The reserve has the greatest variety of butterflies, birds and mammals in the Americas, including alligators, deer, armadillos and capybaras (the world’s largest rodent).

The Pantanal (“swampland”) is one of the world’s great wildlife reserves. Only a very small part of the area has any tourism infrastructure (or towns, for that matter), although you can stay at many of the region’s fazenda (farm) lodges, which usually operate guided tours into the swampland itself.

Because the terrain is largely open, it’s easier to spot some animals in the Pantanal than in the jungles of the Amazon farther north. Fishing is excellent, with more than 350 varieties of fish, some weighing up to 80 kg. The Pantanal reserve has the greatest variety of butterflies, birds and mammals in the Americas, including alligators, deer, armadillos and capybaras (the world’s largest rodent). Unfortunately, poaching in the Pantanal has endangered some of the animals, and anteaters, jaguars and otters are no longer commonly seen—although they’re said to be making a comeback. The best time to visit is during the breeding season, July to September.

When to travel to Pantanal

From December to March is the season of intense rain and often flooding. From April to June the water recedes, fish are trapped in ponds and birds are attracted in droves. The peak of the dry season is October. From July to September is the optimal time to visit because much of the wildlife can be found around waterholes. The dried fields are good grazing ground, bringing wildlife out into the open and from August onwards, when trees are in bloom, migratory species can be seen nesting.