The world’s biggest inland wetland system, the Pantanal Reserve is a biodiversity hot spot and one of Brazil’s premier tourism destinations. Encompassing rivers, lakes, marshes, floodplains and both perennial and non-perennial streams, it is home to myriad exotic wildlife species, including jaguars, hyacinth macaws, giant anteaters, capybara and caiman. Birdwatchers and animal lovers will be in their element here – the Pantanal is considered in some circles to be superior game-viewing territory to the Amazon, where the dense foliage obscures much of the wildlife. While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to the Parque Nacional do Pantanal Matogrossense – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and a four-day boat trip into the Puerto Jofre region, where visitors have an excellent chance of spotting a jaguar.