Pantanal Wildlife Holidays
The Pantanal is superb all year but if you're looking for peak wildlife viewing, July to September is a great time to visit.
Five to six days in the Pantanal will allow you to explore both the northern and southern area and increase your chance of spotting jaguars.
The phenomenal diversity of life is much easier to spot in this relatively open environment in comparison with Brazil’s rainforest, making it the ideal place for a luxury wildlife tour. The Pantanal is also home to hardy pioneering people who have traditionally used the region for cattle ranching. If you spend time getting to know the inhabitants of The Pantanal, you’ll discover their resilience and skills, and they will show you the wildlife wonders with which they coexist.
Slightly higher in elevation, the northern Pantanal (accessed via Cuiaba) is somewhat drier than the southern region (accessed via Campo Grande), which was so wet when Portuguese explorers discovered it that they assumed it was the sea.
- Amazing wildlife encounters in the diverse habitats of this open environment are guaranteed.
- Animals include giant anteater, giant otter, and the Pantanal jaguar.
- A boat safari will put you in close quarters with caiman and the legendary piranha fish.
- The Pantanal is a great place to spend time with rugged, adventurous and adaptable farmers. They are the best people to take you on a horseback safari.
- Even the journey to your accommodation is likely to be an adventure. The Transpantaneira Highway is a route for people and animals alike.
- Accommodation in the Pantanal is authentic and remote, which is part of the experience.
- This is one of the best locations in the world for birdwatching. Get up early and be amazed.
A homely and harmonious lodge in an isolated wetland location, Araras is a place where you can enjoy peace and quiet, along with incredible wildlife opportunities, in equal measure.
You will be energised not only by seeing the wonderful wildlife of the Pantanal, but also by experiencing ground-breaking conservation at work in the Caiman Ecological Refuge. It sets the standards that others follow.
For its remote location in the breathtaking environment of the southern Pantanal, and for its authentic friendly hospitality, Fazenda Barranco Alto is a great place for an intimate wildlife adventure on a working ranch.
This is simply a beautiful pousada in an awesome location on the banks of Rio Mutum. It’s the perfect place to spot the diverse wildlife that the Pantanal region has to offer.
The Pantanal in Brazil is the best place to see jaguars in the wild. Head out with the jaguar habituation team at Onçafari and seek out these elusive big cats with the experts.
The Pantanal is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 650 species. Key species to look for include the Hyacinth Macaw, Toco Toucan, Jabiru Stork, and the Great Potoo. The Journeysmiths team will make sure you're in the best location to suit your interests.
Giant otters are a common sight in the Pantanal's waterways. Observing these social and playful animals in their natural environment is a highlight for many visitors.
The world's largest rodent, the capybara, is ubiquitous in the Pantanal. These semi-aquatic mammals can often be seen grazing in large groups near water bodies. Your expert guides will get you up close to these magnificent animals.
Add The Pantanal in Brazil is home to millions of caimans. These reptiles are often seen basking along the banks of rivers and lakes, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Night safaris in the Pantanal reveal a different set of wildlife. Look for nocturnal creatures like ocelots, anteaters, tapirs, and various owl species. Journeysmiths work with the best guides who can find even the smallest creatures under the darkness of night.
Caiman Ecological Refuge lodge has expert birding guides that can yield sightings of rare species and a deeper understanding of the Pantanal's avian diversity.
The Pantanal's waterways are also home to the green anaconda, one of the world's largest snakes. Although elusive, Journeysmiths guides give you the best opportunity to catch a glimpse of these impressive reptiles.
Black howler monkeys, true to their name, are some of the loudest residents of the Pantanal. At sunrise, they start their distinctive roaring howl.
The largest waterfall in the world, Iguazu Falls, is set on the border between Brazil and Argentina. Its cascading waterfalls plunge amidst lush rainforest with spectacular power and beauty.
A vast and biodiverse tropical savanna region in eastern Brazil, the Cerrado is home to unique flora, fauna, and stunning landscapes.
A charming colonial town nestled between lush mountains and pristine coastlines, Paraty boasts cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a tranquil atmosphere along the Costa Verde or Green Coast.
The birdlife in Brazil is especially impressive, with feathers reflecting every single colour of the rainbow. Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast or a serious birder, the Amazon Jungle is breathtaking in the variety of the species which live there. You’ll find the richest birding hotspots along with the very best birding guides in Latin America.
A simply enormous country, Brazil truly does have it all: vibrant wildlife, cosmopolitan cities and pristine wild landscapes. The Amazon Rainforest is Brazil’s most famous destination, and whilst this is undoubtedly an incredible place, there really is a lot more to see.
Think canoeing through mangrove forests, luxuriating on immaculate coastlines, exploring wetlands buzzing with wildlife, and visiting cities that burst with energy during carnival time. Here we collate our 10 favourite experiences.
Brazil is vast, known for its lively cities, heavenly beaches and glorious wildlife areas. We’ve put together a set of FAQs that cover the basic need-to-know tips when starting to plan your holiday. If you’d like more tailored advice, contact our Journeysmiths today and we’ll be happy to help.
Famed for its beautiful coastline and, of course, the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil is the Earth’s most biologically diverse country. Over 100,000 animal species are currently known, and with around 700 new ones discovered each year, this diversity is ever-increasing.
A trio of glorious wilderness areas - the lively, bustling Amazon Rainforest, The Pantanal’s labyrinth of pristine waterways and wetlands, and the vast, rolling savannah of the Cerrado - come together to make Brazil a hugely important conservation destination.
- Knowledge, Experience & Passion
Since 1990, we’ve been exploring our planet, discovering the world's finest properties and most reliable partners so that you too can experience the best of the wild world. - Logistical Expertise & Extraordinary Service
Our teams work together to take care of every last detail of your holiday, ensuring it runs like clockwork from beginning to end.
- Privacy and Discretion
Luxurious, remote properties and exclusive reserves in the wilderness guarantee maximum privacy, the essence of a Journeysmiths holiday. - Positive Impact
We ensure you are ‘Travelling Well’, with every journey we arrange benefitting the habitats, wildlife and people who live there in some way.
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 25 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made holidays to megadiverse Latin America. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 25 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made holidays to megadiverse Latin America. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
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A simply enormous country, Brazil truly does have it all: vibrant wildlife, cosmopolitan cities and pristine wild landscapes. The Amazon Rainforest is Brazil’s most famous destination, and whilst this is undoubtedly an incredible place, there really is a lot more to see.
Think canoeing through mangrove forests, luxuriating on immaculate coastlines, exploring wetlands buzzing with wildlife, and visiting cities that burst with energy during carnival time. Here we collate our 10 favourite experiences.
Brazil is vast, known for its lively cities, heavenly beaches and glorious wildlife areas. We’ve put together a set of FAQs that cover the basic need-to-know tips when starting to plan your holiday. If you’d like more tailored advice, contact our Journeysmiths today and we’ll be happy to help.
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A trio of glorious wilderness areas - the lively, bustling Amazon Rainforest, The Pantanal’s labyrinth of pristine waterways and wetlands, and the vast, rolling savannah of the Cerrado - come together to make Brazil a hugely important conservation destination.
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