Exploring Brazil`s Pantanal | A Holbrook Travel 50th Anniversary Trip

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 one two-night stay and one one-night in air-conditioned lodge accommodations; four nights aboard comfortable floating accommodations; and one night at the beginning and end of the trip in the city of Cuiabá. Expect near-daily small-boat excursions that may last several hours at a time, and daily walking and hiking over paths that may be wet, overgrown, or uneven. June is the dry season, and temperatures typically range from 65 to 82 °F.

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least the duration of your stay, with at least two blank visa pages, to enter Brazil. 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.

Update: Brazil has postponed its visa requirement to take effect in 2025; you will not need to obtain a visa for your travel to Brazil.

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. Though not required for entry, 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.

Other Nuisance Pests

In places with rich vegetation and proximity to bodies of water, you may encounter chiggers. These are mites that can superficially attach to skin and leave behind itchy red bumps that appear 3-6 hours after initial contact. Their bites are sometimes mistaken for those of bed bugs or other insects; however, unlike bed bugs, which tend to target exposed skin, chiggers look for skin folds or areas where clothing fits tightly—like the ankles, waist, underarms, elbow creases, and the back of the knees—to feed on broken-down skin cells. They are not known to transmit any illnesses in Brazil.

We recommend that travelers to the Pantanal protect themselves against chigger bites using the measures noted above. Additionally, if potential exposure occurs, we recommend showering and scrubbing skin with soap and hot water as quickly as possible. If that is not immediately feasible, promptly rub skin with a dry towel or cloth and place any exposed clothing in a zip-top bag until it can be washed. To treat any itchiness, we suggest over-the-counter anti-itch lotion and/or oral antihistamines.

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.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.