Brazil's Pantanal
Pantanal
The secret has been leaked; for the true wildlife enthusiast it is not the Amazon, but the Pantanal, that proves the superior destination to appease your every wildlife viewing desire. A Florida sized wetland on the far western edge of Brazil, the Panatal is the largest, and arguably most important, flood plain in the world. The area bursts with wildlife; capybaras, caimans, jaguars, anacondas, giant otters, colorful hyacinth macaws, kites, hawks, and flocks of storks and herons hundreds strong.
Furthermore, while the Amazon, with its dense vegetation, often makes wildlife viewing difficult, these same species may be viewed easily in the Pantanal in abundance. Because it is the largest flood plain in the world, the Pantanal has a rhythm governed by its rivers. Its wet season, from November to April, brings millions of birds, while the dry season draws hundreds of animals around the few remaining water pools. Both seasons are well worth a visit, and a stay at one of the lodges speckled throughout the region is a comfortable way to view this spectacular wildlife phenomenon. Board a boat to view the birds and caiman, ride horseback across the open fields, or venture out at night for spectacular sightings of the nocturnal species.
