Camping Porto Jofre

The Cuiabá river is home to many a secluded spot, making this peaceful stretch of water a good one for floating safaris. Chat with staff on site to arrange a wildlife-watching boat trip in the surrounding area or hire canoes on site to set off for self-powered river adventures. Landlubbers who have come here in search of tropical birds and beasts have plenty of options too: Fazenda São Bento (a five-minute drive from base) has dedicated trucks that rove these banks on the hunt for nature. Encontro das Águas State Park (half an hour by car) is also worth a gander – hikes through these parts come highly recommended, as do local birdwatching opportunities (don't forget your binoculars). For a road trip that takes in spectacular vistas, head to the Transpantaneira and drive the two hours and 45 minutes up to Poconé. The surrounding landscape is sure to make a splash (particularly during the rainy season, when 80% of the Pantanal is under water) and Poconé has several good restaurants where you can stop off before heading back to base for a night under the stars.