Pantanal Holidays & Tailor-made Tours

Seasons of the Pantanal

The scenery of the Pantanal changes dramatically depending on the season, which can influence the animal and plant life to be found.

January to March is the wet season, when the summer rains causes parts of the Pantanal to flood and creates a majestic watery wonderland. The plants above water are lush and green, with colourful blooming hyacinths and giant water lilies, water birds, inspects and butterflies are active, though mammals are dispersed, seeking refuge on high ground.

April to June is an in-between season, as the water level starts to recede small fish become trapped in ponds and lakes, attracting large numbers of birds. During this time of plenty, many species of birds nest in preparation for the breeding season and the mammals which are displaced to higher ground during the wet season, start to return.

July to October is the dry season the best time to spot wildlife and the breeding season for birds, whose vibrant plumage and mating calls can be seen and heard throughout the Pantanal. As the water levels of the lakes and ponds slowly diminish, large areas of savannah re-appear and provide rich grazing areas for mammals, whilst the remaining water sources are a magnet for all wildlife. This is usually the best time to see the jaguar along the river banks. It is at this time that the piúva blossoms, a beautiful flowering tree which is the symbol of the Pantanal.

November to December is the rainy season and the beginning of a new cycle for the Pantanal. This is the best period to see birds feeding and raising their chicks, as there is an abundance of food and water levels are lower. The majority of annual rainfall in the Pantanal happens between November and March, as water slowly starts to saturate the ground and begins to flood.

Pantanal Express

There are several ways to explore the world’s biggest wetlands; on foot, on horse-back, in a canoe or in a 4x4, but you can also take the Pantanal Express and enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking scenery before you even arrive. The train, operated by Serra Verde Express, carries passengers at a gentle pace the seven hours and 140 miles between the city of Campo Grande and Miranda, in the southern part of The Pantanal.

The journey affords the opportunity to appreciate the wetlands, waterfalls, steep gorges, abundant birdlife and the Aquidauana River out of the large windows, all from the comfort of the luxurious carriages. The train is air-conditioned and has an on-board restaurant.