Pantanal tours are one of the best ways to see wildlife in South America (rivalled only by the Galapagos Islands) and are the best place to see wildlife in Brazil. The Pantanal wetlands cover a large part of western Brazil and small areas of Bolivia and Paraguay. These seasonally flooded plains are home to a wealth of flora and fauna. The biggest choice of Pantanal tours and the best Pantanal lodges are found in Brazil. Pantanal wildlife tours are a considerably easier way to spot wildlife than going to the Amazon as the Pantanal is largely grassland with few trees and wildlife tends to congregate around sources of water, especially during the dry season (May to September). Read on for more information on trips to the Pantanal, or view more nature and wildlife tour ideas. We’ve been offering Pantanal tours in Brazil since 1999 and every Pantanal travel package is customized to fit your travel style, pace and schedule.
April to November is the best time to visit the Pantanal. This is the driest time of year, especially between June and September. Drier weather means that animals congregate around water supplies making sightings easier and biting insects are less present in these months. That said, it is possible to visit most Pantanal lodges year round and if you are interested in seeing the plains flooded and full of water then December to March are months worth considering.
There are two main regions to visit in the Brazilian Pantanal the north and south Pantanal. To reach the north Pantanal, youll need to travel to Cuiaba. To visit the south Pantanal, youll need to get to Campo Grande. There are flights from both cities to Sao Paulo and some other cities within Brazil, with plenty of connections to Rio de Janeiro and other popular destinations to visit in Brazil. From either Cuiaba or Campo Grande most Pantanal trips involve staying in a lodge which is typically about 2 to 4 hours away by road from the cities. Once at a lodge youll have tours included each day which can involve 44 trips in search of wildlife, canoeing, horse-riding and walks.
A good pair of binoculars is very useful, so is a camera with a telephoto lens if you want to get some good wildlife shots. Sunglasses and sun cream are useful. Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing is essential and so is an insect repellent. Some sturdy footwear for use during tours is needed plus lightweight footwear for use in your lodge. On game drives at night it can get a little chilly, so a light jacket is useful too.
Take a look at our two favorite Pantanal lodges the Pousada Rio Mutum and Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge. Pousada Rio Mutum: Pousada do Rio Mutum is in the municipality of Barao de Melgaco, one of the most beautiful regions of the Pantanal. The landscape surrounding the lodge features hills, savannas, rivers, and flooded areas. The Pousada is also nearby the famous Bays of Sia Mariana and Chacorore. Guests can choose from three different types of rooms, as well as daily exciting wildlife and adventure excursions.
Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge: The Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge is a self-sustainable lodge in the Pantanal. While staying here, go on birdwatching tours, walk on the trails of the primary forest, practice canoeing, or explore fields and forests on horseback. At night, opt for a safari where you can spot wildlife at the night alongside expert naturalist guides. This lodge features a variety of apartments suitable for solo travelers, romantic couples, or small families.
The Pantanal is the best place to see jaguars in Brazil. With luck, you see jaguars at one of the many Pantanal lodges and will definitely see lots of other wildlife. If you are especially keen to jaguars some lodges offer special trips which significantly increase your chances of seeing these impressive beasts. Additionally, Porto Jofre is a river town in the northern Pantanal where there are boat trips with high chances of jaguar sightings.
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