Fred Tavares2019
Fred has worked as a naturalist and hiking guide since 1999. His career is rooted in biology, field research and deep familiarity with Brazil’s most biodiverse ecosystems. He earned his degree from Izabela Hendrix University in Belo Horizonte, where he specialized in primate behavior and the ecology of the Pantanal. Fred has led immersive wildlife experiences across the Atlantic Forest, the Pantanal, the Amazon and remote northeastern Brazil. His trips often feature off-trail hikes, quiet boat excursions and wildlife encounters that reward patience and local insight, such as capuchin monkeys foraging high in the canopy or marsh deer browsing the open wetlands.
Fred’s interest in photography has grown organically over the decades in the field. He’s spent years behind the lens documenting Brazil’s natural wonders. His images have been published in regional magazines and featured by BBC Earth on Instagram. He also sells prints and licenses select work. More importantly, Fred has long been a photographic collaborator, guiding photographers from around the world to rare wildlife and wild places, offering logistical expertise and natural history insights that elevate their work. As a Photo Expedition Leader with Natural Habitat Adventures, Fred brings the ideal blend of local knowledge, wildlife savvy and photographic awareness.
In addition to guiding, Fred has trained many of Brazil’s top nature guides in guest communication, natural history interpretation and field safety. His contagious enthusiasm, curiosity and boundless energy make him a favorite among travelers and colleagues alike, especially when tracking jaguars, pointing out rare orchids or waiting for the perfect light on a Pantanal sunrise.
What Our Guests Say
Fred was a fabulous guide. He was knowledgeable and willing to share wonderful information and background stories. He understood all the animal behaviors and advised us on the best choices for areas to see, animals to watch, and how to stay safe. And all the patience and persistence paid off with some great wildlife sightings! He also had a good sense of humor and interacted well with the whole group. His instructions were clear as to what to expect, as well as plans for each day. Finally, I really appreciated his passion for birds!<br />
Fred is an absolutely exceptional guide. The most important thing to us on trips is the safety of our family, and we immediately felt we were in good hands with Fred. His encyclopedic knowledge of flora and fauna (especially birds) was extremely impressive and added so much to our trip. His enthusiasm and passion for the area is evident, and it was so nice seeing him share in the excitement of his guests. Fred’s deep knowledge of animal behavior allowed him to explain to us what may or may not happen at animal sightings. This, combined with his great rapport with the knowledgeable local guides and drivers, helped us be well-prepared and positioned for some awesome sightings and behaviors. On top of all this Fred is just a great person to be around.
Fred was very aware of all the different needs within the group. He was also very knowledgeable about the different animal behaviors, which allowed us to have private encounters with jaguars after other groups had left the area because they were impatient. The interactions he had with other staff at the different locations made it obvious he was liked and respected by others in the tourism business.
Upcoming Adventures with Fred Tavares
Brazil Jaguar & Wildlife Photo Expedition
The most immersive Pantanal wildlife safari you'll find! Includes an extra day to photograph jaguars in Porto Jofre, plus tapirs, hyacinth macaws and more on private small-boat excursions on the Cuiaba River.
