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Weather and Wildlife Cycle


The Pantanal is the world’s largest seasonally flooded wetland, occupying 54,000 sq miles of Brazil, and 28,000 sq miles of neighbouring Bolivia and Paraguay. It is host to some 50 species of reptiles, 80 species of mammals, and 650 species of birds

Through the Pantanal run 175 rivers, all of which discharge into the Paraguay river. ‘Paraguay’ in Guarani, means ‘river of the parrots’

Once out of Rio, most our activities will be in the states of Parana and Mato Grosso do Sul, the 'heart' of the Pantanal; and close to the border with Paraguay

Naturally, this simple description of the Pantanal seasonal cycle is only intended as a very approximate guide to dates and weather, in the areas we will be touring. In the Pantanal, as everywhere else in the world, weather patterns are changing


Rainy season (Oct - Dec)

Regular rain eventually causes rivers to flood
Rains for a few hours each day, with the occasional 2-3 days continuous
Birds prepare for migration. Many smaller birds apparent
Mating season for many animals. Vegetation starts flowering, and trees bear fruit
Days start becoming longer


Wet Season (Jan - Mar)

Rivers have swelled, filling the Pantanal plains
Rains diminish gradually, to the occasional downpour
More animals to be seen in the remaining dry areas
Plantlife flourishes
Days are longer


Drainage Season (Apr - Jun)

Water levels start to fall
Mainly dry
Migratory birds start to return. Large flocks of birds become apparent
Plantlife still vibrant
Days start becoming shorter


Dry Season (Jul - Sep)
Mainly dry land, with diminishing pools of water
Dry, with rain being rare
Large numbers of reptiles, mammals and birds to be seen near remaining water supplies
Vegetation more parched. Colourful trees in bloom
Days are shorter

 Further Information