Across Brazil, the biodiversity of the three major biomes is staggering, offering a spectacular experience for lovers of natural beauty and hosting the continent's highest concentration of wildlife. The majestic and solitary jaguar, often called the ‘king of the jungle’, is the undisputed star of the Pantanal – the best place in the world to see this powerful predator in the wild. In the open savannahs of the Cerrado, the long-legged, fox-like maned wolf may appear quietly at dawn or dusk, moving with an almost ghostly elegance. And deep within the Amazon, you can encounter some of Brazil’s most endemic and extraordinary species.
Truly, few places can rival Brazil for the sheer diversity and wonder of wildlife experiences.
Our Latin America Travel Specialist, Sarah Frankish, has explored all three regions on two separate occasions this year – one trip traversing the Pantanal and the Amazon, and the other visiting Brasília, the Cerrado and Trancoso. Here she is to provide all the details and how you can create your own tailor-made itinerary that includes each one.
By Sarah Frankish
The magic of the Pantanal Wetlands
After returning from one of South America’s most remarkable wildlife areas – the Pantanal – it’s safe to say that my time there was nothing short of unforgettable.
Picture vast, open landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, waterways glistening in the sunlight and many of the continent’s most iconic animals moving freely in their natural habitat. That’s the magic of the Pantanal, and it’s for sure put a spell on me with its sheer beauty!
Known as the largest wetland in the world, the Pantanal covers an area of around 210,000 square kilometres and spans Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. It’s an ecosystem like no other – a mosaic of rivers, lagoons, marshes and grasslands that support an abundance of wildlife.
During my trip, I was lucky enough to enjoy some remarkable encounters, from the elusive tapir moving silently through the undergrowth—a quiet presence of the forest—to families of capybaras cooling off along the riverbanks, and a dazzling array of birdlife filling the skies with colour and song.
And, of course, one of the biggest highlights of the Pantanal is the chance for you to see the elusive jaguar. Watching these powerful cats in the wild is an experience that stays with you forever, whether it’s along a narrow river channel or amongst the dense rainforest floor foliage.
If you’re thinking about visiting, the best time of year is during the dry season, from June to September. During these months, the receding waters draw animals closer to rivers and lagoons, making sightings much more frequent and accessible. It’s also the most comfortable time for exploring by boat, safari vehicle or on foot, with pleasant temperatures and clear skies. And like me, you could capture striking photographs of the wildlife!
The Pantanal may not be as famous as the Amazon, but you'll love it nonetheless if you're a wildlife enthusiast. I left with a real sense of awe for this remarkable ecosystem. It’s one of those places you have to experience to understand just how special it is!
Our Brazilian Wildlife in Depth suggested tour explores the Pantanal Wetlands over several nights. Head out to the tributaries to seek caimans, capybaras and the iconic jaguar before making your way to the Cerrado Savannah and Amazon Rainforest for a change of scenery – and remarkable wildlife sightings.
An underrated wildlife region: Cerrado Savannah
The Brazilian Cerrado spans three states and is one of the country’s most ecologically significant regions. Often overshadowed by the Amazon, it’s actually the second-most biodiverse area in Brazil and the most biodiverse savannah on the planet!
It's a mosaic of grasslands, scrub, and twisted woodlands that supports a variety of life, from vibrant bird species and countless endemic plants to black jaguars and maned wolves. I spotted the maned wolf below as it wandered across the road in front of me. Quite confusingly, it looks more like a fox than a wolf, yet it’s the only member of its genus, Chrysocyon! I watched in silence as it strode along, fully aware of how rare this sighting was. Then, almost as quickly as it appeared, it slipped out of sight. Brief as it was, it’s a moment I’ll never forget.
The Cerrado’s unique ecosystem is key to maintaining balance in Brazil’s water systems and supporting many of its major river basins. It’s a biodiversity treasure and an environmental lifeline. Sadly, much of it is vanishing at an alarming rate as deforestation and farmland expansion continue to push deeper into the landscape. Hopefully, though, tourism will slow this process.
The best place to stay for a trip to the Cerrado is Pousada Trijunção.
I absolutely loved this place – it’s exceptional and unique. One of the experiences I’d thoroughly recommend is early-morning birdwatching. During my time here, I was taken to a spot where I saw many species for the first time, including the pygmy owl, great horned owl, crested caracara, burrowing owl, tyrant flycatcher, red-legged seriema, lineated woodpecker, greater rhea and toco toucan, among others.
A highlight of the tour is a surprise stop at a viewpoint with a wooden platform set up with champagne and nibbles to enjoy the sunset. On the return journey, the guides keep watch for nocturnal wildlife, and I was lucky enough to see deer, tapir and thousands of luminous fireflies dancing in the night sky. The lodge itself teems with wildlife, making it easy to spend a whole day relaxing by the pool and exploring nearby trails, where I spotted marmosets, guinea pigs, many bird species and an armadillo (my new spirit animal!). There’s also an observation tower that offers a view of the sun rising over the horizon.
To experience the Cerrado Savannah, our Brazilian Wildlife in Depth sample route takes you to Chapada Guimarães in-between time in the Pantanal and Amazon. This natural haven supports more than 250 bird species and rare wildlife, including the maned wolf, among the rolling plateaus, red sandstone cliffs and sweeping valleys.
Exploring the Amazon: Where the rainforest and the Cerrado merge
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the planet’s richest and most varied ecosystems, an endless expanse of life and colour. Covering about 40% of the South American continent and spanning nine countries, it’s home not only to thousands of plant, tree and animal species but also over 30 million people, including hundreds of Indigenous communities and isolated tribes.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Amazon four times, and each journey draws me back, from the wildlife to the landscapes and the profound sense of peace. There's a tranquillity that’s impossible to replicate anywhere else.
Every visit has brought something new, whether that's a bird to tick off, an unexpected wildlife sighting or a deeper insight into the Indigenous cultures. But my most recent stay at Jardim da Amazônia was truly exceptional. It was the perfect finale to my trip, offering something genuinely unique: the meeting point of the Cerrado and the Amazon, two of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems overlapping in one magical place.
The lodge is family-run, and from the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed as if you’re part of that family. The grounds stretch over several hectares, where capybaras wander freely, happily munching their way through the vegetation alongside Muscovy ducks. There’s also a natural pool and a couple of quiet walking trails winding through the lodge’s surroundings.
One of the highlights was a sunset canoe trip on the lagoon. As daylight softened into gold, the trees came alive with birds settling in for the evening. I watched blue-and-yellow macaws nesting, colourful flycatchers darting after insects and Amazon toucans calling across the water. Wildlife sightings were equally memorable, including a family of peccaries, playful river otters, endangered black spider monkeys, a venomous snake and even a shy armadillo.
All jungle walks are led by members of the local community, whose ability to detect wildlife by scent and sound borders on supernatural. In dense forest, so different from the open floodplains of the Pantanal, this knowledge is essential. Thanks to them, I learned to slow down, listen and let the forest reveal itself.
Some of the area’s rare and endangered primates include the elegant saki monkey (occasionally spotted right in the lodge gardens), the black spider monkey and the Mato Grosso titi monkey. For birders, this region is a treasure trove. Larger mammals also roam the area, and the lodge owner, an enthusiastic wildlife photographer, has captured many on his night cameras. Watching the footage over lunch felt like being let in on the forest’s secret nightlife.
Boat safaris along the Rio Claro offer a chance to see species like the Amazonian umbrellabird and the cone-billed tanager, while orange-cheeked parrots often feed in the trees beside the bungalows each morning – an irresistibly cute sight!
Jardim Amazônia is recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, eBird, the Cornell Lab and WikiAves. Its unique mix of habitats makes it a standout destination for anyone passionate about birdlife or biodiversity.
The lodge pairs beautifully with a Pantanal itinerary and doesn’t require any internal flights—ideal if you’re seeking an immersive nature experience. It’s also the perfect place to disconnect from civilisation. For my first two days, I was one of only a few on the property and saw no one except the family, the gardener, the cook and the guide. It felt like having an entire slice of the Amazon to myself.
The Amazon Rainforest features in our Brazilian Wildlife in Depth example itinerary. You’ll have three days in the southern Amazon, enjoying guided walks and boat rides to seek out colourful birds like toucans as well as mammals like the capybara. Beforehand, you’ll traverse the Pantanal and Cerrado in search of their own unique wildlife.
Enjoy your own Brazilian Wildlife Adventure
Experience your own Brazilian wildlife adventure with Rainbow. You can explore our tailor-made Brazil holiday ideas or pair your visit with the marvels of neighbouring Latin America destinations. Our Latin America Specialists, including Sarah, are ready to craft a journey that’s uniquely yours. Call us today and let your adventure begin!
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