This vast savannah lowlands and wetlands extending between Cuiaba, Campo Grande and the Bolivian border is one of the world’s great wildlife preserves. Parts spill over into Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina to form an area totalling approximately 100,000 km². Partly flooded in the rainy season, the Pantanal is a mecca for wildlife tourism or fishing. Seasonal variations make a great difference to the practicalities of getting there and what you will experience. The animals and birds are similar to those found in the Amazon basin but they are much easier to spot in the Pantanal due to the lack of dense jungle. The dry season between July and October is the ideal time to visit as animals and birds congregate at the few remaining areas of water.
The Pantanal is above all a paradise for bird-watchers, ornithologists and fishing enthusiasts. According to the season, you can see Jabiru and American storks, Rosy spoonbills, toucans, parakeets and macaws. These are just a few of the more than 700 resident and migratory bird species found in the Pantanal. There are also many kinds of animals and you may encounter Caimans, Tapirs, monkeys of various kinds, deer, Capybaras, Giant river otters, anteaters, pumas and jaguars. The lodges have excellent guides to take you out on excursions by boat or horse back, on night safaris and canoe trips. We recommend a minimum stay of 3 nights at either lodge.