ANDETUR OFFERS VARIOUS TOURS IN THE NORTH AND SOUTH PANTANAL

 

The Pantanal Wetlands, located in central South America, is one of the largest continous wetlands in the world. It is am immense flood plain of approximately 200,000 KM2 incorporating extensive areas of Brazil (80%), Bolivia (15%) and Paraguay (5%). In Brazil, the Pantanal occupies an area of approximately 140,000 KM2 and is located in the states of Mato Grosso (35%) and Mato Grosso do Sul (65%).

The Pantanal flood plain receives its water from a river network, called the Upper Paraguay River Basin, being that the Paraguay River is the main drainage channel. During the rainy season (usually November to March) the water spreads slowly creating extensive flooded areas. In the dry season (usually April to October), when the waters recede, the nutrient rich pools usually have fish and other aquatic species trapped, which are an easy prey for bird and other wildlife species. It is also a special time of year for dedicated sports fishermen, although fishing can be productive all year except from December to early February when the fish are reproducing. At this time of year, it is also very colorful because of the blossoming of the pink "Piúva" and yellow "Cambará" and "Paratudo" trees.

Another interesting fact is that the Pantanal is divided into 11 sub-regions: Cáceros, Poconé, Barão de Melgaço, Paraguay, Paiaguás, Nhecolândia, Abobral, Aquidauana, Miranda, Nabileque and Porto Murtinho. Each region has its own type of soil, vegetation, fauna and flooding period (see map on above left).

The yearly flood pulse creates an ideal environment for many fish and wildlife species (giant otters, capybaras, Hyacinthine macawa, etc.) to live and reproduce. However, there is not only wildlife in the Pantanal. There is also over a 3 million Nellore Zebu cattle herd, because for the last 200 years the main economical activity in the region has been cattle ranching. The Pantanal has lush native pastures.

 

 

Ecotourism is bringing a new economic trend to the Pantanal. Several ranches now have guest accomodations and offer eco-tours. Thus, most of our ecotours are conducted inside privately owned ranches. Some of the ranches are participating actively in research and conservation issues, by allowing researchers to use their property to study the Pantanal.

HINT: While visiting the Pantanal also take the time to visit nearby intersting places such as "Chapada dos Guimarães" in the North Pantanal and "Bonito" and "Corumbá" in the South Pantanal.

 

	From Corumbá you can visit various archeological sites, the Urucum mountains, and forests.
Bride's Veil Waterfall	Brides Veil Waterfall in the Chapada dos Guimarães is another site worth seeing.
		BONITO Bonito offers the famous Blue Grotto caves and snorkling in its crystal clear rivers.

Our Pantanal tour packages are quoted all inclusive and are 'put together' or designed for individual clients or groups as packages according to their preferences, and often include air - both commercial and 'air taxi' when needed, airport transfers, special day tours, accomodations, and qualified guides. These 'packages' are often combined with visits to other parts of Brazil, often highly discounted to Andetur club members and clients.

All tour packages require a deposit (minimum US$ 300 non-refundable) immediately upon reservations and the balance must be prepaid in full 60 days before travel to the Pantanal. If your proposed travel is within the 60 days, payment in full is required. For tours booked within 14 days of arrival, there is a US$ 200 'late booking' fee required.