PANTANAL – BRAZIL

Brazil – a captivating fusion of nature and culture that invites you to discover experiences beyond well-explored paths.   Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of Brazilian culture, where the rhythm of samba is just one note in a symphony of diversity.  From the vibrant streets of Salvador to the historic charm of Paraty, and from the stunning beaches of Arraial do Cabo to the amazing wildlife of the Pantanal wetlands – each region showcases its distinct traditions and flavours.

Experience Brazil’s rich cultural heritage visiting local communities with responsible tourism, immerse yourself in the rich birdlife and wildlife of the largest and most pristine tropical wetland in the world. Explore the diverse ecosystems and habitats of Brazil, visit some of the 69 national parks, the Amazon Basin, the dry grasslands and huge plateau, the pine forests, massive mountain ranges and a coastline that runs for 7,491 km.

Brazil’s beaches, trails, communities, rivers and festivals together weave a narrative of exploration, celebration, and an unrivalled connection with the extraordinary beauty of this diverse and dynamic nation.  Brazil is not just a destination; it’s a sensory journey!

PANTANAL

Considered a World Natural Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, the Pantanal concentrates one of the greatest diversities of fauna and flora on the planet. This exuberant Brazilian biome stretches across the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul and has distinct characteristics.

Seasonal climate within the Pantanal will influence your experiences. During the flood season from December to March the region is flooded and there is a greater chance of spotting waterfowl, as the mammals seek higher ground. From April to June there is the ebb season when the rainfall decreases significantly and the waters begin to recede, allowing land mammals, including jaguars, to return to the lower areas.  From July to October is the dry season and it is these months which offer the best time for observing wildlife, including mammals. The rivers offer plenty of food on their banks and some species of birds enter their reproductive period, acquiring spectacular colours. From November to December, the rainy season is excellent for birdwatching and some species take the opportunity to teach their young to fly.

The Southern Pantanal is located in the northwest of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and the main access by plane is via Campo Grande International Airport, the state capital. It is one of the best places in Brazil for observing wildlife, especially jaguars and caimans. Among the region’s main attractions are the Negro, Aquidauana and Paraguay rivers, the Pantanal train and the beautiful city of Corumbá, considered the capital of the Pantanal. The local cuisine is rich in fish and barbecue and at the markets you can buy handicrafts made from clay and wood. Wildlife and bird viewing, canoeing, horseback riding, cycling and the Vazante and Murucututu trails are some of the activities you can enjoy in the area.

The Northern Pantanal – located in the state of Mato Grosso – receives fewer visitors and is a more wild experience with a floodplain of around 250,000km2.  Porto Jofre is the main Jaguar ‘hub’  – the waters there are dark and rich in fish, which is a characteristic of the Cuiabá River.  There are quieter areas where you can enjoy river safaris almost exclusively with just a handful of local fishermen on the river.   Access by plane to this region is via Marechal Rondon International Airport, located in the city of Cuiabá, its capital.

The region has numerous swamps, winding rivers, is rich in riparian forests and has abundant wildlife. Around 250 species of fish, 80 mammals, 50 reptiles and more than 650 birds.  Birdwatching is a highlight with the opportunity to spot rare and migratory species in their natural habitat. Poconé is the gateway to the Pantanal, a town of just over 30,000 inhabitants that preserves traditional 19th century architecture and offers a variety of adventure and leisure activities all year round.

WEATHER AND BEST TIMES TO VISIT THE PANTANAL

You can visit the Pantanal all year round – each season offers very different experiences such as more bird sightings, overflowing rivers, or better mammal sightings. See below what to expect in each season:

FLOOD – December to March: Rivers overflow and flood up to two thirds of the plain. The landscape becomes a true living and fluid painting, where the immense sheet of water mirrors the sky and each sunset becomes a unique spectacle. It is a time of reinvigoration for fauna and flora, when it is possible to easily spot water birds such as tuiuiús, loggerheads, ducks, teals and herons. Mammals migrate to higher areas of the Pantanal and capybaras, wolves and pampas and red deer are usually found

VAZANTE – April to June: When the rains stop, the waters begin to slowly recede. The mammals, which had dispersed with the flood, return to the plains.  The sky presents the most starry nights in the Pantanal, and the milder temperature with the end of the rains makes night walks more pleasurable. During the low waters, peccaries, swamp deer and groups of howler and capuchin monkeys can be observed. The landscape is made up of isolated fields and hills, as well as scattered small puddles and corixos – small rivers that form to flow into larger currents.

DRY – July to October: The best time to observe wildlife.  Permanent rivers and lagoons return to their natural levels and there are high concentrates of fish which offer a plentiful feast – feeding the life of the ecosystem that populates the river banks. The birds have beautiful plumage and attractive songs, as they are in their reproductive period. Anteaters and coatis are common, jaguars are easy to spot, and the dry landscape takes on yellowish tones, with spots of colour provided by the beginning of the piúvas (ipês-rosas) flowering – stunning trees filled with bright pink, yellow and white flowers.

RAINS – November and December:  This is the period of the first rains and the green landscape. The dry land absorbs water quickly and the birds feed abundantly. Hundreds of species of birds take advantage of this time to teach their young to fly. It is possible to observe numerous groups of macaws, tuiuiús and dry-headed storks. Mammals are starting to become rarer.

FLORA AND FAUNA FOUND IN THE PANTANAL

The vegetation in the Pantanal is terrestrial and aquatic, as this is one of the largest flooded plains in the world. The vegetation has a mosaic of forests, cerrados and savannahs, with influence from three other important Brazilian biomes: Amazon, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest.  The fauna varies according to each lodge, region and time of year, but some possible species to see are:

• Tapir
• Giant anteater
• Anteater
• Alligator
• Capybara
• Jabiru
• Howler monkey
• Capuchin monkey
• Blue macaw, Canindé, Red macaw
• Pantanal Deer
• Anaconda
• Ocelot
• Jaguar
• Otters
• Armadillo
• Bushed pigs
• White-lipped peccary
• Emas
• Tuiuiu
• Moorish Cat

We have pleasure in introducing the fabulous wildlife of the Pantanal in Brazil to our portfolio of worldwide wildlife destinations and we are delighted to announce that we will be offering a small group safari in 2025, together with lots of tailor-made itinerary ideas with the possibility of extending your wildlife safari to experience Rio de Janeiro, Iguaçu Falls, the Amazon, Parati, Bonito, Sao Paulo and more!

We have extensive experience of visiting the Pantanal and have stayed in many of the lodges, pousadas, fazendas and riverboats – each enjoying its own distinct character.  We have experienced boat safaris on the Paraguay, Cuaiba and Piquiri rivers, land safaris, walking trails, horse riding, birding and canoeing.  Talk to someone who has been there!

Can’t wait – then email sue@trackssafaris.co.uk or telephone 01984 667420 to start planning your Pantanal adventure!