Destination guide
The Pantanal, explained
Why the world’s largest tropical wetland is Brazil’s best place to see wildlife — and when to go.
A water plain, not a swamp
A natural wonder in the heart of South America
Many people have heard of the Amazon, but few know that the Pantanal is the best place in Brazil to see wildlife.
In the Amazon, dense foliage makes animals hard to observe. In the open spaces of the Pantanal, wildlife is much easier to see. Its extraordinary biodiversity includes thousands of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish — many of them unique to the region.
Although “pantanal” means swamp in Portuguese and Spanish, the Pantanal is really a vast water plain: a huge inland delta whose rivers connect during the annual flood. It has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.
Planning
When to go
The Pantanal can be visited all year round. Each season offers something different.
Dry season
Water levels drop and animals gather to feed their young, giving you the chance to see a great variety of species. The driest months offer the best chances of spotting jaguars.
Birdwatching peak
The best time to watch birds, when the waters have receded and bright-green grasses appear across the plains.
Rainy season
The heaviest rain falls in February and March, when the plains flood — a fantastic natural phenomenon that brings new life to the region.
Temperatures are generally hot by day and cool by night, with occasional short bursts of rain.
The water cycle
Why life explodes here
From December to March the Pantanal receives water from the surrounding highlands. Because the plain is so flat and low, the water moves slowly and floods huge areas for months.
When the water retreats, it leaves behind natural sediment that fertilises the soil and triggers a burst of new life. This cycle is the reason for the Pantanal’s abundant flora and fauna. The vegetation itself is a mosaic of five neighbouring biomes — Amazon rainforest, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Caatinga and Chaco — with more than 1,600 plant species recorded.
Getting there
How the region connects
- Campo Grande → Pantanalabout 4 hours
- Pantanal → Bonitoabout 2 h 30 min
- Bonito → Pantanalabout 2 h 30 min
Illustrative map, not to scale. Travel times are estimates and vary with the exact location, road conditions and transport.
Wildlife
Who you might meet
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed — these animals live freely in their natural habitat.
Local tips
Travel tips from our team
- To really experience the Pantanal, go beyond Miranda: the wetlands start about an hour and a half from Miranda, along the Park Road.
- Coming from Iguaçu Falls? Come to Campo Grande first and book your Pantanal tour directly with us.
- Bonito pairs perfectly with the Pantanal for crystal-clear rivers, caves and waterfalls.
