Best Brazil Wildlife Tours and Destinations

Seeing wild animals roam free in their natural habitat is one of the most fantastic experiences anyone can have.

 

Brazil hosts the highest number of terrestrial vertebrates and invertebrates than any other country on the planet. This can be explained not only by the giant area of 8.510.000 km² but also by the biodiversity. The Amazon Rainforest, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Pantanal, Caatinga, and Pampas are the six biomes that occupy Brazilian territory – all of them very different from one another, but each with their importance.

Consequently, the wildlife is just as generous. Naming just a few examples, Brazil has 139 species of primates and 775 mammals – both the highest numbers in the world –, and the third-highest number of reptiles (848).

The abundant fauna attracts travelers from every nation to see these natural marvels with their own eyes. By mixing adventure, animal watching, and sustainable tourism practices, Brazil wildlife tours are must-have experiences for every nature junkie out there.

Pantanal

In the west of Brazil, the Pantanal is the largest wetland on the planet, spanning over 195,000 km². Three different biomes share the same space: Cerrado, the Atlantic Forest, and the Amazon Rainforest. This diversity gave The Pantanal Conservation Area the title of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.

The Pantanal is the best place for wildlife watching in Brazil, as well as the best in the world to spot jaguars. Other animals make special appearances, like capybaras, giant anteaters, jabiru storks, caimans, maned wolves, tapirs, etc.

This is why some of the best Brazilian wildlife tours take place in the Pantanal. Check out the wonderful options below!

Pantanal Jaguar Safari in Porto Jofre

The Pantanal Jaguar Safari in Porto Jofre, Mato Grosso, explores the northern side of the biome, which is the region where jaguar sightings happen most frequently.

Alongside guides who know exactly where to look, you’ll be able to spot these beautiful felines in their natural habitat. The safaris are the highlights of this trip for the majority of guests, but you can also have memorable experiences while hiking and going on boat rides – and even encounter jaguars during these activities!

This tour includes round-trip transfers, comfortable accommodation, delicious Brazilian meals, and full-day guided tours for jaguar observation.

Pantanal Jaguar Photography Tour

Looking for good places for wildlife photography in Brazil? The Pantanal is the best destination for photographers seeking gorgeous scenarios and wild animals.

Our Pantanal Jaguar Photography Tour takes place in Northern Pantanal so you can take the most beautiful shots of jaguars peacefully napping, swimming, nursing their babies, and even hunting.

You’ll be guided by professional photographers who not only can share the best photography tips but also lead you to great areas to encounter jaguars, caimans, toucans, monkeys, snakes, etc.

This amazing trip includes round-trip transfers, accommodation at a Flotel or at Berco Lodge, three meals a day, full-day boat safaris, and naturalist guides.

Pantanal Wildlife Trip from Campo Grande

Another option for experiencing wildlife is the Pantanal Wildlife Trip from Campo Grande. In Aquidauana Pantanal, in the south, spotting jaguars doesn’t happen very often, but you can still see plenty of other animals.

In a photo safari, get your cameras ready to immortalize the images of anteaters, caimans, giant otters, capybaras, and the almighty jabiru stork – considered a symbol of the Pantanal.

This itinerary also includes a night safari, piranha fishing, horseback riding, boat riding, and hiking. When it comes to the accommodation, guests will enjoy cozy rooms with private bathrooms, delicious local cuisine at the restaurant, a refreshing swimming pool, hammocks and much more.

👉 There’s more! Don’t miss our Pantanal Wildlife Tour from Cuiabá. Check it out!

Luxury Jaguar Safari in the Pantanal

Perfect for nature lovers, this tour focuses on the Pantanal’s wildlife. The itinerary includes many opportunities to spot animals, such as ecological walks, safaris, nocturnal observation excursions, and canoe trips. 

Onçafari, however, is surely a fan favorite among visitors. This safari is mainly focused on jaguars – although other species are greatly welcomed. By accustoming the animals with the presence of cars and humans, they tend to get closer to the groups and even hang around for a few moments. Wonderful opportunity to take pictures!

If you book the  Luxury Jaguar Safari in the Pantanal tour, you’ll stay at Casa Caiman, in Mato Grosso do Sul, one of the highest-rated hotels in the Pantanal. Aside from eighteen air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and balconies, a swimming pool, decks, sauna, gym, fire pit, restaurant, and bar, this luxury accommodation has various activities for guests who can’t stay away from nature – including night tours, hiking, and canoeing.

As established before, Northern Pantanal is usually the most favorable region in which to spot jaguars. However, this specific tour goes against the flow. Although it happens on the south of the biome, 100% of Casa Caiman guests have spotted jaguars in the last two years. In total, there have been 3,400 sightings in the same timespan! See more details here. 

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world, spanning over 6.74 million km². Covering areas in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela and Suriname, the biggest share is actually located in Brazil, where it occupies Amazonas, Amapá, Acre, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, Tocantins, Mato Grosso and Maranhão.

Amazonian flora is impressive – for example, this is where one-third of all tropical trees in the world live –, but so is the fauna. Amid birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects, scientists claim there are 30 million species of animals in the forest.

Unsurprisingly, the Amazon Rainforest is a marvelous place for Brazil wildlife tours!

Cristalino Jungle Lodge

Considered one of the best jungle lodges in the world by National Geographic, Cristalino, in Mato Grosso, is a haven of tranquility and luxury in the middle of the Amazon. Forest hikes, canoeing, boat trips, and wildlife watching on 50-meter-tall observation towers are incredible activities to spot animals.

On the top of the trees, flying across the blue sky, roaming around the jungle, or swimming in the rivers, expect to see plenty of different animals, like catfish, frogs, caimans, lizards, snakes, birds, armadillos, foxes, bats, and even pumas.

Additionally, Cristalino Jungle Lodge is a five-star stay experience with air-conditioned suites, charming decor, bathtubs, outdoor showers, balconies with hammocks, private gardens, a gourmet area, a floating deck, and a reading room. If you love nature, but can’t say no to a high-end stay, this is perfect for you!

Cristalino Birdwatching

Birdwatchers have the time of their life in Cristalino. The lodge has an entire itinerary for birdwatching, including hiking on special trails to look for birds.

With the help of expert guides, you’ll see fascinating species that only exist in this part of the Amazon, such as the rufous-capped nunlet, dusky-cheeked foliage-gleaner, dark-billed cuckoo, blue-winged and red-bellied macaws, and many more!

Activities also include canoeing, boat rides, and climbing on the observation towers – which allows for an even greater view of the birds and the forest as a whole. Check our Birdwatching in the Amazon Rainforest tour to see more details!

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is another sophisticated accommodation in the Amazon. Safely nestled in Anavilhanas National Park, the second-largest river archipelago in the world, this is the main choice for guests who want to explore the rainforest in the state of Amazonas.

Such an incredible location allows for the sighting of the most iconic Amazonian animals, such as sloths, caimans, manatees, spider monkeys, and piranhas. The most awaited moment, however, is when travelers can interact with the Amazon pink dolphins, friendly creatures who love human attention.

To make things better, Anavilhanas guests will definitely fall in love with the lodge’s gorgeous infrastructure: caboclo architecture, sophisticated rooms with private bathrooms and jaw-dropping views of the forest, floating bar, fine dining restaurant, lounge, swimming pools, gym, massage room, and gift shop.

Amazon Rainforest Ecolodge Trip in Brazil

Another Amazon tour recommended for tourists seeking wildlife activities is the Amazon Rainforest Ecolodge Trip in Brazil.

This Brazilian wildlife tour, which takes place at Uakari Lodge, named in homage to the Cacajao calvus, or as it’s popularly known, the white uakari monkey, is built on stilts in the middle of the river in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve. This unique monkey, found only in Mamirauá, inspired not only the lodge’s name but also the very creation of the Mamirauá Reserve itself.

The experience is further enhanced by the lodge’s curated activities, such as jungle hiking, canoeing, night spotting, and fishing, making it an unforgettable journey for nature enthusiasts.

Built on stilts to adapt to seasonal floods, Uakari Lodge offers guests an unparalleled connection to the rainforest. You can spot extraordinary local wildlife, including the elusive white uakari, right from the comfort of the lodge. Imagine drifting off to sleep in a lodge with caimans gliding quietly through the water just below your accommodation—it doesn’t get more Amazon than that!

👉 Looking for more? Check all of our Amazon Rainforest tours!

Cerrado

The Cerrado is Brazil’s savanna, covering around 25% of the country’s territory. It spans up to 2 million km² in the states of Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Bahia, Maranhão, Piauí, São Paulo and Brasília. 

Considered a highly biodiverse savanna, the Cerrado holds over 5% of the world’s animals and plants. This ecosystem is home to 860 species of birds, 180 reptiles, 200 mammals, 150 amphibians, 1,200 fish, and millions of insects. 

No wonder this is the favorite Brazilian destination of many wildlife lovers, huh?

Pousada Trijunção

National Geographic’s best places in the world to travel in 2025 list include the Cerrado as a great destination for wildlife activities, highlighting birdwatching and wolf tracking. The publication also mentions Pousada Trijunção, in Bahia, as the best stay option for people visiting this enchanting biome.

Wildlife watching is, indeed, one of the inn’s main attractions. Night safaris, guided birdwatching, and visiting a conservation breeding and wild animal release area are amazing opportunities to see deer, tapirs, peccaries, hawks, macaws, etc. In partnership with Onçafari, spotting maned wolves is just as unforgettable. 

Providing the utmost comfort, Pousada Trijunção has seven suites with king-size beds, air-conditioning, TV and mini bar, local cuisine restaurant, all-day breakfast, lounge, swimming pool, and much more.

Abrolhos

Abrolhos is an archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, about 65 km away from the south coast of Bahia. Its five islands are protected by Abrolhos Marine National Park, established in 1983.

Home to the largest reef complex and the richest marine biodiversity of the South Atlantic Ocean, Abrolhos is a true sanctuary for stingrays, hundreds of different species of fish, sea turtles, and seabirds.

However, the protagonist of Abrolhos is, without a doubt, the humpback whale. The archipelago is known as a destination these giant gentles go to every year – mostly between July and November – to breed, feed their babies, and rest. 

Diving Liveabord in Abrolhos

Abrolhos Liveaboard is definitely the perfect vacation option for people who want to see a different side of Brazilian wildlife tours. Instead of immersing yourself in the jungle, you get to explore the beauty of Bahia’s sea and its riveting creatures.

Sailing through the crystal-blue waters of the islands, activities include guided dives (day and night), stand-up paddling, sunset contemplation, and, of course, humpback whale spotting.

A lovely (and safe!) catamaran is the accommodation for guests joining the tour. Five ensuite cabins will comfortably accommodate you in this aquatic adventure. Feeling hungry? Freshly made Brazilian food is served aboard every day!

Fernando de Noronha

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001, Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago off the Northeast coast of Brazil, in the state of Pernambuco. 

Aside from the breathtaking beaches – including Baía do Sancho, ranked #35 by The World’s 50 Best Beaches –, travelers are lured to the island due to Noronha’s vibrant marine life. Green turtles, spinner dolphins, barracudas, lemon sharks, and moray eels are just a few animals often seen in the area.

To see this beauty up close, Fernando de Noronha has the best diving spots in Brazil – and all of South America.

Diving trips in Fernando de Noronha

If you truly want to experience everything Fernando de Noronha has to offer, then you can’t miss the opportunity to explore its beautiful diving sites!

With the help of local, qualified guides, you’ll be amazed by the paradise this island hides underwater. Whether this is your first time diving or you’ve had your fair share of aquatic adventures before, Fernando de Noronha’s got your back.

Our 5-Day Fernando de Noronha Diving Trip includes diving sessions, accommodation, breakfast, round trip transfers, and a full-day island tour.

Got a tight schedule? Then check our 2-Day Diving Package in Fernando de Noronha!

Looking for Brazil wildlife tours? You’ve found it!

See how fascinating the wildlife in Brazil is? From the jungle to the savanna, from wetlands to aquatic ecosystems, there is an option for every nature lover’s tastes and needs!

PlanetaEXO connects you with the most respected professionals in the field to help you with your dream vacation. Send us a message and let’s start planning!