Brazil The Pantanal
The world’s largest wetland is home to a huge array of wildlife: from giant storks to macaws, capybara to graceful jaguars.
Overiew
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.
Holidays The Pantanal
From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.
Private Journeys
Brazil / The Amazon
Brazil Wildlife: Iguazu, Pantanal and Amazon
15 days from £5,850pp
Classic holidays
Private Journeys
Brazil / Argentina / Bolivia / Chile / Iguazu Falls / Lake Titicaca / Mexico / Peru / Patagonia
Our ultimate journey to Latin America
40 days from £21,200pp
Classic holidays
Private Journeys
Argentina / Iguazu Falls / Brazil / The Amazon
Signature Argentina and Brazil: Amazon, Pantanal and Iguazú Falls
16 days from £4,600pp
Group - Discovery
Brazil / Iguazu Falls
Trogon: Natural Brazil
12 days from £2,964pp
Things to do
Wildlife spotting is the main activity in the Pantanal, and you can do this on foot, on horseback or by boat. Speak to an expert or enquire online.
Accommodation
Simple, but homely, wildlife lodges provide your base for wildlife spotting trips and other excursions in the Pantanal. Speak to an expert to find out more.
Where to go when - our guide to The Pantanal
The weather in The Pantanal is wide and varied
The world’s largest wetland is home to a huge array of wildlife: from giant storks to macaws, capybara to graceful jaguars. From January to March, heavy rainfall results in widespread flooding of the wetlands, with wildlife packed onto islands above the water level. April - June the waters recede and water-birds return to the isolated lakes, while July - September (winter) wildlife is at its most abundant. Winter is the optimum time to spot wildlife, especially mammals, though they can take cover during cold snaps.
View our The Pantanal weather guidePapagaio
Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
View Extraordinary Inspiration
-
Hannah Donaldson - Travel Consultant
Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is an invaluable part of our Group Tours team.
-
Evie Oswald - Travel Consultant
It’s hard to believe that Evie has had time to cram so much in to her life so far. Having lived as a child in the Americas and Europe she found herself immediately attracted to Latin America.
-
Ben Line - Travel Consultant
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Manager of the Tailor-made Department.
-
Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Consultant
Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made team.
-
Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Consultant
Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.
-
Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Consultant
Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.
