Galápagos
May 12 – 20, 2024
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Photograph Jaguars in the Wild
October 31 – November 8, 2025
Join us on a journey to the heart of Brazil, the Pantanal. We will travel the pristine waterways in search of one of the world’s most potent cats, the jaguar! The jaguar prefers to hunt prey at the water’s edge, and it’s no coincidence that we search for powerful aquatic cats by boat! Our photographic focus will be on the king of the swamps, the jaguar, but you might wear out your shutter with the myriad of birds and mammals along the way! The Pantanal is home to an astonishing array of beautiful birds. It is said that five of the most beautiful birds in the world live in the Pantanal; fingers crossed!
We will cruise the rivers and waterways in custom boats. Our professional guides are experts at guiding you to the best spots to encounter jaguars. They are also skilled boatmen that will do their best to get the boats in the best position for us to capture images of jaguars and other wildlife. These big cats come quietly out of the jungle to quench their thirst or explosively pounce to hunt for prey, and we’ll be ready with our cameras. This small and private workshop will have private boats and vehicles used to find wildlife, allowing greater comfort and flexibility for our adventure. Traveling without the addition of extra people lets us spend more time doing what we love, photographing some of the most amazing animals on earth!
Your Pros
Location
Brazil
Tuition
$12,995
Dates
October 31 – November 8, 2025
Availability
Open for Registration
Limited to 8 Guests
Itinerary
About the wildlife: This workshop offers significant opportunities for photographing wildlife, and while we do our best to maximize our wildlife encounters—based on past experiences, local knowledge, and the current conditions—we need to impress upon you that the wildlife really is wild and that we don’t control it.
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
October 31, 2025: Arrive in Cuiaba before 6:00 PM this day for transport to our hotel. We’ll have a group meet and greet before dinner. (Slim Cuiabá Aeroporto)
November 1, 2025: After breakfast, we’ll be driven in a private air-conditioned vehicle to our first lodge, with lunch and roadside photography along the way.
Possible species include the world’s biggest stork, the jabiru, orange-backed troupial, northern emerald toucanet, black-collared hawk, Chaco chachalaca, snail kite, roadside hawk, large-billed tern, and various herons and egrets. The endemic marsh deer is possible, as are anteaters. We will photograph birds at the numerous feeders around the lodge before dinner.
An evening lesson on wildlife photography will follow dinner.
November 2, 2025: After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Porto Jofre, photographing at a couple of hotspots along the way. Once at the port, we will travel by boat to Port do Capivara Lodge. We’ll spend the afternoon looking for wildlife. Possible species: vermillion flycatcher, great-horned owl, and black-backed water tyrant.
November 3–7, 2025: We’ll spend the next four days searching and photographing from boats in the heart of the Pantanal. Possible species: jaguars, capybara, caiman, howler monkeys, giant river otters, kingfishers, herons, egrets, and one of the 500 avian species in the Pantanal might pop up! The Lodge, Port do Capivara is comfortable, but most importantly, it is in the heart of the jaguars’ territory. Jaguars have been seen on the property, so always take care when outside. Our location also lets us get into the action at the best times for sightings and photography.
November 7, 2025: After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Porto Jofre by boat, then drive to the next lodge. There will be time to check the feeders for some photos, followed by dinner and an evening image review.
Possible Species: peach-fronted parakeet, red-crested cardinal, saffron finch, white-tailed goldenthroat.
November 8, 2025: We’ll wake up early to check for toco toucans at the feeders. Following our last breakfast, we’ll transfer to Cuiaba airport for flights home after 2:00 PM.
We've chosen this lodge for comfort, knowledgeable and friendly staff, great food, and convenience to our main objective, the Jaguars. We also place a significant value on isolation and exclusivity. You won't find us in areas where there are dozens of other boats—instead, you'll feel like the animals are there just for you! The accommodations feature twin beds or a queen bed, high thread-count linens, storage for clothing, a sitting area, a verandah, and of course, en suite bathrooms with toilets, hot water, and showers. The lodge staff will make you feel comfortable and well fed.
Typically we'll go out on our private boats looking for Jaquars two times each day, in the morning and again in the afternoon. This will give you some down time between each photography session to import images, work with our instructors and enjoy a wonderful lunch.
You'll have your own row in the boats, giving you ample space to photograph from.
Fitness
Moderate: Short walks and ability to board vehicles and small boats.
Flights
Arrive Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB), Cuiabá, Mato Grosso before 6:00 PM on October 31, 2025. Flights out can be made after 2:00 PM on November 8, 2025. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $2,950 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- English-speaking local guide throughout the workshop.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Cuiabá, Mato Grosso.
- Unscheduled airport transfers.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
- Travel Medical (required).
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $2,950 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $4,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further payment of $4,000 is due by April 1, 2025.
- The balance is due not later than July 1, 2025.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Testimonials
“This was a unique workshop. A once in a lifetime opportunity. This is why I sign up for Muench workshops ”
“Jeff provided plenty of scheduled instruction and was easily approachable on the fly in all circumstances. He does a great job of teaching to the level of experience for each individual participant. ”
“Wayne & Joseph were great at offering comp suggestions & shooting advice. Cecilia's local knowledge of flora, fauna, geology, culture, and history added a lot to the experience - providing stories & context for our photos. ”
