The PantanalThe Pantanal is best described as a small window of Africa in the heart of South America, without the big game! It is considered to be the world’s biggest wetland area, covering an area the size of Belgium and is situated between the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul (to the north of Iguazu) extending into Bolivia and Paraguay, with the majority of the Pantanal lying inside Brazil. There are unrivalled opportunities to view the abundant wildlife up close, either on foot, by canoe or on horseback. The Pantanal contains around 700 species of birds including 26 types of parrot. It is also one of the last refuges for many threatened South American mammal species such as jaguar, puma, ocelot, maned wolf, giant otter, giant anteater, giant armadillo, marsh deer and tapir. The most characteristic mammal of the Pantanal is the capivara - the world's largest rodent, which live in herds of up to 100 individuals. The Brazilians have a saying: "o Pantanal é vida" – "the Pantanal is life". Every year during the wet season, November to April, the heavy rains cause three quarters of the area to be inundated by the complex river system as the rivers are not able to cope, overflowing their banks. In this season only islands and forests on higher elevations remain dry thus concentrating the land-based life. The picture changes again during the dry season, May to October, as the floodplain gradually drains into the Paraguay River and the wetlands subside. This leaves behind small pockets of water, trapping the fish, which in turn attract large numbers of migratory birds and resident mammals. The vegetation of the Pantanal features three of the most important eco-systems of South America; the Chaco with its dry forest, the savannah-like Cerrado to the east and the Amazon jungle to the north. This diversity draws the highest concentration of wildlife in all of the Americas. WHEN TO VISIT THE PANTANAL WET SEASON - December through March
Due to intense rain the Pantanal gets flooded. The vegetation is dense and humidity is high. Mammals seek refuge on higher grounds formed by tall trees, which are locally known as "Cordilheiras". This is the nesting time for many species of resident birds. INTERMEDIATE SEASON - April to June and October to November
In April the water levels begin to recede and fish get trapped in ponds and small lakes, attracting thousands of birds. The peak of the dry season is October when the Pantanal resembles a dry African Savannah. DRY SEASON - July through September
The best time for wildlife observation because wildlife gathers around watering holes. Dry fields make for good grazing areas, bringing wildlife out into the open. From August onwards most of the trees are blooming. Migratory species are in residence and nesting
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