Brazil Wildlife: Iguazu, Pantanal and Amazon

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What our experts say

A real wildlife enthusiast’s heaven, this trip dives into the depths of Brazil and its plethora of wildlife. From the sprawling wetlands of the Pantanal to cruising down the Amazon, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat this holiday for wildlife-spotting opportunities. And with the journey down the black waters of the Rio Negro, a feeling of true remoteness and closeness to wild Brazil will ensue.

Lina Fuller

Travel Consultants

Places visited on this holiday

Brazil Wildlife: Iguazu, Pantanal and Amazon

Iguazu Falls
The Pantanal
The Brazilian Amazon

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Overview Fact file

Straddling the border between southern Brazil and northeast Argentina, The Iguazú Falls (spelt Iguaçú in Brazil) are usually rated number one of the big three waterfalls, the others being Niagara and Victoria. They are often considered to be Latin America’s most awe-inspiring natural sight and a must-see for anyone visiting the highlights of the continent.

The 275 separate cascades form a curtain of foaming water which crashes through tangled sub-tropical jungle over a vast granite amphitheatre, protected by national park status. Both countries offer scenic walkways with breath-taking scenery around every corner and easily observed wildlife. From the Brazilian side you’ll get a panoramic view of the 3km cliff edge, on the Argentine side there is a series of walkways leading you above, below and even behind the water.

When's the best time to go to Iguazu Falls?

Iguazú Falls is a year-round destination, but water levels and weather conditions vary with the rainy (Dec-Feb) and dry (Jun-Jul) seasons. The water supply to the falls also varies according to the local control of the dams upstream. It can be busy with tourists in local holiday seasons, for example in Feb and at Easter.

What's the official language in Iguazu Falls?

Brazilian Portuguese; Argentinean Spanish.

How do i get to Iguazu Falls?

There are direct flights connecting Iguazú Falls to Buenos Aires (2 hours), Rio de Janeiro (2 hours), Lima, São Paulo, and Salta in northern Argentina.

What's the official currency at Iguazu Falls?

Brazilian Real.

Brazil: notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in Foz do Iguazú Banco do Brasil, Bradesco and HSBC accept UK credit or debit cards. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. ATMs close at 10pm.

Argentina: there are a couple of ATMs in Puerto Iguazú where the banks are only open in the mornings.

What's the time difference between GMT and Iguazu falls?

GMT -3 hours. There is daylight saving from October to the end of February (approx) when clocks are put forward one hour.

What countries combine well with Iguazu Falls?

Argentina: Buenos Aires - there are direct daily 2 hour flights from Puerto Iguazú; Salta in the northwest Andes: daily flights take 1 hour 50mins.
Brazil: Rio de Janeiro - There are daily flights from Foz do Iguaçú; Southern Brazil: there are flights from Foz do Iguaçu to Curitiba with connections; The Pantanal or the Amazon: there are daily flights to Campo Grande or Manaus with connections in São Paulo.
Peru: there are daily flights from Foz do Iguaçú to Lima, 4.5 hours.

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Overview Fact file

Slap in the centre of Brazil is the world’s largest wetland, a mix of wilderness and cattle ranches with savannah, swamps and sluggish rivers. Just one road (the Transpantaneira) leads into the heart of the region, giving access to farms and eco-lodges.

You could spend a week or more in the Pantanal but 3-4 days can provide a memorable experience of its remarkable wildlife and inexplicable beauty. Stands of trees are scattered, so that the huge array of wildlife: birds from giant storks to macaws, mammals from capybara to anteaters and reptiles from caimans to anacondas are easily viewed by nature enthusiasts exploring by boat, on foot and on horseback. Flooding after the rains brings vast lagoons reflecting apricot sunsets; the dry season reveals walkable trails.

The Mato Grosso region has much more to offer besides: the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park near Cuiabá is endowed with waterfalls, ridges and tablelands, a magnet for birders. Closer to Campo Grande, a nucleus of labyrinthine rivers and caves has turned Bonito into a soft adventure destination.

When's the best time to visit the Pantanal?

From Jan-Mar, heavy rainfall results in widespread flooding, with wildlife packed onto islands above the water level. Apr-Jun the waters recede and water-birds return to the isolated lakes, while Jul-Sep (winter) wildlife is at its most abundant - though it can take cover during cold snaps. The highest temperatures (up to 40°C) are reached in Nov-Dec. Insect life (including mosquitoes) is less abundant in winter.

What's the official language of the Pantanal?

Brazilian Portuguese, a more languid and musical version of Portugal’s mother tongue.

How do I get local currency in the Pantanal?

Brazilian Real.

Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in larger cities including Cuiabá and Camp Grande; withdraw what you need before entering the Pantanal (many lodges accept credit cards).

What's the time difference between the Pantanal and UK?

GMT -3 hours. There is daylight saving from Oct to the end of Feb (approx) when clocks are put forward one hour.

What places combine well with the Pantanal?

The Amazon basin, Brazil’s other wildlife-spotting and nature wilderness; region the waterfalls at Iguazú (most flights via São Paulo).

How do I get to the Pantanal?

Regular flights from Rio (2 hours 50mins) and São Paulo (2 hours 15mins) to Cuiabá in the north of the region and Campo Grande in the south (2 hours 20mins and 1 hour 30mins). It’s a long way from anywhere by road!

What are the festivals and cultural events in the Pantanal?

Lasso Festival: One of the most important events in Pantanal culture, the festival takes place at different times on various ranches. Attractions include cowboys in traditional costume taking part in lasso competitions and guitar- playing groups.

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Overview Fact file

The Amazon basin: romantic, exotic, huge, and vital to Man’s survival. The Brazilian state of Amazonas is where the river really comes into its own. The black acidic waters of the Rio Negro merge with the sludgy brown waters of the Solimões at the giant city of Manaus, 1,000km from the sea, and form a waterway 10km wide. This vast wilderness with its secretive wildlife and undiscovered indigenous tribes also supports many human communities on its fertile banks, farmers, fishermen, tradesmen; old wooden riverboats still provide the only transport, although things are changing fast, with new bridges and roads opening up previously isolated areas.

You can't really ignore the behemoth which is Manaus, nor should you. It is the quintessential Amazonian riverport, once scruffy and, to be honest, dangerous; but now, using new found economic success, undergoing restoration to something like the elegance and grace of the era of the rubber boom. Explore the refurbished markets, effervescent docks and the newly pedestrianised central square v brims with cafés, galleries and boutiques.

When's the best time to visit Brazilian Amazon?

Amazonas is a year round destination with temperatures ranging from 25-40°C. Most rain falls Mar-May but it rains all the year round. When you go has more to do with the height of the water level in the river than the weather. At the maximum height (Jun), the river waters are 14-17m higher than at the lowest. The river floods the surrounding forest and you can navigate all these new creeks and lakes by canoe. When the river is high you can reach your lodge by boat more quickly. In the low water season the many trails through the forest are walk-able.

What;s the official language of Brazilian Amazon?

Brazilian Portuguese, a more languid and musical version of Portugal’s mother tongue; indigenous tribes’ languages.

How do I get local currency in Brazilian Amazon?

Brazilian Real. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in Manaus but the amount you can withdraw may be lower than at home. There are also money exchanges where you can exchange cash.

What's the time difference between Brazilian Amazon and UK?

GMT -4 hours. There is daylight saving in Brazil Oct- end Feb (approx) when clocks are put forward one hour but frequently Amazonas sets its own agenda.

What places combine well with Brazilian Amazon?

The Pantanal, Brazil’s other wildlife-spotting and nature wilderness (flights via São Paulo); region the waterfalls at Iguazú (most flights via São Paulo).

How do I get to Brazilian Amazon?

Regular flights from Rio and São Paulo (each about 4 hours) to Manaus.

What are the festivals, cultural and sport events in Brazilian Amazon?

Carnival: Manaus; 5 days in Feb/Mar, variable. Parades in the purpose-built sambadrome, modelled on Rio’s.
Festival do Amazonas: Manaus, Jun, with events and exhibitions of aspects of the region’s cultural life.
Festival de Opera, Manaus Opera House, annually Apr-May. The theatre also has other musical and theatrical events throughout the year.

Things to do on this holiday

Visit the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls

Visit the Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls

See the Amazonian Meeting of the Waters

Go wildlife spotting in the Pantanal

Tucano Amazon cruise

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Absorb the sights and sounds of the jungle from the deck of this purpose-built river cruiser, with guided forays on foot or by canoe into the creeks and lagoons of Amazônia. There is a marvellous nautical atmosphere aboard the wooden river boat, which was constructed locally by indigenous craftsmen and inspired by the traditional three-decked design of vessel that has navigated the Amazon for centuries. She was refreshed and upgraded in 2018. For those seeking an authentic and adventurous rainforest experience, it is an excellent choice that comes warmly recommended by Journey Latin America staff who have travelled on the ship.

The Tucano accommodates a maximum of just 18 passengers in nine cabins. The attractive, polished wood-lined and air-conditioned cabins have comfortable twin bunks with crisp cotton sheets and duvets, private bathrooms with limited hot shower facilities, and large curtained windows opening to the outside world. Facilities include the saloon, with huge sliding windows which can be opened so that you can dine or relax over a drink semi-al fresco, listening to the sounds of the forest and with unobstructed views of the water and the riverbanks. There's also a covered observation deck, where you can sip an aperitif and enjoy Technicolor sunsets, a library and spacious dining room. Three full meals are prepared each day by an excellent local chef, making use of fresh ingredients from the region including river fish and tropical fruits.

The two highly experienced resident guides are exceptional: patient, friendly and extremely well-informed with respect to the natural environment and socio-economic history of the region. With such a small number of like-minded guests, the cruise is very sociable and the atmosphere relaxed and informal.

Accommodation on this holiday

Pousada do Rio Mutum

Hotel San Martin

MV Tucano

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Overview Deck Plan

Absorb the sights and sounds of the jungle from the deck of this purpose-built river cruiser, with guided forays on foot or by canoe into the creeks and lagoons of Amazônia. There is a marvellous nautical atmosphere aboard the wooden river boat, which was constructed locally by indigenous craftsmen and inspired by the traditional three-decked design of vessel that has navigated the Amazon for centuries. The vessel underwent a major refit in 2018; she maintains her character with even more polished wood and smart new furnishings. The saloon now has huge new floor-to-ceiling windows which can be opened, so you can enjoy the sultry breezes and lyrical sounds of the Amazon while you eat or relax enjoying a drink. For those seeking an authentic and adventurous rainforest experience, it is an excellent choice that comes warmly recommended by Journey Latin America staff.

The MV Tucano accommodates a maximum of just 18 passengers in nine cabins. The attractive, angelim wood-lined and air-conditioned cabins have comfortable twin lower berths (yellow category) or upper/lower berths (green category), with crisp 700 thread cotton sheets and duvets, private bathrooms with hot shower and Occitane amenities, and large curtained windows opening to the outside world. Facilities include a covered observation deck, where you can sip an aperitif and enjoy Technicolor sunsets, a library and of course the spacious revamped saloon. Three full meals are prepared each day by an excellent local chef, making use of fresh ingredients from the region including river fish and tropical fruits.

The guides are exceptional: patient, friendly and extremely well-informed with respect to the natural environment and socio-economic history of the region. Excursions include a choice of leisurely and more active explorations, and kayaks are available on a daily basis. With such a small number of like-minded guests, the cruise is very sociable and the atmosphere relaxed and informal.

Green Category cabins have bunk beds with above and below berths.
Yellow Category cabins are larger and have beds side by side.