The Pantanal holidays
The Pantanal holidays at a glance
We think of the Pantanal as the world’s largest wetland, sitting right in the heart of Brazil. A unique mix of wilderness, cattle ranches, swamps, savannah and rivers, it offers some of the continent’s most accessible wildlife viewing.
Unlike dense rainforest environments, the Pantanal’s open landscapes make wildlife much easier to spot. Vast wetlands support extraordinary biodiversity, from giant storks and macaws to capybara, anteaters, caiman, anacondas and jaguars.
Seasonal flooding transforms the landscape throughout the year. During the wet season, vast lagoons reflect spectacular sunsets, while the dry season reveals accessible trails and concentrates wildlife around the remaining water sources.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to The Pantanal
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
The world’s largest wetland is home to a huge array of wildlife: from giant storks to macaws, capybara to graceful jaguars.
When to visit The Pantanal
Best time to visit the Pantanal? July to September, generally, though every season offers something different.
Rainfall increases steadily throughout December, and by January there are heavy rains and flooding throughout the grasslands. Wildlife is not easy to spot – while many animals gather on islands above water level, they are usually obscured by dense foliage and vegetation. The temperature is at its hottest, soaring above 30°C on most days, and mosquitoes abound in the humid air. Some lodges close, but you may enjoy exploring by canoe and seeing the sunsets reflected in the flooded wetlands.
In April the waters begin to recede. The isolated lakes become populated with birdlife returning after migration and reptiles are seen more easily as their numbers multiply. Spot them from up high as you explore by horseback. Temperatures hover in the late 20°Cs.
In June there is little chance of rain, but you may also find there are occasional cold snaps from which the wildlife retreats into hiding. The landscape bursts into beautiful blossom and the grasslands reappear come July. The days are very hot, although at night time it can be very chilly. This dry and clear season (July – September) is perfect for bird-spotting, as many nests are being built, and you’ll also be able to track jaguars. At this time you have options to explore on foot, horseback or by boat.
September is the last month of the dry, clear season with cold nights and very hot days. By October, temperatures begin to rise and there is increased cloud cover. The rains return and with them, water levels rise. Preparing for departure, large groups of migratory birds gather together, plus you’ll stand better chances of spotting snakes, reptiles and prowling jaguars. Many plants blossom and the trees will bear fruit.
Top Things to do in The Pantanal
Wildlife viewing is the focus of most Pantanal holidays, with activities tailored to seasonal conditions and wildlife movements.
Head into the bush on a variety of excursions by boat, on horseback and on foot to spot wildlife in the Pantanal.
Enjoy a unique opportunity to observe jaguars in the wildlife at Refugio Caiman in the Brazilian Pantanal.
Call in at the Hyacinth Macaw Project HQ in Refugio Ecologico Caiman in Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands.
Accommodation in The Pantanal
We feature simple but welcoming wildlife lodges throughout the wetlands, giving direct access to safari activities and wildlife encounters. Many of these lodges sit on working cattle ranches or within private conservation areas, so you can properly immerse yourself in the Pantanal environment.
This rustic family-run eco-lodge deep in the Pantanal offers an authentic farm experience and wildlife safaris to just a handful of guests.
This simple but comfortable Pantanal lodge is best known as a base for jaguar spotting trips.
Charming, homely lodge on a working cattle ranch, offering wonderful wildlife-viewing opportunities in Brazil’s Pantanal.
Rustic eco-lodge on a working farm in Brazil’s Pantanal, offering wildlife-spotting on the grounds and from a canopy tower.
Friendly, homely wildlife lodge in Brazil’s Pantanal with modest, cheerful rooms and good wildlife-watching opportunities.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to The Pantanal
Group The Pantanal Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Trogon: Natural Brazil
Places visited: Rio de Janeiro · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Brasilia and the Cerrado · The Pantanal
12 days from £3,662
Tailor-Made The Pantanal Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Brazil Wildlife: Iguazu, Pantanal and Amazon Cruise
Places visited: Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side · The Pantanal · The Brazilian Amazon
15 days from £7,675
Wildlife Brazil: Jaguars of the Pantanal
Places visited: The Pantanal · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side · Rio de Janeiro
11 days from £6,725
FAQs about visiting The Pantanal
The Pantanal is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When's the best time to visit the Pantanal?
From Jan-Mar, heavy rainfall results in widespread flooding, with wildlife packed onto islands above the water level. Apr-Jun the waters recede and water-birds return to the isolated lakes, while Jul-Sep (winter) wildlife is at its most abundant – though it can take cover during cold snaps. The highest temperatures (up to 40°C) are reached in Nov-Dec. Insect life (including mosquitoes) is less abundant in winter.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What's the official language of the Pantanal?
Brazilian Portuguese, a more languid and musical version of Portugal’s mother tongue.
- How do I get local currency in the Pantanal?
Brazilian Real.
Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in larger cities including Cuiabá and Camp Grande; withdraw what you need before entering the Pantanal (many lodges accept credit cards).
- What's the time difference between the Pantanal and UK?
GMT -3 hours. There is daylight saving from Oct to the end of Feb (approx) when clocks are put forward one hour.
- What places combine well with the Pantanal?
The Amazon basin, Brazil’s other wildlife-spotting and nature wilderness; region the waterfalls at Iguazú (most flights via São Paulo).
- How do I get to the Pantanal?
Regular flights from Rio (2 hours 50mins) and São Paulo (2 hours 15mins) to Cuiabá in the north of the region and Campo Grande in the south (2 hours 20mins and 1 hour 30mins). It’s a long way from anywhere by road!
- What are the festivals and cultural events in the Pantanal?
Lasso Festival: One of the most important events in Pantanal culture, the festival takes place at different times on various ranches. Attractions include cowboys in traditional costume taking part in lasso competitions and guitar- playing groups.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.