Ready for an adventure in the vast flooded plains of the Pantanal Brazil? This travel guide unveils a setting where nature dictates its own rules, with the majestic presence of jaguars.
The Pantanal invites adventurers to a complete immersion in wildlife. Be prepared to surrender to this unique experience, where the thrill of the unknown awaits you. In this guide, we’ve gathered essential information to lead your journey, from the best time to explore to activities that will make your trip unforgettable. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a nature thrill-seeker, we’ll help you to plan a perfect experience!
Let’s get to it!
1. Where is Pantanal?
2. How to get to Pantanal?
3. When is the best time to go to Pantanal?
4. How many days to spend in Pantanal?
5. Where to stay in Pantanal Brazil?
6. What do you do in Pantanal?
7. What is the best Pantanal safari?
8. Pantanal Best tours
9. What makes the Pantanal so special?
About Pantanal
In the west of Brazil lies the Pantanal, the world’s largest continuous flooded plain, surpassing England in its expanse. Primarily located in the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, this biome covers approximately 187,818 hectares, offering a unique experience for nature enthusiasts.
Each visit transforms into a journey through wildlife, regardless of seasonal conditions. In addition to safaris, the Pantanal allows immersion in the local culture, enabling visitors to explore not only the fauna and flora but also the traditions of the communities coexisting with the ecosystem.
Where is Pantanal?
In the southern Mato Grosso and northwest Mato Grosso do Sul, the Pantanal is shared with Paraguay and Bolivia. With an area of 250,000 km², this vast flooded plain connects nations. According to the SOS Pantanal Institute, 151,000 km² belong to Brazil, with the remaining 44,000 km² divided between Bolivia and Paraguay. The diversity of the Pantanal transcends borders, creating a link between these South American countries.
Fed by rivers such as the Paraguay, Cuiabá, Miranda, and Taquari, the Pantanal is notable for seasonal floods. During the rainy season (November to March), waters reach their peak, while in the dry season (April to October), they recede, revealing a unique landscape.
Discover the wonders of the Pantanal on the map and select your desired destination!
How to get to Pantanal
There are three main transportation modes to enter the Pantanal. For adventurers wishing to explore the Northern Pantanal, the gateway is Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. The journey unfolds along the Transpantaneira, a road connecting Poconé to Porto Jofre, offering 147 kilometers of pure immersion in wild beauty. This dirt road reveals the richness of wildlife, providing numerous opportunities to witness animals in their natural habitat.
On the other hand, for explorers looking to venture into the Southern Pantanal, air travel options are strategic: Campo Grande, the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul, serves as the starting point for adventures in Aquidauana and Miranda. Meanwhile, Corumbá, with its port, welcomes adventurers departing on large boats, guiding them through the serene waters of the Southern Pantanal.
This geographical distinction between the Northern and Southern Pantanal is reflected in the different access approaches and experiences offered to visitors. The Northern Pantanal stands out for land exploration along the Transpantaneira. The Southern Pantanal is strategically accessed by air, with a focus on the use of large boats navigating the waters of Corumbá.
When is the best time to go to Pantanal?
If you’re ready for an unforgettable experience in the Pantanal, plan your visit between May and September when the rains ease, and the region reveals ideal conditions for wildlife observation. From April to May, when the waters are still receding, adventurers have the unique opportunity to witness the diversity of life emerging in the swamps and lagoons.
Avoid the rainy season, which extends from October to April, with January and February bringing the heaviest rainfall. Additionally, from December onwards, intense heat and the proliferation of mosquitoes may make the experience less enjoyable.
You can also stay informed about the climate by clicking here.
How many days to spend in Pantanal?
The recommended duration to explore this ecosystem would be a minimum of four days, but nothing is stopping you from extending this experience for a longer period. By doing so, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in wildlife, actively participate in conservation projects, absorb knowledge from specialized guides, and appreciate the beauty of the birds and other animals in the region.
By dedicating at least four days, or even more, to your journey, you’ll transform this experience into something beyond a simple trip.
Where to stay in Pantanal Brazil?
The decision of where to stay in the Pantanal is crucial for a unique experience, going beyond simply choosing a place to rest. Here are some recommendations to help you decide between options in the Southern and Northern Pantanal:
Southern Pantanal: The luxury lodge in the Pantanal, is a wildlife refuge centre, perfect to see jaguars. With accommodation in exclusive lodges and daily guided excursions led by bilingual professionals you will enjoy the best Pantanal has to offer with all includes.
Northern Pantanal: When choosing the lodge in Porto Jofre, your journey through the Northern Pantanal begins along the banks of the Cuiabá River, via the Transpantaneira road. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to join the Pantanal jaguar safari which offers thrilling excursions along the Cuiabá River. During this unique experience, you will witness the world’s largest concentration of jaguars.
For more information on where to stay in the Pantanal, check out the PlanetaEXO blog.
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What do you do in Pantanal?
Explore the Pantanal with a variety of activities, ranging from jaguar watching to thrilling guided boat tours. Take part in night safaris in 4×4 vehicles, providing unique glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitat. Venture into piranha fishing and enjoy horseback rides.
These activities and many more are carefully integrated into the exclusive travel itineraries offered by PlanetaEXO. Click now to discover more about the available itinerary options.
What is the best Pantanal safari?
Choosing the ideal safari in the Pantanal can be a challenge, as each experience offers a unique touch, adapting to individual interests and preferences. We recommend opting for safaris that include a variety of activities. From wildlife observation to guided walks, ensuring the chance to encounter more species. In the vastness of the Pantanal, options range from rustic camping experiences to luxurious accommodations, providing a wide array of choices for all types of adventurers. You can read more about it by clicking here.
We also support cool projects that help nature, like the Arara Azul Project.
Pantanal Best Tours
Explore the wildlife of the Pantanal through carefully selected tours by PlanetaEXO. The Pantanal jaguar safari will take you to Porto Jofre, in Cuiabá, home to the world’s largest population of jaguars, through the Transpantaneira and the waters of the Cuiabá River.
If you enjoy bird watching, the Pantanal wildlife trip from Campo Grande offers a paradise in Mato Grosso do Sul, showcasing over 300 species. It also supports nature-helping projects such as the Blue Macaw Project.
For a comprehensive adventure, opt for the luxury jaguar safari in the Pantanal. With exclusive accommodations and a focus on conservation, this expedition provides an authentic experience with a jaguar sighting rate of 98%.
What makes the Pantanal so special?
The decision to travel to the Pantanal not only allows an escape from the urban pace but also provides an authentic immersion in untouched nature. Safaris offer the opportunity to witness up close the biodiversity of the region, boasting over 650 species of birds and 120 species of mammals.
Furthermore, participation in conservation projects enables a direct contribution to the preservation of this unique ecosystem. Local traditions add an enriching cultural layer to the journey. Choosing to visit the Pantanal is a valuable opportunity to experience nature in its most authentic and vibrant form.
Fully immerse yourself in a unique experience by exploring the wildlife of the Brazilian Pantanal. Join PlanetaEXO on this journey and witness the unparalleled beauty that the Pantanal has to offer.
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