Pantanal

Luxury Pantanal Travel

A vital global ecosystem, the Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland. Sheltering incredible biodiversity, Brazil claims roughly 30 per cent of the region’s 69,112 square miles—an area larger than the state of Georgia. 

Unlike the dense Amazon Rainforest, the Pantanal is largely characterized by flat, grassy floodplain, threaded by rivers and overlaid by a mosaic of lagoons, forest, and wetlands. Water levels rise and fall by the season; periods of dramatic flooding are followed by dry spells, creating an ever-shifting landscape and movement of wildlife.  

Travelers might encounter the Pantanal Big Five (jaguar, giant river otter, Brazilian tapir, giant anteater, and maned wolf) on game drives, boat tours, on foot or horseback. (Modalities depend on whether you are in the northern or southern Pantanal.) Other resident species include anaconda, capybara, and a myriad of bird life including the striking hyacinth macaw. If you’re keen on sighting a jaguar, the odds are in your favor—it’s nearly guaranteed in the Pantanal.  

Although vast and wild, parts of the Pantanal are a “working wetland” where millions of head of cattle graze the same grasslands as endemic species. Hardy, self-reliant, and carving out a life on a wilderness frontier, Pantaneiro cowboys have cultivated a unique ranching culture. Get a taste of their traditions while staying at a luxury eco-loge. Saddle up with a guide, listen to live sertanejo music, and gather around an outdoor fire for fireside chats and stargazing.  

Best Time to Travel to the Pantanal 

The world’s largest tropical wetland and flooded grassland, the Pantanal of southwestern Brazil has a long rainy season which generally lasts from November through April (late spring, summer, and early fall.) Although this time of year boasts the most lush flora and good migratory birdwatching, we don’t recommend it.  

We advise travelers to plan a Pantanal safari between May and October. Spanning late fall, winter, and early spring, the region’s dry season offers tolerable temperatures, fair weather, and the best wildlife viewing at a time when animals are drawn to water holes. Although July, August, and September is peak season, the ecosystem spans more than 42 million acres, so we can find you plenty of room to roam, crowd-free. 

Explore the Pantanal on a Map

Brazil Travel Itineraries Featuring the Pantanal

The Best Pantanal Lodges