The Pantanal
The Pantanal wetlands of Mato Grosso do Sul are governed by the seasonal flooding and draining of Rio Paraguai and several of its tributaries. Set along the far western tip of Brazil, the world’s largest freshwater wetlands blanket an area of more than 200,000 square kilometres and encompasses an array of ecosystems including swamps, pastures and forests. This exuberant aquatic paradise nurtures a myriad of wildlife from caiman to hyacinth macaws and jaguar to giant otters that coexist alongside the resident herds of cattle being driven by traditional Panteneros on horseback.
Depending on the season you can explore the floodplains on horseback, by 4WD vehicle, boat or on foot with an experienced guide. Campo Grande is the major gateway into the Southern Pantanal wetlands followed by Corumba, while Cuiaba marks the arrival point for visitors entering the Northern Pantanal wetlands or departing to Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park.