Activity Level 3: Moderate
Exploring the world’s largest tropical wetland, this journey reveals the Pantanal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting South America’s highest concentration of wildlife. A key focus will be searching for jaguars, which reside here in greater numbers than anywhere else on earth. The trip’s rating is partly due to the remote location, distances covered, and primitive infrastructure. Your itinerary features three two-night stays and a three-night riverboat cruise. Expect daily walking and hiking over paths that may be wet, overgrown, or uneven. There is one horseback riding excursion; and a snorkeling adventure where you’ll gently float downstream for 1.25 miles. Our departure season coincides with the best time for birding (June–September) and spotting jaguar (September–October). Daytime temperatures are generally in the 80s and 90s, but cooler at night by as much as 25 degrees. There are three internal flights. Land travel is via 4x4 vehicles; the longest transfer lasts 4.5 hours.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Brazil, with at least one blank page for the entry stamp. As requirements are subject to change at any time and without notice, we recommend a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
Beginning Jan. 10, 2024, U.S. citizens must obtain a visa in order to enter Brazil. More information will be available soon about the application process and fees.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Brazilian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Brazil.
Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Brazil, including the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. The CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling to these areas.
The CDC also recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Brazil.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Brazil, including the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of mosquito bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription. To protect against mosquitos, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).
Dengue Fever & other insect-borne illnesses
The CDC warns that dengue fever is a potential risk in Brazil. Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which, as opposed to the Anopheles mosquito, is active during the day. Travelers are unlikely to contract dengue unless they are traveling through an area where there is an outbreak.
In addition, locally transmitted cases of leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported. The CDC recommends that travelers to Brazil protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.