10 locations rich in wildlife to discover…
Accessed via the town of Cuiaba, the northern Pantanal is home to some of Brazil’s rarest wildlife, such as jaguar and giant otter. Many lodges are still functioning cattle ranches, offering day and night trips by boat, vehicle, on foot and on horseback, accompanied by local naturalist guides.
Surrounded by rainforest, the little visited savannas of this tableland are of enormous ecological importance, and attract many hummingbirds. Situated at the heart of South America, the red sandstone cliffs at the edge of the plateau give the landscape its characteristic appearance with canyons, caves and waterfalls.
These 57,000 square kilometres of mainly flooded Amazon forest are a Ramsar site designated as a wetland of global importance, and designed to protect Brazil’s tropical forests. The native Riberinho people assist with collecting data, in return for being taught how to hunt and fish sustainably.
This private rainforest reserve on the Cristalino River occupies a region very important in terms of Amazon biodiversity. The high number of species and endemics makes it a great place to see birds, mammals, butterflies and orchids. It is easily reached from the northern Pantanal, avoiding a long flight to Manaus.
This attractive colonial city was once Brazil’s capital, reflected by the richness of its architecture. Standing between green hills and broad sandy beaches, it makes a perfect stop for an injection of culture and relaxation. Between May and December the nearby beaches are important breeding areas for turtles.
Even the most seasoned traveller cannot fail to be impressed by the 275 separate waterfalls that tumble over a 90-metre-high, fivekm wide, basalt cliff. The surrounding lush tropical forest is home to more than 2,000 species of plants, 400 species of birdsand an array of mammals.
Rio is legendary for its stunning beaches, and the iconic peaks of Sugar Loaf and Corcovado, with the statue of Christ the Redeemer. The city’s lesserknown natural attractions include its botanical gardens and Tijuca National Park, where you can walk forest trails past creeks, caves and waterfalls.
The basin of the world’s largest river contains its oldest tropical forest and most diverse ecosystem, with at least 40,000 plant species, and a variety of wildlife. Lodges offer outings on foot and by canoe to explore the rainforest; alternatively a riverboat voyage can take you deeper into the rainforest.
Conservation projects in the southern Pantanal focus on jaguar and the hyacinth macaw. From a comfortable lodge you can see wildlife by boat, vehicle and on foot. Bonito, on the southern fringe, is a mecca for ecotourism, where you will find grottos with blue lakes and walking trails surrounded by monkeys.
This ecological paradise is the world’s largest wetland, with 124 mammals (including the world’s largest jaguars), 177 reptiles, 1,100 species of butterfly, and a myriad of birds, brightly coloured flowers, and shoals of fish. There are significant differences between the north and south; we recommend visiting both.
Brazil has a wealth of wildlife to discover but here are the most popular animal species and wildlife events. Let us know the ones you would particularly like to see…
2 related group tours. 4 related trip ideas. Bear in mind that our trip ideas give you a sense of what’s possible but our strength is in tailoring your itinerary.
Explore the maze of channels in Talama Reserve, part of Brazil’s famed Pantanal wetland, to seek out jaguars.
Enjoy a complete Brazilian wildlife experience, visiting three contrasting ecosystems.
Voyage into a rarely visited area of the Amazon rainforest far up the Rio Negro where the flora and fauna is largely undisturbed.
Endeavour to glimpse one of the most elusive animals in the world's most spectacular wetlands.
This immense landlocked delta in the heart of South America offers tremendous habitats and the finest opportunity to see the elusive jaguar.
An exciting and special location, Cristalino offers a window into the Amazon’s biological riches and exuberance. Here you will view accessible and varied wildlife, including the possibility of seeing the elusive jaguar.
Cooler in the south from June to September, wet in the north east from April to July and in the south from October to January, Brazil’s climate remains warm and tropical all year.
7 related places to stay. But there are more options we can offer, just ask us for more details.
The only hotel inside Iguassu National Park, Hotel Das Cataratas enjoys an unrivalled location with exclusive access to the falls in the evening and at dawn when the park is closed to other visitors.
Voted one of the best hotels in Brazil by National Geographic Traveller, Cristalino Jungle Lodge is an environmental award-winning lodge, located in a private reserve beside Cristalino State Park.
Pousada do Parque is an eco-lodge located in a strategic position on the edge of Chapada dos Guimarães National Park in an ideal spot for walkers and lovers of nature.
Pousada Araras Eco Lodge is a rustic, but sophisticated lodge surrounded by more than 3,000 hectares of private land. With a tremendous variety of wildlife it is especially good for birders.
Uakari Lodge is a unique accommodation in a remote setting on seven floating wooden structures connected by a floating walkway.
Just metres from the Abobral River, Pousada Xaraes is a comfortable lodge on a commercial ranch with rustic decor throughout three buildings and a verandah with hammocks.
Tropical Manaus Eco-Resort is unique accommodation in a remote setting in Mamirauá Reserve, near Tefé and consists of seven floating wooden structures connected by a walkway.
1 place to go en route to or from a wildlife location…
This region to the north west of the Pantanal is renowned for its spring-fed rivers that offer the chance to swim and snorkel with hundreds of fish.
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