The Pantanal is a vast expanse of wetland wilderness where you can take a safari tour to track jaguars, search for the mighty anaconda, and view caimans and colourful macaws. A true wildlife wonderland, the Pantanal offers a unique safari experience in the heart of Brazil.

Good time to visit: April to October

Sights

Covering a staggering 140,000 sq. km (almost twice the size of Ireland), the Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland. It is home to South America’s highest concentration of animal species with a variety comparable to that of eastern Africa, while also nurturing the world’s richest collection of aquatic plants. Jaguars, spectacled caimans, giant river otters, tapirs, monkeys and anacondas are just some of the dynamic animal species in this largely unexplored area of Brazil. It also offers bird-watchers a true feast for the senses as the area is truly teaming with a myriad of exotic species. This huge swathe of land is beneath several feet of water for half the year several huge rivers flood the area each year and makes for excellent excursions by canoe, jeep or on horseback.

Meanwhile the dry season affords excellent opportunities to view wildlife on guided excursions by bike or jeep. Here you can stay in a traditional lodge or pousada, but with all the luxuries you come to expect from a safari tour and where you can feel nature’s wonder with the unique sights and sounds of this amazingly diverse landscape all around you. With good connections from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo this fully inclusive package has excellent organised excursions accompanied by expert bilingual guides.