The Pantanal

The vast Pantanal wetland covers part of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia and is over half the size of France. More than 50% of the area is within Brazil. During the dry season (July through September) the water drains from the wetlands leaving dry grassland, small wooded islands and fish filled pools where animals and birds congregate to drink and feed. This makes for incredible wildlife viewing (think Amazon rainforest without the trees!) and during the dry season many of the 700 species of birds, 100 mammal species and 80 reptile species can be seen.

There are many ranches within the Pantanal offering accommodation, but Tribes tends to use 3 in the southern Pantanal and one in the northern Pantanal we think offer particularly good wildlife experiences in a sustainable manner. Caiman Ecological Refuge and Refugio da Ilha are within a few hours drive of Campo Grande whilst Fazenda Barranco Alto is a smaller, more remote ranch reached by a drive and light aircraft flight. Pantanal Wildlife Centre at Fazenda Santa Teresa can be reached via the town of Cuiaba and the Transpantaneira. Most of the activities available are common to all 4 ranches and include horseriding, hikes, canoe rides, photographic safaris and animal night spotting.

Trip information

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Included

Bilingual naturalist guides, experienced cooks and field staff, all terrestrial and fluvial transport, all accommodation, entrance fees, roundtrip flights from Aquidauana to Fazenda Barranco Alto (Barranco Alto visit only)

Not included

Please consult.

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip though the temperatures in the Pantanal can be high and the hikes usually last between 2 and 4 hours on flat terrain. The accommodation is rustic but comfortable.

Best time

The dry season is June through September and this is the best time for wildlife observation.

Getting there

These trips depart from Cuiaba (northern Pantanal) or Campo Grande (southern Pantanal).

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud

Min Temp

- 23
- 23
- 22
- 21
- 19
- 18
- 17
- 18
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 22

Max Temp

- 29
- 29
- 28
- 27
- 25
- 24
- 24
- 24
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 28

Incredible wildlife viewing with 700 species of birds, 100 mammal species and 80 reptile species
Hyacinth macaws, anacondas, Jaguars, Giant and Collared Anteaters, Giant Otters and 600,000 Capybara
Between 10 and 35 million caiman (South America crocodilians)
Accommodation in a selection of comfortable ranches in both the northern and southern Pantanal

Itinerary

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Duration: From 3 nights.

During your stay the following tours will be scheduled at the pousada; boattrips on the river, caiman spotting, horse-riding and hikes.

Pricing guidelines for Brazil

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £700 to £900 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Brazil combines with Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands due to scheduled flights, so, for example, it makes a good beach stop after Peru or Ecuador.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
2 weeks nature & wildlife and/or beach trip, including such highlights such as rainforest, Pantanal and Iguassu Falls, plus Rio and the coastBetween £2500 and £4000
1 week Rio and Costa Verde beach holidayBetween £1500 and £2000
2½ weeks highlights of BrazilAround £3500 +

Brazil