We spent over three weeks in the Pantanal in Brazil, travelling to four lodges each in a different environment and therefore with varying highlight species. The tour was organised by the incomparably excellent Fred Tavares of Brasil Aventuras, and with superb local guides and drivers. Our first stop was at Araras Lodge along the Transpantaneira where we saw many species including Macaws, primates, Coatis and Ocelots. Travelling further down the Transpantaneira we spent two nights at Hotel Pantanal Mato Grosso with many fishing birds and accommodating Giant River Otters. We then continued south to Hotel Pantanal Norte - Porto Jofre where we spent six days on rivers searching for Jaguars, and finding them! It was distressing to see a bush fire raging uncontrolled over a large area, but nonetheless the wildlife was excellent. From there we flew to Mato Grosso do Sul and the Caiman Ecological Lodge with Tapirs and Giant Anteaters on our wish-list. Once again we were amply rewarded and with the first anteater spotted from the plane as we arrived! We spent six days here and at the end of the trip we had a short but fantastic visit to an enormous sink hole - Buraco das Araras - which is home to a large number of Red and Green Macaws. Overall a wonderful trip to a fantastic part of the world.

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