At a time when Rio's pollution is eroding the country's image, Brazil is also home to the world's largest wetland area, a wildlife andecotourism paradise.Sail down the Paraguay River through the Pantanal and visit with 720 species of birds, 89 kinds of mammals, 230 varieties of fish, 52 types of reptiles and diverse flora.Spot the crocodiles and alligators in their natural habitat. Start in Port Manga and board a safari vehicle for a journey crossing the heart of the Pantanal. See the capybaras, giant otters, caimans,herons, macaws and dozens of other species along the way.Visit with the Brazilian Cowboys and learn about their way of life navigating cattle drives through the wetlands.

 

The main gateway for the Pantanal is Corumba, the areas hub for arts and culture.Bonito is the most popular destination for ecotourism in Brazil. High-end lodgings such as the Zagaia Eco Resort would be a great base to explore Bonito's rivers, lakes, waterfalls, caves and grottos, but access to it is by several weekly flights into Bonito Airport.Bonito's most popular attraction is its caverns.

July and August are popular months for jaguar spotting safaris.A number of great dining opportunities are available in Bonito, with Casa do Joa being on top of the "must eat here" list.

Near-by the Recanto Ecologico Rio da Prata offers an opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Hiking at the Estancia Mimosa Private Reserve is another opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors this part of Brazil has to offer; a far cry from the polluted Rio we hear about from the media.