Brazil is the largest country in South America and this amazing nation has much to offer the foreign visitor. Brazil is famous for football, excellent coffee and the best beaches and in this article, we take a look at the Pantanal, which is the world’s largest wetland region.
The Pantanal
The word ‘Pantanal’ means big wetlands in Portuguese and it spreads over 140,000-195,000 sq km. The region is governed by the seasons, approximately 80% of the floodplains are wet during the rainy season with a wide range of aquatic plants that provide sustenance for the diverse wildlife. Of course, such a vast wilderness is something to be respected, which is why you should book one of the Brazil escorted tours from an established South American tour operator. That way you have an English-speaking guide with you at all times, which enriches the experience.
Diverse Wildlife
The Pantanal is home to over 450 species of birds, 270 species of fish, more than 230 species of mammals, 140 species of reptiles and amphibians, with over 9,000 species of invertebrates. All the wildlife has to deal with the two environments; dry and wet. One very important species is the Apple Snail, which devours the decaying vegetation after the water levels rise and unlike other creatures, these snails have both lungs and gills and when underwater, they extend a snorkel to breathe. This snail manages to turn all dead vegetation into fertiliser and without it, the ecosystem would not thrive in the way that it does.
Endangered Species
Rare animals include the marsh deer, giant river otter and hyacinth macaw; there are 19 species of parrots and 5 species of macaw. There are at least 13 species of heron and egret, 6 species of spoonbills and 5 species of kingfishers.
Predator Animals
It is believed that the largest population of Jaguars in the world. These big cats are very difficult to see, as they can conceal themselves. If you manage to see a jaguar, you would be very fortunate indeed. Perhaps your guide might know where to look, but the chances of a sighting are rare at best. Caiman crocodiles inhabit the Pantanal, and it is estimated there are as many as 10 million, which is the largest concentration of crocodilians on the planet. It might surprise you to learn that a jaguar will take a caiman in the water and when this happens, the outcome is 50-50, sometimes the reptile wins and sometimes the jaguar wins. There are also huge anacondas in this region, but don’t worry, as they do not like to be near humans. You will have an English-speaking guide if you book a luxury tour and this makes all the difference.
Sourcing An Established Brazil Tour Company
The best way to arrange a guided tour of Brazil and the Pantanal is to search with Google for an established South American tour operator. Once on their website, you can view the many packages that include all countries on the continent, plus the staff are very knowledgeable and are always happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Of course, there are visas to obtain and the tour operator can help you with this. The visas you need can be applied for online, which is very convenient. The tour operator provides essential information about what to pack, the best times of year to visit, and information on what to see and where to go.
Don’t make the mistake of going solo with your Brazilian holiday, especially if this is your first time in South America. Book with an established local tour operator and you can rest assured that your holiday will be one to be remembered for all the right reasons.
