Hotel Porto Jofre Pantanal Norte

This is wilderness lodging that knows exactly what it's about – and what it's not. The main building houses a generous buffet restaurant where quantity compensates for remote-location limitations. The pool errs on the natural side but it's rather refreshing after dusty game drives, while the wifi and electricity are a little unreliable – that just encourages a much-needed digital detox. But the riverside deck buzzes with excitement as returning boats share jaguar coordinates and giant otter gossip. The bar stays open late for swapping SD cards and comparing shots over caipirinhas.

The straightforward rooms range from standards to suites, offering the essentials for a comfortable night's rest between wildlife adventures. While they won't feature in design magazines, they're clean and functional with air conditioning (albeit noisy), hot showers, and reasonably comfortable beds. The décor leans heavily on practical rather than pretty, but river-facing rooms offer lovely dawn views when howler monkeys start their morning serenade.

Every day revolves around exclusive boat excursions, during which you’ll explore the Cuiabá, Piquiri, and Três Irmãos rivers. Full-day boat rides provide excellent opportunities to view jaguars and giant river otters up close, with private tours allowing flexible timing based on wildlife activity. During the dry season, guests frequently see jaguars on exposed river beaches – often considered the highlight of their trip. Common wildlife sightings include capybaras and caimans, while the surrounding grounds offer excellent birdwatching including hyacinth macaws and toucans.