Find out how to reach Brazil’s largest tropical wetland and experience one of the world’s most biodiverse regions
The easiest way to get to Pantanal is by flying to Cuiabá or Campo Grande, the two main gateways to the region. From there, travelers continue by car, private transfer, or small-plane flight to lodges located inside the wetlands. These routes provide access to both the Northern Pantanal (Mato Grosso) and the Southern Pantanal (Mato Grosso do Sul), the two main areas that make up this natural paradise.
Covering more than 150,000 square kilometers, the Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland. Its immense floodplains and interconnected rivers host over 650 bird species, hundreds of mammals, and an abundance of aquatic life. Whether you arrive by road or air, the journey offers scenic views and your first glimpses of wildlife before you even reach your lodge.
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Traveling to the Pantanal with PlanetaEXO it’s a way to support sustainable tourism and help protect one of Brazil’s most valuable ecosystems. Each visitor contributes to the conservation of endangered species and supports local families that depend on ecotourism for their livelihoods.
How to Get to Northern Pantanal
The Northern Pantanal is accessed through Cuiabá (CGB Airport), the capital of Mato Grosso. This airport receives daily flights from SĂŁo Paulo, BrasĂlia, and other major cities, making it the main entry point for travelers heading north. From Cuiabá, it takes about two hours by car to reach PoconĂ©, the last town before the wetlands and the gateway to most northern lodges.
From Poconé, the adventure continues along the Transpantaneira Highway, a 147-kilometer dirt road connecting Poconé to Porto Jofre. The drive itself feels like a safari, passing over wooden bridges and through open plains where you can spot caimans, capybaras, and exotic birds. Many travelers say the journey to their lodge is already part of the Pantanal experience.
Depending on where your accommodation is located, transfers can take four to six hours. Lodges near Poconé are easier to access year-round, while those closer to Porto Jofre are more remote and ideal for jaguar watching. If you prefer speed and comfort, charter flights from Cuiabá to Porto Jofre are available, offering breathtaking aerial views of the wetlands.
Photo: Pedro Ferreira do Amaral
How to Get to Southern Pantanal
To reach the Southern Pantanal, travelers fly to Campo Grande (CGR Airport), located in Mato Grosso do Sul. Like Cuiabá, Campo Grande receives frequent domestic flights and serves as the starting point for trips to Aquidauana, Miranda, and Corumbá, the main towns providing access to southern lodges.
From Campo Grande, the road to Aquidauana takes about two to three hours, while Miranda and Corumbá require four to six hours of driving. Along the way, travelers can enjoy open landscapes, rivers, and grasslands where wildlife can often be spotted from the car window. Transfers are typically done in comfortable private vehicles, and some tours even include stops for short photo breaks.
During the rainy season, remote lodges may require 4Ă—4 vehicles or small-plane transfers, while in the dry months, roads remain accessible. Many visitors also combine their trip with a visit to Bonito, a nearby region known for snorkeling in crystal-clear rivers and exploring caves, a perfect complement to a Pantanal safari.
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North or South Pantanal: Which Is Best to Visit?
Northern Pantanal
The Northern Pantanal is famous for boat safaris and jaguar spotting along the Cuiabá, Piquiri, and São Lourenço rivers. Wildlife density is higher here, making it the top choice for photographers and nature enthusiasts who want close encounters with animals in their natural habitat.
Photo: reisegraf
Southern Pantanal
Meanwhile, the Southern Pantanal is better known for its authentic ranch experience and cultural immersion. Travelers stay on family-run properties that combine traditional cattle farming with ecotourism. In addition, activities such as horseback riding, birdwatching, and night safaris offer a peaceful and intimate connection with the wetlands.
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Overall, both regions share remarkable biodiversity and unique landscapes. While the North is ideal for those seeking action and frequent wildlife encounters, the South, in contrast, provides a slower pace, deeper cultural contact, and a stronger sense of tranquility.
👉 Learn more in our complete guide: North or South Pantanal: Which Is Best to Visit?
Where to Stay in Pantanal
Lodges in the Northern Pantanal are mainly located near Poconé or along the Transpantaneira Highway. They usually offer full-board accommodations, air-conditioned rooms, and easy access to river safaris. The area is popular among photographers who want to capture jaguars, giant otters, and colorful birds in their natural habitat.
In the Southern Pantanal, the options range from eco-lodges in Aquidauana and Miranda to remote luxury properties near the Rio Negro and Nhecolândia regions. These lodges balance comfort and wilderness, offering spacious rooms, local cuisine, and expert naturalist guides. Staying here also means learning about the Pantaneiro culture that has shaped life in this region for centuries.
No matter where you stay, sustainability is at the heart of every experience. Many lodges support conservation projects that protect species like the hyacinth macaw and giant anteater, while others partner with local schools and researchers to promote education and environmental awareness.
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- Photo: Ondrej Prosicky
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- Photo: Dgwildlife
Best Time to Visit the Pantanal
The best time to visit the Pantanal is from May to October, when the weather is dry and animals gather near rivers and lagoons. These months offer clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and the highest chances of observing diverse wildlife across both regions.
Between June and October, travelers in the Northern Pantanal also enjoy greater opportunities to spot jaguars along the riverbanks, as water levels drop and visibility improves. It’s a remarkable season for safaris, photography, and nature walks surrounded by abundant birdlife and lush scenery.
From November to March, the landscape floods and transforms into a vibrant mosaic of water and vegetation. While some lodges become harder to reach, this period is ideal for boat tours and birdwatching, revealing another side of the Pantanal’s unique seasonal rhythm.
Photo: Ondrej Prosicky
Traveling with PlanetaEXO
Exploring the Pantanal with PlanetaEXO means traveling responsibly with experts who truly know the land. Each trip is designed to minimize environmental impact while supporting the people who preserve this ecosystem every day.
By choosing us, you help fund community-based tourism and wildlife conservation projects. The company works directly with local ranchers, biologists, and guides who protect native species and teach visitors about sustainable travel. This partnership creates a positive cycle that benefits both nature and local communities.
👉 Ready to plan your Pantanal trip? Contact our team and let us help you explore Brazil’s wild heart
