Helder Brandao
Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Helder developed a passion for nature early in life. He earned a biology degree from the University of Sao Paulo, but it was the wetlands of the Pantanal that solidified his calling as a guide. Over the past decade, he has led expeditions across South America, including Peru, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. His love for wildlife also took him to Africa, where he explored national parks in South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique, learning from expert guides along the way.
Helder deepened his expertise as head guide at one of Brazil’s top ecolodges, where he led wildlife excursions, trained guides and served as environmental manager, advising on sustainability and conservation practices. A highlight of his career was leading his childhood idol Harrison Ford—a.k.a. Indiana Jones—on an adventure through the Pantanal.
A lifelong pursuit of knowledge landed Helder on a jaguar conservation project, where he tracked and studied the Pantanal’s apex predator. In 2015, he founded an environmental consulting company to support sustainability, ecotourism and wildlife journeys. With vast experience and deep ecological knowledge, Helder loves sharing the wonders of Brazil with Nat Hab travelers.
What Our Guests Say
Helder is personable with a deep knowledge and passion for wildlife and the Pantanal. He was an outstanding leader in all respects. We came hoping to see one jaguar and we saw ten! Several of these were spotted personally by Helder without the help of radio information, providing us a private viewing.
Helder is an amazing guide. He is hugely knowledgeable, charming, funny, attentive and thoughtful. He has knowledge of many fields and emphasized environmental issues and cultural information. He paid close attention to our needs. We're hoping Helder will lead one of our next trips with Nat Hab!
Helder was fantastic. I have had great leaders on all the Nat Hab trips I have taken, and would rank Helder the best. He was incredibly knowledgeable and so enthusiastic. He obviously loves what he does. We are considering Patagonia just to do another trip with Helder.
Upcoming Adventures with Helder Brandao
Jaguars & Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal
Track jaguars, scout for tapirs, look for hyacinth macaws and more in South America’s most extensive wild frontier—the sprawling wetlands of the Pantanal—with some of the planet's most abundant wildlife.
Wild Patagonia: Peaks, Glaciers & Pumas
An all-encompassing expedition straddling Chile and Argentina! Marvel at the granite spires of Torres del Paine, survey the vast ice face of Perito Moreno Glacier, search for pumas and see condors soar.
