much more than jaguars. During our days here we will also be able to photograph capybaras, playful giant otters, graceful marsh deer, sharp-eyed peccaries, and the odd yet fascinating giant anteater. Birdlife is equally spectacular – from the colorful toucan to the stately jabiru stork. (B, L, D)

DAY 8, (Sept 2)
ONWARD TO RIO CLARO
After breakfast we continue to Pousada Rio Claro, surrounded by a wealth of life and color. The interplay of lakes, lagoons, streams, and rivers creates a landscape as varied as it is beautiful.

The highlight of the day is without doubt a boat tour on the Claro River, one of the Pantanal’s most scenic waterways. For about two hours we glide silently through a world that feels almost unreal. The river’s calm contrasts with the intensity of life above and below its surface. Here we may encounter some of the Pantanal’s most iconic species, such as the playful giant otter, often seen in groups, splashing and curiously inspecting our boat at close range. Overhead, powerful raptors such as black vultures, snail kites, and ospreys patrol the skies.

Along the shores, elegant herons stand motionless like statues, ready to strike at fish in an instant, while caimans lurk in the still waters – sometimes so close you can meet their ancient gaze.

This is not only a chance for incredible photographs but also a moment to truly experience the beauty and complexity of nature.

DAY 9, (Sept 3)
MORNING PHOTOGRAPHY & HOMEWARD JOURNEY
After breakfast we embark on another boat tour on the Rio Claro for final encounters with the area’s extraordinary wildlife. Depending on flight times, lunch will be served before we return to Cuiabá Airport for your onward flight home. (B, L)

PHOTO OF THE TRIP
A few weeks after returning home, once you’ve had time to go through your images, you’ll have the chance to submit your best photos from the trip to Tom. He will select the “Photo of the Trip.” The winner will automatically advance to the finals of the “Photo of the Year 2026” competition, with the chance to win great prizes.

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

 TOM SVENSSON • Conservation photographer 

Tom Svensson is a world-renowned conservation photographer, born in Denmark, raised in Sweden, and now based in Fjällbacka. Tom’s great driving force in life is conservation, and as he puts it: “I don’t do this for myself, but for my children and grandchildren. If we don’t act for them now, it will be too late for them to do anything themselves.”

Tom’s unique strength as a photographer lies in capturing images that move people and make a difference. He believes that photographs can bring about change, as the power of an image is immense – and in this regard, he is considered one of the best in the world.

Tom is a member of Naturfotograferna/N and the only Swede ever elected to the International Environment Photographers Association (IEPA). He is also part of Canon’s Nordic Ambassador Program and a Global Manfrotto Ambassador.

For more information, visit www.tomsvensson.se.

Read more about Tom Svensson, a world-renowned conservation photographer

Tom Svensson is a world-renowned conservation photographer, born in Denmark, raised in Sweden, and now based in Fjällbacka. Tom’s great driving force in life is conservation, and as he puts it: “I don’t do this for myself, but for my children and grandchildren. If we don’t act for them now, it will be too late for them to do anything themselves.”

Tom’s unique strength as a photographer lies in capturing images that move people and make a difference. He believes that photographs can bring about change, as the power of an image is immense – and in this regard, he is considered one of the best in the world.

Tom is a member of Naturfotograferna/N and the only Swede ever elected to the International Environment Photographers Association (IEPA). He is also part of Canon’s Nordic Ambassador Program and a Global Manfrotto Ambassador.

For more information, visit www.tomsvensson.se

HOTEL & LODGES

HOTEL & LODGES

AMAZON AEROPUERTO****+

POUSO ALEGRE LODGE***

BERCO PANTANEIRO***

RIO CLARO LODGE***

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

PRICE

Price per person: USD 5.750

The price includes:

  • All transportation according to the itinerary.

  • Accommodation in shared twin room.

  • Meals as per the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

  • Activities as per the itinerary.

  • Boat trips.

  • Morning and evening safaris according to the itinerary.

  • Park entrance fees.

  • Participation of Tom Svensson throughout the entire trip.

  • Participation of a host from Zoom Photo Tours.

  • Participation of a local guide.

  • Hotel and other applicable taxes.

    The price dose not include:

    • International flights to Cuiabá.

    • Single room supplement: USD 900

    • Personal expenses (e.g. beverages with meals, telephone, etc.).

    • Tips for the local nature guide and the boatstaff. Approx. USD 10–15 per day.

    • Cancellation protection and travel insurance (see our website under Other Information)

    FLIGHT

    Flights to Cuiabá, Brazil, are arranged individually. You may arrive in Cuiabá at any time on August 26. For the return journey, flights can be booked from 4:00 PM on September 3 onwards.

    If you would like assistance with flight bookings, please indicate this in the booking form or contact us by email at info@zoomphototours.com

    FACTS

    Target group: Photographers interested in developing their skills in wildlife and nature photography.

    Min/Max participants: 8 / 12.

    Other information: For more details about Zoom Photo Tours, terms and conditions, etc., please see our website under “Other Information.”

    
CAMERAEQUIPMENT

    • Your digital camera.

    • Telephoto lens, preferably up to 600 mm.

    • 70–200 mm lens.

    • Wide-angle lens, e.g. 24–70 mm.

    • A monopod.

    • A laptop with Photoshop or Lightroom.

    • Extra batteries, chargers, etc.

    • Cleaning equipment.

    
BOOKING 

    Book your trip by clicking the button below. You are also welcome to call us at +46 470-466 40 or email us at info@zoomphototours.com

    BOOKING

    Photo: Tom Svensson, Santiago Sainz-Trápaga and Santiago Cicotti