Discover the 17 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Bonito MS. Until the mid-1980s, the town of Bonito was a quiet farming town, a route for large cattle droves. A little over a decade later, Bonito became the mecca of ecotourism in Brazil. The city of Bonito, located between the Bodoquena mountains […]
Pantanal in Mato Grosso
The Pantanal is one of the world’s largest wetlands, primarily located in Brazil, and is an extraordinary tourist destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. With its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and unique local culture, the Pantanal offers an unforgettable ecotourism experience.
The Pantanal in Mato Grosso is the best place in South America to see and photograph wildlife.
Sure, everyone has heard of the Amazon, but it’s hard to spot wildlife in a tropical rainforest.
In contrast, the Pantanal Matogrossense is a rich and diverse mix of wetlands, grasslands and forests, providing greater wildlife watching opportunities.
The region also has a better infrastructure – with transport, accommodation and everything you need to make the most of your stay.
The Pantanal of Mato Grosso is the largest tropical wetland in the world and has the highest concentration of wildlife in the Americas.
It covers the territory of several Brazilian states and runs through neighbouring Bolivia and Paraguay – with a total area half the size of France.
Only a small fraction of this territory is a protected reserve.
Most of the land is occupied by private cattle ranches, which have been operating in the region for 250 years and, for the most part, remain in balance with the region’s natural environment.
The Pantanal is home to more than 600 species of birds, 350 species of fish, 135 species of mammals and around 80 species of reptiles.
Wildlife includes macaws, caimans, giant anteaters, anacondas, jaguars, pumas and monkeys.
This is why the region is a favourite with wildlife photographers and documentarians.
A visit to the Pantanal in Mato Grosso is a memory that will stay with you, as it’s like stepping into the middle of your own wildlife documentary.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the region was heavily exploited for hunting and as a source of animal skins and other natural products.
However, the Pantanal’s wildlife is now legally protected.
Tourism (and visiting it) is the best way to ensure that wildlife and the environment continue to be protected in the future.
Here is a detailed guide on tourism in the Pantanal
Regions of the Pantanal
The Pantanal is generally divided into two main regions:
- Northern Pantanal: Primarily accessed through the city of Cuiabá in the state of Mato Grosso.
- Southern Pantanal: Primarily accessed through the city of Campo Grande in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.
Main Attractions and Activities
1. Wildlife Observation
- Diverse Fauna: The Pantanal is home to an incredible variety of animals, including jaguars, hyacinth macaws, capybaras, giant anteaters, caimans, and hundreds of bird species.
- Photo Safari: Safari tours in 4×4 vehicles, boats, or on horseback are popular for observing and photographing wildlife in their natural habitat.
2. Boat Tours
- Rivers and Lakes: Navigating the Pantanal’s rivers and lakes is an excellent way to see local wildlife and appreciate the landscape. Sunrise or sunset boat tours are particularly enchanting.
- Sport Fishing: The Pantanal is known for its sport fishing, especially for golden dorado and catfish.
3. Hiking and Trails
- Guided Walks: Many farms and lodges offer guided hikes on trails, where visitors can explore the local flora and fauna.
- Sunset Hikes: Sunset hikes are especially popular, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to observe animals active at dusk.
4. Horseback Riding
- Horseback Riding: Riding a horse is a traditional way to explore the Pantanal. Many places offer horseback tours that allow visitors to reach areas inaccessible by other means.
5. Birdwatching
- Bird Diversity: The Pantanal is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 650 bird species recorded, including toucans, herons, spoonbills, and the iconic jabiru stork.
- Bird Guides: Many lodges offer specialized birdwatching guides who can help identify and learn more about the various species.
Lodges and Farms
1. Pousada Rio Mutum (Northern Pantanal)
- Offers photo safaris, boat tours, and horseback riding. It is known for excellent wildlife observation and comfort.
2. Araras Eco Lodge (Northern Pantanal)
- Famous for its commitment to sustainability and rich program of activities, including birdwatching and trails.
3. Fazenda San Francisco (Southern Pantanal)
- A combination of ecological and agricultural tourism, offering safari tours, trails, and opportunities to learn about rural life in the Pantanal.
4. Caiman Ecological Refuge (Southern Pantanal)
- One of the most renowned eco-lodges, with diverse activities and conservation projects, including the Onçafari Project focused on jaguar preservation.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (May to September): The best time for wildlife observation, as animals concentrate around the remaining water areas. Temperatures are milder, and roads are more accessible.
- Wet Season (October to April): During the rainy season, the Pantanal transforms into a vast flooded plain, creating incredible landscapes and attracting migratory birds. Some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding.
Visitor Tips
- Appropriate Clothing: Wear lightweight and comfortable clothing that covers your body for protection against insects. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
- Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes are common, especially at dawn and dusk, so bring a good repellent.
- Photography Equipment: Bring binoculars and cameras with long-range lenses to capture wildlife.
- Hydration and Snacks: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and bring light snacks for excursions.
How to Get There
- Northern Pantanal: The main gateway is the city of Cuiabá, from where you can take land transport to lodges and farms.
- Southern Pantanal: Campo Grande is the main access point, followed by land transport to tourist areas.
The Pantanal offers a unique nature experience where biodiversity and local culture intertwine to create an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, nature photographer, or simply seeking tranquility and natural beauty, the Pantanal has something special to offer.
Miranda in Mato Grosso do Sul – Tourist attractions
The town of Miranda in Mato Grosso do Sul is a base for travellers crossing the southern Pantanal and there are a number of farms in the region where you can spend the day, stay overnight and do some Pantanal tours. The city of Miranda is located 205 kilometres from […]
The city of Aquidauana MS is the Gateway to the Pantanal
The city of Aquidauana MS is the Gateway to the Pantanal, one of the most beautiful ecosystems in the world and with many tourist attractions. The city enchants with its unique scenery. O Rio Aquidauana deu nome ao município, sua origem vem do vocabulário dos índios da etnia Guaicuru, que […]
Tourism and Nature in Coxim MS
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Campo Grande MS – Travel Guide
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Watching Mammals and Reptiles in the Pantanal
As well as fishing and birdwatching, the observation of land animals (above all mammals and reptiles, but also amphibians, molluscs and insects) is a great spectacle in the Pantanal – a spectacle that takes place every day, guaranteed by the extraordinary richness and variety of the fauna in the pantanal. […]
Fishing in the Pantanal – Best places, baits, methods and seasons
The Pantanal is an excellent destination for those who like travelling and fishing. In the Pantanal region, there are several rivers and around 300 species of fish. When it comes to fish, what is striking about the Pantanal is not the variety but the quantity. Although there are currently around […]
Most common fish species in the Pantanal
The fish species found in Mato Grosso’s Pantanal are not large, but the quantity of fish is great. Although there are currently around 260 fish species described species in the region – a modest number compared to the 1,800 in the Amazon – there are fish in their thousands. The […]
Birdwatching in the Pantanal in Mato Grosso
The Pantanal in Mato Grosso is the richest floodplain in terms of bird species on the planet and is a perfect place for birdwatching. The Pantanal has around 650 birds already catalogued by researchers. This diversity is all the more formidable because the vast Pantanal is famous for harbouring numerous […]
Most common bird species of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso
The following list of bird species, drawn up with the collaboration of specialists, presents some of the most frequently observed species in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso. These bird species in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso are identified by their common names, followed by their scientific nomenclature and identification in […]
Flora of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso
The flora of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso is surprising and exuberant. The Pantanal landscape is made up of fragments of various ecosystems, with an extraordinary diversity of plant species. An intricate mosaic in which various plant formations intertwine, typical of biomes such as the Cerrado (to the east, north […]
Wildlife and Fauna of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso
The wildlife and fauna of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso consist of a harmonious universe, unique in the world in its extraordinary and teeming beauty, with its mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Animals from different ecosystems coexist in the Pantanal – and in few places in the world can […]
Pantanal in Mato Grosso – Geography, Climate, Soil and Rivers
Discover the unique landscape of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso and its geographical, climatic, soil and river characteristics. The geography, the complex network of rivers and the immense expanse of wetlands of the Pantanal plain in Mato Grosso make up a unique landscape on the planet, a heritage of all […]
History of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso – Discovery and Economic Development
Far from the industrial centers, the Pantanal of Mato Grosso remained almost untouched for centuries, until its spaces were occupied by cattle ranches. Today, ecotourism is emerging in the Pantanal as a factor in the region’s economic development. The history of the Mato Grosso Pantanal begins with the first European […]
Southern Pantanal Region
The Southern Pantanal occupies almost two thirds of the Pantanal in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The Southern Pantanal is an excellent starting point for those wishing to explore the Pantanal in depth – with some of the best cattle ranches in the Pantanal, the usual variety […]
Why and when to visit the Pantanal in Mato Grosso?
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Northern Pantanal Region
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