Depending on the time of year and the guide you hire, you can expect to see a variety of different animals. Unlike many other biologically intense areas, in the Pantanal you are virtually guaranteed to actually SEE the wildlife. There are close to 10 million Yacare Caiman present within the Pantanal and during the Dry Season every bridge crossing on the Transpantaneira is surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of Caimans basking or fighting for space in the ever dwindling lagoons. Capybara, like the Caiman, are also present in the millions and are likely to be encountered every few seconds while driving. The Pantanal is also home to a variety of birds (including the endangered Hyacinth Macaw, which is easily spotted.) Other mammals are slightly harder to spot, but still much easier than in the Amazon. On a boat ride through the river you are likely to spot the endangered Giant River Otter and Red-bellied Piranha (the Otter's favorite meal.) With the right guide and a couple of days on the river the chances of spotting a Jaguar (or perhaps even more than one) are actually very high. The Pantanal is the best place in all of the Americas to spot a Jaguar in the wild, given the relatively small amount of thick rain forest cover.

The Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, is a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best destinations in Brazil for wildlife spotting. Unlike the dense Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal’s open landscapes make it easier to observe its incredible biodiversity. The region is home to jaguars, giant otters, capybaras, caimans, tapirs, and over 600 species of birds, making it a dream destination for photographers and ecotourists.

One of the best ways to explore the Pantanal is by driving along the Transpantaneira Road, a scenic dirt road stretching from Poconé to Porto Jofre in the northern Pantanal. Along its many wooden bridges, visitors can spot caimans sunbathing, jabiru storks wading in the water, and families of capybaras grazing nearby. For those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Porto Jofre and the Encontro das Águas State Park are among the best places in the world to see wild jaguars. Boat safaris along the Cuiabá River provide thrilling encounters with these elusive big cats as they hunt along the riverbanks.

In the southern Pantanal, near the towns of Miranda and Corumbá, visitors can experience the wetlands through horseback riding, night safaris, and canoeing at traditional fazendas (ranches) like Fazenda San Francisco. This region is excellent for spotting giant anteaters, tapirs, and colorful hyacinth macaws, the world’s largest parrots. Whether by boat, on foot, or on horseback, exploring the Pantanal offers an unforgettable journey into one of the most wildlife-rich ecosystems on the planet.