Brazil: Exploring the World’s Largest Tropical Wetland

'He who kills with one leap’ – that’s the meaning behind the name jaguar in the indigenous communities of Brazil, and once you set eyes on these magnificent big cats, it all makes sense. Their power is instantly apparent as they stalk along the riverbanks, their muscular legs lifting paws equipped with daggerlike claws as they scan the beaches and shallows for unsuspecting Yacare caiman or capybara.

The Brazilian Pantanal is widely known as the best place in the world to see jaguars in the wild, and this is certainly not an understatement. It’s not unheard of to have double-digit jaguar sightings over a week-long trip on the bronzy waterways of the Northern Pantanal. But it’s not only these impressive big cats that we have on our photography shot lists. Giant river otters glide through the water with a series of chirps and vocalisations whilst they fish, Brazilian tapirs – bizarre prehistoric-like mammals – slip quietly between forest and water, giant anteaters dig for ants and termites in savannah-like fields, incredible birdlife announces itself in a bounty of colour, and brilliant soundscapes and surprising opportunities await around every corner.

Unlike many rainforest habitats that hide their inhabitants in the shadows and behind walls of green, the Pantanal is open and generous with its sightings. Seasonal flooding transforms grasslands into shallow lakes, concentrating wildlife along a series of lagoons and river systems. The landscape here is unique, allowing for species like the jaguar (which are almost ghosts elsewhere!) to be seen in all their glory.

If you’re hoping to photograph the weird and wonderful giant anteaters, then the Southern Pantanal is where you should head. The wide, open fields allow for brilliant viewings of this species as they wander through the grasslands of the ranch, their heads sweeping side to side like a metal detector for invertebrates. Equipped with an excellent sense of smell and huge front claws, they’re perfectly adapted for digging and tearing into termite mounds and ant nests.

Avian highlights are also non-stop here, from the elusive and striking agami heron with its long bill and incredible plumage, to the world’s largest flying parrot – the hyacinth macaw – which announces its presence by calling from palm tree nests. One-and-a-half-metre tall jabiru storks stalk the shallows for frogs and other tasty morsels, parakeets squawk overhead in flashes of vibrant greens, and kingfishers perch motionless on an overhanging branch before plummeting into the river and emerging with a full beak.

The diverse habitats of the Brazilian Pantanal are a nature lover’s playground. Whether you’re a keen photographer, birdwatcher, mammal enthusiast, herpetology fanatic or a general wildlife buff, it has something that will fascinate and enthral. I have the privilege of running our Brazil’s Big Five Photo Safari, a trip that excites me every time I see it approaching on my calendar. No matter which trip you choose to experience this tropical oasis, I’m sure it will impress and amaze just as it did when I first travelled there. This is nature in its rawest form, a perfect reminder of what the world can look like if it’s left to be wild.

If you feel inspired to join Ben in the Pantanal, check out our Brazil's Big Five Photo Safari today, or head to our Brazil wildlife tour page to discover our full collection. For further guidance, contact our expert team.