Brazilian Pantanal & Iguazu Falls

The vast empty lowlands of the Pantanal extend southwards from the plateau of the Mato Grosso in Brazil to the borders with Paraguay and Bolivia. This area, roughly the size of France, is sparsely populated and contains many huge cattle ranches which provide the main source of employment in a region largely devoid of industry. In the north, low dry woodland, damp grasslands and gallery forest along the banks of a meandering river system create a mosaic of different habitats. Further south the woodland is relieved by broad expanses of swamp and marsh which are recognised as one of the most important wetland areas in the Neotropics. 

The relative lack of human disturbance and the open nature of the habitat mean that wildlife is often easier to observe than elsewhere in South America. Herds of Capybara, the world’s largest rodent, browse the swamps within the watchful gaze of many large Caimans. These New World crocodiles reach an impressive size here, but are fortunately mainly fisheaters. Anacondas also occur in the swamps but are less often seen. The edge of the wetland is home to the rare Marsh Deer and in the adjoining woodlands it is possible to encounter Red and Grey Brocket Deer. The taller woodlands are frequented by agile Brown Capuchin Monkeys and echo to the weird calls of the more lethargic Black Howlers. Along the quieter stretches of the large rivers a watch should be kept for Giant River Otters. These endangered animals are often very confiding and will approach to within a few metres of observers, an endearing characteristic that has all too often led to their destruction. 

As we journey south, we will check the swamps for Brazilian Tapirs which often spend the hotter parts of the day immersed in the water. Many of the animals here are nocturnal and spotlighting at night could produce such species as Racoon, Crab-eating Fox, Giant Anteater, Ocelot and a range of nightjars. That supreme South American predator, the Jaguar, is by no means rare here and, although always hard to see, the Pantanal is probably the most likely area of the continent to chance upon one. 

As might be expected the Pantanal boasts a rich and varied avifauna, from the giant Jabiru Stork to tiny hummingbirds such as the Glittering-bellied Emerald and White-tailed Golden-throat. Herons, storks, ibises and Limpkins throng the marshy areas where raptors such as Great Black, Black-collared and Savanna Hawks and Snail Kites are common. The gallery forests and scrub hold a bewildering array of tropical birds. Antbirds, woodcreepers, toucans, tyrant flycatchers and colourful parrots are well represented but pride of place must go to the huge Hyacinth Macaw, the world’s largest parrot. Under threat throughout most of its range, this charismatic bird is still relatively easy to find in favoured parts of the Pantanal and will certainly represent one of the holiday highlights.  

To ensure that we have the maximum opportunity to enjoy its wildlife, we spend a total of eight nights at three different lodges in the Pantanal, covering all the major habitats of this fascinating environment. Boat excursions and nocturnal spotlighting will greatly increase our chances of seeing the more retiring inhabitants. We will also visit a remote field station with the aim of watching the magnificent Maned Wolf.

At the end of our stay in the Pantanal we retrace our steps to Cuiabá and thence by internal flights to Iguazú for a stay of three nights. The spectacular waterfalls on the border between Argentina and Brazil are set amidst a vast expanse of tropical forest which is protected as a national park. Over 2,000 plant species have been recorded here, and the stunning birdlife offers a huge range of possibilities, including representatives from such typical South American families as toucans and woodcreepers. We will visit both sides of the border during our stay and follow trails into the forest to look for birds and mammals. There will also be plenty of time to simply admire the spectacle of the falls which can be viewed from various vantage points. Iguazú is ranked among the world’s greatest waterfalls and attracts large numbers of visitors to the area. Few, however, venture along the forest trails, and we can be assured of many superb wildlife encounters. 

The length of stay at each location on this tour, and the combination of habitats, make this a most unusual South American holiday and will provide a rare opportunity to absorb the atmosphere of each place visited and become familiar with a unique selection of birds and mammals.