Ministério do Turismo

Pantanal Sul

The Pantanal is an ecological paradise right in the heart of Brazil. It is the largest flooded lowland on the planet and the third largest environmental reserve in the world. Its ecological importance is immense, since it is home to one of the richest ecosystems ever found until today, with periodically flooded seasonal forests. It has 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 – permitted only 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. There is a lot to see and enjoy throughout the entire region. In the South Pantanal, the most prominent site is the Pantanal Park Road. Its 117 km of dirt road and 87 wooden bridges – many of which are in precarious condition – connect Corumb’a to the Buraco das Piranhas (Piranha Hole). If this tour is done by car, it is possible to observe countless wild animals along the way, such as alligators, capybaras, macaws, wood ibises, caracaras, deer and anacondas. They stay around the bays and canals that take the water from the swamps to the rivers. After that, you arrive at Manga Port, where the vehicles cross the Miranda River (it is best if pick-up trucks or jeeps are used since they are more appropriate for the pot-holed roads, sand banks and undulations. There are some inns on the other side of the river, and some of these are dedicated to fishing expeditions. The best time to visit is between May and September, when there is less rain. From March to April, when the waters begin to recede, fauna observation is at its best. During the rainy season, between October and February, there are a great many mosquitoes, the heat is very intense and the Transpantaneira Highway is practically impassable. Corumbá
Corumbá is a fluvial port located on the right bank of the Paraguay River, on the border with Bolívia. It is one of the largest cities in Mato Grosso do Sul and one of the main gates to the Pantanal. It is located 435 km from Campo Grande, the state capital. Its name comes from Tupia-Guarani and means “distant place”. Corumbá is located at the extreme west of Brazil. For many years it was almost only reachable by the Paraguay River. Today, it is possible to get there by car, bus, train, airplane, and, obviously, by boat.  Aquidauana
Located in the South Pantanal, Aquidauna is an authentic paradise, populated by exuberant species of fauna and flora spread over enormous flooded lowlands, formed by bays, hills, ridges, flooded lowlands, and outlets. It is one of the entrance gates for the South Pantanal National Park and it is in a privileged location in the Piraputanga Mountain area. During the 16th century, the Spaniards founded the village of Xaraes, where the city originated, along the banks of the Aquidauna River. The local Indians call it the Xaraés Sea.   Miranda
Miranda is considered the Gateway to the South Pantanal, since its large flooded lowlands start almost in the city. From the moment the tourist enters the Gateway he/she will find typical Pantanal flora on both sides of the highway – as well as many species of fauna, especially birds. The tourists will find several attractions, such as camping grounds, hotels, fishing grounds, and more. The city of Miranda belongs to the Paraguay Basin. The city’s main waterways are the Miranda, Salobra, and Agachi Rivers. The meeting of Salobra River’s crystal clear waters and Miranda River’s cloudy waters is an attraction no one can miss. Indigenous Communities – Terena Indians
The Terena indians are the second largest ethnic group in the State. They are mainly concentrated in the Miranda and Aquidauana area. It is one of the most literate groups in Brazil, especially the works by Roberto Cardoso de Oliveira.

Basic information
Climate:
In the Pantanal, the dry season starts between May and September, and it is accompanied by cold weather – the average temperature is around 21°C. 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
Pantanal Micareta (out of season Carnival)
Aquidauana’s biggest event is the Pantanal Micareta which attracts thousands of tourists annually to Dr. Sabino Avenue.

Period of fish migration (for spawning)
During the months of November to January, fishing is prohibited on Mato Grosso do Sul state rivers. In the fishing resource reservation area prohibition extends until February.
Accommodation / Restaurants
In Miranda – Gateway to the South Pantanal – one can find small inns as well as enormous farms and ecotourism hotels.
As for gastronomy, the menus teem with what is abundant in the area: richly prepared and served fresh water fish.
See more in:
http://www.miranda.ms.gov.br/
How to get there
By Highway: leaving Campo Grande, take BR-262, the first city is Aquidauana, 148 km away. There are 73 km to Miranda. From there, the road has no shoulder and cattle and wild animals frequently cross it. There are another 370 km to Corumbá.
Services
- Corumbá:
Sematur – Tourism Information: +55 (67) 231-7336
Bus Station: +55 (67) 231-2033
Airport: +55 (67) 231-3322

- Aquidauana:
Bus Station: +55 (67) 241-2501
Bank Agencies: Banco of Brasil, Bradesco, CEF, HSBC and Itaú
Regional Hospitals: +55 (67) 241-3636

- Miranda:
Bus Station: +55 (67) 242-1409
Bank Agencies – Banco of Brasil, Bradesco and HSBC
Related links
http://www.pantanalms.tur.br/index2.htm
http://www.portaldopantanal.com.br/
http://www.sescpantanal.com.br/
http://www.mercedessanchez.com.br/pantanal/madeinpantanal_receitas.htm
http://www.parqueregionaldopantanal.org.br/territorio/homem.php
Attractions
São Lourenço River
Located in the heart of the Pantanal region, this river has pacus, pintados and cacharas. Dorado fishing with artificial bait is very productive, especially among the tree branches in the water. It is advisable to hire a guide that knows the less frequented spots. The best time for fishing is from July to November.

Paraguay River
The Paraguay River is the Pantanal’s backbone. It cuts through the region from North to South. The Miranda, Aquidauna, Taquari and Cuiabá rivers flow into the Paraguay River. From October to April, the high waters reveal enormous lakes, bays, river branches and outlets.


In Corumbá

House of the Sculptor
At the Izulina Xavier Art House artifacts crafted in stone and concrete powder, ceramic and wood engraving are displayed. It is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, during the week.

Our Lady of Candelária Church
This church, inaugurated with a formal ceremony in 1877and located in front of the Praça da República, has a coat of arms from the Portuguese Crown on its altar.

Maria Auxiliadora Sanctuary
There is a hardwood sculpture from the 1950s in the sanctuary made by the plastic artist Burgoso – Pablo Picasso’s friend. Burgoso lived in Corumbá and left several art works in wood and plaster. The Sanctuary is located on Rua Dom Aquino Correia and is open from 1 PM to 8 PM.

House of the Pale-Legged Oven-Bird
It was created as an incentive to art in ceramic. Its artists are children and adolescents who sculpt Pantanal plants and animals in clay.

Health Well
Near the House of the Pale-Legged Oven-Bird there is a spring of cold, crystal clear water. One can admire the stone bed where it is formed. Some people believe its water is medicinal. It has a gateway that opens to the Park, and it was inaugurated in June, 2003.

Artisan’s House
In the building that used to be a public jail until the 70s, the tourist will find articles in leather, wood and ceramic made by local artists, in addition to indigenous arts and crafts. There are also delicious homemade liqueurs. There is no report of the building construction date, only of its remodeling in 1893. The house was founded in 1975 and the cells were made into stores or places for production.


Republic Square
The place, which was the setting for the final battle to retake Corumbá in 1867, has a marble obelisk honoring the Paraguay War heroes.

Luiz de Albuquerque Institute
In the museum one will find stuffed animals, pieces from several area indigenous tribes, classes in plastic arts and arts and crafts in leather and clay, utensils used on the centennial farms, personal objects from the Pantanal’s first explorers and Marcehal Cândido Maria da Silva Rondon. The French architecture building, constructed in 1922 to house an elementary school, was remodeled to be used as a museum with two libraries.

Cunha e Cruz Ladeira
Also known as “Ladeira da Candelária”, it is one of the main accesses to Porto Geral and the Paraguay River. Its name is in honor of a Brazilian troop captain who defeated the Paraguayans.

Escadinha da Quinze
Its 126 steps take one from the city’s high part to Porto Geral. It was built in 1923, and has since then been remodeled by the City Administration. Located in the center of General Rondon Avenue and Quinze de Novembro Street, it provides an unforgettable view of the Paraguay River and the Pantanal.

Independence Square
It is the city’s old zoo. There are only three squares, two in Brazil and one in Germany, with this architectonic style. It has an octagonal gazebo imported from Germany, together with the mosaic for the external paving. The four sculptures, representing the four seasons, were made in Pisa, Italy, and donated by an Italian count who came hunting in the Pantanal. The region’s native plants such as rosewood, bocaiuva, and ipe-roxo, integrate the diversified tree growth.

Forte Coimbra
Located in an area of difficult access – only planes or boats can get there – it was built in 1775 to protect the Brazilian territory against Spanish invasions. It was also a setting for battles during the Paraguay War. In 1975 it was decreed a landmark and today it houses the 18th Army’s Infantry Border Brigade.

Casario do Porto
In 1814, the Port was Latin America’s third largest. Transatlantic ships disembarked carrying merchandise from Europe to sell and trade in Brazil. Declared a National Historical Heritage in 1992, this postcard still shows signs of a period of great prosperity. The buildings had large emporiums, 25 international bank agencies, tanneries and the first ice factory in Brazil. The Wanderley Baís&Cia building, constructed in 1876, is one of the most beautiful at the port. Today, the Municipal Secretary for the Environment and Tourism and the Pantanal Culture Foundation operate there.
Another large house with equal architectonic value is the Vasquez & Filhos house, built in 1909 by the Italian architect, Martino Santa Lucci.

Junqueira Fort
This fort was buiilt in 1871, soon after the Paraguay War. It is located in a privileged area to oversee the Pantanal. The 12 cannons manufactured in England were never used. The walls are made of limestone and are half a meter thick. The Fort, located in the 17th Hunter’s Batallion Barracks received its name from José Oliveira Junqueira, minister of war during the time of its construction.

Park Road
Along the road’s 120 km and 87 wooden bridges, one can see birds, mammals and alligators. Manga Port is located along the Park Road. The Port stands out because of its marvelous demonstration of flora, including ipês, bocaiúvas and animals living in perfect harmony. Take BR-262, from the Buraco das Piranhas, and follow along towards Passo do Lontra; or from Corumbá, head toward Manga Port.

Ladário
This city, which borders Corumbá, has about 15 thousand inhabitants and is home to the largest fluvial base in Latin America. The gateway to the 6th Naval Marine District was installed in 1872 and is called the Pantanal’s Arc de Triomphe.


In Aquidauana

Pantanal Art Museum
Named "Rubens Corrêa", the museum honors the great actor from Brazilian theater and Globo TV, who was born in Aquidauana. The place stages countless cultural manifestations.

Ecological Park of Comprida Lagoon
This environmental preservation area comes with a jogging track and a leisure area. The place will soon go through a complete reformulation to provide better conditions for tourists and visitors.

Old Bridge
Only one car at a time can cross over this bridge. The iron and wood structure are solid for traffic. It is called the bridge of friendship and it connects the townships of Aquidauana and Anastácio.


In Miranda

Historical Monuments
Miranda has a great number of old buildings and monuments that tell its history. Most buildings are used as residences today. Among these, the most prominent are the Paraguay War monument located in the old section of town; the bridge over the Salobra River, built in 1931, and of English construction, brought over by steamship up the Miranda River; the Miranda Railroad Station, one of the oldest in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, built in 1912; the Santo Antônio Sugar Mill Building, built in 1900, in French style; the religious complex that unites the Our Lady of Carmo Mother Church and the old residence of Priests and Nuns, located on Agenor Carrilho Square and built in 1930; the Old City Hall Building, located on Carmo Street and where the city council operated, which will soon be renovated and made into a Paraguay War Museum.

The Noroeste of Brazil Railroad Station Cultural Complex
The oldest railroad building in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul was inaugurated on December 31, 1912, to be used as a boarding and disembarking station. It is part of the Federal Railroad Network architectonic complex and the Mato Grosso do Sul Historical Heritage. It was greatly responsible for the social-economic development of the township during the time it was inaugurated, and then it went through a long period of abandonment. It was completely renovated and became the Cultural Center where the Secretary of Tourism, the Secretary for Sport and Leisure, and the Railroad Museum are currently located. Banners, photos, pieces and documents are exposed that tell Miranda’s railroad history; and there is the Artisan’s House, and the Fish Platform Bar where fish from the South Pantanal are served.

Artisan’s House
The Artisan’s House of Miranda was inaugurated in July 2002 and it is located in the Railroad Station building. The purpose of the Artisan’s House is to congregate the work of professionals until now spread about several points in the city. The most used raw materials are wood and clay, very abundant in the region, and that are transformed into beautiful art pieces mainly portraying Pantanal fauna.

Choose your destination

Locality

OK

 

Brazilian Tourism Portal