TRAVEL: Brazil’s wonderful wilderness

IF YOU’RE thinking about a long-haul holiday with a difference why not venture into the Brazilian wilderness where there’s lots of incredible wildlife in an almost surreal natural environment.

Brazil is home to some of the world’s finest natural parks and unspoilt wilderness. And with a land mass larger than the entirety of Europe, the country’s landscape is expansive, diverse and greatly differs between the seasons. 

The Irish summer months are the best time to appreciate Brazil’s natural beauty and wildlife and here are three of the best places to spot wildlife in this country where it’s not just football and fiestas that captivates visitors.

THE PANTANAL

The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland in the world, covering over 200,000 square metres. Home to more than 3,500 different species of trees and plants and over 650 species of birds, mammals, fish and reptiles, the biodiversity here is even greater than the more famous Amazon.

Take a safari trip and see if you can spot South America’s ‘Big Five’ iconic creatures: Jaguar, Giant River Otter, Brazilian Tapir, Giant Anteater and Maned Wolf.

There’s also monkeys, alligators, toucans, capybaras, anacondas and howlers. A particularly special way to explore the Pantanal is on horseback, riding with the Pantaneiros (local cowboys), so you can discover places tricky to reach by foot.

In the dry season there are many ranches offering guided and solo tours for the adventurous.

The dry season is the best time to visit Pantanal as during these months the most beautiful areas are easy to get to. During the rainy seasons, the grasslands and forests are submerged into a swamp and just the heart is left, which is only accessible by a small plane or boat. Between October and February, around 80 per cent of Pantanal is completely underwater.

THE AMAZON

The Amazon rainforest is globally renowned for its staggering size and eco diversity.

The dry season is again the best time to visit, as the water level in the river is highest and the weather is mild and clear. Visit the depths of the Amazon by travelling by Riverboat and or hiking between jungle lodges.

Also is this region is Jau National Park. Its swampy area forms the largest forest reserve in South America, located within the Rio Negro watershed on the Amazon basin.

Reach the nature reserve by boat and sail through mangroves and lianas, with guides ensuring your safety. So don’t be too alarmed if a crocodile swims past your boat, or a jaguar is waiting for you on the river bank!

Situated in the heart of the Amazon rainforest on the River Solimões, the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve is recognised as a wetland of global importance.

For six months a year, the river overflows its banks which has caused the unique and complex ecosystem to develop. The Reserve is the only place in the world where you can encounter the rare Uakari monkey and spot the river dolphins. The local government and population of Mamirauá work hard to protect the beautiful flora and fauna.

MINAS GERAIS

The Serra do Cipo national park, situated north of Brazil’s seventh largest city, Belo Horizonte, is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Minas Gerais.

Horticulture enthusiasts travel from all around the world to see some of Brazil’s finest flower, fauna and wildlife, including a rare and unique variety of orchid, tamarin monkeys, wolves, jaguars, bats and pyjama frog. Embark on a hike around the park to spot the wildlife and visit some of Serra do Cipo’s finest landmarks, such as the 70 metre waterfall, Cachoeira da Farofa.

Serra da Canastra is one of Brazil’s most special parks, home to endangered species such as the Canastra armadillo, guará wolf and anteater.

The park is also the natural habitat for over 200 species of birds and aquatic plants, which is why so many people travel to Serra da Canastra for specialist bird watching. Why not see if you can spot the Red-Legged Seriema, the Cock-tailed Tyrant or the Brasilia Tapaculo? It really is a unique experience!