Pantanal

The Pantanal

The Pantanal is Brazil’s most important nature reserve after the Amazon Rainforest. It is a seasonal wetland that is flooded for half the year and dries out for the other half. During the rainy season, water flows in from the surrounding areas into the Pantanal, which forms a sort of basin in which the water accumulates. As the water ‘gradually’ flows out again, the nutrients remain behind, making the Pantanal a biologically very rich area. The Pantanal is one of the best places to observe animals in their natural habitat, whether on foot, by boat or in a 4x4.

Northern Pantanal or Southern Pantanal?
The Pantanal is divided into the Northern Pantanal and the Southern Pantanal. The Northern Pantanal is more accessible and is known for its greater biodiversity. There are various lodges and excursions available, departing from Cuiabá.
In the Southern Pantanal, you’ll find a more remote and authentic experience, with vast landscapes and fewer tourist facilities. It is a somewhat quieter area and offers opportunities for in-depth exploration of nature.

Although both areas are rich in wildlife, the experience is that the Northern Pantanal focuses more on comfort and variety, whilst the Southern Pantanal focuses more on simplicity and a somewhat more unspoilt environment.

Best travel time

The Pantanal can be visited all year round, although each season offers something different. The rainy season runs from November to June. The dry season is from July to November. The dry season is generally regarded as the best time to visit, as the animals are easier to spot during this period. During the wet season, the water level is higher, which has the advantage that everything is even greener and you can venture even deeper into the wilderness by boat.

December – March:
The Pantanal is in the rainy season and during this period most of the Pantanal floods as the rivers burst their banks, leaving around two-thirds of the area under water. This is the perfect time to observe countless waterbirds, such as the jabiru, storks and herons. Mammals such as capybaras, pampas deer and foxes migrate to higher ground and are less commonly seen during this period.

April – June:
This is a transitional period during which the Pantanal gradually shifts from wet to dry. The water begins to recede and the weather becomes milder, making for more pleasant evenings and nights. Mammals are seen more frequently at this time. In April, the nights in the Pantanal are particularly clear, with beautiful starry skies.

July – October
This is the dry season and the ideal time for wildlife watching. The rivers and lakes recede to their normal levels, allowing thousands of fish to swim in the rivers and providing plenty of food for other animals. Many birds are in their breeding season, making their song and colourful plumage particularly striking. In addition, animals such as the anteater are regularly spotted and are often active at this time of year.

November – December
With the onset of the rainy season, the first showers fall and the landscape slowly begins to transform into a beautiful green environment. The dry ground absorbs the water quickly, and there is an abundance of food. This attracts hundreds of bird species, such as flocks of macaws and storks, which are often seen. Mammals are less visible during this period, making them harder to spot.

Wildlife

The Pantanal in Brazil is home to an unrivalled diversity of wildlife. The rivers are teeming with fish, and as a result, the banks are teeming with waterbirds and caimans. Other characteristic animals of the Pantanal include the giant anteater, the giant otter, the anaconda, the capybara, the armadillo and the magnificent hyacinth macaw. Another iconic species that also inhabits the Pantanal is the jaguar, one of South America’s most impressive predators. Bird species such as toucans and the jabiru stork are also common sights in the Pantanal.

Activities

There are many ways to discover and explore the vast Pantanal region. Almost all lodges offer a multi-day programme where you can discover the Pantanal in a variety of ways through a mix of activities: