The best way to experience the largest wetland in the world is to take in both the northern and southern Pantanal. This seasonally flooded area is a major wilderness area with only a few lodges catering for wildlife tourism. As expected wildlife is abundant with perhaps the greatest concentration of mammals in South America, of course making this a world class destination.
We have chosen some of the best wildlife lodges to incorporate into this trip which begins with a journey down the Transpantaniera highway, stopping at a wildlife lodge for a couple of days on route to explore the different habitats.
From Porto Jofre at the end of the road you board a boat and head out to a remote lodge for two full days devoted to boat trips on the tributaries of the Cuiaba River in search of jaguars. Although sightings are never guaranteed this is the area offering the best chances of seeing this big cat in the wild as it hunts along river banks. Sightings and photography will be from an rigid boat with seating.
A light aircraft flight takes you into the state of Mato Grosso do Sul flying over the Nhecolandia to land at Pousada Barranco Alto. This lodge is situated on the Rio Negro, an area of beautiful landscapes where giant anteater are more common than in the northern Pantanal. Armadillos and crab-eating foxes are also more common here. There is the opportunity to go horse riding among other activities for wildlife observation.
Finally, you leave the Pantanal behind and return from Campo Grande with a connection in Sao Paulo to the UK, having taken in the best of the Pantanal's birds and wildlife.
