25 TRULYWILDBRAZIL Partner Spotlight Enchanting Travels is delighted to journey further into Brazil’s tropical heart by expanding our offering in the responsible travel destination of Pantanal, both North and now South. Jay Harlow, South America Travel Consultant, shares this special destination. What and where is Pantanal? The UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pantanal, is the world’s largest tropical wetland system sprawling across western Brazil into Paraguay and Bolivia. National Geographic actually named it ‘Brazil’s best kept secret’ – and I’d have to agree! Who should visit? Everyone! However, if like me you love nature and have a huge regard for biodiversity then this is the destination for you! What is the local community like? While there are several unique indigenous groups that live along the rivers, the people of the Pantanal are predominantly cattle farmers, pantaneiros. How does Pantanal differ from the Amazon? While the Amazon rainforest gets more attention the Pantanal has a far higher concentration of wildlife - the most in all of South America. This, plus the large open vistas, means you will spot far more animals than you would in the Amazon. What wildlife can I expect there? You are surrounded by feathered friends from herons, kingfishers and storks to the endangered Hyacinth Macaw. I particularly love the capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, and I was amazed that they lived side by side with the alligator-like caiman. Then there are giant otters, howler and capuchin monkey and much more. What are the highlights of Pantanal? Ecotourism is integral to conservation as local communities and landowners now have source of income that depends upon the ecosystem staying intact. Through not-for-profit project Onçafari, you can spend a full day or night assisting the conservation team’s efforts in tracking these wonderful illusive wild cats. What can I expect from the weather? There’s an annual rainy season from November to March, which literally floods the region and creates a verdant landscape – and is the nesting time for many bird species and very hot. The best time to visit the area is the dry season from May to September, or a little later in the Cuiabá region. There’s an intensely humid air, as is typical of tropical environments. Where should I stay? Nature dictates the accommodation options and there a number of eco lodges. We recommend Pousada Rio Mutum Eco Lodge in Pantanal North and Caiman Lodge in Pantanal South. What is there to do? Head out with expert naturalist guides who allow you to discover the natural world and local culture. You can go horseback riding, canoeing, or on walking and photographic safaris. Deep in the Pantanal RECOMMENDED ROUTE: 14 Days, 13 Nights Sao Paulo (1) – Pantanal North or South (3) – Foz do Iguacu (2) – Rio de Janeiro (3) – Porto do Galinhas (4) – Sao Paulo (1) Starting from USD 6,700 / person. Discover the thrill of Pantanal for yourself! Contact Jay Harlow on jay@enchantingtravels.com THE PANTANAL IS HOME TO: • 650 bird species • 80 mammal species • 400 fish species