Pantanal, Brazil

Pantanal Holidays

The Pantanal is one of nature’s last frontiers and the largest freshwater wetland area in the world. Set along the far western tip of Brazil towards the Bolivian border, the Pantanal is an enormous region, encompassing an array of ecosystems including swamp, savannah grasslands and forest.

The wildlife on offer is incredible, with hundreds of bird species such as the purple/blue hyacinth macaw, the lanky jabiru stork and the rare pygmy kingfisher. Not forgetting the mammals and reptiles that include herds of the guinea pig-like capybara, giant otter, monkeys, ocelot, jaguar, the maned wolf and millions of caiman. Combine the three ecosystems of Mato Grosso, the Pantanal, the southern Amazon (Cristalino Lodge) and the Chapada dos Guimaraes tablelands for an interesting and varied wildlife holiday.

Hyacinth macaw, Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, South America
Hyacinth macaw, Pantanal, Brazil
Southern Pantanal, Brazil
Southern Pantanal, Brazil

A little more about the Pantanal

The Pantanal is roughly split into north and south, with Cuiaba and Campo Grande as the respective gateways to each area. Trips to the north are usually based along the Transpantaneira Highway, a dirt road which dissects the region from Pocone to Porto Jofre on the banks of the Cuiaba River.

Experiences

Whatever your interests we can help you get the most from your Pantanal holiday.

Jaguar, Pantanal, Brazil

Boating on the Cuiaba River

Take a boat trip from Porto Joffre along the Cuiaba River and its tributaries during the dry season to spot elusive jaguars.

Jaguar

Jaguars of the Pantanal

Track jaguars in the wetlands of the Pantanal, where chances to spot this elusive creature are best.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Aerial View of the Pantanal, Brazil

Flight over the Pantanal

Discover the Pantanal from the air, taking in spectacular views of the lands that are home to endangered animals such as jaguars, ocelots, giant anteaters and tapirs.

Cayman, Pantanal, Brazil

Activities in the Pantanal

Head out on horseback, jump in a 4×4, go on a photography safari or venture out in cover of darkness for a night tours led by an expert naturalist guide.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Piscina Baiazinha Swimming pool, Caiman Ecological Refuge, Pantanal, Brazil
Caiman Ecological Refuge, Pantanal, Brazil
Aerial view of Baiazinha Lodge, Caiman Ecolodge, Pantanal, Brazil
Caiman Ecological Refuge, Pantanal, Brazil
Araras Eco Lodge, Pool & Lodge at night, Pantanal, Brazil
Araras Eco Lodge, Pantanal, Brazil

Staying in the Pantanal

Stay at simple yet comfortable lodges, time permitting we suggest staying at two or more lodges to experience the different landscapes and habitats as some are based on the rivers whilst others offer lakes, forest and savannah and hopefully different species too. Visits to the southern Pantanal are usually based at one of the small, excellently run lodges reached by car, 4×4 or small plane. We feel that these lodges offer a more safari-like experience to those in the north.

Where to Stay

Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Roxy Dukes

Roxy loves to delve into South American culture, so Brazil is always at the top of her hit list. From eating tapioca served from local food carts to the art of capoeira dancing, she loves to find new experiences to share with her wayfaring clients.

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