The wildlife of the world’s largest wetland
The asphalt road comes to an end, and before us stretches the long, winding Transpantaneira, a dirt road that leads deep into the vast Pantanal wetland of Brazil. This 147-kilometer road was originally intended to connect the southern and northern parts of the wetland but was left incomplete, now ending in Porto Jofre. The road is famous for its numerous wooden bridges, which cross countless small and large waterways. We stop at one of these bridges because, during the dry season, every source of water attracts abundant life. Here, we spot several wading birds, including Pantanal’s iconic jabiru.
I carefully descend closer to the water’s surface to photograph a caiman whose eye is just visible above the surface. Suddenly, the water is filled with multiple pairs of eyes. Though caimans are not typically dangerous to humans, keeping a safe distance feels like the best option.
At our lodge, the abundance of life is evident even in the yard. Horses roam freely, and right near the buildings, we spot various birds – like red-crested cardinals and bare-faced curassows – as well as coatis, monkeys, agoutis, and crab-eating foxes. In the evening, we venture out in hopes of encountering wildlife that usually stays further away from human settlements. Luck is on our side: a tapir arrives at a nearby pond to drink, allowing us to capture its presence. This large, peaceful ungulate seems unbothered by our presence. Tapirs have poor eyesight, and as long as you remain silent and let the animal approach rather than moving toward it, you can photograph them up close without causing stress.
The next day, patience rewards us again. A giant anteater and an armadillo pass near our position, entirely unaware of us as we remain quiet and still. Observing their slow, deliberate movements so closely is a privilege and a testament to the value of patience in wildlife encounters.
Tracking Jaguars
We journey deeper into Pantanal and begin the river safari portion of our trip, where the primary goal is to encounter the magnificent jaguar. Pantanal is the only place in the world where sightings of this elusive predator are considered likely. Our good fortune continues from the very first morning. Thanks to the exceptional skill of our boat pilot, we witness a stunning female jaguar resting in a tree.
Over the course of four days, we spot an astonishing 15 jaguars, observing their lives in extraordinary detail: resting, swimming, nurturing cubs, courtship behavior, and even hunting. The most dramatic moment of our trip occurs as a jaguar approaches a capybara nursing her two young on the riverbank. The hunt is over in seconds. The confused young capybaras seek shelter near our boat, a poignant reminder of nature’s harsh realities. Later, we see large groups of capybaras roaming the hotel grounds, mingling confidently with human visitors. Witnessing their behavior after such an event makes it easy to understand why these animals gravitate toward human settlements for safety.
At the lodge, the variety of birds also captivates us. Toucans, hyacinth macaws, and other exotic species grace the surroundings with their vibrant colors and calls.
A Photographer’s Paradise
Capturing the sheer abundance of wildlife in the Pantanal can be both thrilling and demanding. The constant flow of photo opportunities during river safaris—majestic jaguars, fishing hawks, wading birds, playful otters, and caimans swimming alongside the boat—means that efficient photo management is essential. Despite careful preparation, even experienced photographers may find their storage capacity tested by the sheer volume of images.
For those planning a trip to the Pantanal, high-capacity memory cards, preferably in the terabyte range, are indispensable. It’s also important to keep your camera’s high-speed burst mode (H+) at the ready for those split-second moments of action, such as a jaguar leaping or a hawk diving for its prey. That said, using burst mode sparingly is key—memory cards can fill up quickly, and managing thousands of photos after the trip can become an overwhelming task.
As the world’s largest wetland, the Pantanal offers photographers unparalleled opportunities and unforgettable encounters. Its extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking landscapes make it a destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Explore our Pantanal-collection!
For more information about this incredible destination visit www.kuvausmatkat.fi.