Pantanal Sul e Bonito
South Pantanal

Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

South Pantanal

The world's largest tropical wetland and wildlife sanctuary

Destination

Pantanal Sul: The World's Greatest Wildlife Sanctuary

The South Pantanal, in Mato Grosso do Sul, is the world's largest tropical wetland, covering over 150,000 km² of rivers, bays and flooded plains. A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, it shelters extraordinary biodiversity: more than 650 bird species, 90 mammal species, 260 fish species and iconic wildlife such as the giant otter, hyacinth macaw, jabiru stork and caiman.

The South Pantanal is the most accessible region for ecotourism in Mato Grosso do Sul, offering authentic wildlife safaris, boat tours on the Miranda River, guided birdwatching, horseback trails and stays at traditional fazendas and eco-lodges. Unlike the North Pantanal, the South Pantanal stands out for its cultural immersion and the diversity of its terrestrial and river activities.

150k km²
Extension
650+
Bird species
Top 1
Wildlife
UNESCO
World Heritage
Fauna do Pantanal Sul: onça-pintada e animais silvestres no Mato Grosso do Sul
Chalana Boat Tour
Piranha Fishing
Paisagem do Pantanal Sul ao entardecer com vegetação nativa e água

Adventure

Wildlife Safari & Activities in the South Pantanal

From night safaris to boat tours on the Miranda River, each activity is guided by specialists who know every corner of the South Pantanal.

Night Safari

Night spotlighting of wildlife

2h

Boat Tour

Mercedita boat tour through the Pantanal waters of the Miranda River. Duration approx. 2h to 2h30min, departing from Porto do Rio Miranda.

2h

Wildlife Photography

Photography sessions guided by specialists at the best observation points in the Pantanal.

Full day

Bird Watching

The Pantanal is home to over 650 bird species. A unique experience for nature lovers.

3h

Horseback Trails

Explore the Pantanal on horseback, like traditional Pantanal cowboys. An authentic immersion in local culture.

3h

Artisanal Fishing

Artisanal piranha fishing in the Pantanal Corixo

2h

Biodiversity

Pantanal Sul Wildlife: Discover the Fauna of the World's Largest Wetland

The South Pantanal is home to over 650 bird species, 90 mammals and 260 fish. Each safari is a unique encounter with nature in its purest state.

🐆

Jaguar

The largest feline in the Americas, symbol of the Pantanal

🐊

Pantanal Caiman

Millions of caimans inhabit the Pantanal waters

🦜

Hyacinth Macaw

The world's largest macaw, with stunning blue plumage

🦅

Jabiru Stork

The symbol bird of the Pantanal, with 2.6m wingspan

🦦

Giant Otter

The world's largest otter, endangered, lives in the rivers

🐟

Piranha

Sport fishing for piranha, a unique experience

Photos of the South Pantanal: Nature, Wildlife & Landscapes

Jaguar resting on wooden walkway in Pantanal South Brazil — wildlife safari experience Mato Grosso do Sul
Jaguar spotted during guided safari tour in Pantanal South — Brazil wildlife watching
Hyacinth macaw in flight over Pantanal South wetlands — birdwatching tour Brazil
Pantanal South wetlands at sunset — Mato Grosso do Sul nature and wildlife tour
Boat tour on Miranda River Pantanal South Brazil — all inclusive wildlife safari
Crystal clear river snorkeling in Pantanal South Brazil — ecotourism Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul
Pantanal South Brazil wildlife tour — nature and fauna Mato Grosso do Sul

Where to stay

Accommodation in the Pantanal

Fazendas, lodges and eco-refuges immersed in the Pantanal wilderness.

Fazenda San Francisco — eco lodge and safari accommodation in Pantanal South Brazil
Farm Stay
Pantanal Sul

Fazenda San Francisco

A Fazenda San Francisco Agro Ecoturismo Pousada e Passeios situa-se no Pantanal do Rio Miranda, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS),...

PoolRestaurant
PiscinaRestauranteAr-condicionadoFrigobar+2
View
Refúgio Ecológico Caiman — eco lodge and safari accommodation in Pantanal South Brazil
Refuge
Pantanal Sul

Refúgio Ecológico Caiman

Inaugurada em 2021, a Casa Caiman é o resultado da junção entre a antiga sede da fazenda e a casa do proprietário. Assim...

OnçafariProjeto Arara AzulSafári fotográfico
18 suítes com varandaAr condicionadoVentilador de tetoWi-fi+11
View
Refúgio da Ilha Ecolodge — eco lodge and safari accommodation in Pantanal South Brazil
EcoLodge
Pantanal Sul

Refúgio da Ilha Ecolodge

Transpondo os padrões do turismo convencional, a Refúgio da Ilha, pousada do Pantanal Sul, no Delta do Rio Salobra, prop...

Turismo sustentávelAcesso fácil o ano todoPróximo a Bonito
Banheiro privativoChuveiro quenteAr-condicionado splitVentilador de teto+10
View
Pantanal Experiência — eco lodge and safari accommodation in Pantanal South Brazil
Inn
Pantanal Sul

Pantanal Experiência

Cavalgar ao lado da boiada junto aos peões de uma Comitiva Pantaneira é uma experiência que você nunca esquecerá. Os son...

Vivência pantaneira autêntica
MuseuRestauranteWi-Fi
View
Pousada Aguapé — eco lodge and safari accommodation in Pantanal South Brazil
Inn
Pantanal Sul

Pousada Aguapé

Sua hospedagem com vista para o pantanal. Localizada no Pantanal Sul, município de Aquidauana, a região é rica em beleza...

PoolRestaurant
RedárioAr condicionadoQuiosque para churrascoPiscina+1
View
Pousada Pequi — eco lodge and safari accommodation in Pantanal South Brazil
Inn
Pantanal Sul

Pousada Pequi

Somos uma fazenda pantaneira a 180 km de Campo Grande no Pantanal do rio Aquidauana. Localizada no Pantanal do rio Aquid...

PoolRestaurant
PiscinaRedárioRestauranteParquinho+11
View
Pantanal Jungle Lodge — eco lodge and safari accommodation in Pantanal South Brazil
Lodge
Pantanal Sul

Pantanal Jungle Lodge

Nosso nome já remete ao que você encontrará aqui: uma pousada em meio à muita natureza do Pantanal e com muito conforto ...

PoolRestaurant
PiscinaRestauranteWi-FiEstacionamento+8
View
View all accommodations
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the South Pantanal

Everything you need to know before embarking on the world's greatest wildlife safari.

The best time is July to October (dry season). As river levels drop, animals concentrate along the banks in search of water, making sightings far more likely. August and September offer the highest probability of jaguar encounters. In favourable years, sighting chances reach 90% per safari.
The South Pantanal is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. Beyond jaguars, you may encounter: capybaras, caimans, giant otters, giant anteaters, tapirs, marsh deer, tuiuiús (the Pantanal's emblematic bird), hyacinth macaws, herons and over 650 bird species. It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the Americas.
Safaris are conducted by boat along the Cuiabá and Miranda rivers. Departures at dawn and dusk, when jaguars are most active. Specialist guides know the animals' territories and maximise sighting chances. Excursions last 3 to 4 hours and include observation equipment.
The North Pantanal (Mato Grosso) is famous for jaguar safaris on the Cuiabá River. The South Pantanal (Mato Grosso do Sul) offers greater diversity of experiences: sport fishing, horse riding, hyacinth macaw and jaguar watching, and is more accessible from Campo Grande. Both are extraordinary, but the South is ideal for those seeking a more complete experience.
Yes. The South Pantanal is one of the safest regions in Brazil for tourism. Farms and lodges operate with certified guides and strict safety protocols. There are no significant public safety risks in the region. We recommend yellow fever vaccination and high-factor sunscreen.
We recommend a minimum of 3 nights for a complete experience. With 3 nights you will have 6 safaris (morning and afternoon), greatly increasing the chances of seeing jaguars and other animals. For photographers and nature lovers, 5 nights is ideal. 2-night packages are also possible but limit the experiences.
Citizens of most European countries do not need a visa to visit Brazil for up to 90 days. Always check the current rules at the Brazilian consulate in your country. We also recommend international travel insurance and yellow fever vaccination (required for the Pantanal).
The best lodges are located along the Estrada Parque (MS-184) and around Miranda and Aquidauana. We offer accommodation in different categories, from charming rustic pousadas to high-end fazendas with pool and spa. All include specialist guides, meals and safaris. Contact us for personalised recommendations.

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