Giant Anteaters, Macaws, and the "Fish Floats" of Bonito and Jardim, at the southern edge of the Pantanal
Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers visiting the Pantanal should strongly consider extending their journey by three to six days to experience three extraordinary wildlife spectacles found just beyond the southern edge of the Pantanal, near the towns of Bonito and Jardim.
Together, these destinations offer three unique wildlife experiences in South America:
- The spectacular Macaw Sinkhole
- Exceptional Giant Anteater encounters
- Snorkeling among tame fish in the crystal-clear waters of Rio da Prata
The Macaw Sinkhole, or “Macaw Canyon”, as we like to call it.
One of the most remarkable bird photography locations on Earth, the Macaw Sinkhole, “Macaw Canyon”, is a large, collapsed, pink limestone cave offering vertical walls that descend 125 m into the Earth. This sinkhole or canyon is 90 meters in diameter.
Standing at the rim, visitors watch pairs and flocks of Red-and-Green Macaws flying at eye level and below them as the birds swoop between nesting cavities in the sinkhole walls. Flocks of twenty to forty macaws are not uncommon.
The birds are extraordinarily relaxed in the presence of admiring visitors, with breeding pairs frequently perching for extended periods only a few meters away. For photographers, the challenge lies not in proximity, but in capturing the dynamic flight behavior of the macaws as they move rapidly between sunlit and shaded sections of the dramatic rock walls.
Many serious wildlife photographers choose to visit the sinkhole multiple times, as each session offers new lighting conditions and photographic opportunities unlike anywhere else in the world.
Giant Anteaters at Close Range
The second wildlife spectacle is the opportunity to observe wild Giant Anteaters at astonishingly close range.
These extraordinary mammals, among the most distinctive animals in the Americas, have an extensive distribution in Latin American lowlands, but are notoriously difficult to find. In many parts of Latin America, even experienced naturalists may wait weeks or months for a single sighting.
The Bonito area is different.
Through decades of field research, SouthWild’s specialist guides have identified locations within easy reach of Bonito where guests may encounter multiple Giant Anteaters in a single day. Sightings of mothers carrying young on their backs are particularly memorable and provide exceptional photographic opportunities.
These encounters are possible because of SouthWild’s extensive experience understanding anteater behavior, habitat use, and movement patterns. Our guides employ highly-refined tracking and observation techniques developed over many years in the field.
Giant Anteaters may appear gentle, but they command great respect. Their powerful forelimbs and long claws are formidable defensive weapons, making experienced guiding essential for safe and responsible observation.
Rio da Prata: The Crystal Waters of Jardim
The third highlight is found at Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata, a private conservation reserve near the town of Jardim.
Here, visitors float through crystal-clear, spring-fed waters among remarkably tame wild fish in one of Brazil’s most celebrated wildlife experiences. Visibility is extraordinary, allowing intimate observation of diverse aquatic life in a pristine natural environment.
The reserve also offers excellent bird photography opportunities around its gardens, where parakeets, tanagers, and occasionally Red-and-Green Macaws can be observed at very close range.
A Perfect Extension to the Pantanal
While the Bonito and Jardim region offers enough attractions to fill a week or more, SouthWild focuses on what we believe are the three truly world-class wildlife experiences that distinguish the area from destinations elsewhere in the world.
Whether added as a three-night extension or explored over a longer stay, the combination of Giant Anteaters, Red-and-Green Macaws, and the crystal-clear river creates an exceptional complement to a Pantanal safari.
Guests stay in comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations, and our specialists can design a customized itinerary that combines the best wildlife opportunities of the southern Pantanal with the unique natural wonders of Bonito and Jardim.
