Pantanal — Wildlife Paradise
★★★ Pantanal — The Largest Wetland on Earth
The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland on Earth — 150,000 km² (almost half the size of Germany!), spread across the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. While the Amazon has the highest biodiversity, the Pantanal has the highest wildlife density — here you actually see the animals, as the open landscape makes sightings much easier than in the dense rainforest.
What You Can See
- Jaguars: The Pantanal (especially the region around Porto Jofre) has the highest jaguar density in the world. From July to October, the big cats patrol the riverbanks — with an experienced guide and boat, the sighting probability is over 90%!
- Hyacinth Macaws: The largest parrots in the world (up to 1 meter long!) with bright cobalt blue. The Pantanal hosts the largest population.
- Caimans: Thousands of Yacaré caimans bask on the banks — sometimes so densely packed that you don't know where to step.
- Giant Otters: Watch family groups up to 1.8 meters long fishing. Loud, playful, fascinating.
- Capybaras: The largest rodents in the world (up to 65 kg!) are ubiquitous in the Pantanal — peaceful and photogenic.
- Toucans, Jabirus, Macaws: The birdlife is overwhelming — over 650 species, including the Jabiru stork (Brazil's largest bird).
- Anacondas: The Yellow Anaconda (up to 4 m) is more common than in the Amazon. Sightings are possible, especially in the dry season.
Access to the Pantanal
| Access | Focus | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Pantanal (Cuiabá/Transpantaneira) | Jaguars! Porto Jofre is the hotspot | Jul–Oct (dry season, animals at waterholes) |
| Southern Pantanal (Campo Grande/Miranda) | General wildlife, horseback tours, fazendas | May–Sep (dry season) |
The Transpantaneira — a 145 km long, unpaved dirt road from Poconé to Porto Jofre — is the backbone of the northern Pantanal. 122 wooden bridges, caimans and birds on either side. The drive itself is a safari!
Fazendas & Lodges
The accommodations in the Pantanal are fazendas (ranches) and lodges, offering multi-day packages with activities: horseback riding, canoe tours, night safaris, bird watching. Prices: from 500 BRL/night (€80, all-inclusive) in simple fazendas to 2,500 BRL (€400) in premium lodges.
💡 Tipp
For jaguars: Porto Jofre in the northern Pantanal, July to October. A 3-day boat safari on the Rio Cuiabá costs from 2,500 BRL (€400) and offers over a 90% sighting guarantee. For the best overall impression of the Pantanal: Southern Pantanal from Miranda or Bonito, combinable with a stay in Bonito.