Best hotels in Northern Pantanal

While most Pantanal lodges promise wildlife encounters, Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge delivers them with the kind of consistency that has guests returning time and time again. The famous ‘Jaguar Express’ day trips down the Transpantaneira to Porto Jofre offer fabulous big cat viewing - and the guides will turn every excursion into a wildlife masterclass. The lodge itself is set in 3,000 hectares of private land in the heart of the world's largest wetland, and owners Andre and Jerneja have created something that feels more like staying with naturalist friends than checking into a commercial lodge. Highlights include farm-to-table dining with honey, milk, cheese and meat, all sourced on-site, and unparalleled wildlife viewing from the three iconic observation towers.

At the dusty end of the Transpantaneira's 147km journey, this unpretentious lodge delivers exactly what serious wildlife enthusiasts crave: proximity to South America's most elusive predator. Forget fancy facilities – you're here because this stretch of the Cuiabá River hosts the world's densest jaguar population. Between July and October, multiple daily sightings are genuinely common, not mere marketing speak. The simply styled rooms won't win any design awards, but when you're watching a jaguar wrestle a caiman at sunrise, thread counts become irrelevant. Passionate guides who know every riverside hunting spot make the magic happen, while the buffet keeps you fuelled for long days on the water.

This exclusive cruise traverses a stunning array of environments within the Grand Pantanal, not just in search of jaguars but also for other wildlife, as well as the region's beautiful landscapes. The Akaia, a comfortable motor vessel with only 7 cabins, winds along the Paraguay and Cuiabá rivers, and through the picturesque Amolar mountainous region, exploring three distinct nature reserves: the Pantanal National Park, the Meeting of the Waters State Park, and the Transpantaneira Park Road. Your journey will be dedicated to discovering the area’s fascinating and diverse fauna and flora, including the elusive jaguar, playful giant river otters, countless caimans basking on sandbars, and the enchanting ‘Victoria Regia’ giant water lilies. Additionally, witness thousands of diverse bird species that make up this wild South American sanctuary.

Santa Rosa Pantanal Hotel is a top destination in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso. The hotel offer an excellent structure with modern architecture, diverse areas for relaxation, incredible views of the Pantanal, and beyond comfortable accommodations.

Santa Rosa Pantanal Hotel provide the best experience for those looking to explore the Pantanal's unique fauna and flora

On the Santa Rosa Pantanal Hotel property there are a variety of chalets and apartments that are offered to guests for a comfortable stay. These chalet options include: Chalet in the Woods, Farmhouse Chalet, River Chalet and Chalet by the Aquarium River - each designed to provide comfort, security, and tranquility to guests after they enjoy a day out exploring the Pantanal.