Liveaboard boat on a clear blackwater Amazon tributary in Brazil

Brazil

Pantanal & Amazon Tributaries, Brazil

Overview

About This Destination

Brazil's Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland, and during the dry season its rivers and oxbow lakes concentrate extraordinary numbers of peacock bass, golden dorado, and piranha in clear, fishable water. The Amazon tributaries of the far north — particularly the Rio Negro and its crystal-clear blackwater tributaries — offer the ultimate peacock bass experience in a true jungle setting.

Vast tropical wetland (Pantanal), seasonally flooded grassland, palm forest, clear blackwater rivers (Rio Negro tributaries), primary Amazon rainforest canopy.

What to Expect

  • Peacock bass up to 25+ lbs on large poppers and streamers
  • The Amazon's extraordinary aquatic biodiversity
  • Liveaboard expeditions on tributary rivers
  • Arapaima — the world's largest scaled freshwater fish — possible on select rivers
  • Exceptional wildlife: jaguar, giant river otter, macaws, and more

Destination Details

Target Species
  • Peacock Bass
  • Golden Dorado
  • Payara (Vampire Fish)
  • Arapaima
Season
June – October (dry season; water levels fall and fish concentrate)
Skill Level
Intermediate
Travel Notes
Fly into Cuiabá (CGB) for the Pantanal, or Manaus (MAO) for the Amazon. Liveaboard boats are the standard accommodation for Amazon trips. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into remote areas.

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