Pantanal Matogrossense National ParkPantanal Matogrossense National Park at a Glance
About Pantanal Matogrossense National Park
Pantanal Matogrossense National Park is a protected area in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso that preserves part of the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest tropical wetland systems. The park protects seasonal floodplains, rivers and mosaic habitats important for wetland biodiversity.
Visitors come to see dense wildlife populations that concentrate seasonally - notable groups include numerous waterbirds, caimans, capybaras and other wetland species, with occasional sightings of jaguars and other large mammals. Access is typically by boat or by dry-season tracks and lodges in the region.
The park was created to conserve representative Pantanal ecosystems and to maintain habitat connectivity across the broader floodplain landscape. Management focuses on balancing conservation with regulated visitation and research.
Geographically the park lies in central-west Brazil in Mato Grosso and is part of the Paraguay River basin within the Pantanal biome.
- Best time to visit: Seasonal flooding produces dramatic concentrations of wildlife; the dry season from roughly May to October is generally the best time for land-based wildlife viewing.
Nearby Attractions to Pantanal Matogrossense National Park
Best Time to Visit Pantanal Matogrossense National Park
Both seasons offer different wildlife experiences: dry season for easier land access and concentration of animals; wet season for abundant aquatic habitats and nesting birds.
Weather & Climate near Pantanal Matogrossense National Park
Pantanal Matogrossense National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in November) and warm winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 17°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1212 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 23° - 33° | 31° | 212 mm | overcast | 73% | 1.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.9h |
| February | Good | 23° - 32° | 31° | 164 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 1.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.6h |
| March | Good | 23° - 32° | 30° | 150 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 1.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Excellent | 22° - 32° | 27° | 93 mm | some cloud | 68% | 1.6 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.6h |
| May | Excellent | 19° - 30° | 25° | 59 mm | some cloud | 63% | 1.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.2h |
| June | Ideal | 17° - 28° | 23° | 30 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 1.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.0h |
| July | Ideal | 17° - 29° | 23° | 20 mm | mostly sunny | 46% | 2.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.1h |
| August | Ideal | 18° - 31° | 24° | 25 mm | mostly sunny | 37% | 2.3 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.4h |
| September | Excellent | 20° - 32° | 26° | 44 mm | some cloud | 40% | 2.4 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.9h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 34° | 29° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 53% | 2.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.4h |
| November | Good | 23° - 34° | 30° | 136 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.8h |
| December | Good | 23° - 33° | 31° | 190 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 2.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.0h |
How to Get to Pantanal Matogrossense National Park
The park is reached from regional hubs such as Campo Grande or Corumbá (for the northern Pantanal). Small regional flights and long-distance buses serve these cities; arrange local transfers with ecotour operators who provide transport into the park.
Tips for Visiting Pantanal Matogrossense National Park
- Hire an experienced local guide - the Pantanal is vast and seasonal waterways change routes and wildlife visibility.
- Visit early morning or late afternoon boat safaris for the best wildlife sightings (giant anteaters, capybaras, caimans, jaguars seen rarely).
- Travel in the dry season for easier overland travel; wet season offers abundant birdlife and dramatic river scenery.