Mato Grosso do Sul is truly a privileged state when it comes to nature and its wildlife. Across its entire area, up to four important Brazilian biomes can be found, such as the Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Pantanal, and Chaco. This diversity of biomes allows for exploring one of the most diverse ecosystems in South America.
Embarking on a journey through its natural habitats is a complete experience for lovers of activities like hiking and visiting waterfalls, amidst landscapes that invite you to take a deep breath and feel the calmness of the forests of Mato Grosso do Sul. All of this is accompanied by a huge variety of animals and species that make the excursions even more special.
The birds and their dances across the skies captivate photography enthusiasts who are always waiting for the perfect moment for that ideal shot. Even if your experience doesn’t involve birdwatching, encountering a perfect scenery surely prompts you to capture the moment. And how about combining activities like forest trails, cave explorations, stops at waterfalls, with the opportunity to come across animals in their natural habitats?
This activity is known as birdwatching, or bird observation. It’s a somewhat underexplored activity, perhaps because it may seem like something only for those interested in birds and animals, but it can surprise those willing to venture into nature activities.
In Mato Grosso do Sul, amidst its forests, cerrado fields, flooded Pantanal, and various mountain ranges like Maracaju, Bodoquena, and Amolar, there are over 670 bird species, making it one of the best places in Brazil for birdwatching.
The term “passarinhada” can be synonymous with birdwatching, but it also encompasses other activities and attractions that accompany the entire excursion, beyond just bird observation. The main birdwatching tours in the state are led by local tour guides who provide specialized knowledge about the best birdwatching spots and local wildlife. Many guides are skilled naturalists who can educate you about the region’s ecology and conservation efforts.
Some species stand out for being found exclusively in Mato Grosso do Sul within Brazil, such as the Chaco Chachalaca and the Red-spectacled Amazon. However, you can encounter various types of macaws, parakeets, parrots, toucans, owls, hawks, guans, sungrebe, woodpeckers, and many other species.
Buraco das Araras – One Life Time Experience
Located in the municipality of Jardim, the “Buraco das Araras” is a natural wonder and a unique geological formation, considered one of the dolines of South America. It is surrounded by vertical limestone walls and has become home and natural habitat for Red-and-green Macaws. It spans approximately 500 meters in diameter and is 127 meters deep.
During the drier periods in the state, roughly from May to August, the macaws are more active, presenting an incredible spectacle of these majestic birds flying in circles around the doline.
A gentle walk along a 970-meter trail, with two observation platforms overlooking a doline, accessible to all audiences. The tour takes place in a 100-hectare conservation area amidst the Cerrado, with 29 hectares designated as a Federal Conservation Unit.
For more information about Mato Grosso do Sul and its main activities and attractions, visit: https://en.visitms.com.br/ecotourism-ms/
