Hotels in Pantanal

Pantanal: Earth's Largest Tropical Wetland

The Pantanal spans roughly 150,000 km² across Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul in western Brazil, making it the largest tropical wetland on the planet. UNESCO granted it World Heritage status in 2000. Seasonal flooding — peaking between January and March — transforms the savanna into a vast inland sea, then recedes to expose grasslands where wildlife concentrates in extraordinary density. Jaguars, giant otters, caimans, tapirs, and hyacinth macaws are regularly sighted along the Transpantaneira highway and the river corridors of the Rio Cuiabá and Rio Paraguay.

Where to Stay

Most visitors base themselves at fazenda lodges — working cattle ranches converted for wildlife tourism — rather than urban hotels. The northern sector is accessed via Cuiabá (capital of Mato Grosso, roughly 100 km from the wetland edge), while the southern sector connects through Campo Grande or the small town of Corumbá, near the Bolivian border. Lodge tariffs tend to be all-inclusive, covering guided boat and walking safaris.

Practical Tips

• Best dry season: July to October brings lower water, concentrated wildlife, and lower mosquito pressure.
• Access: The unpaved Transpantaneira runs 147 km south from Poconé; a 4WD vehicle is strongly advised outside dry season.
• Yellow fever vaccination is required for most international travelers entering this region.
• Book lodges early: capacity is small and peak months (August–September) fill several months ahead.