What to do

Nature and Wildlife in Brazil

What to expect from Brazil's nature and wildlife...

Known for being one of the most biologically diverse places on earth, its incredible nature and wildlife is one of the key reasons to visit Brazil. Anyone who has been to the Amazon will tell you that nothing quite compares to the sounds of the jungle at night, where nature reigns supreme and those who visit the Pantanal are amazed by the sheer quantity of birds and mammals you can see. While these are two specific areas for wildlife viewing in Brazil, opportunities to get out into nature and see wildlife are by no means restricted to these areas.

Because of its enormous size, Brazil holds a whole range of different ecosystems within its borders, which are each home to a variety of different species of flora and fauna, many of them endemic. When you think that 60% of the Amazon rainforest is located within Brazil’s borders and that the world’s largest freshwater wetlands, the Pantanal is found in Brazil, it’s not surprising that there is so much wildlife to be found here. This is not to mention Brazil’s other diverse ecosystems, which are an equally important habit to birds, mammals, fish and reptiles, such as the savannah of the Cerrado, the endangered Atlantic forest found in clusters along Brazil’s coast and the grasslands of the Pampas.

Considering that Brazil covers an area of over 8.5 million square kilometres, it’s worth remembering that getting from place to place does take time and it can often require at least two internal flights and a long car journey to get to the most remote areas. Nevertheless, when these journeys take you over enormous stretches of dense forest, along sandy coastlines and through impressive mountain ranges, they can be awe-inspiring in themselves.

Many of the areas can be combined within an itinerary, with the open stretches of the Pantanal combining well with the fast-flowing waters of Iguaçu and the dense rainforest of the Southern Amazon. For those looking to try their hand at different outdoor activities, then there are activities such as fishing, horse riding, hiking, kayaking and diving to be tried all over Brazil. For those with specific interests such as photography or bird watching, we can point you in the direction of specialist guides and specially designed programs, which are run at different points during the year.

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    At a glance…Brazil

  • Population: 201 million+
  • Location: Central South America
  • Recommended time to go: 3 to 14 nights
  • Time to visit: Year round
  • Go here for: Beaches, culture, nature and wildlife, activities
  • Further reading...

  • › What to do - Family Holidays Brazil
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  • Our Top Five Nature and Wildlife Hotels in Brazil:

    1. Caiman Ecological Refuge - Swimming Pool

      Caiman Ecological Refuge

      A model for ecotourism and conservation projects, and set within the boundaries of a 53 000-hectare ranch, the Caiman Ecological Refuge offers some of the best opportunities to view wildlife and, of course, the elusive Jaguar, in the Southern Pantanal. Comfortable accommodation, delicious home-... More...

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    2. Cristalino Lodge - Aerial View

      Cristalino Lodge

      Considered to be the best lodge in the Brazilian Amazon for wildlife enthusiasts, and voted one of the best ecolodges in the world, Cristalino Lodge is a very special property! With expert specialist guides from all over the world, comfortable accommodation designed to integrate with its... More...

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    3. Anavilhanas Lodge - view from the air

      Anavilhanas Lodge

      One of the most luxurious and comfortable lodges in the Amazon, Anavilhanas sits at the edge of the largest inland archipelago in the world and the Anavilhanas National Park. Located at the banks of the River Negro the lodge provides a variety of excursions exploring the flora and fauna of the... More...

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    4. Pousada Picinguaba - Beach

      Pousada Picinguaba

      Pousada Picinguaba is a luxury guesthouse, in a secluded area of outstanding natural beauty along the Costa Verde. Placing an emphasis on simplicity, hospitality and helping guests to immerse themselves in their natural surroundings, the Pousada offers a unique opportunity to escape to a little... More...

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    5. Barra Mansa - view from air

      Barra Mansa

      A family-run lodge in the heart of the southern Pantanal, Barra Mansa is one of the more difficult lodges to reach in the Pantanal but for that reason it is one of the most rewarding. Set on the banks of the Rio Negro, Barra Mansa’s remote waterside location makes it one of the best places for... More...

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