Brazil’s Pantanal

The World’s Largest Wetland

Experience

Why is the Pantanal famous?

The Pantanal, though less famous than the Amazon in the north, is a highly diverse ecosystem with over 4,700 plant and animal species. Interestingly, it has the highest concentration of certain wildlife species in South America, including the jaguar and caiman.

Is the Pantanal apart of the Amazon?

The Amazon and the Pantanal are distinctly different places, each providing unique and awe-inspiring experiences. They both stand as remarkable destinations, offering diverse and unforgettable adventures.

My Experience

At 200,000 square kilometers the mere scale is daunting. Not to mention the fact that the majority of this area is completely inaccessible and home to some of the most concentrated wildlife the continent has to offer. Add the unbearable heat, humidity, mosquitos, and mud, and you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime, sounds intriguing doesn’t it? The trick is finding a way in. Welcome to the world’s largest wetland, the concave of South American tectonic plate, the basin of Andean runoff waters, the Brazilian Pantanal.

This area has no specifically defined borders and crosses into current day Bolivia and Paraguay, however I wish to focus on the Brazilian portion, which makes up more than 60% of the area. The Pantanal is slowly becoming a popular tourist attraction for people doing semi long term travel (say a couple of months) through South America, however this being said, it is still very much an off-the-beaten-path destination. I had the opportunity of first visiting the Pantanal in May of 2011. Since then I have been back four times, each time producing new wildlife encounters and incredible experiences. Off the top of my head, I would say finding an Anaconda ‘alive’ underneath a moving truck, marks the most memorable Pantanal experience to date.

My time spent in the Pantanal was almost entirely on the stretches found near the Bolivian border in an area about 300km south west of Corumbá. This is truly the heart of the Brazilian Pantanal and is incredibly difficult place to access (best way in is from Bonito or Bolvia, explained later). This has everything to do with the remoteness of the location, and with a remote location, what do find…? Usually, no people, the possibility of big businesses looking to exploit the area for its resources, an incredible amount of densely populated flora and fauna species, outstanding local wildlife population, and some of the best opportunities to view, encounter, and photograph said wildlife. The Pantanal is exactly this, remote, intense, and chalk full of wildlife, add the humidity and mosquitos, the countless rivers and the overwhelming natural beauty, and it’s time to grab a map, make a reservation, and make your way into the swamp. Here are some photos of the different wildlife I have encountered during my trips into the area.

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SEE – Photos & Videos

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Do – Activities & Attractions

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Stay – Accommodation

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Eat – Restaurants

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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.

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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).

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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.

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Responsible Travel – Best Practices

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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.

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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.

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Where is the most remote location you have ever travelled to? Have you been to the Brazilian Pantanal, if so, what did you think? Where is your favourite swamp lands, is it local, close to home?

You can’t miss exploring more of Brazil’s stunning national parks, like Lençóis Maranhenses National Park!

Please feel free to share your stories and thoughts in the comment section below!

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