Where to see wild animals in Brazil

Brazil contains some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Its wetlands, rainforests, coastal islands, and mountain forests hold thousands of animal species, from mammals to birds and aquatic animals. Brazil is a perfect travel destination for anyone who wants to spot wild animals in their natural habitats.

Wildlife tourism in Brazil varies across regions, with diverse ecosystems supporting different animals depending on the environment. The Pantanal offers the most reliable sightings of large mammals, while Bonito and Fernando de Noronha provide the chance to spot aquatic animals. The Amazon Rainforest provides unmatched diversity but requires patience and local expertise as animals can be hard to spot in the dense jungle. Rio de Janeiro and Foz do Iguaçu demonstrate how wildlife and conservation coexist with urban tourism.

Here are the top 6 places to see wild animals in Brazil

The following destinations represent key areas for viewing wildlife in natural habitats.

Pantanal

Location: Spanning the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, the Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland in the world, covering about 150,000 square kilometres.

Best time to visit: July to October, during the dry season, when animals gather around remaining water sources and visibility is high.

Wildlife: The Pantanal is the best place in Brazil to see jaguars in the wild. Other animals include giant otters, capybaras, caimans, marsh deer, anacondas, and hyacinth macaws.

How to see them: The most common base towns are Cuiabá and Campo Grande, with guided safaris offered by local lodges. Visitors explore on open vehicles, boats, or horseback. River-based tours on the Cuiabá River and its tributaries provide the highest chance of seeing jaguars and giant otters. The area around Porto Jofre, at the end of the Transpantaneira Highway, is the most reliable location for jaguar sightings, with multiple operators running daily boat safaris.

Bonito

Location: Southwest Mato Grosso do Sul, near the Pantanal.

Best time to visit: May to September, when water clarity in rivers and caves is best.

Wildlife: Bonito is known for freshwater species rather than large land mammals. Visitors can see hundreds of tropical fish species, including piraputangas and dourados, in clear rivers such as Rio da Prata and Rio Sucuri. Macaws, toucans, and caimans are also present around the rivers and forests.

How to see them: The main activity is snorkelling in river drift tours, where participants float downstream in clear water. Birdwatching tours are available around Buraco das Araras, a sinkhole where red-and-green macaws nest.

Amazon Rainforest

Location: Covers several northern states, including Amazonas, Pará, Acre, and Roraima. Manaus and Santarém are key access points.

Best time to visit: July to December, the dry season, when hiking trails and wildlife viewing are more accessible.

Wildlife: Species include pink river dolphins, sloths, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, macaws, and various reptiles and amphibians. Jaguars live in the region but are rarely seen.

How to see them: River cruises on the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões offer broad coverage. Lodges near Manaus or Tefé organise guided canoe trips and night safaris. Community-based tourism in reserves such as Mamirauá provides sustainable options for observing primates and birds.

Rio de Janeiro

Location: Southeastern Brazil. The state includes coastal forests, islands, and mountainous areas within the Atlantic Forest biome.

Best time to visit: April to September, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is lower.

Wildlife: In urban and nearby areas, visitors can see marmosets, coatis, sloths, and many bird species, including toucans and tanagers.

How to see them: Within the city, Tijuca National Park and the Botanical Garden host diverse species. The forested paths leading to Sugarloaf Mountain contain marmosets and numerous birds that can be observed during the walk. Whale and dolphin watching tours depart from the city’s coast between July and November.

Iguaçu National Park

Location: Western Paraná, bordering Argentina.

Best time to visit: March to May and August to October, outside the peak rainy and holiday periods.

Wildlife: The park supports over 400 bird species, including toucans, parrots, and the great dusky swift. Mammals include coatis, capuchin monkeys, and, in remote areas, jaguars and tapirs though these are rare to spot.

How to see them: Trails near Iguaçu Falls provide access to forest habitats where coatis and birds are common. The Macuco Trail and Poço Preto Trail allow guided hikes for more secluded viewing. Birdwatching tours and night safaris are available in the park buffer zone.

Fernando de Noronha

Location: Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago about 350 kilometres off the coast of Pernambuco.

Best time to visit: August to October, when seas are calm and visibility is highest for diving and snorkelling.

Wildlife: There is a huge diversity of marine species to seem including spinner dolphins, green sea turtles, reef sharks, and numerous tropical fish. Dolphins can be seen daily at Baía dos Golfinhos. The islands also support seabirds such as noddies and frigatebirds.

How to see them: Access is by limited with flights from Recife or Natal. Boat trips and dive tours operate daily, and the Tamar Project manages turtle nesting areas open to visitors. Dolphin-watching platforms above Baía dos Golfinhos allow morning observations of large pods.

Tips for responsible wildlife tourism

Seeing Brazil’s wildlife is an unforgettable experience, and a few simple habits help keep it that way. Always follow park signs and your guide’s advice, and give animals plenty of space to move freely. Avoid feeding or trying to touch them, as this can change their natural behaviour. Choosing licensed guides and tours supports conservation programs managed by ICMBio and local agencies. By travelling responsibly, you’ll help protect the animals and landscapes that make Brazil such a remarkable place to explore.

More resources for planning your trip to Brazil

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.

• Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels

• You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote

• Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil