The vast Pantanal wetland with its uncomparable fauna is situated in the middle southwest of Brasil. It belongs to the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. Small peaces from this region reach into Bolivia and Paraguay. The Pantanal is about half the size of France or 6 times larger than Switzerland - about 230,000 sq km.
(map of the Pantanal)

The Pantanal is a secluded sparsely populated plain tract, therefore it is called "Terra de Ninguem" i.e. Nobody's land. It is a lowland with broad dales. During the rain session they are flooded. The water flows out by hundreds of creeks and flows into Rio Paraguay so that the water drains off in the dry session.

In 2000 UNESCO declared the Pantanal as one of the world's most important biospheres. Since 2002 a small part of the area is a nature reserve. Only 5% is owned by the government, the rest is privately owned, mainly by ranchers. So the various wildlife is still in danger of destruction and extinction as the cattle herds cause a over-fertilization of the soil.

A 20 to 40 km vast wetland extends at the border of the Rio Paraguay. In the dry seasons which is from April to October this region is used as farmland. During the rainy period from about October to March the soil is flooded and not rarly the water level reaches up to 3 m. So that the wetland turns into many isnular river landscapes.

A huge and lovely variety of regions can be visited such as the Pantanal wetland, the Chapada dos Guimaraes and Nobres, the mecca of river snorkelling.

The only road that runs deep into the Pantanal is the Transpantaneira. This raised dirt road sectioned by 118 small wooden bridges ends 145km south of Poconé, at Porto Jofre. The wildlife scenerie can be easy observed out from the cars windows.

The Chapada tableland, a 300 sq km vast nature reserve with its bizarre rock formations is really worth a visit. But the greatest attractions doubtlessly are the more than 70m high waterfalls at Véu de Noiva.

Many of small falls with their pools invite all the adventurers to swim and stay.

In Nobres you can explore the fantastic underwater world in the crystal clear rivers and pools. On the bottom of the up to 3 m deep river systems you often see freshwater rays looking out of the bright sand. Our experienced team of tour guides take care that nobody steps on the fin ray. A sting would be quite painful.

Fauna and flora of the pantanal

The Pantanal is a wildlife habitat of numberless species of animals and plants including...

• over 80 different species of mammals, such as jaguar, puma, ant eater or the world biggest rodent, the capivara
• 50 different species of reptiles e. g. iguanas, anacondas, boas and caimans
• 280 species of fishes, such as the dreaded piranhas
• 650 species of birds (more than whole the europe has)
• and over 2000 species of plants.
  
  

mammals

monkeys

birds

plants

reptiles

insects

Particularly during the dry season from April to October animal watching is a great pleasure.
Namely the water level drops and the annoying mosquitoes don't bild any longer the hecemonic kind of animal.

In any case you should not forget to bring your digital with you!