Brazil is one of the most Biologically Diverse Places on Earth

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. Don't miss any opportunities to discover the Amazon Rainforest and the most biologically vibrant wetlands of the Pantanal. A visit to the world-famous Iguaçu Waterfalls from the Brazilian and the Argentinian border is not to be missed neither.

Pantanal

For wildlife−spotting, the best time is the dry season from June to the end of September. The water levels are low and the animals gather around the water ponds. There are two main roads running through the Pantanal, the Transpantaneira in the North (Mato Grosso) and Estrada do Parque in the South (Mato Grosso do Sul). Both are dirt roads with numerous wooden bridges in various conditions. Along the Transpantaneira you can find pousadas, lodges and fazendas catering to tourists.

What animals can you expect to see? The seasonally flooded plains attract immense quantities of birds including the iconic white jabiru stork with its black and red neck, as well as red, blue and hyacinth macaws. There are also plenty of capybaras and caimans around. For the rest of the wildlife, it's all about being at the right place at the right time. Most visitors come hoping to see the jaguar and your best chance at glimpsing this elusive animal is either early in the morning or from dusk when they hunt, eat and drink. The same goes for the Brazilian tapir, the marsh deer and the giant anteater. Another popular animal on wildlife wish lists is the giant otter, which can reach 1.7m in length.

Amazon

Manaus is worth the visit as well and the Teatro Amazonas or Amazon Theatre, located in the heart of Manaus, is an iconic landmark that should not be missed. The Opera House was built during the rubber boom, in the late 19th century, and is an architectural masterpiece reflecting its glorious past when Manaus was a synonym for luxery.

Manaus sits at the confluence of two of the world's greatest rivers. The Rio Negro (or Black River) with black water that flows South into the main stream of the Amazon (or Solimões River), which has a brownish colour. At the Meeting of the Waters (Encontro das Águas), the two rivers merge but they don't blend completely for another 6km downstream. This phenomenon is caused by differences in the speed of currents and acidity of the water. Freshwater dolphins are sometimes seen in the vicinity.

Iguaçu Waterfalls

You should visit the Waterfalls both from the Argentinian and Brazilian side. A visit to the falls on the Brazil side gives an overall wonderfull view from a distance, while a visit to the Argentina side gives you the opportunity to get up close and enjoy the splendour of the falls. The access to Iguazú Falls in Argentina, is done through the Argentinian Iguazú National Park, in this case it is necessary to enter the country through Customs, so don't forget your documents and passport. Both parks have nice trails via walkways through nature. On the Brazilian side the tour starts with a bus ride leaving the Visitors Center to the trailhead, during this route there are stops for additional sightseeing tours. The trail is performed on foot by a walkway in the woods, with open spaces for observation. At the end of the trail, there is a observation footbridge to the final point known as Devil's Throat. On the Argentinian side you can travel inside the park via an ecological train as well and then follow multiple hiking trails to admire the waterfalls from different angles and up close.