Brazil's Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world and is South America's best place for wildlife tours. This is a plain which covers some 88.803 miles2 (230,000km2) in the central western portion of the country and which becomes submerged during the rainy season. Wildlife in the Pantanal includes anteaters, howler monkeys, the elusive jaguar, giant river otters, caimans, anacondas, ocelots and capybara, plus around 400 species of fish. The wetlands of the Pantanal are a haven for birders with highlights including the hyacinth macaw, numerous colorful parrots and large flocks of jabiru storks, an estimated 650 species of bird live here. Travel to the Brazilian Pantanal if you really want to see wildlife and birdlife.
The Pantanal is an immense floodplain in the middle of the South American continent which is, in fact, a vast alluvial plain. This is, by far, the best place in Brazil to see wildlife. The Pantanal is about half the size of France, some 230,000 sq. km. (88,000 sq. miles) and spreads across Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, of which a total area of around 130,000 sq. km. (50,000 sq. miles) is located in Brazil. The Pantanal, which long ago was a sea, is made up of lowlands flooded by the Paraguay River and its tributaries. These waters fertilize the land, revitalizing it and giving birth to wild flowers and vegetation in abundance. It is the biggest natural fish breeding ground in the world, with the most important species being the dorado (Salminus maxillosus), surubim (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) and surubim-pintado (Pseudoplatystome coruscans). The infamous piranha also inhabit the waters of the Pantanal.
The climate is tropical and humid with temperatures between 7ºC (45ºF) (evening and nights during winter time) to 40ºC (104ºF) (day time) with an average temperature of 24ºC (75ºF). September and October are the driest months. Between these two periods, the lakes become a perfect ecological niche for a great number of birds, reptiles, and other animals, much to the delight of wildlife watchers and photographers.
The landscape of the Pantanal changes radically throughout the year due to its geographic and climatic characteristics. The fauna also changes, remaining in place or migrating for shelter, nests, or food, according to the existing conditions. There are two seasons in the Pantanal: the rainy season (October-March) and the dry season (April-September). Global changes in climate also affect the cycles in the Pantanal and there has been an alteration in the length and intensity of the seasons. In spite of these variations, the general characteristics of each season remain constant.
The Amazon may attract more attention and tourists, but the Pantanal is a better place to see wildlife. In the rainforest, animal life is concentrated in the boreal canopy, which makes it more difficult to observe. Pantanal Ecoexplorer is a Brazilian based tour operator that specializes in providing personalized Nature & Wildlife Tours in the Pantanal. Our wide range of Ecological Tours all offer authentic experiences in the pristine environments of the Brazilian Pantanal. Each tour is led by an experienced local tour guide, so you are guaranteed the best local knowledge and reliable service.
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