Pantanal or the Amazon: Which One Should You Choose?

Torn between the Pantanal and the Amazon? This guide will help you explore Brazil’s two most iconic wildlife destinations.

When planning an adventure into Brazil’s wildest landscapes, two destinations may come to mind: the Pantanal or the Amazon Rainforest. Both are ecological powerhouses teeming with biodiversity, but they offer different travel experiences. 

Choosing between the Pantanal and the Amazon goes far beyond comparing travel itineraries. Both destinations are among the world’s richest biomes in terms of biodiversity and natural beauty, and offer unique experiences for those who want to connect with nature in its most exuberant form. 

But despite sharing the leading role in Brazilian ecological tourism, each one has its own particularities that deserve attention. So, Pantanal or the Amazon, which one should you choose?

At PlanetaEXO, we specialize in ecotourism in Brazil, and we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the differences and choose the one that best fits your travel style.

Wildlife Watching: Pantanal Wins for Visibility

If your dream is to see wildlife up close, the Pantanal in Brazil is your best bet. Known as the largest tropical wetland in the world, this vast region of open landscapes makes it much easier to spot animals than the dense Amazon rainforest.

Unlike other regions with dense vegetation, the Pantanal has open, flat areas, making it easier to spot species in their natural habitat, an advantage that delights both first-time travelers and seasoned wildlife watchers.

Tours in 4X4 cars, boat safaris or on horseback are common, and the guides know exactly where to take you for the best sightings of species such as:

• Jaguars
• Capybaras, giant otters, giant anteaters and tapirs
• Hundreds of species of birds, such as hyacinth macaws and toucans 
• Alligators and even anacondas

One of the great highlights of the Pantanal is the real possibility of seeing jaguars in the wild. The Northern Pantanal region, especially near the town of Porto Jofre, is considered the best place on the planet for spotting the jaguars.

The abundance of wildlife on view is a striking difference from other biomes, such as the Amazon jungle experience itself, where the dense forest often hides the animals from visitors’ eyes.

So the Amazon Rainforest, although incredibly rich in biodiversity and one of the most emblematic ecosystems on Earth, requires more patience and a bit of luck to spot animals. 

Landscapes and Ecosystems: Jungle vs Wetlands

The Amazon and the Pantanal represent two of the most impressive ecosystems on the planet, each with unique landscapes and natural dynamics that shape life around them. 

While the Amazon stands out for the vastness of its closed forest, imposing rivers and the constant sounds of the jungle, the Pantanal mesmerizes with its flooded fields, more open vegetation and the spectacle of wildlife on view. These are two wild and natural destinations that contrast with each other, but which share the grandeur of Brazilian biodiversity and sustainable travel.

Anyone looking for a unique experience with nature needs to understand the differences between these ecosystems, including the climate, topography and water cycles that shape the Amazon jungle and the Pantanal in Brazil. 

The Immensity of the Amazon Rainforest 

The Amazon Rainforest  is an endless sea of green. With trees that reach over 40 meters in height, the forest creates a closed, humid environment where sunlight barely touches the ground. This dense, stratified structure is home to thousands of plant and animal species that have adapted to living between the canopy and the understory. 

Walking a trail in the Amazon makes you feel small in the face of nature’s grandeur, surrounded by sounds, aromas and a constant sense of mystery.

The Amazon landscape is strongly marked by rivers. They determine the local way of life, serving as natural highways that connect riverside communities and allow the forest to be explored. The Negro, Solimões and Amazonas rivers are true water giants which, together with the igarapés and igapós, form landscapes of rare beauty and ecological importance. At many times of the year, the waters invade the forest, creating flooded forest scenes.

The Amazon Rainforest ecosystem is complex and often invisible to the eye. Most of the animals live in the treetops or camouflaged in the vegetation, which makes the experience quieter and more contemplative. The focus is on immersion: smelling the wet earth, observing the mist rising at dawn and understanding the vital role of this biome in the global climate balance.

👉 Find all the information you need to plan your trip to the Amazon in our travel guide 

The Spectacle of the Pantanal Plain  

The Pantanal tour reveals itself in a cycle of floods and droughts that completely transforms its landscape throughout the year. During the flood, between November and March, the plain floods, forming huge mirrors of water where boats glide by. In the dry season, from May to October, the waters recede and reveal fields, trails and areas rich in life, allowing access by land and making it easier to spot animals.

In the Pantanal, the horizon extends freely, punctuated by isolated trees, palm trees, low hills and temporary lakes. This configuration allows for a wide view of nature and encourages the observation of subtle movements – a capybara crossing the dirt road, a group of deer drinking water, or a flock of birds taking flight at dusk. It is a landscape in constant movement, marked by the harmony between water, sky and land.

The Pantanal ecosystem is a true mosaic, where different types of vegetation coexist: savannah, riparian forest, cleared fields and flooded areas. This ecological diversity in a relatively compact area allows visitors to encounter a variety of species in a single tour. It’s a perfect setting for those seeking direct contact with wildlife, in the midst of a nature that pulses to the skin.

👉 Click her and learn about everything about the Pantanal in Brazil in our travel guide

Activities: What Kind of Adventure Do You Want?  

Here are the main experiences you can find in the Pantanal or the Amazon Rainforest. 

Choose the Pantanal in Brazil if you want to:

• Land and river photo safaris tour: sightings of jaguars, macaws, capybaras, alligators, anteaters, among others.
• Horseback riding and ecological trails: walks through Pantanal farms and open fields, ideal for contemplating the landscape.
• Catch-and-release sport fishing: common practice in the region’s rivers, especially for dorado and pacu.
• Boat trips on the seasonal streams: crossings through wetlands with a high concentration of fauna.
• Birdwatching: ideal for spotting dozens of species in a single day.
• Experience typical farms: get to know the Pantanal lifestyle, including local cuisine, music and traditions.
• Cinematic sunrises and sunsets: wide-open skies that offer unforgettable views.

👉 See the about tours in the Pantanal on this page 

Choose the Amazon if you want to:

• Immersion in the rainforest: hiking trails in the middle of the forest, with local guides explaining the fauna, flora and traditions of the region.
• Boat trips on the rivers: sailing along igarapés, igapós and large rivers such as the Amazon and Negro.
• Visits to riverside and indigenous communities: contact with local cultures, typical cuisine, handicrafts and traditional ways of life.
• Night expeditions: observing animals such as caimans, insects and nocturnal birds under the intense sound of the jungle.
• Pink dolphin watching: encounters with this iconic animal of the Amazon region.
• Lodging in the forest and floating houses: rustic or sophisticated experiences, always integrated with nature.
• Participation in rituals or cultural experiences: some experiences include ceremonies conducted by indigenous communities.

👉 Discover all the tours in the Amazon rainforest 

Accessibility and Seasonality in ecotourism in Brazil

The Pantanal in Brazil or the Amazon Rainforest are located in remote regions, with logistical challenges that directly influence the tourist experience. However, with the growth of ecotourism in Brazil and the development of local infrastructure, these trips have become increasingly viable – and rewarding – for those seeking a connection with nature.

In the Pantanal, the most common accesses are via Cuiabá (MT) or Campo Grande (MS), with road connections or transfers to the lodges and ranches, especially in the Poconé, Transpantaneira or Corumbá regions.

The Pantanal is generally easier to navigate and more suitable for shorter trips. The dry season (May to October) is perfect for wildlife watching, when the wetlands recede and the fauna concentrates in the remaining areas of water.

👉 Find out the best time to visit the Pantanal 

The Amazon Rainforest tour offers a more immersive and remote experience, often requiring more effort from visitors. 

Accessibility to the Amazon tour varies greatly depending on the area visited. Manaus, the capital of Amazonas, is the main point of entry, with direct flights from several Brazilian capitals. From there, you can head to jungle lodges or riverside communities, usually by river. On some more remote routes, the journey can include hour-long boats and even regional flights. 

 

👉Check here when is the best time to visit the Amazon

River levels vary greatly between the wet and dry seasons, so activities can change depending on the time of year. The rainy season (December to May) is best for canoeing, while the dry season (June to December) allows for longer hikes.

Sustainability and Local Impact

Both the Pantanal and the Amazon are biomes of global importance for environmental conservation, and sustainable travel has proven to be a powerful tool for preserving these regions and supporting local communities. 

👉 Read about 5 conservation projects in the Pantanal

By choosing responsible lodgings, hiring local guides, opting for travel agencies that offer packages with sustainable practices, such as PlanetaEXO,  and taking part in activities focused on environmental education, tourists contribute directly to maintaining communities and enhancing biodiversity. 

Ecotourism projects, such as ecological lodges in the Amazon or adapted farms in the Pantanal, help generate income for local populations and create alternatives to deforestation, poaching and predatory exploitation of natural resources.

👉 Discover 8 conservation projects in the Amazon 

Prioritizing experiences that respect the rhythms of nature, limit the number of visitors and are committed to sustainable practices is essential to ensure that these landscapes continue to exist for generations to come. 

Final Thoughts! Pantanal or the Amazon: Which one to choose?

Let’s get to the crunch point: choose the Pantanal for easier wildlife viewing, expansive landscapes, and a safari-style experience.

Or choose the Amazon if you’re looking for immersive jungle exploration, cultural encounters, and the feeling of being in the middle of the rainforest.

Or better yet: plan to experience both. Each reveals a unique side of Brazil’s untamed beauty. There’s no wrong choice here, just different kinds of adventures!

Ready to explore on your next trip?  

PlanetaEXO is ready to take you on a unique and unforgettable adventure, whether in the Pantanal or the Amazon Rainforest. Discover our exclusive tours, with local guides and a truly immersive wildlife experience.

Find out more about the tours in the Pantanal and the Amazon Rainforest and ask any questions you may have!

Plan your next adventure with PlanetaEXO and experience the wild side of Brazil, with local guides, immersive tours, and a commitment to sustainability!