Why and when to visit the Pantanal in Mato Grosso?

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 rainforest.

It starts with a mistake. The Pantanal is not a swamp, as the name suggests.

The Pantanal is an immense plain, flooded for part of the year; it is the “largest wetland on the planet”, as tourist brochures and manuals advertise.

PANTANAL É UM PARAÍSO SELVAGEM NA AMÉRICA DO SUL

And it’s a world apart, with its codes, its language, its rhythm – and a richness that no brochure can summarize.

If it’s impossible to summarize, neither is it easy to understand the Pantanal.

When you arrive, it presents itself as a region without limits, with fluid contours, immune to any attempt at containment.

The Pantanal of Mato Grosso has two commonly used divisions:

Northern Pantanal
Southern Pantanal

Each division with its small sub-pantanal – these are attempts to grasp and impose some rationality on the great floodplain.

On closer inspection, however, one realizes that the Pantanal has its own logic and time, entirely subordinated to the cycle of the waters and the succession of seasons: see, but the rains and the floods, then the ebbs and the drought, in a movement of eternal restart.

In all seasons, life is teeming in the Pantanal, one of the largest wildlife reserves in the world. Here, travelers can see caimans, wild pigs, capybaras, deer and monkeys; with a little luck, they may even spot more elusive species, such as the jaguar.

Birds fly in flocks or huddle by the hundreds on tree branches; their bustle opens and closes the day.

The incessant noise of insects and frogs fills the night. The richness of the fauna is the result of a complex interweaving of ecosystems, which gives the landscape an unsuspected variety.

The landscape alternates between mountain ranges – the name given to the small elevations between the flooded regions – lakes, rivers, gallery forests, savannahs, traces of Amazonian forest, limestone waters, caves, capons, marshes and ponds.

Close to the Pantanal, but outside its boundaries, the Chapada dos Guimarães and the Bonito region offer travelers new possibilities for wonder and enchantment, in landscapes of waterfalls, great red walls, waterfalls and submerged lakes that reveal a unique shade of blue when illuminated by a glimmer of sunlight.

In the vast expanse of the flood plains, among the wildlife and unique geographical formations, a unique culture has developed, the offspring of the crossing of several others and perfectly integrated with the local nature.

There are indigenous, Paraguayan, São Paulo, Minas Gerais and southern traits that can be seen in the daily work of the Pantanal cattle drover, in the curious accent of the natives, in the Hispanic sounds of the guitar players, in the popular festivals, in the typical dishes and in the clay handicrafts.

A universe that, although increasingly permeable to external influences, remains faithful to its origin and essence – still authentic, rustic, Pantanal.

It’s not uncommon for rivers to replace roads in the Pantanal and for people to travel by boat and motorboat; hotels are sometimes isolated by water or reachable on horseback or in jeeps, the only means of overcoming the mud.

The day passes quickly, filled with horseback riding, fishing and excursions to spot animals, long conversations with the pantaneiros and copious meals by the wood-burning stove.

At night, on the veranda of the farm or on the bow of a boat, the traveler will be surprised to see so many stars that the sky turns silver, scattered with black stripes.

He will then feel part of this cycle that repeats itself indefinitely, with its droughts and floods, with the movement of wild animals and the movement of cattle, with the voice of the guitar players under the starry surface: to go to the Pantanal, the tangle of seemingly inapprehensible knots, is to finally understand what integration and permanence – or eternity – are.

Why to visit the Pantanal in Mato Grosso?

Going to the Pantanal offers a unique and unforgettable experience for many reasons. Here are some of them:

1. Rich biodiversity

The Pantanal is one of the largest wetlands in the world and is home to a vast diversity of wildlife. It is home to many species of animals, including jaguars, hyacinth macaws, capybaras, caimans, and a huge variety of birds and fish.

2. Natural Beauty

The Pantanal’s landscape is stunning, with its vast flood plains, winding rivers and lush vegetation. The region’s natural beauty offers fantastic opportunities for nature photography.

3. Birdwatching

The Pantanal is a paradise for birdwatchers. With more than 650 species of birds, visitors can see rare and exotic birds in their natural habitat.

4. Cultural Experiences

The region is inhabited by traditional communities that maintain unique ways of life and cultures. Visiting the Pantanal offers the opportunity to get to know these local cultures and traditions.

5. Sustainable Tourism

Many tour operators in the Pantanal promote sustainable practices that help preserve biodiversity and support local communities. This allows visitors to have a positive impact on the region.

6. Outdoor Adventures

The Pantanal offers countless outdoor activities, such as photographic safaris, boat trips, horseback riding, and sport fishing. These activities provide a direct connection with nature.

7. Environmental Education

Visiting the Pantanal can be an educational experience, helping to raise awareness about the importance of conserving wetlands and global biodiversity.

8. Favourable climate

The Pantanal’s climate, especially during the dry season, is favourable for travel and outdoor activities. The best time to visit is during the dry season (from May to September), when the waters recede and the wildlife becomes more concentrated and visible.

9. Wildlife Photography

Photographic opportunities are exceptional in the Pantanal. From large mammals to small colourful birds, the abundance of wildlife allows you to capture impressive images.

10. Hospitality and Tourist Infrastructure

The Pantanal has a developed tourist infrastructure, with comfortable lodges and experienced guides who can provide a safe and enjoyable stay.

Conclusion

Visiting the Pantanal is an opportunity to connect with one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, appreciate the natural beauty, and learn about the importance of environmental conservation. It’s an experience that offers both adventure and education, making it an unforgettable trip for any nature lover;

When to go to the Pantanal in Mato Grosso?

The best time to visit is from May to September, when it rains less. In the months of April to May, when the waters begin to recede, wildlife watching becomes better.

The rainy season begins in October and lasts until April, with January and February being the wettest months.

See in detail the climate of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso