Pantanal, Brazil Travel Guide

Explore the Pantanal in Brazil: the world's largest tropical wetland teeming with incredible wildlife, unique ecosystems, and breathtaking natural beauty.

The Pantanal in Brazil is a vast and mesmerizing wetland, recognized as the largest tropical wetland in the world. This magical place is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Covering an area of more than 150,000 square kilometers, the Pantanal spans parts of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, but its heart lies in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. The Pantanal is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Here, you can find an astonishing variety of wildlife, from jaguars and giant otters to capybaras and caimans. Birdwatchers will be in paradise with over 650 bird species, including the striking hyacinth macaw. The wetland's unique ecosystem supports life in ways that are both awe-inspiring and delicate, making it a crucial area for conservation. Visiting the Pantanal is an adventure like no other. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September, when the water levels recede, and animals gather around the shrinking waterholes, making them easier to spot. However, the wet season, from October to April, offers its own beauty with lush landscapes and a chance to see migratory birds. Many eco-lodges and guided tours provide opportunities to explore the Pantanal by boat, on horseback, or on foot, ensuring an immersive experience in this unique environment.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pantanal.

Plan your visit during the dry season (May to September) for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Bring insect repellent and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
Consider staying at an eco-lodge to maximize your experience with knowledgeable guides.
Pack a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
Check local travel advisories and health precautions before your trip to ensure a safe journey.

Destinations in Pantanal

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Chapada dos Guimarães National Park

Bonito

Explore Pantanal: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Pantanal

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Estrada Parque Pantanal - Mato Grosso do Sul.

Discover the wonders of the Pantanal along this scenic route, a haven for wildlife and nature lovers in the heart of Brazil.

4.5

Transpantanal Tour

Experience the ultimate wildlife safari through Brazil's Pantanal: a journey across the iconic Transpantaneira, teeming with biodiversity.

5.0

the Pantanal of Rio Negro State Park

Explore the Pantanal of Rio Negro State Park: a biodiverse paradise with jaguars, birds, and stunning wetlands in Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul.

4.5

Pantanal Discovery tour to Pantanal and Bonito.

Experience the best of Brazil's Pantanal and Bonito with expertly guided tours, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable adventures.

4.8

Best landmarks in Pantanal

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Nascente Azul

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Nascente Azul, an ecological paradise with crystal-clear waters, diverse wildlife, and endless adventure in Bonito, Brazil.

4.7

Iguazu Falls

Experience the awe-inspiring power of nature at Iguazu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Argentina-Brazil border.

4.9

Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge

Experience the untamed beauty of the Pantanal at Araras Eco Lodge: wildlife encounters, guided tours, and comfortable eco-friendly accommodations.

4.7

Caiman, Pantanal

Experience the Pantanal's wildlife and culture at Caiman Pantanal, an ecological refuge combining conservation, ecotourism, and sustainable practices.

4.9

Best restaurants in Pantanal

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Vinhos Sinuelo

Experience authentic Brazilian cuisine and local wines at Vinhos Sinuelo in Cuiabá - a culinary gem for every traveler.

4.6

Talavera Bar e Restaurante

Experience the vibrant culinary scene at Talavera Bar e Restaurante in Cuiabá - where Brazilian flavors meet Mediterranean flair.

4.6

Restaurante e Peixaria Okada - CPA

Discover fresh seafood delights at Restaurante e Peixaria Okada in Cuiabá - where family dining meets Brazilian culinary traditions.

4.7

Mahalo Cozinha Criativa

Experience innovative Brazilian cuisine at Mahalo Cozinha Criativa in Cuiabá - where tradition meets creativity in every dish.

4.7

Best bars in Pantanal

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Restaurante Peixe Frito Pantanal

Discover the culinary gem of Toledo, Restaurante Peixe Frito Pantanal, serving fresh seafood and authentic tapas in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

4.8

Afonso Burger Bar

Discover the best burgers and cocktails at Afonso Burger Bar in Florianópolis, blending American flavors with a local twist.

4.6

Malcom Pub

Experience vibrant nightlife at Malcom Pub in Cuiabá, where craft beer meets live music in an electrifying atmosphere.

4.6

Talavera Bar e Restaurante

Discover the rich flavors of Brazil and Mediterranean cuisine at Talavera Bar e Restaurante, a culinary hotspot in Cuiabá's Santa Rosa.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Pantanal

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Geronimo West Music

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Cuiabá at Geronimo West Music, where the rhythms never stop and the dance floor awaits.

4.4

Santa Club Lagoa Nightclub

Discover the exhilarating nightlife at Santa Club Lagoa, a premier disco club in Florianópolis, where music and celebration come alive.

4.2

Nuun Garden

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Nuun Garden, Cuiabá's premier disco club, featuring pulsating music and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

Container Bar Pantanal

Discover the lively Container Bar Pantanal in Florianópolis - a vibrant bar offering affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for all.

4.3

Best shops in Pantanal

Top-rated picks

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Pantanal Shopping

Explore Pantanal Shopping in Cuiabá for a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.5

Havan Cuiabá

Explore Havan Cuiabá, a vibrant department store offering diverse shopping experiences from fashion to home goods in the heart of Mato Grosso.

4.4

Renner

Explore Renner in Cuiabá for a diverse range of fashion, from beachwear to trendy apparel, ensuring a stylish visit to Brazil.

4.4

C & A Fashions - Pantanal Shopping

Discover the latest fashion trends at C & A Fashions in Pantanal Shopping, Cuiabá – your one-stop destination for stylish clothing and accessories.

4.3

Explore Pantanal on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Pantanal, mapped for you.

Pantanal Essentials

The Pantanal is a vast tropical wetland located primarily in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. The nearest major airports are Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB) in Cuiabá and Campo Grande International Airport (CGR) in Campo Grande. From these airports, you can take a domestic flight to smaller regional airports, or travel by bus or car to the Pantanal region. For a more convenient and scenic route, consider hiring a tour operator that offers transfers directly from the airports to various lodges in the Pantanal.
Within the Pantanal, transportation options are limited due to the remote and wet nature of the region. The most common methods of travel are by boat, 4x4 vehicles, or horseback. Tours typically include transportation, making it easier to explore the wetlands. Renting a car is an option, but be prepared for rough, unpaved roads and seasonal flooding. Local buses also operate between key towns, but they are infrequent and may not reach more remote areas.
The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). While credit cards are accepted in larger towns and tourist establishments, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when traveling to rural areas and smaller lodges. ATMs are available in larger towns like Cuiabá and Campo Grande, but may be scarce in remote areas of the Pantanal. It is recommended to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into the wetlands.
The Pantanal is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should still be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. In larger cities like Cuiabá and Campo Grande, some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, particularly those targeting tourists. Always use trusted transportation services and avoid displaying valuables. In the wetlands, be cautious of wildlife and follow the guidance of your tour operators.
In case of emergency, dial 190 for police assistance and 192 for medical emergencies. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in larger towns, but medical facilities in remote areas are limited. Always carry a basic first-aid kit and any necessary medications. Make sure to inform your tour operator of any medical conditions before embarking on excursions.
Fashion: Do dress in lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for hot and humid conditions. Avoid wearing dark colors that attract mosquitoes. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in indigenous communities. Public Transport: Do use authorized taxis or ride-sharing services in cities. Avoid hitchhiking. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A warm smile and simple greeting in Portuguese, such as 'Olá' or 'Bom dia,' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept hospitality graciously. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled or purified water.
To experience the Pantanal like a local, consider staying at a family-owned lodge where you can participate in traditional activities like fishing, cattle herding, and horseback riding. Engage with local guides who can offer insights into the region's unique flora and fauna. Visit local markets in towns like Aquidauana or Poconé to buy handmade crafts and sample regional foods. Don't miss a boat tour at sunrise or sunset for spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.

When is the best time to visit Pantanal?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Pantanal

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Pantanal. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloOi
  [oy]
- GoodbyeTchau
  [chau]
- YesSim
  [seem]
- NoNão
  [now]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [poor fah-vor]
- Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doo]
- Excuse me/SorryDesculpe
  [des-kool-peh]
- How are you?Como você está?
  [koh-moo voh-seh es-tah?]
- Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [beng. ee voh-seh?]
- Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-seh fah-lah een-glez?]
- I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-ooh now en-ten-doo]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah jeh veh-ooh meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
- I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-ooh now koh-moo kar-nee]
- Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-oo-dee]
- I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah jeh pah-gar, poor fah-vor]
- Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-zhoo-dah]
- Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah em-boh-rah]
- Call the Police!Chame a polícia!
  [sha-mee ah poh-lee-syah]
- Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [sha-mee oom meh-dee-koh]
- I'm lostEstou perdido
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doo]
- I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-stoh do-ehn-chee]
- I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah jeh kom-prahr]
- I'm just lookingEstou só olhando
  [eh-stoh so oh-lhan-doo]
- How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwan-toh koos-tah?]
- That's too expensiveÉ muito caro
  [eh moon-toh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [voh-seh poh-jee bah-ee-shar ooh preh-soh?]
- What time is it?Que horas são?
  [kee oh-rahz sah-ooh?]
- It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
- Half past (10)Dez e meia
  [dez ee may-ah]
- MorningManhã
  [mahn-yah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-jee]
- EveningNoite
  [noy-chee]
- YesterdayOntem
  [on-tem]
- TodayHoje
  [oh-zhee]
- TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-yah]
- 1Um
  [oom]
- 2Dois
  [doyz]
- 3Três
  [trez]
- 4Quatro
  [kwah-tro]
- 5Cinco
  [seen-ko]
- 6Seis
  [says]
- 7Sete
  [seh-chee]
- 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
- 9Nove
  [noh-vee]
- 10Dez
  [dez]
- Where's a/the...?Onde fica um/a...?
  [on-jee fee-kah oom/ah...?]
- What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwow eh oo en-deh-reh-soo?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [voh-seh poh-jee meh mos-trar (noo mah-pah)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [kwan-doo eh oo proh-see-moo (oh-nee-boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom bee-lye-tchee (pah-rah ...)]

History of Pantanal

Long before the arrival of Europeans, the Pantanal was inhabited by various indigenous groups such as the Bororo, Terena, and Guató. These communities adapted ingeniously to the floodplains, practicing fishing, hunting, and small-scale agriculture. Their deep knowledge of the land and its cycles remains a profound aspect of Pantanal's cultural heritage.
The first European explorers arrived in the Pantanal in the 16th century, led by Portuguese expeditions seeking gold and new territories. The introduction of cattle ranching by these colonizers in the 18th century marked a significant transformation of the region, laying the groundwork for its current agricultural landscape.
In the 17th century, Jesuit missionaries established settlements in the Pantanal as part of their efforts to evangelize the indigenous populations. These missions played a complex role, providing some protection to indigenous groups from slave traders while also imposing European cultural and religious norms.
The Pantanal was a strategic region during the Paraguayan War, involving Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay against Paraguay. The conflict had a profound impact on the region, with military campaigns traversing the waterways and lands of the Pantanal, leaving a legacy of fortifications and battle sites.
The 19th century saw the expansion of cattle ranching as the dominant economic activity in the Pantanal. This period was marked by the establishment of large fazendas (ranches) which utilized the natural flood cycles to graze cattle, making the region one of Brazil's key beef-producing areas.
In the latter half of the 20th century, awareness of the Pantanal's unique ecosystem led to concerted conservation efforts. The establishment of the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park in 1981 marked a significant step towards protecting the region's biodiversity. International recognition followed in 2000 when UNESCO designated the Pantanal as a World Heritage Site.
The cultural fabric of the Pantanal is rich with traditional festivals and practices. Notable events include the annual Cavalhada, a dramatic re-enactment of medieval jousting tournaments, and the Festival of São Sebastião, which blends indigenous, African, and European elements in a vibrant celebration of faith and community.
In recent decades, the Pantanal has emerged as a prime destination for ecotourism, attracting visitors from around the world eager to experience its unparalleled wildlife and landscapes. This shift has spurred local economies and fostered greater awareness and efforts towards sustainable environmental practices.