What is the best time to visit the Pantanal? 

There is no better or worse period to visit the Pantanal. Each season has its own beauty. It also depends on what you want to see and do. If you come in the rain season (November- April) the vegetation is exuberant and the clear and clean water flows a large part of the land. In the dry season, the birds are breeding and caimans join together. Click here for further information read about the seasons in Pantanal.

For jaguar tours you'll have the best chance of seeing jaguars from mid June up to the first week of November.

 

 

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Is there malaria and yellow fever in the Pantanal?

No, there is no malaria and yellow fever in the Pantanal, but the Brazilian government recommends a yellow fever vaccination. Ask your national health center for more information before traveling.

 

 

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How dangerous is it to track jaguars?

Jaguar tracking is very exciting. We don't push to the limit and we won't give you a guarantee for succeeding. Our main rule is to respect the animal. Instead of completely invading his territory we attract him using the 'esturrador' (an indian instrument made of bamboo) which imitates the roaring of the animal. The curiosity will make the jaguar approach, not his anger or defense instinct. This is the safest way of tracking, instead using dogs which will stress the jaguar and make it feel threatened and unpredictable. How Julinho tracks down jaguars

 

What should I bring?

Temperatures in the Pantanal are usually high (35C/100F).

Always bring sun block, sunglasses, a hat, light and comfortable clothes (avoid dark colours) and bring a long sleeves T-shirt. For the activities: sneakers, sandals, binoculars, flashlight (extra batteries), repellent, photocamera plus films (for close up photography: minimum 200mm lens).

Most of lodges just provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not all of them provide extra's like snacks, etc (drinks are available). On our way to the Pantanal we visit a supermarket to do your final shopping.

 

 

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Can I bring my own tent and camp anywhere?

Most of the Pantanal is private land owned by ranchers. There are farms where they have special campsites, but you have to inform first. Wild camping is not allowed. Pantanal Trackers has special programs if you like to go camping.

 

 

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Is there any danger in the Pantanal?

The biggest danger in the Pantanal is the human being. If you don't know what you're doing you can bring yourself (or others) in danger. The advantage of having a Pantanal Tracker guide is that he knows the area and the animals habits.

 

 

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Are the tours suitable for families with children?

Pantanal Trackers offers a special program for families. We will stay in a family-friendly lodge and have ecological play&learn-activities for the whole family.

 

 

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What kind of food is served in the Pantanal?

All the lodges have a local cuisine. This means serving beef, pork and/or fish combined with rice, beans and vegetables. If you are a vegetarian or have a special diet, tell us in advance.

On the tours that we stay on traditional farms, we eat peão (cowboy) food like yerk meat with rice, beans and manioc.

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Does the tour include insurance?

No. You have to take care of your own travel and health insurance. In case anything happens we will help you of course. Ask your own insurance company for full coverage.

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Is the Pantanal a national park?

The Pantanal itself is not, but there is a national park within the Pantanal, which is located in the very south of the state of Mato Grosso. The national park is 100.000 he. (200,000 acres), but it is not a tour area. Ranchers own the rest of land.

 

How many days do I need to visit the Pantanal?

To get a good impression you need at least 3 days (2 nights). If you stay longer you get the chance to explore other places without rushing. For jaguar tours a minimum stay of 4 days (3 nights) is required.