The Pantanal: Why Brazil’s Great Wetlands Rivals Africa for Wildlife

You’ve been intrigued by the vastness and variety of Brazil - the third largest country in the Americas (larger than the contiguous 48 USA states). But what is wildlife viewing actually like here? Where do you start? 

We’ve been taking travelers to wild places for more than 45 years. The answer - and it surprises anyone who hears it - is the Pantanal.

Why the Pantanal is the World’s Greatest Wildlife Destination Outside Africa

A common expression you actually hear all over the world, from all types of scientists as well as travel professionals is: "The best wildlife viewing in the world is in Africa. The second best is in Africa, the third best is probably also in Africa”. But the undisputed next best is in the Pantanal. 

The numbers bear it out. During the peak seasons, the Pantanal supports around 690 species of birds. The Okavango Delta in Botswana - already extraordinary by any measure - hosts around 560. Here in Illinois,  we get genuinely excited near the Mississippi River if we can reach 130. The same ratio holds for insects and plants. The Pantanal is simply, scientifically, extraordinary.

How Does the Pantanal Compare to the Okavango Delta? 

Open a map. The Pantanal sits the same distance south of the equator as the Okavango Delta sits north. That shared latitude explains a great deal - similar ecologies, similar seasonal rhythms, similarly spectacular wildlife. The critical difference is altitude.

The Delta is around 3200' above sea level. The Pantanal, in stark contrast, is rarely more than 100 feet above sea level. But they're both spectacular wetlands with ever-changing topographies as a result, so they've both managed to stay pretty wild. 

Both are spectacular. Both face the same serious enemy: climate change.

Why Go to the Pantanal Now

As most of you know who read Jim’s substacks, the Super El Nino has mandated that this trip occur earlier, rather than later, next year. The last powerful El Nino several years ago set off unprecedented wild fires throughout the Pantanal, and the area has really only now recovered. I imagine this current El Nino will spawn new and even worse wild fires, but probably not before September or October. 

If you have always wanted to experience the wonders of the Pantanal, this is the time.

What the Pantanal Itinerary Looks Like 

As a result, we have crafted the perfect itinerary to seize the moment to visit the Pantanal, (with an Igauzu Falls pre-trip and Amazon post-trip). Take a look at the guided tour itinerary and call us with any questions. But don’t linger! The trip is almost full. In fact, we’re working on a second departure date, so keep a look out for an email about a second departure soon. Or, just call us!

A Working Cattle Ranch on the Aquidauana River 

While the trip focuses around the time on the water in the Pantanal, we have paced the trip to experience other unique Brazilian experiences. For example, we will visit an actual working cattle ranch (fazenda) where guest activities on the Aquidauana River combine intense wildlife spotting with local cowboy traditions. 

Activities normally start early in the morning, then break for a large lunch, followed by later afternoon activities. There are 4x4 game drives, boat trips, nocturnal game drives, guided hiking, Piranha fishing (then used for guest meals), canoeing and kayaking, marsh trail rides with the ranch's horses, and participation in farm activities like milking and even joining the cowhands for some rustling up! 

Guests routinely report photographing spiny anteaters (often referred to as "giant anteaters), capybaras, caimans, howler monkeys, crab-eating foxes and bracket deer. There are more than 300 species of exotic birds.

A 6-Night Paraguay River Cruise: Corumba to Porto Jofre 

And, of course, the focal point of the trip is the 5-nlght, 6-day cruise about a beautiful, luxury vessel which will travel between 200 and 250 miles up the Paraguay River from Corumba to Porto Jofre. 

The estimate varies because of ever-changing tributaries and canals that the captain may choose to take. Twice daily excursions using smaller motorboats explore the heavily vegetated and narrow streams feeding into the main river. 

In addition to the spectacular scenery, a great variety of wildlife will be seen and an enormous array of exotic birds. Professional guides aboard the vessel lead all the excursions. The highlight of the cruise is, of course, jaguars. There Is no other place on earth where wild jaguars are so readily seen.

Plan Your Brazil Pantanal Trip 

Delta and mangrove systems are unbelievably rich ecosystems in which to explore the wild, and types of trips not to be missed! We have referenced the Okavango Delta several times in this post as it has been one of our favorite places to safari for fifty years; join us in May for the Pantanal and then get ready, at the end of this year, to learn about our amazing trip to the Bangladesh Sundarbans led by Hasan Rahman, premier big cat research who can show you exactly how and where he has been tracking tigers for years.

EWT’s bespoke river, delta, and mangrove cruises can bring you to lions, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, and tigers- explore them all!