The Pantanal is one of the largest wetlands in the world. There are approximately 210.000 km² spread over Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia.

It is ten times larger in size than American Everglades, and its greater part lies on the territory of Brazil, 140.000 km². There are two distinct seasons: the dry one and the rainy one. The abundance of wildlife found here can be compared to the one of the savannas of Africa. There are around 650 species of birds, 95 of mammals, 260 of fish and 50 of reptiles within this ecosystem. It is also a refuge for some species threatened by extinction, i.e. jaguar (Panthera onca), marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), Great anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and the Hyacinthine macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus).

The Pantanal is influenced by 4 biomes: the Amazon forest, the Atlantic forest, the savanna and the Chaco. It has been divided into 11 sub-regions according to different types of vegetation, soil and degree of soil absorption. Each sub-region has its own peculiarities.

The world has recognized the necessity of this area's conservation, as it is the area of unique biodiversity and a natural patrimony of men. The title “Biosphere Reserve - UNESCO e Ramsar Conservation on Wetlands” has been given to the Pantanal due to its being one of the most preserved areas on earth.

When is the best time to visit the Pantanal?

Weather is tropically humid with annual precipitation of approximately 1.200 mm concentrated between November and February. There are two well defined seasons: the wet season and the dry season. Average annual temperature is 28oC with amplitude varying from 0º C to 40º C.

Due to great density of birds, the Pantanal can be visited throughout the year. Birdwatching is even more fun during September, October and November when most of the birds´ breeding period is taking place.