Touring the Pantanal is a unique experience! Considered a Biosphere Reserve and Natural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco, the Pantanal is the largest flooded plain on the planet, covering an area of 230 thousand km² that occupies western Brazil and part of Paraguay and Bolivia.

The region is internationally known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. To give you an idea, more than 1,130 species of butterflies, 650 of birds, 230 of fish, 120 of mammals and 90 of reptiles were cataloged here. A full plate for nature lovers!

Unfortunately, there are still few ready-made itineraries for those who want to visit the Pantanal independently. With that in mind, we put together a complete plan! In this article you will find suggestions for what to do in the Pantanal during a 5-day trip, with an itinerary covering natural parks and farms. We also offer some accommodation options and a checklist with items to take in your suitcase.

Come on!

Which cities to visit in Pantanal?
The region is divided between Pantanal Norte, which includes the cities of Cáceres, Poconé and Barão de Melgaço, in Mato Grosso, and Pantanal Sul, which includes the cities of Porto Murtinho, Corumbá, Aquidauana, Miranda and Bodoquena, in Mato Grosso do Sul.

In this guide, we will focus on the Pantanal Sul, which has 65% of the Pantanal plain and offers more varied tours to contemplate the fauna and flora.

When is the best time to travel to Pantanal?
The best time to travel to the Pantanal is between April and September, which corresponds to the dry period, when the landscape is greener and wild animals go in search of food and partners for the mating season.

Outside this period it rains more and the level of rivers rises. It is more difficult to see animals and travel along the Pantanal roads, which are often flooded.

North Pantanal x South Pantanal
The first step when planning a trip for tourism in the Pantanal is to choose which region to visit.

For those who want to watch cultural events, typical dances, practice fishing and see aquatic animals up close, the Pantanal Norte is the most recommended.

For those who want to have a closer contact with wild animals and practice canoeing, Pantanal Sul is ideal.

Regardless of the choice, both in the South and in the North, Pantanal offers traditional tours that need to be on every visitor’s itinerary.

However, some attractions are unique to each region and will depend on what you plan and expect from your trip and which tours interest you the most.