Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arrive in São Paulo (D)
We’ll arrive at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport and make our way to our airport hotel. Since everyone may arrive on different flights, this first day is designed to be simple and flexible. After settling in, we’ll gather for dinner at the hotel, meet the group, and talk through the exciting days ahead. This is a relaxed arrival day before we begin our journey into Brazil’s remarkable mix of wildlife, clear-water rivers, forests, wetlands, and waterfalls.

Day 2: São Paulo to Bonito (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we’ll transfer back to the airport for our flight to Campo Grande. Upon arrival, we’ll meet our local guide and begin the scenic drive to Bonito, a region famous for crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, caves, and incredible biodiversity. Later in the day, we’ll visit Boca da Onça, where preserved forest trails lead us past waterfalls, natural swimming pools, and panoramic viewpoints over the surrounding landscape. This will be a beautiful first opportunity to ease into photography in Brazil, with moving water, lush forest, and wide scenic views.

Day 3: Macaws, Sinkholes & Crystal-Clear Rivers (B,L,D)
This morning, we’ll visit Buraco das Araras, one of the largest sinkholes in South America. The red sandstone walls, deep green lagoon, and soaring red-and-green macaws create one of the most dramatic natural scenes in the region. We’ll spend time photographing the macaws as they fly, perch, and move through this incredible crater landscape.

Later, we’ll enjoy lunch and time around Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata, where the surrounding habitat often offers excellent bird activity. In the afternoon, we’ll experience Rio da Prata, one of Bonito’s signature clear-water rivers. The snorkeling here feels like drifting through a natural aquarium, with underwater gardens, gentle current, and colorful fish including dorado and piraputanga. While this portion is more experiential than traditional land-based photography, it gives us a close look at one of the ecosystems that makes Bonito so special.

Day 4: Blue Lake Cave & Into the South Pantanal (B,L,D)
We’ll begin the day at Gruta do Lago Azul, a spectacular cave known for its massive chamber, ancient formations, and vivid blue underground lake. The combination of limestone textures, cavern scale, and glowing blue water makes this one of Bonito’s most iconic natural sites.

After lunch, we’ll transfer toward the South Pantanal and settle into our lodge area. On arrival, we’ll begin looking for wildlife, including the possibility of giant anteaters and other mammals. This evening gives us our first taste of the Pantanal’s open landscapes, working ranch habitats, birdlife, and wildlife photography opportunities.

Day 5: South Pantanal Wildlife Safari (B,L,D)
Today will be dedicated to wildlife photography in the South Pantanal. We’ll spend the day exploring the lodge’s habitat by ground safari, looking for some of the region’s most exciting species. Targets may include giant anteaters, southern tamanduas, armadillos, hyacinth macaws, and a variety of other birds and mammals that thrive in this wetland environment.

We’ll keep the schedule flexible around wildlife activity and light. The Pantanal is one of South America’s great wildlife regions, and our goal today will be to maximize time in the field while staying ready for whatever the landscape gives us, from intimate animal portraits to wider environmental images.

Day 6: Morning Wildlife & Return to São Paulo (B,L,D)
We’ll enjoy one more morning of wildlife activities around the lodge, making the most of our final field session in the South Pantanal. After lunch, we’ll transfer back to the airport in Campo Grande and fly to São Paulo. Upon arrival at Guarulhos, we’ll meet our local team and transfer to our airport hotel for the night.

This travel day bridges the wildlife-rich wetlands of the Pantanal with the next major highlight of the trip: Iguaçu Falls.

Day 7: Fly to Iguaçu Falls (B,L,D)
We’ll start early with breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for our flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our beautiful hotel located inside the national park on the Brazilian side of the falls.

After leaving our luggage at the hotel, we’ll begin exploring the falls area. Iguazú is one of the most powerful and visually spectacular waterfall systems in the world, and the Brazilian side is especially strong for wide views, mist, rainbows, and grand landscape compositions. We’ll take our time working with the changing light, water movement, and atmosphere before returning to the hotel.

Day 8: Argentine Side of Iguazú Falls (B,L,D)
Today we’ll spend the full day exploring the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls. This side offers a different experience, with trails and viewpoints that bring us closer to the power and complexity of the waterfall system. We’ll include time around Devil’s Throat, one of the most dramatic sections of the falls, along with the Macuco Trails area. A boat ride may be available as an optional experience for those who want a more adventurous perspective.

If conditions and timing allow, we’ll also visit the Jardín de los Picaflores, a private hummingbird garden that can offer wonderful opportunities for photographing fast-moving tropical birds in a more controlled setting. After a full day of waterfalls, forest, and wildlife possibilities, we’ll return to our hotel on the Brazilian side.

Day 9: Final Morning at Iguaçu & Depart (B,L,D)
This morning, we’ll have one final opportunity to visit the falls before checking out. Depending on conditions, this may be a great chance to revisit favorite compositions, work with softer morning light, or simply enjoy one last look at one of South America’s most spectacular natural wonders.

After checkout, we’ll have lunch outside the park and transfer to the airport for our flight back to São Paulo, where our services will conclude.