Pantanal

The Pantanal is a vast tropical wetland region in central South America, principally in western Brazil but extending into Bolivia and Paraguay. It is among the planet’s largest freshwater wetland ecosystems and is celebrated for its wildlife abundance.

The landscape is a mosaic of flooded grasslands, rivers and gallery forest that supports high densities of birds, mammals and reptiles, including jaguars, capybaras and numerous waterbirds. Ecotourism lodges and river-based excursions are common ways to view wildlife.

The Pantanal developed over geological time as a lowland basin with a pronounced wet-dry seasonal cycle; traditional cattle ranching has coexisted with diverse ecosystems, and recent decades have seen growing conservation interest and ecotourism.

The region lies in central South America, primarily in Brazil’s western Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states, with portions extending into eastern Bolivia and northeastern Paraguay; the terrain is low-lying and seasonally inundated.

• Extent and seasonality: The Pantanal spans parts of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay and is one of the world's largest tropical wetland areas, with seasonal flooding that drives wildlife movements.
• Best season for wildlife: Wildlife viewing is strongest in the dry season when animals concentrate around permanent water, while the wet season expands the floodplain and bird diversity.