The Pantanal is an ecological paradise in the heart of Brazil. It is the planet’s largest flooded lowland, and the world’s third biggest environmental reserve. Its ecological importance is enormous because it is home to one of the richest ecosystems ever found, with seasonally-flooding forest.

It displays the largest concentration of neo-tropical fauna, including several endangered species – mammals, reptiles and fish – and it also serves as habitat for an enormous variety of native birds as well as those coming from other areas in the Americas.

The Pantanal is one of the best places in Brazil to observe flora and fauna, and for fishing (only permitted between March and October). It has a total area of 230,000 sq,km, covering 12 townships in the States of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. To the North, there are the Paracis, Azul and Roncador mountains. To the East, the Maracaju Mountain Range. To the South, the Dodoquena Mountain Range. And, to the West, the Paraguayan and Bolivian swamps.

The Pantanal is so diverse that researchers subdivided it in sub-regions. Each “Pantanal” – North and South – has its own natural features, activities and ideal times to visit.

The Pantanal National Park was created in 1981, but it was only in 1993 that it was considered an Environmental Preservation Area. Its entrance is located in the city of Poconé, 102 km from Cuiabá, capital of the State of Mato Grosso. Unesco – United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization - granted it the title of World Biosphere Reserve. The title brought with it increased support from government as well as from society in order to preserve the riches and implement a sustainable development policy in the area.

The Reserve Headquarters is on a plateau – away from flooding – and it has a Visitors Center and boats. To get to know the Pantanal National Park it is necessary to go by boat, leaving from Jofre Port, accompanied by a guide and to have previous authorization from Ibama - Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources. Insect repellent, sun cream, hat or cap, light clothing and waterproof boots are indispensable.

Because the park has no infrastructure, it is advisable to take light snacks, fruits and water on excursions. There is no lodging available inside the Park, thus making it necessary to return on the same day. Hiking and trailing are not allowed. Fishing – even sport fishing – and hunting are strictly prohibited between the months of November and February, as is nocturnal alligator watching without a guide.

The best time to visit is from May to September, when the waters start to go down, making it better for fauna observation. During the rainy season between October and February there hordes of mosquitoes, the heat is intense and the Transpantaneira Highway becomes impassable.