Wildlife You Can Spot in Just 7 Days in South Pantanal

Short on time but still want to see wildlife in Brazil’s South Pantanal on a budget? This guide shows you how to spot some of South America’s most iconic animals, from capybaras to jabirus, caimans, and maybe even an anteater, without spending a fortune on luxury ecolodges. Written by a biologist and traveler, it’s based on real sightings and includes practical tips for doing it yourself with just an international driver’s license, a bit of planning, and a sense of adventure.

 

Want to read more on how we planned our trip? Take a look here!

Target Species & Realistic Expectations

Before heading to the South Pantanal, we made a list of target wildlife sightings:

  • Ocelot

  • Giant Anteater

  • Tamandua (lesser anteater)

  • Yellow Anaconda

  • Armadillo

 

Well, we saw one of those. And it wasn’t even in the Pantanal, it was an armadillo crossing the road as we were driving back to Campo Grande. 

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The Pantanal is often described as one of the best places in South America to spot animals, and it absolutely has that potential. But especially if you’re traveling on a budget, doing self-drives and avoiding pricey guided safaris, it’s really about being in the right place at the right time… and getting lucky. So here is what you can realistically see in South Pantanal in 7 days (end of May):

Mammals

  • Capybaras:

    Best spot: Along R. Gen. Camisão, where large lakes attract huge groups.

    We saw at least 40, including babies, often in the water or grazing by the water.

  • Marsh deer:

    Best spot: MS-184, spotted early morning crossing the road.

    They’re more elusive than capybaras, so keep your eyes peeled and drive slowly at dawn.

  • Crab-eating foxes:

    Sighted: Three individuals by a small lake along MS-184 in the morning.

  • Giant otters:

    Location: Same lake where we saw the crab-eating foxes along MS-184.

    Two were busy fishing and completely unbothered by our presence!

  • Peccaries:

    Abundant. We saw at least 20, usually in small groups.

    Sightings: Along MS-184 and on the dirt road MS-171 toward Pousada Aguapé.

    They were often grazing roadside or crossing in front of the car.

  • Pampas deer:

    Seen: Five individuals crossing MS-171 (dirt road to Pousada Aguapé).

    Unlike the marsh deer, these were in open grassy patches, daytime sighting.

  • Six-banded armadillo:

    Surprise sighting: On the main road from Buraco das Araras to Campo Grande.

    It darted across the road, completely unexpected and too fast for a video!

  • Juaguars: During one of our evening drives along Estrada do Rev., a dirt road leading toward Refúgio da Ilha Ecolodge, we saw the footprints of a mom and baby jaguar. Even though South Pantanal, compared to North Pantanal, isn't known for seeing jaguars that easily, there is still a chance!

Reptiles & Amphibians

  • Caimans:

    Caimans are absolutely everywhere. Any body of water, whether a roadside puddle, a pond, or the Miranda River, will likely have a caiman or ten lounging around. 

  • Neotropical rattlesnake:

    We spotted one crossing the BR-262. A quick reminder to drive slowly and stay alert, some of the coolest sightings happen right in the middle of the road.

  • Mato Grosso Lancehead:

    This venomous pit viper was curled up near the roadside along Estrada do Rev. during a night drive.

  • Bolivian snail eater: 

        Also found crossing the main road BR-262.

  • We saw frogs almost every evening around the Pantanal Jungle Lodge and near water sources. Most of them were hopping across roads at night or hanging out near ponds.

Birds

  • Hyacinth Macaw:

    We spotted several, mostly in pairs or trios, especially along the MS184. These are the world’s largest flying parrots.

  • Red-and-Green Macaw:

    Seen exclusively at Buraco das Araras, where they nest in the sinkhole walls.

  • Orange-fronted parakeet

    All parakeets super common along most dirt roads. You’ll hear their chatter before you see them.

  • White-eyed parakeet
  • Nanday parakeets
  • Southern mealy amazon
  • Toco toucan:

    Everywhere. You’ll likely see them flying overhead or perched on branches near roads.

  • Ema (greater rhea):

    Common on the open plains, especially around BR-262 and R. Gen. Camisão. Easy to spot any time of day.

  • Roseate spoonbill:

    A special sighting for us! Only spotted twice, very early morning along R. Gen. Camisão. Gone by 9AM.

  • Burrowing owl:

    Super cute and seen everywhere (except MS184), usually perched on termite mounds or fences during the day.

  • South American great horned owl:

    Heard and seen the first night at Pantanal Jungle Lodge, you’ll recognise it by its eerie screeching.

  • Buff-necked Ibis:

    Common.

  • Grey ibis:

    Less common; we only saw one along the MS171.

  • Green ibis:

    Regular sightings on all our drives.

  • Bare-faced ibis:

    Less common, we only saw one along the MS171.

  • Crested caracara:

    Possibly the most frequently seen bird of prey, we spotted dozens. You’ll get bored of them before they get bored of you.

  • Jabiru stork:

    Seen quite often, some even nesting.

  • Black-coloured hawk:

    Often fishing in roadside ponds, especially along the MS184.

  • Laughing falcon:

    We only saw one on the MS184, but a cool find!

  • Various hawks
  • Ringed kingfisher:

    Seen frequently near ponds.

  • Bare-faced curassow:

    Common but shy. If you want a picture, bring patience.

  • Southern lapwing:

    Constant roadside companions.

  • Chaco chachalaca:

    Literally everywhere and surprisingly camera-shy.

  • Rufescent tiger heron:

    Seen only once (MS184)

  • Cocoi heron:

    Seen only once along Estrada do Rev.