The Pantanal is one of the largest wetlands in the world, encompassing approximately 210.000 km² spread over Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. During the rainy season from the end of October through March this area floods and plant life explodes. Then in April as the waters recede, the birds return in vast numbers and variety. Due to the wide-open areas between patches of forest, birds can be easily seen.
There are around 600 species of birds, 95 of mammals, and 50 of reptiles within this ecosystem.
In the early morning and evening visitors can enjoy the magnificent spectacle of thousands of birds flying.
The Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria) is commonly seen here and has become the animal symbol of the Pantanal.
Macaws abound within this area. This is one of the last places where the largest hook bill, the endangered Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) can be seen daily.
Special CommentIt goes without saying that all our accommodation is of the usual very high standard, as with all Worldwide Birding Tours. This tour is relaxed and recommended if comfort and easy pace is required.
We have carefully chosen 4 different locations to observe the wonders of this magnificent destination. We will visit the Paraguay River and stay in a remote location to enjoy the rich birdlife and try to spot the elusive Jaguar. The Pantaneiro (a sandy track with many wooden bridges) is the only road into the real Pantanal. All lodges are situated along this road. We have selected 3 different places with different habitats to have the best chance to see a wide variety of birds and wildlife.
We offer the possibility to extend this trip with a visit to the remaining parts of the Atlantic Forest, visiting the part close to the ever expanding city of Rio de Janeiro. The forests are under intense pressure from development and is disappearing. It is therefore no surprise that many of the forest's birds are rare and endangered. A visit is still very rewarding with many endemic's to be seen. We will stay in 2 different lodges with an important difference in altitude and habitats.
Reserving your place is both easy and inexpensive. A deposit of € 250 is all we require! Book online...
This Trip Report tells you our experiences of our first visit to Pantanal - Brazil. We made this "Recce Tour" in October 2011, accompanied by 7 brave fellow travellers
Helder Freitas is a Brazilian naturalist and has been guiding natural history groups in Brazil for over 20 years. Helder is originally from São Paulo, where he studied and gained a deep understanding of the history, culture, and local traditions of his native Brazil. He received his guide license in 1990 and has been working as a tour guide ever since. He started off his career in Florianopolis; on Brazil’s Atlantic coast, but after discovering the Pantanal he has spent the past 15 years working as a tour guide in this region. 
