Discover The Pantanal of Brazil
with
Pantanal Ecoexplorer Tours & Expeditions
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The
Pantanal is a floodplain area in the middle of the
South American continent which is, in fact, a vast
alluvial plain. This is, by far, the best place
in Brazil to see wildlife. The Pantanal is about
half the size of France, some 230,000 sq. km. (88,000
sq. miles) and spreads across Brazil, Bolivia and
Paraguay, of which a total area of around 130,000
sq. km. (50,000 sq. miles) is located in Brazil.
The climate is tropical and humid with temperatures
between 7ºC (45ºF) (evening and nights
during winter time) to 40ºC (104ºF) (day
time) with an average temperature of 24ºC (75ºF).
September and October are the driest months. Between
these two periods, the lakes become a perfect ecological
niche for a great number of birds, reptiles, and
other animals, much to the delight of wildlife watchers
and photographers.
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The Pantanal, which long ago was a sea,
is made up of lowlands flooded by the Paraguay River
and its tributaries, fertilizing the land, revitalizing
it, and giving birth to wild flowers and vegetation
in abundance. It is the biggest natural fish breeding
ground in the world, with the most important species
being the dorado (Salminus maxillosus), surubim
(Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) and surubim-pintado
(Pseudoplatystome coruscans). There are close to
700 bird species, making this a paradise for ornithologists
and bird watchers. The local fauna also includes
caimans, deer, capybara-the world’s largest
rodent-, anteaters, porcupines, jaguars, tapirs,
pumas, and monkeys.
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The landscape of the Pantanal changes radically
throughout the year due to its geographic and climatic
characteristics. The fauna also changes, remaining
or migrating for shelter, nests, or food, according
to the existing conditions. There are two seasons
in the Pantanal: the wet season and the dry season.
Between the seasons, it is common to say that the
Pantanal is either filling up or drying up. Generally,
the seasons are well defined: the dry season goes
from April to September, and the wet season from
October to March. Global changes in climate also
affect the cycles in the Pantanal and there is now
an alteration in the length or intensity of the
seasons. In spite of these variations, the general
characteristics of each season remain constant.
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The Amazon may attract more attention and tourists,
but the Pantanal is a better place to see wildlife.
In the rainforest, animal life is concentrated in
the boreal canopy, which makes it more difficult
to observe. The Pantanal is a wetland, the largest
freshwater floodplain on earth, and while sustaining
a huge biodiversity, it is a relatively flat plain.
The annual flood and subsequent dry period triggers
much the same animal behavior as in the great migration
routes of Africa. This makes spotting wildlife easy
because
where there is water, there will be wildlife. This
is certainly true of the Pantanal, and our tours
there highlight the variety of the region. More
than just wildlife, however, the Pantanal has influenced
the colorful culture of the pantaneiro.
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PANTANAL ECOEXPLORER is a Brazilian based tour operator specialized in providing personalized Nature & Wildlife Tours in the Pantanal, specially designed for wildlife enthusiasts, birders, photographers, nature lovers, eco-travelers, and to those seeking a more active and respectful adventure in the Pantanal wilderness.
Pantanal Ecoexplorer offers a wide range of Pantanal Ecological Tours, including : Wildlife Tours, Bird Watching tours, Photo safáris, Jaguar Tracking Tours, River Cruises, Wilderness Tours, Cultural Eco Tours, and Exploratory Expeditions, all offering authentic experiences in the pristine environments of the Brazilian Pantanal. All of our tours are led by expereinced local tour guides, you are guaranteed the best local knowledge and reliable service
Pantanal Ecoexplorer Tours depart year round from Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
For further information contact us by e-mail at:
info@pantanalecoexplorer.com.br
