In the centre of South America lies the largest inland delta in the world, the Pantanal, or flooded outback, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. Life in the Pantanal follows a yearly cycle of rising and falling waters, dictated by the rains and the course of the great Paraguay River and its many meandering tributaries. The Pantanal is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and there are some great tours out there. The diversity of vegetation, the rich soil and the abundance of water attract and sustain an enormous variety of wildlife. Most of the wildlife is also encountered in other parts of Brazil, but nowhere - not even in the Amazon - are they as easily seen as in the Pantanal. So what sort of wildlife are you spotting on Pantanal holidays? Let's start with over 650 species of bird, and then you can see crocodiles, piranhas, giant anteaters, blue hyacinth macaws, cougars, capybaras, toucans, monkeys, giant river otters, anacondas, iguanas and, of course, jaguars because this is without doubt the best spot in Brazil for seeing them.

Pantanal holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Pantanal Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

The Pantanal is possibly one of Brazil’s best-kept secrets, although in this instance it’s one that we’re more than happy to share. Falling into the category of both national park and UNESCO World Heritage site, the wetland spans 80,000 square miles through the heart of the continent, and is a must-visit for wildlife watching, playing host to the highest concentration of wildlife (and some of the most intriguing species) in South America.


Combine Pantanal holidays with a trip to the Amazon for the ultimate animal-focused adventure and sightings of the full cast of creatures. Rise at dawn and explore the dense forests on foot, or take a canoe trip along the patchwork of emerald lakes and shallow marshes, guided by local experts. Keep your camera handy at all times to capture your encounters with Black Howler monkeys, wild Toco toucans and the region’s most famous resident: the jaguar. The wildlife spotting can continue even as darkness begins to fall, with a night-time safari and sightings of nocturnal jaguars and crab-eating foxes.

Best places to go in Brazil



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