Two worlds of wild beauty, one unforgettable journey.
Fly private to the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland and one of Earth’s most extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries. Stay at Estância Caiman and Hotel Porto Jofre, two of Brazil’s most exclusive gateways to nature, and experience the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and conservation.
Destination Overview
The Pantanal, located in Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and open landscapes that make wildlife viewing exceptional. From jaguar tracking and birdwatching to sunset boat safaris, it offers one of the richest ecosystems on the planet.
For private aviation, the Pantanal is best reached via:
– Estância Caiman’s private runway (SSEX) — in southern Pantanal, near Miranda (Mato Grosso do Sul).
– Porto Jofre Airfield (SJQI) — in northern Pantanal, at the heart of jaguar territory, on the banks of the Cuiabá River.
Both destinations can be visited on the same journey — connecting via private aircraft for a comprehensive Pantanal experience combining luxury lodging and deep wilderness immersion.
Estância Caiman (SSEX)
Luxury conservation and safari-style comfort.
Estância Caiman, in the southern Pantanal, offers an exclusive safari experience in a private 53,000-hectare ecological reserve that combines wildlife conservation with five-star hospitality.
Highlights:
- Daily safaris with professional naturalists.
- Visit the Onçafari Project, dedicated to jaguar conservation and rewilding.
- Horseback riding through floodplains.
- Birdwatching and sunset drives.
- Private gourmet dining with locally inspired cuisine.
Lodging Options:
- Casa Caiman: Main Lodge with 18 recently renovated suites.
- Cordilheira Lodge: Contemporary design and luxury suites with private verandas.
- Baiazinha Lodge: Intimate six-room lakeside retreat.
- Private Villa: Full buyout option for families and small groups.
Access: Direct arrival by private aircraft to SSEX, private runway within the reserve.
Hotel Porto Jofre (SJQI)
Jaguar capital of the world.
Located in the northern Pantanal, Hotel Porto Jofre sits on the banks of the Cuiabá River, the world’s most reliable place to observe jaguars in the wild. This area offers daily river safaris and immersive wildlife encounters with comfort and exclusivity.
Highlights:
- Jaguar Boat Safaris: Exceptional daily sightings of jaguars, caimans, and giant otters.
- Birdwatching: Over 600 species, including macaws, herons, and jabirus.
- Fishing Excursions: Seasonal sportfishing with local guides.
- Sunset Cruises: Unforgettable evenings along the river.
Lodging Options:
- Hotel Porto Jofre Pantanal: Comfortable riverside accommodations with pool, restaurant, and private docks.
- Private River Lodges: Available for charter groups or researchers with dedicated boats and staff.
Access: Direct arrival via Porto Jofre Airstrip (SJQI), suitable for turboprops.
Best Time to Visit
- May – September (Dry Season): Ideal for wildlife and photography.
- June – October: Peak for jaguar sightings at Porto Jofre.
- November – April (Wet Season): Lush landscapes and abundant birdlife.
Suggested Travel Itinerary
- Arrive at Estância Caiman (SSEX) – Experience conservation-focused safaris and luxury hospitality.
- Private flight to Porto Jofre (SJQI) – Continue your adventure with boat safaris and close wildlife encounters.
- Return via Cuiabá (SBCY) or Campo Grande (SBCG) to connect to São Paulo, Brasília, or international destinations.
Local Insights
- Country: Brazil 🇧🇷
- Currency: Brazilian Real (R$)
- Language: Portuguese (English spoken at both lodges)
- Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, families, and eco-luxury travelers.
Suggested Private Flight Routes
| Route | Flight Time | Suggested Aircraft |
| São Paulo → Caiman (SSEX) | 2h15 | Pilatus PC12, King Air 350 |
| Cuiabá (SBCY) → Porto Jofre (SJQI) | 50 min | Cessna Caravan, King Air C90 |
| Campo Grande (SBCG) → Caiman (SSEX) | 45 min | Cessna Caravan, King Air C90 |
Airport Information
Estância Caiman (SSEX)
- Private dirt runway.
- Located within the Caiman Ecological Refuge.
- Suitable for turboprops.
Porto Jofre Airfield (SJQI)
- Unpaved runway.
- Capable of handling turboprops.
- Located next to the Cuiabá River and jaguar lodges.
Alternative Gateways:
- Campo Grande (SBCG) – Closest commercial airport to southern Pantanal.
- Cuiabá (SBCY) – Closest to northern Pantanal and Porto Jofre.
Why Fly with Arriba Air
- Access to 4,500+ aircraft for seamless regional connectivity.
- Multi-destination flight planning between Caiman, Porto Jofre, and major Brazilian cities.
- Experience in remote operations and coordination with private lodges.
- Flexible schedules for photography groups, research teams, or family travel.
- Concierge coordination for lodge reservations and ground logistics.
Book Your Private Flight to the Pantanal
Experience Brazil’s wild heart in complete comfort and exclusivity. [ Request a Quote ] or [ Contact Us ] — Arriba Air will organize your private flight to Estância Caiman, Porto Jofre, or both for the ultimate Pantanal adventure.
✈️ Disclaimer
Flight time and pricing are approximate and depend on aircraft availability, weather, and ATC conditions. Operations into SSEX and SJQI may be weather-dependent during the wet season.


