Brazil - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 323

kilometres, it represents the world's
largest freshwater wetland and is one of
the most ecologically important habitats
in Brazil.

three- or four-day excursions will greatly
increase your chances of seeing the more
elusive species. Most tours enter the
Pantanal by road and spend a couple of
days exploring in canoes, small motorboats
or on horseback from a land base.
There are three main entry points:
Cuiabá in the north, Corumbá in the west
and Campo Grande in the east. The best
time to explore the Pantanal is towards
the end of the rainy season, around April,
when your chances of spotting wildlife are
high. Renting a car is not recommended
unless you hire a local guide who knows
the area well to accompany you - you will
need a 4WD.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Travelling alone in the Pantanal is difficult
and the easiest way to experience it is by
taking an economical organized tour or, if
your budget stretches far enough, spending
a night or two at a fazenda-lodge (called
pousadas in the north). The fazenda -lodges
are generally reached by jeep; those deeper
in the interior require access by boat or
plane. At least one night in the interior is
essential if you want to see animals;

3

THE PANTANAL

Cuiabá

São Antônio do Leverger

Cáceres

Barão do Melgaço

Poconé

a á

R

Rondonópolis

m

Porto
Cercado

N

nç

CARACARA
NATIONAL
PARK

Porto
Joffre

Ri

BOLIVIA

Coxim

Corumbá

NHECOLÂNDIA Quijarro

Rio Verde de
Mato Grosso

Porto Manga

Porto
Morrinho

Passo da Lontra

Posto
Florestal

Miranda

Aquidauana

PARAGUAY

Campo Grande

Anastácio

0 100

kilometres