Spend time among the wildlife of Brazil
When you think of Brazilian wildlife chances are you think of the Amazon. The rainforest is renowned for its diverse bird, mammal, insect, reptile and amphibian populations. Fewer people have heard of the Pantanal but this vast wetland is a haven for wildlife and is the best place in the world to see jaguars in the wild.
Whichever of these special locations you visit, you’re sure to have some wonderful encounters with and memories of the wildlife of Brazil.
- Watch monkeys and sloths from your canoe
- Climb an observation tower to see birds at eye level
- Take a night walk among nocturnal creatures
- Encounter a jaguar in the wild
- See giant otter families at play and rest
- Spot the eye-catching hyacinth macaw
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EnquireCatch some memorable wildlife moments
For nature lovers nothing compares to the privilege of spending time watching wildlife and in Brazil there are plenty of opportunities to indulge this passion with the benefit of an expert guide by your side.
© Jeff&Wendy
© Jeff&Wendy
© Jeff&Wendy
Don’t waste a moment in the Amazon
Every minute counts in the Amazon! It’s worth getting up extra early (and I mean before dawn) to experience sunrise from the top of an observation tower. You won’t be alone. Birds and monkeys mark the start of another Amazonian day with calls and hoots of approval.
Spend the rest of the morning and afternoon venturing into the rainforest with its abundant life. Not that you need to stir further than your balcony to view flocks of colourful macaws. And darkness needn’t bring an end to the animal magic.
Join your guide who, armed with a spotlight, points out creatures that take over the rainforest at night such as frogs, bats and the potoo, a bird with an unmistakable haunting cry.
Your day really is full to brim with wildlife.
The Amazon
What will you see? Well, nothing is guaranteed but monkeys (squirrel, howler and capuchin) are pretty much a cert, tapirs, sloths, giant otters, caimans, toucans, macaws, parrots, frogs and butterflies are all frequently viewed.
How do you see it? A typical day in the Amazon, whether you’re staying in a lodge or on a cruise boat, revolves around morning and afternoon excursions in small groups led by a guide. You could be donning your boots for a hike in the jungle, setting out in a kayak to explore lagoons and smaller waterways or climbing a viewing tower for superb 360-degree views over the forest canopy. You are immersed in the rainforest environment, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation which teems with life. And after dark, you seek out nocturnal creatures.
What else should you know? The jungle is hot and humid, the vegetation is high and dense and it is not always easy to detect wildlife, but that’s where your guide’s expertise and sharp eyes come in, and a pair of binocs can help. The morning activity may start before dawn so we can watch the sunrise and awakening wildlife, and yes, it is worth it!
The Pantanal
What will you see? Jaguars are the big draw but there’s much more: monkeys, giant anteaters, armadillos, tapirs, marsh deer, maned wolves, capybaras, white-lipped peccaries, families of giant otters and hyacinth macaws. The Pantanal’s varied terrain results in a greater diversity of wildlife than the Amazon and its open terrain makes wildlife viewing relatively easy.
How do you see it? Explore this vast floodplain on foot with walkways across wetlands and trails through the forest, on horseback and by bike and canoe. Observation towers provide far-reaching views and are great for observing birds and monkeys. Some lodges offer 4×4 drives for photo tours by day and night. Boat trips on the Cuiaba River are the best way to see jaguars.
What else should you know? The annual rainy and dry seasons are very much part of life in the Pantanal. This is a wetland and flooding occurs in the rainy season, peaking in January and February so these months are best avoided although conditions vary from year to year.
