Land of the Jaguar

Customer Reviews

• Jacqueline

  · October 6th, 2012
  Land of the Jaguar? - well it certainly was - in fact it was 8 - yes, 8 different jaguars for most of us. Fairly long spells in small boats rewarded us in many ways - not just with sightings of the apex predator but everything that makes up it's environment! An amazing experience.  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the first big male on the beach, on the first afternoon - not bothered by us - going about his business.... and then again seeing him on the last afternoon of the river trip bit, for a last farewell! Special indeed!Spending over 8 hours one day watching a family of jaguars playing, sleeping and just chilling - while we got all hot and bothered about our ISO's, slow panning and all the niggly creepers and vines that insisted in getting in our shots - but that's wildlife photography for you! Oh, and lunch arrived by some special boat force! Fantastic! What did you think of your group leader? Paul Goldstein - well, not sure I can think of anything that hasn't been said before. His first trip to the Pantanal - he marshalled us around in the bosts as if we were on the plains of Africa, even the jaguars responded and came out to provide us with hours of entertainment - just like Paul did too! Fantastic job as usual.Juan-Paulo, the local guide was very helpful and good at organising us all! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a hat and suncreen. I would also say take lots of insect repellent but I'm not actually sure any of it would actually work! We used it by the bucket-load but most of us got bitten anyway at some point; some more than others and if like me you can react to bites badly, then be prepared to suffer! Is there anything else you would like to add? A fabulous trip - great wildlife to see, from the birds to the otters, caiman and of course the elusive jaguar (or not so in our case)! Recommended viewing indeed! The accommodation was very good and the last lodge Araras is a great way to unwind from the excitement of the river bit, but of course there is also lots ot see and do there too!Go Nuts indeed for this Brazilian adventure!
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• Jacqueline

  · October 6th, 2012
  Land of the Jaguar? - well it certainly was - in fact it was 8 - yes, 8 different jaguars for most of us. Fairly long spells in small boats rewarded us in many ways - not just with sightings of the apex predator but everything that makes up it's environment! An amazing experience.  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the first big male on the beach, on the first afternoon - not bothered by us - going about his business.... and then again seeing him on the last afternoon of the river trip bit, for a last farewell! Special indeed!Spending over 8 hours one day watching a family of jaguars playing, sleeping and just chilling - while we got all hot and bothered about our ISO's, slow panning and all the niggly creepers and vines that insisted in getting in our shots - but that's wildlife photography for you! Oh, and lunch arrived by some special boat force! Fantastic! What did you think of your group leader? Paul Goldstein - well, not sure I can think of anything that hasn't been said before. His first trip to the Pantanal - he marshalled us around in the bosts as if we were on the plains of Africa, even the jaguars responded and came out to provide us with hours of entertainment - just like Paul did too! Fantastic job as usual.Juan-Paulo, the local guide was very helpful and good at organising us all! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a hat and suncreen. I would also say take lots of insect repellent but I'm not actually sure any of it would actually work! We used it by the bucket-load but most of us got bitten anyway at some point; some more than others and if like me you can react to bites badly, then be prepared to suffer! Is there anything else you would like to add? A fabulous trip - great wildlife to see, from the birds to the otters, caiman and of course the elusive jaguar (or not so in our case)! Recommended viewing indeed! The accommodation was very good and the last lodge Araras is a great way to unwind from the excitement of the river bit, but of course there is also lots ot see and do there too!Go Nuts indeed for this Brazilian adventure!
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• Hazel

  · October 1st, 2012
  Fantastic trip. As usual (for Exodus) well organised  and pretty much as described in the trip notes. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The first jaguar on the "beach" at the side of the river. Our first sighting on the first river trip. In perfect light he performed for us. He yawned, he rolled over, he strolled down to the water and he drank. Little did we know that he was the first of our 11 jaguar sightings (some members of our party had 14!)Must also mention the early morning encounter with an ant-eater. As our tour leader so accurately states...those who snooze lose!! What did you think of your group leader? We've travelled with Paul many times. He never fails to inspire us. Despite his reputation ( which is ?????) we would travel with him any time. We have never been disappointed.Insulted maybe, but never disappointed!  We feel safe, and he knows his wildlife.  Next trip already booked. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The insects in Brazil have teeth!! Make sure you take and use adequate insect repellant. As oldies, we travelled fairly well covered. The younger element of our party were well gnawed by a variety of insect wildlife.A universal travel plug is a useful accessory if you plan to do any washing. A head torch is useful at night if you need to visit the bathroom..saves you treading on uninvited visitors! Make sure you drink plenty of water. We all did and no-one was ill.
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