The Pantanal wetland - a region of extremes

The wetland is bordered by Table Mountain to the east and ranges that extend to the foothills of the Andes to the west. This flooded area covers almost the same size as Germany, or six times the size of Switzerland, totaling 230,000 sq km, and is an important natural water reservoir for wildlife, flora, and people.

In the flood basin, which begins to fill irregularly from mid-November, the water levels vary each year.

Looking at the map, the watershed is located at Diamantino, north of Cuiabá. To the north, the water flows into the Amazon, while to the south, it flows through the Pantanal into the Rio Paraguay, heading towards Argentina.

The Pantanal begins just a few minutes' drive from the former gold-digger town of Poconé. Leaving Poconé, you soon reach the dusty mud road: the Transpantaneira. The construction of this road began in the 1970s with the goal of connecting the northern, poorer economic regions with the southern trading metropolises in Paraguay and Argentina. The World Bank co-financed most of the road, but unfortunately, due to corruption and the challenging construction conditions, the work stalled in the «damp underground.»

As a result, the Transpantaneira now connects Poconé to all the farms in the Pantanal and ends in Porto Jofre, 145 km further south.

In the Pantanal, you will encounter a wide variety of species, including 640 bird species such as the Hyacinth Macaw, many amphibians, the twilight-active Tapir, and the anteater. The second largest bird in South America, the jabiru, also calls this region home. You may also spot the jaguar and the anaconda near our Lodge.

Did you know... that the coati is the only animal capable of eating the introduced, poisonous Aga toad? It beats and washes them until the poison is released from their bodies before consuming them.

Or that leaf-cutting ants only defoliate every other tree? After two years, they return to the same spot and defoliate the second tree. This is how they maintain their ecological balance.

Did you know... that the vulture circles in the sky for two reasons? First, the sunlight changes the blood flow in its featherless neck, preventing it from poisoning itself while scavenging. Second, the vulture’s circular flights help it detect the scent of its future meal on the ground more easily.

The Yacaré caiman has butterflies on its eyelids, attracted by the perspiration from its eyes. The summer birds mistake this for nectar and unintentionally clean the caiman's eyes while feeding.

Challenges in the Pantanal

Unfortunately, the increasing number of cows in the Pantanal is having a detrimental effect on the environment. The manure from these cows acidifies the soil, disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Additionally, the introduction of water buffalo has caused further harm. These large animals, brought to the region to protect cattle from Jaguars, are multiplying rapidly, changing the land’s surface and consuming important plant species. Their presence also facilitates the spread of diseases to the Pantanal marsh deer.

Cattle ranchers contribute to the degradation of the environment by intentionally destroying termite mounds, which allows for better management of pastureland. However, this drives away anteaters, whose diet consists primarily of ants and termites, disrupting the local food chain.

Soya Cultivation and Its Impact

Another significant issue is the cultivation of soya, which leads to the destruction of gallery forests. These forests play a crucial role in maintaining the Pantanal’s biodiversity and ecosystem.

Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

It is essential to promote sustainable tourism in the Pantanal, one that supports local conservation efforts while minimizing disturbance to the wildlife and plant life. This is the mission we have set for ourselves – to ensure that tourism here benefits both nature and visitors.

We would be delighted to share more fascinating details about the Pantanal during your visit. We look forward to welcoming you soon.