What is Brazil's Pantanal?
Forget the Amazon: in our opinion, the vast wetlands of the Pantanal (the world’s largest) are Brazil’s best place for south American wildlife viewing which you can experience on our awesome experience. From jaguars to giant otters, there are species galore to discover – and all should be a thrill for first-timers and seasoned safari-takers alike thanks to a huge range of native species in a unique ecosystem.
Wide open spaces and the option to walk, ride, cycle or canoe through the wilderness (we do all three on our holiday!) means the chance of spotting wildlife is high. You’ll see caiman, howler monkeys and armadillos, and hopefully spot the rather more elusive jaguars and anteaters.
If you’ve been on safari in Africa or visited the Amazon, you’ll appreciate the true tranquility here: heading out on horses into the wetlands, you might be the only humans for miles around. Because of the seasonal flooding in the region, timing is everything on a visit: that’s why we only go between July and October, when the water levels are low and animals cluster around the watering holes while elusive jaguars come out to bask along its beaches. A trip to the Pantanal works brilliantly as a contrast to vibrant Rio with it’s stunning beaches and man-made delights.
