Pantanal Matogrossense National Park

World's largest tropical wetland paradise

The Pantanal in Brazil is a vast wetland covering over 150,000 square kilometers across Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. Seasonal flooding creates a dynamic landscape where rivers spread across plains, forming lakes and marshes that support diverse wildlife. Visitors encounter caimans basking on riverbanks, capybaras swimming in slow-moving waters and hundreds of bird species nesting along the shores. The region’s ecosystem thrives through natural water cycles, making it one of South America’s most important habitats for conservation and ecological study.

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National Park in Brazil

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$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 5.6

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	4
Accessibility:	3
Tap water:	3

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2/5

English proficiency is limited mainly to tour guides and staff at established eco-lodges catering to international tourists. Outside these tourism-focused areas, Portuguese is essential for communication.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Pantanal Matogrossense National Park Summary

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World-class for wildlife watching. Spot jaguars, caimans and birds on boat tours and safaris while exploring vast wetlands.

Place score

7.6

Best at:

Natural sites

Wildlife

Birdwatching

Guided tours

Rivers

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 4

Seniors

♻️ 9

Sustainability

❤️ 8

Couples

Brazil – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	127 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type C , Type N Type C: Type N: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Brazilian Real (BRL) £1 ≈ R$7.11
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payment is widely accepted in urban areas but less so in remote regions. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not customary in Brazil. Restaurants often include a 10% service charge. Additional tips are optional.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally allowed in Brazil, and it is common in social settings.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, with designated outdoor areas.

Carnival (February/March)	Expect parades and heavy crowds.
Independence Day (September)	National celebrations occur.
Christmas (December)	Family gatherings and public celebrations are common.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 190 (Police), 192 (Ambulance), 193 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	99, Uber, Cabify
Other:	Brazil is known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and Carnival celebrations. Avoid travelling alone in remote areas for safety.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

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The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

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for Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, Brazil

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Jan

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

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May

☀️

Jun

🔥

Jul

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Aug

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Sep

🔥

Oct

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Nov

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Dec

High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	May, Oct.
Crowdedness:	4 (Moderate tourist numbers)

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Climate details

Park is reached only by boat or aircraft, the reserve has no road access and no regular visitor facilities

Dry season June to September is best for wildlife, wet season December to April floods tracks and limits access

Wildfire and smoke risk August to October during the driest weeks

Don't miss

🐆 Join a guided wildlife safari to spot elusive jaguars
🛶 Take a boat tour through the Pantanal’s winding waterways
🐎 Experience horseback riding across flooded plains and trails
🌙 Go night spotlighting to see nocturnal animals in action
🐦 Birdwatch diverse species including the iconic Jabiru stork

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Why travel to Pantanal Matogrossense National Park?

The Pantanal is a nature lover's dream, offering some of the most accessible wildlife viewing in South America. Unlike the dense Amazon rainforest, the open wetlands make spotting animals remarkably easy, especially during the dry season (May to September) when wildlife concentrates around shrinking water sources. The park is particularly famous for jaguar sightings, which have become more common in recent years due to conservation efforts supported by ecotourism. Beyond the incredible biodiversity, the Pantanal offers a unique landscape that transforms dramatically between seasons. During the wet months, up to 80% of the plains become submerged, creating a fascinating aquatic ecosystem, while the dry season reveals vast grasslands teeming with life. Whether you're an avid photographer, birdwatcher or simply someone who appreciates the raw beauty of untouched nature, this UNESCO World Heritage site delivers an authentic wilderness experience that few other destinations can match.

Knowledge before you go

Visit during dry season May-September for best wildlife viewing.
Book guided tours with private guides; special park authorization required in advance.
Access via Cuiabá airport then Transpantaneira road; final leg by boat from Porto Jofre.
Bring binoculars, long camera lenses for jaguars, giant otters visible on river safaris and night spotlighting.

How to travel to Pantanal Matogrossense National Park

Accessing Pantanal Matogrossense requires some planning as the park is remote. The most common approach is flying to Cuiabá and then driving 102 km on the paved MT-060 to Poconé, followed by 147 km on the unpaved Transpantaneira Highway to Porto Jofre. From Porto Jofre, a 4-hour boat journey is required to reach the park. Alternatively, visitors can fly to the Acurizal Farm airstrip and take a 30-minute boat ride to the park. Note that special permission is required to visit as the park is not fully open to the public without authorization.

Access summary

From Cuiabá (CGB): Drive via Poconé and Transpantaneira to Porto Jofre, 4–5 hours.
From Cuiabá city: Tour transfers or self-drive to Porto Jofre, then boat 4 hours.
From Campo Grande (CGR): Long overland journeys; most visitors instead route via Cuiabá.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Pantanal Matogrossense National Park

Accommodation options near Pantanal Matogrossense are limited but authentic, ranging from eco-lodges and fazendas (ranches) to floating hotels along the rivers. Most lodgings offer all-inclusive packages that include meals and guided excursions. Staying at a riverside lodge in Porto Jofre area provides the best access for jaguar spotting, while properties along the Transpantaneira Highway offer excellent general wildlife viewing.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

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How to get around Pantanal Matogrossense National Park

The primary way to explore Pantanal Matogrossense National Park is by boat, as much of the area is accessible only via waterways. Guided boat tours along the Cuiabá River and other waterways offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for spotting jaguars and other elusive species. During the dry season, some areas can be explored via jeep safaris or on horseback through arranged tours with local guides.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-63 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 63% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-6 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to BRL) is 6% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs (Data for Corumba, Brazil - 165 km away)

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£40	£82	£220
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£23	£53	£135
🍝 Food per day	£14	£25	£71
🚕 Transportation per day	£3	£4	£13

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£9.50
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£4.70
🍟 Fast food combo	£5.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£4.80
☕ Cappuccino	£1.50
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£1.50

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.70
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£8
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.85

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£4.20
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£36
🤧 Cold medication	£3.60
💇 Basic haircut	£5.50

Safety information overview

General safety

The park itself is generally safe, with wildlife being the main concern rather than crime. Always follow guide instructions regarding animal encounters, especially with caimans and jaguars. Remote location means emergency services are limited.

Health & Medical

Medical facilities are extremely limited within the park area. The nearest hospitals are in Cuiabá, several hours away. Visitors should bring personal medications and basic first aid supplies. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended before visiting.

Accessibility

Accessibility is challenging due to the park's remote location and natural terrain. Most exploration requires boat travel, hiking or off-road vehicles. The park is not suitable for those with mobility limitations or requiring regular medical attention.

Tap water

Tap water is not safe for drinking. Visitors should rely on bottled or properly treated water. During excursions, bring sufficient water supplies as refill opportunities may be limited in remote areas.