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The western region of Brazil is the stage for a fantastic spectacle that happens and can be admired daily. The core players are millions of birds, mammals, fish and reptiles of exotic colors, uses and shapes. These are part of one of the most well preserved ecosystems of wild species in the world: the Pantanal – the largest floodable plain on Earth, which was enlisted by Unesco as World Natural Heritage and Biosphere Reserve.

Many reasons convert the Pantanal into an outstanding site to watch wild animals. The diversity of species and the concentration of individuals are only two factors. Another is the relief – the plain terrain and open fields are almost free of visual barriers. Moreover, most of the animals, when let alone, can be observed for longer periods of time. It is a unique sensation to see them so free in their habitat, where the beauty of their shapes – sounds, feathers, leather and pelage – is even more evident.

The best of it all is that any visitor can have access to that marvel in a safe and comfortable way. Since a long time ago, the Pantanal was converted from an isolated and inhospitable site to one of the main Brazilian destinations. Ecotourism has been developed focusing on the welfare of visitors and sustainability, as a way to guarantee the preservation of the area which is very sensitive to human presence, and an important source of income for those making a living from tourism.

That concern is present in almost all undertakings - most of which old farms that have been adjusted to become inns (in Brazil, rustic hotels or hotels nearby nature sites). The inns vary in style – ranging from simple to sophisticated – but they are always cozy and somehow rustic. They also share other characteristics: comfort, diversified and intensive programs, skilled guides and a staff extremely heartfelt.

Pantanal has 230 thousand km², of which 140 thousand km² are in Brazil – the remainder is shared by Paraguay and Bolivia. Pantanal’s area is big enough to house four European countries: Portugal, Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium. One could also say that the plain is a little bigger than the state of Texas in the United States.

According to the WWF, Its fauna has about 650 bird species, 80 mammal species, more than 260 fish species and 50 reptile species. There is also a great diversity of flora. After all, Pantanal could be considered as a sort of “mosaic” of five great biomes: Cerrado, Caatinga, Atlantic Jungle, Chaco and Amazon.

Birds are one of the main attractions in Pantanal. In the plain they can easily find food and peace to build their nests. Two of the largest bird species in the world are found in Pantanal: the tuiuiú (Jabiru Stork), the icon bird of Pantanal, which has wingspan of up to two meters, and the Brazilian ostrich (Greater Rhea) which can weigh upto 36 kg and 1.70 meters in height.