The Pantanal

The Pantanal is one of Brazil’s most impressive natural areas and a must-visit for nature and wildlife lovers. Often overshadowed by the Amazon, the Pantanal is actually a better place to see wildlife due to its flat, open landscape, making animals easier to spot. It’s also a key farming region – many lodges double as working cattle ranches.

This is the world’s largest floodplain. From November to January, heavy rains flood the area, causing many lodges to close. As waters recede, wildlife becomes easier to observe, with the best sightings from May to October. The main attraction here is the jaguar. The Pantanal is the top place in the world to see them, especially from June to October. Conservation efforts have led to a rise in jaguar populations, particularly in specific areas. You can either stay at a lodge and head out on jeep or boat excursions, or stay aboard a boat exploring the riverbanks where jaguars hunt capybaras and caiman.

Beyond jaguars, the Pantanal offers sightings of tapirs, pumas, giant otters, anteaters, monkeys, anacondas, and hundreds of bird species. Birdwatchers flock here, especially for the Hyacinth Macaw, now thriving thanks to reintroduction efforts. Access is via flights to either Campo Grande (south) or Cuiabá (north), followed by a 3-hour drive or short flight to the lodges. Most accommodations are mid-range, with the standout being Caiman Ecological Refuge in the south. The southern Pantanal pairs well with Bonito, a family-friendly eco-tourism hub, while the north combines well with Chapada dos Guimarães or Alta Floresta, gateway to the southern Amazon.