Both incredible Brazilian biomes, the Pantanal is home to jaguars and other fantastic animals, while the Amazon Rainforest allows for unbelievable jungle experiences
When planning an adventure into Brazil’s wildest landscapes, two destinations may come to mind: the Pantanal or the Amazon. Both are ecological powerhouses teeming with biodiversity, but they offer different experiences.
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Simply comparing travel itineraries is not enough, since both destinations are among some of the planet’s richest biomes in terms of biodiversity and untouched beauty. In their own unique ways, they provide incredible activities for those who wish to connect with nature in its most exuberant form.
Photo: @larissa_pantanal
As an expert in Pantanal tours and Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, PlanetaEXO has put together a guide to help you choose where you should spend your next vacation. See more below!
Is the Pantanal part of the Amazon?
No, the Pantanal is not part of the Amazon Rainforest. Although neighboring biomes in Brazil, they have fairly different ecosystems.
Spanning the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, the Pantanal is considered the world’s largest wetland.
Meanwhile, the Amazon is the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, covering areas of eight different states: Amazonas, Pará, Mato Grosso, Acre, Amapá, Rondônia, Roraima and Maranhão.
Pantanal safaris: wildlife watching at its finest
If your dream is to see wildlife up close, the Pantanal is the perfect destination. Besides the incredibly rich fauna, the open landscapes make it much easier to spot animals in their natural habitat compared to anywhere else in Brazil.
By boat or four-wheel drives, Pantanal safaris allow visitors some of the best wildlife watching experiences in the world. With the help of expert guides who know just the right places to spot animals, you might see capybaras, giant otters, caimans, macaws, etc.
Photo: Ondrej Prosicky
All species are fascinating, but it’s safe to say that the largest feline in the Americas is the star of the show. The Northern region, especially near the town of Porto Jofre, is considered the best place in the world to see jaguars.
The Pantanal’s abundance of wildlife is a striking highlight compared to other biomes. Amazon jungle tours in Brazil are wonderful for a total immersion in nature, but spotting animals there requires more patience and a bit of luck.
Photo: Felipe Castellari
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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, and houses thousands of plant and animal species.
Hiking in the Amazon is almost mystic. Different sounds and aromas are enveloped by the forest grandeur and a constant sense of mystery. Such an atmosphere can make anyone very aware of the warm, yet relentless power of Mother Nature.
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By joining Amazon tours in Brazil, travelers witness the importance of the rivers, which determine the local way of life as natural highways that connect riverside communities and grant proper access to deeper parts of the forest.
Negro, Solimões and Amazonas are just some of the rivers that cut through the vegetation and form igarapés (small bodies of water), igapós (flooded forests) and breathtaking views of immeasurable value for the fauna, flora and locals.
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Wildlife is rich, but discreet. Except for pink river dolphins, most animals live in the tree tops, are camouflaged by the jungle or only make themselves known at night. The focus is on immersion: smelling the wet earth, listening to the music of nature, breathing fresh air and understanding the privilege of being surrounded by the most complex ecosystem on the planet.
👉 Check our travel packages: Amazon Rainforest tours, Brazil
Experiences in the Amazon and the Pantanal
Both the Pantanal and the Amazon are spectacular. There is no better destination — only the better option for your preferences.
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, open vegetation and the spectacle of wildlife on view. Despite the contrasting differences, these two wild destinations represent the richness of Brazilian biodiversity and sustainable travel.
Besides understanding what makes each biome so great, it’s also important to point out how the experiences are influenced by their distinctness.
@matthias_kern_photography
Pantanal tours activities
Book your trip to the Pantanal if you love:
- Photo safaris: explore the wetlands by boat or 4×4 car to spot some of the most beautiful Brazilian animals, including jaguars, anteaters, tapirs, toucans, and many more.
- Birdwatching: keep your eyes open to spot some of the native birds, including toucans, macaws and the enigmatic jabiru stork.
- Horseback riding: delve into the flooded plains on horseback like a true Pantaneiro.
- Trekking: accompanied by qualified guides, trek across open fields and immerse yourself in nature.
- Boat rides and catch-and-release fishing: discover the wetlands by joining boat tours and fish for typical Pantanal species, like pacu and dorado.
- Farm life: some lodges are actually adapted farmhouses, but day-to-day life is still heavily based on ranch culture — which guests are more than welcomed to participate in.
- Cinematic sunrises and sunsets: wide-open skies offer unforgettable views when dawn breaks or when the sun sets.
Keep in mind: itineraries vary in North and South Pantanal. Make sure to learn the differences of both regions before booking your trip!
Brazil Amazon tours activities
Plan your vacation in the Amazon if you can’t get enough of:
- Forest hiking: immerse yourself in the forest by hiking with expert guides to explore the fauna, flora and local traditions.
- River cruises: high-end vessels provide a one of a kind sailing experience across the rivers in Anavilhanas and Jaú national parks.
- Boat trips: smaller boat and canoes sailing through igarapés and igapós are some of the most authentic activities in the forest.
- Night expeditions: animals (caimans, snakes, frogs, owls…) tend to roam around the forest more freely when night falls, making it an ideal time for wildlife watching in the Amazon.
- Pink dolphins sightings: unlike other native animals, the iconic pink river dolphins aren’t shy and are often spotted during boat rides across Solimões and Negro rivers.
- Lodging in the forest and floating houses: rustic or sophisticated stay experiences, always integrated with nature.
- Visiting riverside and indigenous communities: contact with local cultures, traditional cuisine, handicrafts and even ceremonies conducted by indigenous leaders.
👉 Read more: Top things to do in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil
How to get to the Pantanal and the Amazon in Brazil?
The Pantanal and the Amazon Rainforest are located in remote regions, with logistical challenges that can 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.
Divided between North and South, the Pantanal is assessable via Cuiabá (Mato Grosso) or Campo Grande (Mato Grosso do Sul), both capitals connected by dirt roads to the lodges and ranches. The dry season (May to October) is a great time for wildlife watching and other outdoor activities due to the decrease in water level.
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If you’re traveling to the Amazon, the route depends on which areas you’re visiting. Manaus, capital of Amazonas, is the main getaway to the forests, served by direct flights from major Brazilian cities, but there are also tours in the states of Pará and Mato Grosso.
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.
👉 Read more:
- How to get to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil
- When is the best time to visit the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil?
Sustainability and local impact
Both the Pantanal and the Amazon are biomes of global importance for environmental conservation. Sustainable travel has proven to be a powerful tool for preserving these regions and supporting local communities.
By choosing responsible lodging, hiring local guides, opting for operators that follow sustainable practices and taking part in activities focused on environmental education, tourists contribute directly to maintaining communities and enhancing biodiversity.
Ecotourism efforts, 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.
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.
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In conclusion, should you choose the Amazon Rainforest or the Pantanal?
Go to the Pantanal for easier wildlife watching, open landscapes and safari-style experiences, or choose the Amazon if you’re looking for immersive jungle exploration, cultural encounters, and the feeling of being in the middle of a tropical rainforest.
Better yet: plan your trip to both destinations, since each reveals a unique side of Brazil’s untamed beauty.
There’s no wrong choice here, just different kinds of adventures!
Photo: Samuel Melim
Travel to the Pantanal or the Amazon with PlanetaEXO
PlanetaEXO is an ecotourism platform specialized in Pantanal tours and Amazon Rainforest tours in Brazil, so why choose just one destination when you can do both?
We work with the best local operators to make sure your travel experience is unlike any other. From bookings to itineraries, our team will be with you every step of the way. Contact us now!
