In the heart of Brazil’s vast Cerrado wilderness lies one of South America’s most remarkable wildlife destinations: Parnaíba Headwaters National Park, a spectacular protected landscape of open savannas, dramatic red sandstone cliffs, and wildlife-rich woodlands located north of Brasília, the capital of Brazil.
Created to protect one of the world’s largest remaining expanses of tropical dry forest and savanna, this immense reserve offers a completely different wildlife experience from the Amazon. Open landscapes, excellent visibility, pleasant temperatures, and no mosquitoes make it one of the most comfortable and rewarding wildlife destinations in South America.
Towering red-rock cliffs rise 300 meters (1,000 feet) above sunlit valleys, creating breathtaking scenery and ideal habitat for some of Brazil’s most charismatic wildlife.
Guaranteed Maned Wolf Encounters
The undisputed star of this ecosystem is the Maned Wolf, the tallest and most elegant wild canid on Earth, often described as a “giant red fox on stilts”.
With its long black legs, golden-red coat, and huge ears, the Maned Wolf appears almost mythical as it moves silently through the grasslands at dawn and dusk. Although widely distributed across parts of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina, it is extremely difficult to observe in the wild.
SouthWild offers what is arguably the finest Maned Wolf viewing opportunity anywhere in the world.
From May through August, our specialized wolf expeditions provide surprisingly reliable encounters with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Guests regularly observe Maned Wolves at distances of only 5 to 15 meters against a backdrop of dramatic savanna landscapes and towering red sandstone cliffs.
Nowhere else can travelers experience such consistent and intimate encounters with this endangered predator under natural conditions.
More Than Wolves
While the Maned Wolf is the headline attraction, the region offers a remarkable collection of additional wildlife experiences.
Large flocks of Hyacinth Macaws gather in excellent photographic conditions, providing close-range opportunities to observe the largest of the world’s 350 species of parrots.
The area also is home to the world-famous Bearded Capuchin Monkeys, internationally known for their extraordinary use of stone tools. These intelligent primates became the focus of worldwide scientific attention after SouthWild researchers first revealed their tool use in National Geographic in 2003. This tool use is the most complex of any of the world’s 260 species of monkeys, so these “Einstein Monkeys” have been featured repeatedly in BBC, National Geographic, and other international wildlife documentaries.
Additional wildlife frequently includes:
- Blue-and-Yellow Macaws
- Greater Rheas
- Toco Toucans
- Red-legged Seriemas (like a Secretary Bird, but unique to South America)
- Tufted-eared Marmosets at 1 meter
- A rich diversity of raptors and savanna birdlife
The Best Time to Visit
The optimal season runs from May through August, when wildlife is most concentrated, temperatures are pleasant, and conditions for photography and wildlife observation are at their best.
During this period, cool evenings, dry weather, and excellent visibility create ideal conditions for exploring the park’s striking landscapes and observing its remarkable fauna.
A Unique South American Wildlife Experience
For travelers seeking something beyond the classic rainforest experience, SouthWild’s Maned Wolf expeditions reveal a little-known side of Brazil, a vast wilderness of open skies, dramatic cliffs, and extraordinary wildlife.
Combined with SouthWild’s expert guides, decades of field knowledge, and conservation-driven approach, these journeys provide one of the most distinctive and rewarding wildlife experiences available anywhere in South America.
