Back to Top

GO – Getting There

The Pantanal is easiest accessible by flight. The best place to fly into is Campo Grande or Bonito, both found in Mato Grosso do Sul state in south west Brazil. Bonito is the smaller of the two but overall the more attractive and more tourism focused. These cities are also both accessible by road but you’re looking at up to 20+ hours spent on a bus from almost any major city in Brazil. Fun!! Flying is the best option. From Bonito or Campo Grande there are a number of small tour operators offering multi day guided excursions into the heartland of the world’s largest wetland!! Access from the Bolivian border at Corumbá is also quite good, if you’re coming from the west. There is an overnight train from Santa Cruz, Bolivia to Puerto Suarez and the border, it is amazing and leaves daily all year round… and it’s cheap!!

The Pantanal, Brazil – Map

View Where Sidewalks End in a larger map

Back to Top

Do – Activities & Attractions

Coming Soon!

Back to Top

Stay – Accommodation

Coming Soon!

Back to Top

Eat – Restaurants

Coming Soon!

Back to Top

Time – Seasonality & Schedules

This is incredibly important when visiting the region. The Pantanal is 80% flood plain and fills up quickly! There are two primary seasons, wet and dry, bet you didn’t guess that. 🙂 The wet season spans from November – March with the dry season, April – October. The best time to visit the Pantanal is during the in-betweens (i.e. October November / April May) this change over timing is your perfect chance to see the best of both worlds. The best places to go are natural watering holes, which draw wildlife all year round. During the wet season, all of the land animals get forced onto the small high patches that just avoid flooding, assuming the bush cover isn’t too thick, it makes viewing wildlife relatively easy, and also the bird life during the wet season is outstanding, the Pantanal is a bird watchers dream.

Back to Top

Safety – Possible risks

The region is so remote and has such low human populations that the most dangerous thing is not having adequate access to a hospital in emergency situations, and or, having a ‘bad’ encounter with some of the local wildlife. I would hope that none of the visitors would provoke any wildlife and that the Pantanal guides would provide all the cautionary information necessary.

Please Note: Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim those who try to play off those unfamiliar to their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed to.

Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.

Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk, and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).

Back to Top

Pay – How much does it cost?

Due to the remoteness and the current strength of the Brazilian Reais, the Pantanal is a relatively expensive off-the-beaten-track destination. You would be looking at spending most of your budget on transport and accommodation. Almost everything is run similarly to an African safari, except for park fees, there are none in Pantanal. The accommodation booked almost always provides a guided excursion service with your stay, the majority being dawn and dusk safaris when there is the best chance of viewing wildlife. Be prepared to take a chunk out of your wallet on this one.

Back to Top

Responsible Travel – Best Practices

Coming Soon!

Back to Top

Reality Check – Be Aware

This massive mostly unexplored area of South America is truly a hidden gem. There is so much tourism possibility in the Pantanal with guaranteed wildlife sightings for every visitor. No matter what time of year you visit it is bound to be a memorable experience. This traveller recommends February, March, and Aril as the best time of year to visit. The world’s largest wetland is an incredible ecosystem that has its threats and has its strengths, like anywhere else. I think the best part of the Pantanal is the diversity of nature co existing in one area. Like the Amazon, Andes, Sahara, Artic, etc., the Pantanal is still a coveted wilderness area with its remoteness and inaccessibility being its greatest asset.

Back to Top

JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages

This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off the beaten path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!

Click on this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.

Back to Top