The Pantanal

The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland in the world, a vast seasonally flooded mosaic of marshes, rivers, lakes and forest sprawling across central Brazil. Far better than the dense Amazon for spotting wildlife in the open, it is the finest place in South America to see jaguars along the rivers, along with caimans, capybaras, giant otters, anteaters and an extraordinary wealth of birds, explored from fazenda ranch lodges and by boat.

Highlights

• The jaguars - the world's best chance to see wild jaguars, along the rivers.
• The wildlife - caimans, capybaras, giant otters and anteaters.
• The birdlife - the hyacinth macaws, storks and countless species.
• A ranch stay and river safari - the fazenda lodges and boat trips.

When to go

The dry season, May to October, is by far the best for wildlife, as animals gather around the shrinking water and roads are passable; jaguar sightings peak from July to October. The wet season floods much of the area.

Good to know

It is remote and takes effort and expense to reach and explore, via a gateway city, a long drive and a lodge, so it is a serious wildlife trip, not a casual stop. Jaguars, though more visible here than anywhere, are still never guaranteed. It is hot, and mosquitoes are fierce in the wetter months.

Nearby

Bonito, famed for its crystal-clear rivers and snorkelling, is within the region.