Ministério do Turismo
Idiomas disponíveis
Pantanal Norte
The Pantanal is an ecological paradise in the heart of Brazil. It is the planet’s largest flooded lowland, and the world’s third biggest environmental reserve. Its ecological importance is enormous because it is home to one of the richest ecosystems ever found, with periodically flooded seasonal woods. It displays the largest concentration of neo-tropical fauna, including several endangered species – mammals, reptiles and fish – and it also serves as habitat for an enormous variety of native birds as well as those coming from other areas in the Americas. The Pantanal is one of the best places in Brazil for flora and fauna observation and for fishing – only permitted between March and October – due to its abundance of animals. It has a total area of 230 thousand square kilometers, covering 12 townships in the States of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. To the North, there are the Paracis, Azul and Roncador mountains. To the East, the Maracaju Mountain Range. To the South, the Dodoquena Mountain Range. And, to the West, the Paraguayan and Bolivian swamps. The Pantanal is so diverse that researchers subdivided it in sub-regions. Each “Pantanal” – North and South – has its own natural features, activities and ideal period for visitation. The Pantanal National Park was created in 1981, but it was only in 1993 that it was considered an Environmental Preservation Area - EPA. Its entrance is located in the city of Poconé, 102 km from Cuiabá, capital of the State of Mato Grosso. Unesco – United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization - granted it the title of World Biosphere Reserve. The title brought with it increased support from government as well as from society in order to preserve the riches and implement a sustainable development policy in the area. The Reserve Headquarters is on a plateau – away from flooding – and it has a Visitors Center and boats. To get to know the Pantanal National Park it is necessary to go by boat, leaving from Jofre Port, accompanied by a guide and to have previous authorization from Ibama - Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources. With this, the attraction becomes a bit expensive; however it is always possible to bargain. The use of insect repellent, solar protection, hat or cap, light clothing and water-proof boots are also indispensable. Because the park has no infrastructure, it is advisable to take light snacks, fruits and water for the trip. There is no lodging available inside the Park, thus making it necessary to return on the same day. Hiking and trailing are not allowed. Fishing – even sport fishing – and hunting are strictly prohibited between the months of November and February, as is nocturnal alligator watching without a guide. The best time to visit is from May to September, when the waters start to go down, making it better for fauna observation. During the rainy season, between October and February, there is an enormous quantity of mosquitoes, the heat is intense and the Transpantaneira Highway becomes impassable.
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- Basic information
- Climate:
In the Pantanal, the dry season is between the months of May and September and it is accompanied by cold weather – the average temperature is 21ºC. From October to February, the rainy season, it becomes very hot – the average temperature is 32ºC – and there are many mosquitoes. The intermediate season – the best time for visitation – is well balanced, with little rain and good conditions for fauna observation. - Events
- International Fishing Festival
The Festival takes place in the city of Cáceres, 215 km from Cuiabá. It is one of the world’s biggest fishing tournaments. It happens in the second half of September and attracts more than 100 thousand people to the city. The competition gathers more than 1,500 competitors between adults – who fish on boats – and children, who have a separate competition. Shows by regional groups, sport competitions, nautical trade fairs, arts and crafts and typical cuisine complete the program.
The Joust
The Joust takes place in Poconé, 102 km from Cuiabá. It is an outdoor show simulating a battle between the Moors and the Christians. This tradition arrived in the State in 1769. - Accommodation / Restaurants
- In Poconé there are many lodging options, from simple inns to well-equipped hotels with ecotourism and fishing programs.
For more on lodging, visit:
http://www.poconepantanal.com.br/
http://www.sescpantanal.com.br/
Pintado, pacu and dourado (a kind of catfish) are served by most restaurants in the area. The Pantanal menu also satisfies those who like exotic recipes such as piranha soup – thought to be an aphrodisiac – and alligator meat.
For more on Pantanal cuisine, visit:
http://www.caiman.com.br/caiman/new-portugues/refugio/gastronomia.asp
http://www.mercedessanchez.com.br/pantanal/madeinpantanal_receitas.htm - How to get there
- By Air: For air travel, the Acurizal Farm (RPPN/Ecotropical Foundation) landing strip is used. This is a one hour flight plus 30 minutes by boat. The closest city is Poconé, 102 km from Cuiabá.
By Highway: Take MT 060, departing from Cuiabá to Poconé, it is 102 km of paved road. Continue along the Transpantaneira Highway for another 147 km to Jofre Port, on the Cuiabá River bank.
By Water: Departing from Jofre Port to the Park, the only access is by boat, and it takes approximately 4 hours. - Services
- Tourist Information:
- Ibama/Poconé: +55 (65) 345-1187
- Sematur: +55 (65) 223-5918
Car Rental:
- Localiza: +55 (65) 223-1212
- Locar: +55 (65) 223-1921
Bus Station: +55 (65) 223-2136 / 224-1122
Bank Agencies:
- Poconé: Banco do Brasil
- Cáceres: Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, CEF, HSBC e Itaú.
Hospitals:
- General: +55 (65) 345-1963
- São Luís: +55 (65) 223-1000 - Related links
- http://www.mre.gov.br/cdbrasil/itamaraty/web/port/meioamb/ecossist/pantanal/
http://www.ibama.gov.br/ecossistemas/pantanal.htm
http://www.sescpantanal.com.br/
http://www.mercedessanchez.com.br/pantanal/madeinpantanal_receitas.htm
http://www.parqueregionaldopantanal.org.br/territorio/homem.php - Attractions
- Paraguai River
The Pantanal’s back bone is the Paraquai River that cuts through the region from North to South. Miranda, Aquidauna, Taquari and Cuiabá rivers flow into the Paraguai River. From October to April, the high waters reveal enormous lakes, bays, river branches and outlets. A boat trip through this natural beauty provides wonderful sights.
Transpantaneira Highway
It connects the city of Poconé to Jofre Port, along the Cuiabá River bank. It is a 149 km dirt road with 126 wooden bridges. On the way it is possible to observe wild animals, especially alligators, capybaras and birds, among other wild animals. The best time for fauna observation is early morning or at the end of the day. Many tourists travel it in one day, leaving from Poconé, having lunch in one of the inns on the way and returning in the afternoon. During the rainy season – from November to April – the road becomes very precarious from km 65 on. The best time of the year for the trip is from May to October, when the waters recede. The use of all wheel drive vehicles is recommended.
Sesc Pantanal
SESC’s Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) increases by one third the total area of this preserved ecosystem in the State of Mato Grosso. It leaves a legacy for future generations that includes a rich sample of biodiversity for studies in agriculture, cattle raising, aquiculture, biomedicine and wild fauna management. A reserve with these characteristics not only guarantees official protection of a considerable part of the Pantanal and attends to the requirements of sustainable management – including fiscal benefits – but it can also stimulate the same type of initiative in other areas of Brazil, contributing to the establishment of a national system of conservation units.
Ornithology or Bird Watching
A hundred sixty one different species of birds have been observed in the Pantanal. There are still many species in the area that have not yet been found during bird watching periods.
Ecotourism
Horseback riding and boat rides, hikes to observe animals, photographic safaris – in four wheel drive vehicles, on horseback or in canoes – and piranha fishing are the main attractions for those who want to know the exuberant Pantanal fauna. Some old cattle farms were adapted to receive visitors and offer these kinds of program and tours for tourists who enjoy ecotourism.
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