If you’re planning a trip to the Pantanal in Brazil, one of the world’s richest ecosystems, you’ll need to choose between the Northern and Southern regions. This key decision will shape your entire experience.
Pantanal is divided into two distinct regions: North and South. While both are stunning, they’re accessed through different cities and offer contrasting styles of safaris and ecotourism experiences. PlanetaEXO, an ecotourism platform in Brazil, has prepared this guide outlining the key differences between the two regions to help you decide which side of the Brazilian Pantanal best matches your travel style.
What Is the Pantanal?
The Pantanal, located in the Central-West region of Brazil, is the largest continuous wetland in the world and the most well-preserved biome in the country, with 84% of its original landscape still intact (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation). Due to its environmental significance, it has been designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve.
Photo: Leo Mercon
The northern and southern regions of the Pantanal offer distinct experiences, so it’s essential to understand what each side has to offer travelers. Both regions feature unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes, but each has its own unique characteristics.
If you’re wondering about North or South Pantanal, the answer depends on what you’re looking for: jaguar sightings, cultural immersion, or easier access.
North Pantanal: Jaguar Safaris and Remote Adventure
- Main access: Cuiabá (Mato Grosso)
- Top destination: Porto Jofre, via the Transpantaneira road
- Best time to visit: July to October (dry season)
- Main highlight: Jaguar spotting tours by boat
The North Pantanal is known for its floodplains, with an abundance of rivers and lakes. It stands out for offering cultural experiences such as traditional dances, as well as activities like sport fishing and spotting aquatic wildlife.
Photo: Reise Graf
It’s also one of the best places in the world for boat safaris and jaguar watching, especially between June and October, along the banks of the Cuiabá River.
If you’re deciding between North or South Pantanal, and your priorities include seeing big cats, engaging in cultural experiences, or enjoying water-based activities, then the North Pantanal is likely the best choice for you.
Photo: @larissa_pantanal
Pros:
- High chance to spot jaguars
- Incredible birdlife and aquatic animals
- Great for photographers and wildlife lovers
Cons:
- Remote location, long transfers
- Fewer accommodation options and limited infrastructure
- Jaguar safaris are usually more expensive because of high demand, limited availability, and complex logistics.
Photo: Ondrej Prosicky
South Pantanal: Classic Ranch Experience and Family-Friendly Safaris
- Main access: Campo Grande (Mato Grosso do Sul)
- Top areas: Aquidauana, Miranda, Corumbá
- Best time to visit: May to September (dry season)
- Main highlight: Stay at traditional fazendas (ranches) and explore on land
The South Pantanal features a landscape of savannas and forested areas, offering great opportunities for land-based activities and close encounters with wildlife in a well-preserved environment.
Photo: Pousada Pequi
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- Photo: @camillesexologia
Most of the lodges here are former cattle farms that have been converted into smaller, more intimate accommodations, with a strong focus on Pantanal-related experiences and ranch traditions. Canoeing, land safaris, horseback riding, and wildlife observation are among the typical activities.
Photo: Samuel Betkowski
The Southern Pantanal also pairs well with a trip to Bonito, Brazil’s top ecotourism destination, known for snorkeling in crystal-clear rivers and exploring caves.
Discover the full itinerary for an adventure from the Pantanal to Bonito here.
For travelers prioritizing ease of travel and comfort, the South Pantanal offers a more relaxed and accessible experience.
Pros:
- Easier access from Campo Grande
- Comfortable eco-lodges and ranch stays
- More varied land activities like hikes and horseback rides
- Budget-friendly options
Cons:
- Lower chance of seeing jaguars
- Wildlife is more dispersed than in the North
Regions: North or South Pantanal? What Suits You Best?
Here’s how to choose the ideal region in the Pantanal, depending on the experience you’re looking for.
Choose the North Pantanal in Brazil if you want to:
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Jaguar safari and wildlife photography: this is the best place for big cat sightings, especially between July and October.
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Boat safaris and river encounters: explore waterways teeming with caimans, capybaras, and birdlife.
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Remote adventures with fewer tourists: ideal for those seeking isolation and raw nature.
Choose the South Pantanal in Brazil if you want to:
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Easy access and more comfort: with better infrastructure and closer distances between lodges.
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Combine your trip with Bonito: a popular destination for snorkeling in crystal-clear rivers and caves.
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Dive into rural traditions: experience local life on Pantanal farms, with typical food, music, and culture.
Best Pantanal Tours
If you’re still deciding between Pantanal North or South, comparing real travel options can make all the difference. At PlanetaEXO, we’ve handpicked a selection of the best Pantanal tours, curated for their quality, local expertise, and authenticity, with details on region, duration, highlights, and price per person.
Northern Pantanal Tours
| Tour name | Highlights | Price (per person) |
| Pantanal Jaguar Photo Tour | Capture breathtaking shots of the rich wildlife (ideal for professional and amateur photographers) | R$ 19.280,00 |
| Pantanal Jaguar Safari in Porto Jofre, Cuiabá | Visit Porto Jofre, home to the world’s largest jaguar population. | R$ 12.358,82 |
| Pantanal Jaguar Budget Safari | Multiple chances to spot jaguars, capybaras, caimans, and exotic birds. Budget-friendly adventure. | R$ 8.747,00 |
| Pantanal Tour from Cuiabá | Wildlife watching, horseback riding through open fields and floodplains. | R$ 6.741,18 |
Southern Pantanal Tours
| Tour name | Highlights | Price (per person) |
| Luxury Jaguar and Wildlife Safari | High-end lodge with great chances of spotting jaguars in the Southern Pantanal. | R$ 16.696,00 |
| Pantanal Wildlife Trip from Campo Grande | Activities include Night Safari, Photographic Safari, and Piranha Fishing. | R$ 5.912,00 |
| Budget Pantanal Tour | Budget-friendly adventure with shared rooms, walking safaris, boat, horseback riding. | R$2.980,00 |
| 5-Day Pantanal Bonito Tour | Travel from the wetlands to Bonito through changing landscapes. | R$ 7.270,00 |
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy in group departures and may vary depending on season and availability.
Can You Visit Both?
Yes, but it requires time and good logistics. The two areas are more than 1,000 km apart, and there’s no direct road between them. If you’re planning a longer itinerary and want to experience both, flying between Cuiabá and Campo Grande is your best option.
Exploring North or South Pantanal in one trip is ideal for travelers who want a full overview of this unique biome.
Southern or Northern Pantanal: Which One to Choose?
The Northern Pantanal is your best bet if you’re after jaguar sightings, wildlife photography, or a wilder, more remote experience. Safaris here are often boat-based, with excellent chances of spotting big cats, especially during the dry season from July to October.
The Southern Pantanal is a better fit if you’re looking for easier access, comfortable eco-lodges, and a broader mix of land-based activities. It’s also the ideal choice if you want to combine your visit with a trip to Bonito.
Whichever region you pick, make sure to travel with experienced local guides who know the terrain and wildlife. And by choosing responsible operators like PlanetaEXO, you’re helping protect the Pantanal and support its communities.
Ready to explore Pantanal? Let us help you!
Whether you choose North or South Pantanal, PlanetaEXO can help you plan the perfect adventure. We work closely with knowledgeable local guides and handpick eco-lodges that reflect the region’s authenticity and commitment to sustainability. From thrilling jaguar safaris in the wild northern wetlands to laid-back stays at traditional ranches in the south, we’ll help you experience the best of the Pantanal in a way that’s immersive, responsible, and unforgettable.
Send us a message and let’s start planning your Pantanal tour today.
